CITY OF SANTA CRUZ
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
Regular Meeting – September 13, 2022
12:30 P.M. CLOSED SESSION, ZOOM/COURTYARD CONFERENCE ROOM 2:00 P.M. CONSENT, GENERAL BUSINESS AND PUBLIC HEARING, ZOOM/COUNCIL
CHAMBERS
5:30 P.M. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC HEARING, ZOOM/COUNCIL
CHAMBERS
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Pursuant to California Government Code 54953(e)(1)(A) and (C), and the City of Santa Cruz’s resolution authorizing continued virtual participation in public meetings given the COVID-19 pandemic, meetings of the Santa Cruz City Council are being conducted with a hybrid format, providing both in-person and virtual participation in order to promote social distancing and protect the health and safety of attendees, staff, and Councilmembers.
In order to minimize exposure to COVID-19, the meeting may be viewed remotely, using any of the following sources:
Click on Zoom link (no time delay): https://zoom.us/j/94684401344 Online at http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-council/council-meetings Online at Watch – Community Television of Santa Cruz County Comcast Channel 25
Or: Call any of the numbers below. If one is busy, try the next one. 1-833-548-0276 (Toll Free)
1-833-548-0282 (Toll Free)
1-877-853-5247 (Toll Free)
1-669-900-9128
Enter the meeting ID number: 946 8440 1344
When prompted for a Participant ID, press #.
Press *9 on your phone to “raise your hand” when the Mayor calls for public comment. It will be your turn to speak when the Mayor calls on you. Press *6 to unmute yourself.
The timer will then be set.
Correspondence to be included in the agenda packet must be received by 5:00 pm on Monday, September 12th.
September 13, 2022 City Council 2
PLEASE NOTE:
Requests for extra speaking time on items other than Oral Communications must be made by 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 11th by emailing the Mayor and the City Clerk. Approval will be confirmed via email.
[email protected] [email protected]
The City of Santa Cruz does not discriminate against persons with disabilities. Out of consideration for people with chemical sensitivities we ask that you attend fragrance free. Upon request, the agenda can be provided in a format to accommodate special needs. Additionally, if you wish to attend this public meeting and will require assistance such as an interpreter for American Sign Language, Spanish, or other special equipment, please call the City Clerk’s Department at 420-5030 at least five days in advance so that we can arrange for such special assistance, or email [email protected]. The CalRelay system number: 1-800-735-2922.
Si desea asistir a esta reunión pública y necesita ayuda - como un intérprete de lenguaje de señas americano, español u otro equipo especial - favor de llamar al Departamento de la Secretaría de la Ciudad al 420-5030 al menos cinco días antes para que podamos coordinar dicha asistencia especial o envié un correo electrónico a [email protected]. El número del sistema Cal-Relay es: 1-800-735-2922.
Closed Session
12:30 PM
Closed Session
1. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Government Code §54957) City Manager
2. Conference With Legal Counsel – Liability Claims (Government Code §54956.95)
Claimant: Brandon Michael Oldham
Claims against the City of Santa Cruz
3. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(2))
Significant exposure to litigation (1 potential case to be discussed).
September 13, 2022 City Council 3
City Council
2:00 PM
Call to Order
Roll Call
Presentations
4. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
5. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring September as Hispanic Heritage Month
6. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring September 17, 2022 as "Senderos Fiestas Patrias Day"
7. Sister City Biarritz Mayoral Delegation Welcome and Proclamation
8. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring August 21st as Ron Inouye Retirement Day
9. Mayoral Proclamation Declaring August 20th as Matthew Mulvihill Retirement Day
10. Mayor's Cup - Beach Clean-up Award
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification
September 13, 2022 City Council 4
Additions and Deletions
City Attorney Report on Closed Session
City Manager Report
11. The City Manager will report and provide updates on the City's business and events of interest.
Council Meeting Calendar
12. The City Council will review the meeting calendar attached to the agenda and revise it as necessary.
Consent Agenda
13. Resolution Authorizing the City to Continue Teleconferenced Public Meetings Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361 (CA)
Resolution authorizing legislative bodies of the City of Santa Cruz to continue the use of teleconferenced meetings pursuant to Assembly Bill 361.
14. Resolution Amending the 2022 Council Meeting Calendar (CC) Resolution amending the 2022 Council meeting calendar to cancel the November 8th and 22nd regular meetings and add November 15th as a regular meeting, and rescinding Resolution No. NS-29,895.
15. Minutes of the August 23, 2022 City Council Meeting (CC) Motion to accept as submitted.
September 13, 2022 City Council 5
Consent Agenda (continued)
16. Resolution Supporting Local Measures K (Santa Cruz High School District Bond) and Measure L (Santa Cruz Elementary School Bond) on the November 8, 2022 Ballot (CN)
Resolution supporting local Measures K (Santa Cruz High School District Bond) and Measure L (Santa Cruz Elementary School Bond) on the November 8, 2022 ballot.
17. Support for California Proposition 1, Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment (CN)
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution expressing the Santa Cruz City Council’s support and endorsement of California Proposition 1, Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment; and
2) Authorize the Mayor to send a letter to state legislators on behalf of the City Council in support of California Proposition 1.
18. Skypark Sidewalk Easement – Authorization of Grant to the City of Scotts Valley (ED)
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a grant of easement and agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney, to the City of Scotts Valley for sidewalk purposes at Cityowned property known as Skypark (APN 022-721-09).
19. Cal Fire Vegetation Management - Grant Acceptance, Authorization, and Appropriation (FD)
Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, and appropriate funds from the Cal Fire Vegetation Management Grant to conduct vegetation management activities in the Moore Creek/Highway 9 Corridor; and
2) Adopt a resolution amending the FY 2023 budget to appropriate a $150,000 grant from CalFire's Vegetation Management Program and hire a contractor to perform vegetation management activities.
September 13, 2022 City Council 6
Consent Agenda (continued)
20. Liability Claim Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) Motion to reject the liability claim of Brandon Michael Oldham, based on staff recommendation.
21. Caterpillar 930M Wheel Loader – Award Contract (PW) Motion to award a contract for the 48-month lease to purchase agreement of one new 930M Wheel Loader from Peterson Cat (San Leandro, CA) in the amount of $214,050.
22. Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11 Grant Applications (PW)
Motion to authorize the City Manager to apply for, accept, and appropriate funds from the California Department of Transportation Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11 for the projects proposed in this report.
23. Wastewater Treatment Facility UV Disinfection System Replacement Project (c401504) – Notice of Completion (PW)
Motion to accept the work of GSE Construction Company, Inc. (Livermore, CA) and authorize the filling of the Notice of Completion for Wastewater Treatment Facility UV Disinfection System Replacement Project (c401504).
24. Water Supply Augmentation Planning (WT)
Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute Fourth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for Phase 2 Recycled Water Facility Planning Study in the amount of $358,282 with Kennedy Jenks Consultants (San Francisco, CA) in a form to be approved by the City Attorney.
End Consent Agenda
September 13, 2022 City Council 7
General Business
25. Parks and Recreation Commission Appointment (CC)
Motion to appoint one member to the Parks and Recreation Commission, with a term ending January 31, 2024.
Public Hearing
26. Adoption of the Climate Action Plan 2030 (CM)
Resolution adopting the Initial Study/Negative Declaration and approving the Climate Action Plan 2030 including the California Environmental Quality Action (CEQA) Project Review Checklist.
Recess - The City Council will recess to the 5:30 p.m. session.
September 13, 2022 City Council 8
City Council
5:30 PM
Call to Order
Roll Call
Oral Communications Announcement – Community members may address the Council for two minutes or less about any matter not on the agenda. 30 minutes is allocated for Oral Communications. No extra time for groups will be granted.
Oral Communications
Public Hearing
27. Amendments to Municipal Code Titles 6, 12, 13, 15, 16 and 24 Related to Objective Development Standards for Multi-Family Housing, New Mixed Use Zoning Districts, Development Review Process Changes, Street Trees, Right-of-Way Improvements, and the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance; Associated Updates to the Zoning Map; and Establish In-Lieu Fees for Street Tree Removals (File No. FP20-0002) and Additional Modifications to Municipal Code Title 24 to Clarify and Update Various Code Sections, Remove Obsolete Sections and References, Streamline Application Processes, and Bring the Zoning Ordinance into Conformity with State Law (File Nos. A22-0002 and A22- 0003) (PL)
Motion to continue item to a date certain on November 15, 2022.
Adjournment
September 13, 2022 City Council 9
INFORMATION ITEMS PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED TO CITY COUNCILMEMBERS ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
28. Finance Department: Portfolio Management Report – Pooled Cash and Investments as of July 31, 2022 - 8/15/22 (FNFYI 358)
29. Library: Incident Report – Santa Cruz Public Library End of Fiscal Year 2021–2022 - 8/24/22 (LBFYI 013)
MAYOR'S PROCLAMATIONS
ADDENDUM TO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA – SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
30. Proclaiming Saturday, October 15, 2022 as “Santa Cruz Band Review Day.”
Advisory Body Appointments
The following position is vacant. Council will make the appointment at a future meeting.
Commission for the Prevention of Violence
Against Women
One opening
September 13, 2022 City Council 10
Public Hearing
If, in the future, you wish to challenge in court any of the matters on this agenda for which a public hearing is to be conducted, you may be limited to raising only those issues which you (or someone else) raised orally at the public hearing or in written correspondence received by the City at or before the hearing.
Any person seeking to challenge a City Council decision made as a result of a proceeding in which, by law, a hearing is required to be given, evidence is required to be taken, and the discretion in the determination of facts is vested in the City Council, shall be required to commence that action either 60 days or 90 days following the date on which the decision becomes final as provided in Code of Civil Procedure Section 1094.6 Please refer to code of Civil Procedure 1094.6 to determine how to calculate when a decision becomes “final.” The 60-day rule applies to all public hearings conducted pursuant to the City’s Zoning Ordinance, Title 24, Santa Cruz Municipal Code. The 90-day rule applies to all other public hearings.
City Council Agenda Legislative History Addendum
No information was submitted.
City staff is responsible for providing the City Clerk with such documentation and information for the Legislative History Addendum. The information will be on file in the City Clerk’s Department.
The Addendum is a listing of information specific to City Council business, but which does not appear on a Council meeting agenda. Such entities would include, but not be limited to: Court decisions, Coastal Commission Appeals of City Council actions, Closed Session Agreements/Settlements, which are public record, Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments, Local Agency Formation Commission.
10.1 10.2
10.3 2022 Mayor’s Cup
Beach Clean Up Award
Winner
10.4 Team Golder
10.5 1
City Manager’s Report
September 13, 2022
11.1 2
Live Oak Library Grand
Re-opening is planned
for Saturday, October 1,
2022.
Festivities begin at 10 AM.
Come one, come all to see
the beautiful updates to
Live Oak Library!
11.2 3
San Lorenzo Park Restoration
Benchlands Closure
● Phased closure
● Dependencies – availability of:
○ Shelter sites
○ Staff, vendors, and supplies
11.3 4
San Lorenzo Park Restoration
Benchlands Closure
Zone 1
Outreach to campers starts September 6
Fencing and formal noticing goes up September 7-
12 City Outreach Team will document which campers
want shelter at the Armory September 12-13
Transportation of campers to the Armory
September 13
Closure date for Zone 1 September 13
11.4 5
San Lorenzo Park Restoration
Benchlands Closure
Zone 2
In Process: Outreach workers have been working
with campers in this Zone to identify shelter needs
September 12: Fencing and formal noticing goes up
September 19: Closure
11.5 6
The Objective Standards Project –
Continued to November
Planning will complete one more
outreach push to help the community
better understand the project and its
goals, and to help correct
misinformation.
11.6 7
District + At-Large Mayor
Elections – Beginning with
November 8, 2022 Election
An interactive map to help
Voters identify their district
is available online on the
District Elections webpage.
11.7 8
Upcoming Community Meetings:
Library affordable housing project,
September 21, 6:00pm zoom
Housing element update kick-off,
September 29, 6:00pm zoom
11.8 9
Loch Lomond
Reservoir remains at
81.2%, ahead of its
projected level.
11.9 Meeting Type
Holiday
Jewish Holiday
Regular Meeting
Special Meeting
Study Session (will be added as scheduled)
Budget Hearing
DATE Location Meeting Type
September 22 Council Chambers/Zoom Special Meeting - Open to the Public September 25/26
Council Chambers/Zoom Closed Session - Closed to the Public Council Chambers/Zoom Council Regular Meeting - Open to the Public October 4/5
Council Chambers/Zoom Closed Session - Closed to the Public Council Chambers/Zoom Council Regular Meeting - Open to the Public Council Chambers/Zoom Closed Session - Closed to the Public Council Chambers/Zoom Council Regular Meeting - Open to the Public Council Chambers/Zoom Closed Session - Closed to the Public Council Chambers/Zoom Council Regular Meeting - Open to the Public November 11
Council Chambers/Zoom Closed Session - Closed to the Public Council Chambers/Zoom Council Regular Meeting - Open to the Public November 24
November 25
December 18/19
Council Chambers/Zoom Closed Session - Closed to the Public Council Chambers/Zoom Council Regular Meeting - Open to the Public December 25
City Council Meeting Calendar for 2022
November 22
December 13
City Hall Closure - Thanksgiving Day
City Hall Closure - Day After Thanksgiving Day
September 27
Please note: Meeting times are not final and are likely to change December 27 Meeting Cancelled - CITY COUNCIL DARK
City Hall Closure - Christmas Day
Hanukkah (City observed - sundown to sundown)
Yom Kippur (City observed - sundown to sundown)
Rosh Hashanah (City observed - sundown to sundown)
November 8
October 11
October 25
City Hall Closure - Veteran's Day (observed)
12.1 City Council
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 08/31/2022
AGENDA OF: 09/13/2022
DEPARTMENT: City Attorney
SUBJECT: Resolution Authorizing the City to Continue Teleconferenced Public Meetings Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361 (CA)
RECOMMENDATION: Resolution authorizing legislative bodies of the City of Santa Cruz to continue the use of teleconferenced meetings pursuant to Assembly Bill 361.
BACKGROUND: On March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom issued a proclamation of State of Emergency in response to the developing COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the continued spread of the virus, the Governor issued Executive Order N-29-20 on March 17, 2020, which included a provision authorizing suspensions to the Ralph M. Brown Act’s (“Brown Act”) teleconferencing rules in order to facilitate virtual meetings while public health orders were in place.
On June 11, 2021, the Governor issued Executive Order N-08-21, which provided that the Brown Act teleconferencing suspensions would expire after September 30, 2021. On September 16, 2021, the Governor signed Assembly Bill 361 (“AB 361”), an urgency measure taking effect immediately, which amended the Brown Act to allow local legislative bodies to continue using teleconferencing and virtual meeting technology provided certain conditions are met.
DISCUSSION: AB 361 allows for teleconferenced meetings during a declared State of Emergency, as defined under the California Emergency Services Act, if one of the following circumstances apply: (1) State or local officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote social distancing; (2) The legislative body is meeting to determine whether, as a result of the emergency, meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees; or (3) The legislative body has determined that, as a result of the emergency, meeting in person presents imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.1 The Governor’s March 4, 2020 proclamation of State of Emergency is still in effect. Measures continue to exist that impose and recommend measures to promote social distancing. The California Department of Public Health (“CDPH”) requires that all individuals wear masks indoors in specific, high-risk settings.2 Further, the CDPH and the Santa Cruz County Health 1 Cal. Gov’t Code § 54953(e)(1)(A)-(C)
2 See CDPH, Guidance for the Use of Face Coverings (Updated April 20, 2022), https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/guidance-for-face-coverings.aspx.
13.1 Officer strongly recommend that all individuals continue to wear masks in indoor public settings.3
The highly transmissible omicron variant continues to contribute to the increase in positive cases and hospitalizations locally and throughout the State. Additionally, other variants of COVID-19 exist, and it is unknown at this time whether other variants may result in a new surge in COVID19 cases. As such, holding meetings in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees due to the continued spread of COVID-19.
To continue teleconferenced meetings under AB 361, the City Council will need to declare every thirty (30) days that it has reconsidered the circumstances of the State of Emergency and either (1) the State of Emergency continues to directly impact the ability of the members to meet safely in person; or (2) State or local health officials continue to impose or recommend measures to promote social distancing.4
This declaration is needed for any use of teleconferenced meetings pursuant to AB 361, including for two City meeting models: (1) A City Council hybrid model that uses the City Council Chambers as an in person venue along with teleconference attendance; and (2) Continued use of teleconferencing for City Council and Brown Act City boards, commissions and committees.
At its regular meeting of October 12, 2021, the City Council adopted Resolution No. NS-29,877, authorizing legislative bodies of the City of Santa Cruz to continue using teleconferenced meetings pursuant to AB 361. At its regular meetings of November 9, 2021, November 23, December 14, 2021, January 11, 2022, February 8, 2022, March 8, 2022, March 22, 2022, April 12, 2022, May 10, 2022, May 24, 2022, June 14, 2022, June 28, 2022, August 9, 2022, and August 23, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution Nos. NS-29,886, NS-29,894, NS-29,900, NS-29,915, NS-29,923, NS-29,933, NS-29,942, NS-29,954, NS-29,975, NS-29,987, NS 29,994, NS-30,005, NS-30,017, and NS-30,028 further authorizing legislative bodies of the City of Santa Cruz to continue using teleconferenced meetings pursuant to AB 361.
This Resolution would re-authorize the legislative bodies of the City of Santa Cruz to continue to use teleconferenced meetings for an additional thirty (30) from the date of its adoption.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
Prepared By:
Stephanie Duck
Deputy City Attorney
Submitted By:
Tony Condotti
City Attorney
Approved By:
Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. RESOLUTION.DOCX
3 See Press Release, Twelve Bay Area Health Officers to Life Most Indoor Mask Mandates on February 16 (Feb. 9, 2022), https://www.santacruzhealth.org/Portals/7/pdfs/Coronavirus/02.09.22%20ABAHO%20Masking_FINAL.pdf.
See also, BAY AREA HEALTH OFFICERS URGE PUBLIC TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AS COVID LEVELS RISE (May 13, 2022),
https://www.santacruzhealth.org/Portals/7/pdfs/Coronavirus/ABAHOMaskRecommendationENG.05132022.pdf. 4 Cal. Gov’t Code § 54953(e)(3).
13.2 RESOLUTION NO. NS-XX,XXX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ AUTHORIZING
THE CONTINUED USE OF TELECONFERENCED MEETINGS PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL 361
WHEREAS, on March 4, 2020, Governor Newsom declared a State of Emergency, as defined under the California Emergency Services Act, due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and WHEREAS, on March 17, 2020, due to the threat of COVID-19, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-29-20, which suspended certain requirements of Government Code section 54950 et seq., the Ralph M. Brown Act (“Brown Act”), in order to allow local legislative bodies to conduct meetings telephonically or electronically without a physical meeting place; and
WHEREAS, on June 11, 2021, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-08-21, which stated that the provision suspending requirements of the Brown Act in Executive Order N-29-20 would remain in effect through September 30, 2021, at which point the suspensions would expire; and
WHEREAS, on September 16, 2021, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 361 into law, an urgency measure effective upon adoption, amending the Brown Act to allow legislative bodies to continue to meet remotely during a proclaimed State of Emergency, and either state or local officials have imposed or recommended measures to promote social distancing, or the legislative body determines that meeting in person would present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees;
WHEREAS, on October 12, 2021, the City Council adopted Resolution No. NS-29, 877, making its initial finding that the requisite conditions exist for the legislative bodies of the City of Santa Cruz to conduct remote teleconference meetings; and WHEREAS, on November 9, 2021, November 23, 2021, December 14, 2021, January 11, 2022, February 8, 2022, March 8, 2022, March 22, 2022, April 12, 2022, May 10, 2022, May 24, 2022, June 14, 2022, June 28, 2022, August 9, 2022, and August 23, 2022, the City Council adopted Resolution Nos. NS-29,886, NS-29,894, NS-29,900, NS-29,915, NS-29,923, NS-29,933, NS-29,942, NS-29,954, NS-29,975, NS-29,987, NS-29,994, NS-30,005, NS30,017, and NS-30,028, each making a subsequent finding that the requisite conditions exist for the legislative bodies of the City of Santa Cruz to conduct remote teleconference meetings; and
WHEREAS, as a condition of authorizing the continued use of teleconferenced meetings, the City Council must, every 30 days, reconsider the circumstances of the State of Emergency that exists in the City and the City Council has done so; and
13.3 2
WHEREAS, the State of Emergency proclaimed by the Governor on March 4, 2020, remains in effect; and
WHEREAS, the California Department of Public Health and the Santa Cruz County Health Officer require that all individuals wear face coverings indoors in specified high-risk settings, and continue to strongly recommend that all individuals wear face coverings in indoor public settings; and
WHEREAS, the highly contagious omicron variant continues contribute to the increase in positive cases and hospitalizations locally and throughout the State of California, demonstrating the unpredictable nature of the pandemic, and that transmission rates have the potential to rise quickly; and
WHEREAS, other variants of COVID-19 exist, including an Omicron subvariant, BA.2, and it is unknown at this time whether this or other variants may result in a new surge in COVID-19 cases; and
WHEREAS, due to the continued impact of COVID-19, the City continues to be concerned about the health and safety of attendees at public meetings should they be held in person and in a shared indoor public meeting space, as such, the City Council desires to take the actions necessary to comply with AB 361 and to continue to hold its meetings in a hybrid format, providing both in-person and virtual participation; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Cruz (City Council) as follows:
A. The City Council hereby acknowledges that the Governor’s State of Emergency proclamation issued on March 4, 2020 remains in effect; and B. The City Council finds that due to the emergence of the omicron variant and the continued threat of COVID-19, holding in person meetings for the City Council, City Commissions, and City Committees continues to present imminent risks to the health or safety of attendees.
C. The legislative bodies of the City of Santa Cruz are hereby authorized and directed to take all actions necessary to carry out the intent and purpose of this Resolution, including continuing to conduct open and public meetings in accordance with Government Code section 54953(e) and other applicable provisions of the Brown Act.
D. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption and shall be effective until the earlier of (i) thirty days from the adoption of this Resolution, or (ii) such time the City Council adopts a subsequent resolution in accordance with Government Code section 54953(e)(3) to extend the time during which the legislative bodies of the City of Santa Cruz may continue teleconferencing without compliance with the Brown Act’s prior rules regarding teleconferencing.
13.4 3
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 13th day of September, 2022 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
DISQUALIFIED:
APPROVED: ______________________________
Sonja Brunner, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
13.5 City Council
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 08/22/2022
AGENDA OF: 09/13/2022
DEPARTMENT: City Clerk
SUBJECT: Resolution Amending the 2022 Council Meeting Calendar (CC) RECOMMENDATION: Resolution amending the 2022 Council meeting calendar to cancel the November 8th and 22nd regular meetings and add November 15th as a regular meeting, and rescinding Resolution No. NS-29,895.
BACKGROUND: On November 23, 2021, Council adopted Resolution No. NS-29,895 setting the regular meeting dates for 2022. Regular meetings are typically the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, except for July and December.
DISCUSSION: Due to the November 8th regular meeting falling on election day, and the November 22nd meeting falling during the week of Thanksgiving, it is recommended that Council adopt a resolution to amend the previously adopted calendar by canceling the November 8th and 22nd Council meetings, and adding November 15th as a regular meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
Prepared By:
Bonnie Bush
City Clerk
Submitted By:
Laura Schmidt
Assistant City Manager
Approved By:
Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. RESOLUTION.DOC
2. CITY COUNCIL MEETING CALENDAR 2022 - AMENDED.PDF
14.1 RESOLUTION NO. NSRESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ AMENDING THE 2022 COUNCIL MEETING CALENDAR TO CANCEL THE NOVEMBER 8 TH AND 22ND REGULAR MEETINGS AND ADD NOVEMBER 15TH AS A REGULAR MEETING, AND RESCIND RESOLUTION NO. NS-29,895
WHEREAS, the City Council usually meets regularly on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month; and
WHEREAS, the regular meeting of November 8, 2022 falls on election day and November 22, 2022 is Thanksgiving week;
WHEREAS, the remainder of the calendar of regular meetings will stay as previously approved, including the second meeting in December being cancelled; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Cruz that the two previously approved meetings in November, November 8th and 22nd, will be cancelled and November 15th will be added as a regular meeting.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 13th day of September, 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
DISQUALIFIED:
APPROVED: ______________________________
Sonja Brunner, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
14.2 Meeting Type
Holiday
Jewish Holiday
Regular Meeting
Special Meeting
Study Session (will be added as scheduled)
Budget Hearing
DATE Location Meeting Type
December 25
January 1
Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public January 17
January 18 Council Chambers Special Meeting ‐ Advisory Body Interviews Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public February 21
Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public April 15/16
Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public May 24 and 25 Council Chambers Budget Hearings
May 30
Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public July 4
Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public September 5
Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public September 25/26 Rosh Hashanah (City observed ‐ sundown to sundown) May 24
City Hall Closure ‐ Memorial Day
City Hall Closure ‐ Labor Day
August 23
July 12 and 26 Meetings Cancelled ‐ CITY COUNCIL DARK
August 9
City Hall Closure ‐ Independence Day
June 14
March 8
March 22
May 10
Passover (City observed ‐ sundown to sundown)
April 12
April 26
City Hall Closure ‐ New Year’s Day
January 11
City Hall Closure ‐ Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 25
City Hall Closed to the Public ‐ December 20 through January 3 City Hall Closure ‐ Christmas Day
City Council Meeting Calendar for 2022
June 28
September 13
February 8
City Hall Closure ‐ Presidents' Day
February 22
14.3 Meeting Type
Holiday
Jewish Holiday
Regular Meeting
Special Meeting
Study Session (will be added as scheduled)
Budget Hearing
DATE Location Meeting Type
City Council Meeting Calendar for 2022
Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public October 4/5
Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public November 11
Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public November 24
November 25
December 18/19
Courtyard Conf. Room Closed Session ‐ Closed to the Public Council Chambers Council Regular Meeting ‐ Open to the Public December 25
December 27 Meeting Cancelled ‐ CITY COUNCIL DARK
City Hall Closure ‐ Christmas Day
Hanukkah (City observed ‐ sundown to sundown)
Yom Kippur (City observed ‐ sundown to sundown)
October 11
October 25
City Hall Closure ‐ Veteran's Day (observed)
November 15
December 13
City Hall Closure ‐ Thanksgiving Day
City Hall Closure ‐ Day After Thanksgiving Day
September 27
14.4 MINUTES ARE UNOFFICIAL UNTIL APPROVED BY COUNCIL
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 23, 2022
10:00 AM
Mayor Brunner opened the City Council Closed Session at 10:01 a.m. in a public meeting in Council Chambers, for the purpose of announcing the agenda, and receiving public testimony.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder (via Zoom), Cummings, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins (arrived at 10:09 a.m.); Mayor Brunner.
Absent: None.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Assistant City Manager L. Schmidt, City Attorney T. Condotti, Human Resources Director L. Murphy, Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler (via Zoom), Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Public Comment
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period at 10:04 a.m. The following people spoke:
Ken Bare
Unidentified person
David Tannaci
Olivia Martinez
Eric Bumgarner
Richard Silva
Emilio Galvan
Jason Reiter
Eloise Johnson
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Roy
Juan Molina
15.1 August 23, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6193
Public Comment (continued)
Sean Sled
Cameron
Robert Acosta
[unintelligible]
Juan
Joy Schendledecker
Edward Perez
Katie Stewart
Zeke Bean
Adrian Pimentel
Joe
Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period at 10:53 a.m.
Closed Session
1. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code §54957.6) SEIU Temporary Employees
SEIU Service Employees
Mid Managers, OE3
Supervisors, OE3
Fire Management
Fire, IAFF
Police Management
Police Officers Association
Executives
City Negotiator - Lisa Murphy
2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(4))
Initiation of litigation (one potential case)
At this time, the meeting was closed to the public. (See page 6195 for a report on Closed Session.)
15.2 August 23, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6194
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
MINUTES OF A CITY COUNCIL MEETING
August 23, 2022
11:30 AM
Call to Order – Mayor Brunner called the meeting to order at 12:24 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder (arrived at 3:34 p.m.), Cummings, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
Absent: None.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, Assistant City Manager L. Schmidt (via Zoom), City Attorney T. Condotti, Director of Public Works M. Dettle (via Zoom), Chief of Police B. Escalante, Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler (via Zoom), Director of Information Technology K. Morgan (via Zoom), Finance Director E. Cabell (via Zoom), Director of Economic Development B. Lipscomb (via Zoom), Water Director R.
Menard (via Zoom), Director of Parks and Recreation T. Elliot (via Zoom), Director of Libraries Y. Wilburn (via Zoom), Deputy City Manager L.
Murphy, Fire Division Chief R. Young (via Zoom), Public Works Operations Manager F. Warren, Homelessness Response Manager L.
Imwalle, Assistant Finance Director M. Gomez (via Zoom), Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Presiding Officer's Announcements
Statements of Disqualification – None.
Additions and Deletions – None.
15.3 August 23, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6195
City Attorney Report on Closed Session
Conference with Labor Negotiators (Government Code §54957.6) SEIU Temporary Employees
SEIU Service Employees
Mid Managers, OE3
Supervisors, OE3
Fire Management
Fire, IAFF
Police Management
Police Officers Association
Executives
City Negotiator - Lisa Murphy
Council received a status report from the City Negotiator, and took no reportable action.
Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation (Government Code §54956.9(d)(4))
Initiation of litigation (one potential case)
Council received a status report, and took no reportable action.
Council Meeting Calendar
3. The City Council reviewed and did not revise the meeting calendar attached to the agenda.
Council Memberships in City Groups and Outside Agencies
4. The Presiding Officer provided Councilmembers with the opportunity to update Council on any external committee meetings that occurred since the last Council meeting
Councilmember Brown: Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC), and Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Advisory Council.
Councilmember Cummings: Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG), and Criminal Justice Council.
15.4 August 23, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6196
Council Memberships in City Groups and Outside Agencies (continued)
4. The Presiding Officer provided Councilmembers with the opportunity to update Council on any external committee meetings that occurred since the last Council meeting (continued)
Councilmember Meyers: Central Coast Community Energy Policy Board, Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Agency, and Cowell Working Group.
Vice Mayor Watkins: Health in All Policies Committee, and Children’s Fund Subcommittee.
Mayor Brunner: Visit Santa Cruz County, Homelessness 2x2 Committee.
Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson: Safe Parking Subcommittee.
Consent Agenda
Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson made a comment on item 12.
Public Works Operations Manager F. Warren responded to Councilmember Meyers’ questions regarding items 13 and 16.
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Unidentified person spoke regarding item 6.
Unidentified person spoke regarding items 6 and 7.
Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period.
Councilmember Brown pulled items 12 and 16 for further discussion.
MOTION: Councilmember Cummings moved, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to approve the remaining Consent Agenda.
City Attorney T. Condotti responded to Councilmember Cummings’ questions on items 6 and 7.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Cummings, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Golder.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
15.5 August 23, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6197
Consent Agenda (continued)
5. Resolution Extending the Emergency Declaration in Connection with the CZU August Lightning Complex Fire by Sixty (60) Days (CA)
Resolution No. NS-30,026 was adopted extending by sixty days the Local Emergency Declaration in connection with the CZU August Lightning Complex Fire.
6. Resolution Extending the Emergency Declaration in Connection with the COVID19 Pandemic by Sixty (60) Days (CA) Resolution No. NS-30,027 was adopted extending by sixty days the Declaration of Emergency in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.
7. Resolution Authorizing the City to Continue Teleconferenced Public Meetings Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361 (CA)
Resolution No. NS-30,028 was adopted authorizing legislative bodies of the City of Santa Cruz to continue the use of teleconferenced meetings pursuant to Assembly Bill 361.
8. Minutes of the August 9, 2022 City Council Meeting (CC) Motion carried to approve as submitted.
9. Minutes of the August 16, 2022 City Council Special Meeting (CC) Motion carried to approve as submitted.
15.6 August 23, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6198
Consent Agenda (continued)
10. Collective of Results and Evidence-Based (CORE) Investments Bridge Funding (CM)
Motion carried to:
Approve recipients for Collective of Results and Evidence-Based (CORE) bridge funding contracts; and
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,029 amending the FY 2023 budget to appropriate $90,000 from the City’s Capital Investment Program (CIP) for the City’s contribution.
11. Resolution Amending the City of Santa Cruz Personnel Complement and Classification and Compensation Plans for the Santa Cruz Public Libraries (HR) Resolution No. NS-30,030 was adopted amending the Classification and Compensation Plans to the FY 2023 Budget Personnel Complement by implementing the Library Board-approved Budget/Position and Classification changes in the Library.
12. Award Contract for Playground Equipment at Garfield Park Playground (PR) Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period. The following person spoke.
Unidentified person
Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Meyers moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Watkins, to adopt Resolution No. NS-30,031 to award a contract to Landscape Structures, Inc. (Delano, MN) for the purchase of playground equipment that will be installed at Garfield Park in the amount of $219,777.02.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Cummings, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Golder.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
15.7 August 23, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6199
Consent Agenda (continued)
13. Citywide Vegetation Management – Award Contract (PW) Motion carried to accept the bid of Lewis Tree Service (Santa Cruz, CA) for Citywide Vegetation Management in the amount of $117,000, and to authorize the City Manager to execute the contract in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Public Works Director is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget.
14. Traffic Striping Installation and Maintenance – Award Contract (PW) Motion carried to accept the bid of Chrisp Company (Fremont, CA) for Traffic Striping Installation and Maintenance in the amount of $130,000, and to authorize the City Manager to execute the contract in a form approved by the City Attorney. The Public Works Director is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget.
15. Cost of Construction – Fee Revision (PW)
Resolution No. NS-30,032 was adopted revising the Traffic Impact Fee Estimate Form to include a revised PM peak hour rate of $4,928 and rescinding Resolution No. NS-29,865.
15.8 August 23, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6200
Consent Agenda (continued)
16. Annual San Lorenzo River Flood Control Maintenance (m409505) – Award Contract (PW)
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period. The following person spoke.
Unidentified person
Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period.
Director of Public Works M. Dettle responded to Councilmember questions.
MOTION: Councilmember Brown moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Watkins, to award a contract for the annual San Lorenzo River Flood Control Maintenance to Kenny Robinson Construction (Santa Cruz, CA) in the amount of $275,000, and to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement in a form acceptable to the City Attorney. The Public Works Director is authorized to execute change orders within the approved project budget.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Cummings, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Golder.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
17. Transfer within the Water Department’s Capital Investment Program for FY 2022 Water Program Administration Expenses – Budget Adjustment (WT) Resolution No. NS-30,033 was adopted amending the FY 2022 budget by transferring $1,956,115 from the Water Department’s Capital Investment Program (CIP) Project c701901, Water Program Administration, to various other Water Department CIP Projects for the purpose of allocating actual program administration expenses to active Water Program CIP Projects.
End Consent Agenda
15.9 August 23, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6201
General Business
18. Independent Police Auditor Report (CM)
Michael Gennaco, Independent Police Auditor with OIR Group, gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
Chief of Police B. Escalante responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Lee Brokaw
Reggie Meisler
Serg Kagno
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Ayo Banjo
Unidentified person
Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period.
MOTION: Councilmember Cummings moved, seconded by Councilmember Brown, to accept the report and direct staff to bring back a response to the recommendations provided by the police auditor by no later than the first meeting in February 2023.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Cummings, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Councilmember Golder.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Council took a break at 2:13 p.m. and returned at 2:25 p.m.
15.10 August 23, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6202
General Business
19. HOMELESSNESS RESPONSE UPDATE
Homelessness Response Manager L. Imwalle and Deputy City Manager L. Murphy gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
City Manager M. Huffaker and Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Leslie Wooding
Reggie Meisler, Santa Cruz Cares
Serg Kagno, Stepping Up Santa Cruz
Unidentified person
Grant Dentremont
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period.
19.1 Homelessness Response Quarterly Update (CM)
Council received updates regarding Council-directed homelessness response programs and services, including Homelessness Response Action Plan implementation details, objectives, and outcomes.
19.2 Benchlands Closure and Restoration – Budget Adjustment and Refuse Disposal, Abatement, and Landscape Remediation Contract Approval (CM) MOTION: Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Watkins, to:
Adopt Resolution No. NS-30,034 amending the FY 2023 budget to transfer $1,000,000 from the Safe Sleeping Hygiene Bay Project c102205 to the Benchlands Restoration Project c102304; and
Authorize the City Manager to execute an emergency procurement agreement, in a form to be approved by the City Attorney, between the City of Santa Cruz and Clean Team Associates in the amount of $280,000 to remove encampment debris in the San Lorenzo Park Benchlands.
15.11 August 23, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6203
General Business (continued)
19. HOMELESSNESS RESPONSE UPDATE (continued)
19.2 Benchlands Closure and Restoration – Budget Adjustment and Refuse Disposal, Abatement, and Landscape Remediation Contract Approval (CM) FRIENDLY AMENDMENT: Councilmember Cummings requested to add:
Direct staff to bring back at the next quarterly update, consideration of the reallocation of the remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and CA State funds, initially allocated for the hygiene bay, for services that include but are not limited to a vehicle for Downtown Outreach workers, an ADA-accessible transport van, a Winter Warming Center, ongoing cleanup of parks, and a cost study for the implementation of a 24/7, nonlaw enforcement alternative, emergency crisis pilot program.
Councilmember Kalantari-Johnson and Vice Mayor Watkins accepted.
ACTION: The motion carried with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Cummings, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: Councilmember Brown.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
15.12 August 23, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6204
General Business (continued)
20. Revised Fiscal Impact Report for the Empty Home Tax Initiative Petition (FN) Assistant Finance Director M. Gomez gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
City Attorney T. Condotti and Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler responded to Councilmember questions.
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Cyndi Dawson
Unidentified person
Carol Polhamus
Jack Ryan Rodriguez
Eric Grodberg
Unidentified person
Lynn Renshaw
Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period.
15.13 August 23, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6205
City Council
6:00 PM
Call to Order – Mayor Brunner called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. in Council Chambers.
Roll Call
Present: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Cummings, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
Absent: None.
Staff: City Manager M. Huffaker, City Attorney T. Condotti, Assistant City Manager L. Schmidt (via Zoom), Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler, Finance Director E. Cabell (via Zoom), Director of Information Technology K. Morgan (via Zoom), Fire Chief R. Oatey (via Zoom), Water Director R. Menard (via Zoom), Director of Parks and Recreation T. Elliot (via Zoom), Senior Planner S. Neuse (via Zoom), Assistant Director of Public Works/City Engineer N. Nguyen (via Zoom), Superintendent of Parks T. Beck (via Zoom), Senior Planner K. Donovan (via Zoom), Deputy City Clerk Administrator J. Wood, City Clerk Administrator B. Bush.
Oral Communications Announcement - The Mayor provided a brief announcement about Oral Communications.
Oral Communications
At 6:02 p.m. Mayor Brunner opened Oral Communications for members of the public who wished to speak regarding items not listed on the City Council agenda.
Unidentified person spoke regarding Transient Occupancy Tax.
Pat Colby spoke regarding homelessness, and Martin vs. Boise.
Eric Grodberg spoke regarding the Hilltop Apartments.
Keith McHenry spoke regarding the shelter at the Armory, and the Benchlands.
Jack Ryan spoke regarding a relationship he was previously in, resulting in a warrant for his arrest.
15.14 August 23, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6206
Oral Communications (continued)
Elise Casby spoke regarding the slavery trade, the holocaust, the shutdown of democracy, and demonizing poor people.
Unidentified person spoke regarding what is needed in the Benchlands.
Darius Mohsenin spoke regarding the tenant application fees, and creating a program to make applying for rentals more affordable.
Lee Meyers spoke regarding the inaccessibility of shelters and Martin vs. Boise.
Unidentified person spoke regarding tenant application fees, and a local radio station.
Angela Flynn spoke regarding her experience with homelessness.
Amberly spoke regarding the importance of having a stable place to stay.
Mike Whiteside spoke regarding affordable housing.
At 6:34 p.m. Mayor Brunner closed Oral Communications.
Council took a break at 6:39 p.m. and returned at 7:03 p.m.
Public Hearing
21. Amendments to Municipal Code Titles 6, 12, 13, 15, 16 and 24 Related to Objective Development Standards for Multi-Family Housing, New Mixed Use Zoning Districts, Development Review Process Changes, Street Trees, Right-ofWay Improvements, and the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance; Associated Updates to the Zoning Map; and Establish In-Lieu Fees for Street Tree Removals (File No. FP20-0002) and Additional Modifications to Municipal Code Title 24 to Clarify and Update Various Code Sections, Remove Obsolete Sections and References, Streamline Application Processes, and Bring the Zoning Ordinance into Conformity with State Law (File Nos. A22-0002 and A22-0003) (PL) Director of Planning and Community Development L. Butler introduced the item and responded to Councilmember questions.
Senior Planner S. Neuse, Assistant Director of Public Works/City Engineer N.
Nguyen, Superintendent of Parks T. Beck, and Senior Planner K. Donovan gave a presentation and responded to Councilmember questions.
15.15 August 23, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6207
Public Hearing (continued)
21. Objective Standards Amendments (PL) (continued)
Mayor Brunner opened the public comment period. The following people spoke.
Henry Hooker
Colleen Douglas
Gary Patton
Jim B
Michael Funari
Unidentified person
Greg Benson
Doug
Rafa Sonnenfeld
Andy Schiffrin
Sean Maxwell
Deborah Marks
Ryan Meckel
Scott Graham
Unidentified person
Gillian Greensite
Unidentified person
Diana Alfaro
Unidentified person
Nyanko
Candace Brown
Jessie Bristow
Unidentified person
Unidentified person
Beverly DesChaux
Zennon Ulyate-Crow
Unidentified person
Mayor Brunner closed the public comment period.
15.16 August 23, 2022 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 6208
Public Hearing (continued)
21. Objective Standards Amendments (PL) (continued)
MOTION: Councilmember Meyers moved, seconded by Councilmember Golder, to continue this item to the September 13, 2022 meeting.
ACTION: The motion carried unanimously with the following vote.
AYES: Councilmembers Kalantari-Johnson, Golder, Cummings, Brown, Meyers; Vice Mayor Watkins; Mayor Brunner.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
DISQUALIFIED: None.
Adjournment - The City Council adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted:
Julia Wood, Deputy City Clerk Administrator
Attest:
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
Approved:
Sonja Brunner, Mayor
15.17 City Council
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 08/22/2022
AGENDA OF: 09/13/2022
DEPARTMENT: City Council
SUBJECT: Resolution Supporting Local Measures K (Santa Cruz High School District Bond) and Measure L (Santa Cruz Elementary School Bond) on the November 8, 2022 Ballot (CN)
RECOMMENDATION: Resolution supporting Local Measures K (Santa Cruz High School District Bond) and Measure L (Santa Cruz Elementary School Bond) on the November 8, 2022 Ballot.
BACKGROUND: Our public schools are our community’s most vital assets and are in dire need of investment to maintain facilities and infrastructure in both the elementary and secondary levels. Two measures on the November 2022 ballot provide an opportunity for the community to address these critical needs.
Measure K: Santa Cruz High School District Bond
The District’s secondary schools have educated generations of students, but the facilities are aging and in need of major repair, upgrades, or replacement. Today, these schools are in constant use, and in dire need of continued repair and maintenance. Investment in these facilities now represents an investment in our community’s future.
Measure K authorizes a prudent, responsible plan to upgrade secondary schools to protect the outstanding quality of education at our local public schools and to help ensure that they continue to provide an academic environment where our students can thrive.
Measure K will:
● Continue ongoing modernization of classrooms to support high quality instruction in reading, writing, math, science, engineering, and technology
● Repair and replace aging roofs, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and electrical systems ● Remove hazardous materials like asbestos, lead pipes, and lead paint from older school sites ● Reduce our schools’ environmental impact and save money by funding installation of solar panels and fund other energy and water conservation projects ● Construct affordable rental housing to attract and retain highly qualified teachers and essential staff
Passing Measure K also qualifies the school district to receive millions in State matching funds when they become available, leveraging local tax dollars even further.
16.1 Measure L: Santa Cruz Elementary School Bond
The District’s elementary schools provide the foundation for our children’s future success providing high quality education to local children. However, most schools are now over 55 years old (the Branciforte Small Schools site is over 105). After constant use over many decades, facility problems are common. Without basic upgrades and renovations, the City’s local quality of education will suffer. Investing to protect and care for these schools is an investment for the long-term health and well-being of our community.
Measure L provides a funding source to upgrade our aging elementary schools and preserve the outstanding quality of education delivered at our neighborhood elementary schools.
Measure L will:
● Continue ongoing modernization of classrooms to support high quality instruction in reading, writing, math, science, arts and technology
● Repair and replace aging roofs, plumbing, heating, ventilation, and electrical systems ● Remove hazardous materials like asbestos, lead pipes, and lead paint from older school sites ● Reduce our schools’ environmental impact and save money by funding installation of solar panels and other energy and water conservation projects ● Construct affordable rental housing to attract and retain highly qualified teachers and essential staff.
All funds will remain local, and the State cannot take this funding away or use it for other purposes. Mandatory taxpayer safeguards are included. No funds are allowed for administrators’ salaries, and Independent Citizens’ Oversight and annual audits ensure funds are spent properly.
Passing Measure L qualifies the school district to receive millions in State matching funds.
Without Measure L, those funds will go to other communities that have passed local measures.
DISCUSSION: The City of Santa Cruz has many active and strong partnerships with local schools, including school safety, youth programs and facilities agreements. The success of these measures will complement these partnerships and help further the opportunities for local youth.
In light of the overwhelming need for increased funding for our local schools, we ask that the Council adopt the attached resolution supporting Local Measures K (Santa Cruz High School District Bond) and Measure L (Santa Cruz Elementary School Bond) on the November 8, 2022, Ballot.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
Submitted By:
Renee Golder
Councilmember
Submitted By:
Sandy Brown
Councilmember
Submitted By:
Martine Watkins
Vice Mayor
ATTACHMENTS:
1. RESOLUTION.DOCX
16.2 RESOLUTION NO. NS-30,
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ
SUPPORTING LOCAL MEASURES K (SANTA CRUZ HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BOND)
AND L (SANTA CRUZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOND) ON THE
NOVEMBER 8, 2022 BALLOT
WHEREAS, our local schools are in dire need of investment to maintain facilities and infrastructure in both the elementary and secondary school levels; and, WHEREAS, two (2) measures on the November 8, 2022 ballot provide an opportunity for the community to address these critical needs; and
WHEREAS, Measure K, the Santa Cruz High School District Bond, authorizes a prudent, responsible plan to upgrade secondary schools to keep the best teachers and properly prepare students for college and career success; and
WHEREAS, Measure L, the Santa Cruz Elementary School Bond, provides a wellreasoned plan to address the most critical needs for improved infrastructure, school resources and learning to protect the outstanding quality of education at our local public schools; and WHEREAS, all funds will remain local, and the State cannot take this funding away or use it for other purposes; and
WHEREAS, no funds are allowed for administrators’ salaries, and Independent Citizens Oversight and annual audits ensure funds will be spent properly; and WHEREAS, passing Measures K and L qualifies the school districts to receive millions in State matching programs and facilities agreements, and the success of these measures will complement these partnerships; and
WHEREAS, Measures K and L will also support the District to build workforce housing on District owned property, ensuring our schools will be able to recruit and retain the best teachers and essential staff to serve our children; and
WHEREAS, The City has many active and strong partnerships with local schools, including school safety, youth programs and facilities agreements. The success of these measures will complement these partnerships and help further opportunities for local youth.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Santa Cruz hereby supports the passage of Measure K (Santa Cruz High School District Bond) and L (Santa Cruz Elementary School Bond) on the November 8, 2022, ballot.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Santa Cruz encourages the voters of the City of Santa Cruz to support Measures K (Santa Cruz High School District Bond) and L (Santa Cruz Elementary School Bond) on the November 8, 2022, ballot.
16.3 RESOLUTION NO. NS-30,
2 PASSED AND ADOPTED this 13th day of September, 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
DISQUALIFIED:
APPROVED: ______________________________
Sonja Brunner, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
16.4 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Garrett <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2022 8:47 PM
To: City Council
Subject: 9.13.22 Agenda Item #16 Resolution MO' money for schools
9.13.22 Agenda Item #16 Resolution MO' money for schools While I don't profess to know exactly the state of elementary and high school facilities, I do know the voters approved a whopping amount to fix them just 6 years ago, and some money is still left from that.
I'm pretty sure at the time exactly the same justifications were used, but apparently according top this resolution, those assurances they would be then sound never really happened, not even close.
New rule" Don't approve bond measures to fix what ever wasn't fixed by identical bond measures last time before they are paid off anyway".
I would not be thrilled to see property taxes go up $360. I have no children. I have no benefit, and isn't the state supposed to pay for education with the highest taxes in the nation???
You are aware a monster recession is coming, no? Timing? As far as providing teacher subsidized housing, is this a communist state? I see a council member who is also a teacher submitted this. Figures.
You could easily skip this resolution and let the people decide for themselves if they want higher taxes at this time.
I think there are currently six old bond measures on property tax bills we are still paying on, for schools.
I wonder if the money was well spent.
These measure cost hundreds of millions, and we will pay for longer than the improvement lifetimes (proponents don't say, between 25 and 40 years)
Garrett Philipp - Westside
16.5 CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: August 19, 2022
AGENDA OF: September 13, 2022
DEPARTMENT: City Council
SUBJECT: Support for California Proposition 1, Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment (CN)
RECOMMENDATION: Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution expressing the Santa Cruz City Council’s support and endorsement of California Proposition 1, Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment; and 2) Authorize the Mayor to send a letter to state legislators on behalf of the City Council in support of California Proposition 1.
BACKGROUND: On June 24, 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania. v. Casey and thus opened up the states’ abilities to ban or limit access to abortion.
On August 9, 2022, the Santa Cruz City Council adopted Resolution No. NS-30,020 expressing support for the protection of reproductive rights and various California Legislative Bills, including California Assembly Bill 133 (AB 133), Senate Bill 245 (SB 245), Assembly Bill 1356 (AB 1356), Assembly Bill 1666 (AB 1666), Assembly Bill 1918 (AB 1918), Assembly Bill 2091 (AB 2091), Assembly Bill 2134 (AB 2134), Assembly Bill 2223 (AB 2223), Assembly Bill 2626 (AB 2626), and Senate Bill 374 (SB 374). Staff was directed to return no later than the second meeting in September with a resolution to formally endorse and support California Proposition 1, Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment.
On November 8, 2022, California voters will have the opportunity to vote on California Proposition 1, Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment (2022), a legislatively recommended constitutional amendment. Proposition 1 would amend the California Constitution to provide reproductive rights, which includes a right to an abortion as well as to choose or refuse contraceptives. The amendment states, “The state shall not deny or interfere with an individual’s reproductive freedom in their most intimate decisions, which includes their fundamental right to choose to have an abortion and their fundamental right to choose or refuse contraceptives” (California State Legislature, SCA-10, 2022).
DISCUSSION: The Council supports the protection and autonomy of reproductive rights and will continue to take appropriate steps to protect the California law, preserve safe access to
17.1 abortion services and uphold all person’s rights to liberty, dignity, and autonomy in California and Santa Cruz.
Council recommends having the Mayor reach out on its behalf to support California Proposition 1 that pertain to protecting women’s reproductive rights, public health, safety, and welfare concerns in the City of Santa Cruz and the State of California.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
Submitted by: Submitted by: Submitted by:
Sonja Brunner
Mayor
Martine Watkins
Vice Mayor
Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson
Councilmember
ATTACHMENTS:
1) Resolution
17.2 RESOLUTION NO. NSA RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ SUPPORTING CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 1, RIGHT TO REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM
AMENDMENT PERTAINING TO PROTECTION OF REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS WHEREAS, on June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned the ruling, Roe v. Wade (1973) and Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey (1992), which declared a constitutional right to abortion; and
WHEREAS, on August 9, 2022, the Santa Cruz City Council adopted Resolution No. NS30,020 expressing support for the protection of reproductive rights and various California Legislative Bills, including California Assembly Bill 133 (AB 133), Senate Bill 245 (SB 245), Assembly Bill 1356 (AB 1356), Assembly Bill 1666 (AB 1666), Assembly Bill 1918 (AB 1918), Assembly Bill 2091 (AB 2091), Assembly Bill 2134 (AB 2134), Assembly Bill 2223 (AB 2223), Assembly Bill 2626 (AB 2626), and Senate Bill 374 (SB 374); and WHEREAS, California Proposition 1 is a recommended constitutional amendment that would amend the California Constitution to provide reproductive rights which includes a right to an abortion as well as to choose or refuse contraceptives; and WHEREAS, the amendment states, “The state shall not deny or interfere with an individual’s reproductive freedom in their most intimate decisions, which includes their fundamental right to choose to have an abortion and their fundamental right to choose or refuse contraceptives” (California State Legislature, SCA-10, 2022); and
WHEREAS, access to comprehensive reproductive health care, including abortion, supports the general welfare of every person in the City of Santa Cruz’ physical, psychological, and socioeconomic well-being, and should not be restricted, denied, or criminalized; and WHEREAS, restricting, denying, or criminalizing reproductive health care disproportionately impacts marginalized, underprivileged, and vulnerable communities in their ability to seek fundamental rights, health and safety, opportunity, education, and financial and professional stability; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Cruz values and dedicates resources to the safety, health, and well-being of its residents; and
WHEREAS, the Council seeks to express its support for the protection and autonomy of reproductive rights;
WHEREAS, the Council will continue to take appropriate steps to protect California law preserving safe access to abortion services in California and support legislative actions to uphold all persons’ rights to liberty, dignity, and autonomy;
WHEREAS, Council’s action demonstrates the City of Santa Cruz’ commitment to making it
17.3 a safe haven for reproductive freedom and access to abortion services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Santa Cruz City Council does hereby express its support and endorsement of California Proposition 1, Right to Reproductive Freedom Amendment as recommended by the State of California.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 13th day of September, 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
DISQUALIFIED:
APPROVED: ________________________________
Sonja Brunner, Mayor
ATTEST: ________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
17.4 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Garrett <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2022 9:01 PM
To: City Council
Subject: 9.13.22 Agenda Item #17 making murder legal
9.13.22 Agenda Item #17 making abortion murder legal
Dear Council,
Proposition 1 states "The state shall not deny or interfere with an individual’s reproductive freedom in their most intimate decisions, which includes their fundamental right to choose to have an abortion and their fundamental right to choose or refuse contraceptives."
While I didn't read the whole thing, I'm pretty sure that means there are ZERO protections for any fetus, period possible in the law. Murdering the unborn at any stage of pregnancy becomes perpetually legal.
Got me who thought this was a good idea, but apparently YOU.
Of course it is a political knee jerk reaction to the Supreme Court who essentially determined abortion is not a constitutional right, and is up to the states.
The current law seems pretty reasonable. This new one is not. The current law:
"Abortion is legal in California up to fetal viability and after viability if the procedure is necessary to protect the life or health of the mother. In 2002, the California State Legislature passed the Reproductive Privacy Act, which added language to state statute declaring that women have a "fundamental right to choose to bear a child or to choose and to obtain an abortion."
REALLY?? That's not enough for YOU? I mean , practically speaking? This is political nonsense.
City councils who spend there time preoccupied with politics instead of running a city are examples of BAD city governance.
Garrett Philipp - Westside
17.5 City Council
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 08/31/2022
AGENDA OF: 09/13/2022
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
SUBJECT: Skypark Sidewalk Easement – Authorization of Grant to the City of Scotts Valley (ED)
RECOMMENDATION: Resolution authorizing the City Manager to negotiate and execute a grant of easement and agreement in a form approved by the City Attorney, to the City of Scotts Valley for sidewalk purposes at City-owned property known as Skypark (APN 022-721-09).
BACKGROUND: The City of Santa Cruz acquired the Skypark Airport in Scotts Valley c. 1962, which at the time comprised approximately 45.8-acres of land within the unincorporated area of Santa Cruz County prior to the incorporation of Scotts Valley in 1966. Operating since 1947, Skypark Airport officially closed c. 1983, after which the City of Santa Cruz adopted Resolution NS-18,363 to declare the property surplus in 1988. Since that time, the City has gradually disposed of the majority of the property, including lands now owned by the City of Scotts Valley (SV) and neighborhoods surrounding the Skypark Park.
Today, Santa Cruz still owns approximately 8-acres of the Skypark property and has been working with the City of Scotts Valley and Weber Hayes and Associates (Environmental Consultant) to characterize environmental contamination on site to facilitate future sale or remediation. The Skypark Property and adjacent Scotts Valley owned properties are central to the City of Scotts Valley Town Center Specific Plan, which was adopted in 2008.
During this collaboration, the City of Scotts Valley informed city staff that they had available funding and desire to install a sidewalk across Skypark frontage on Mount Hermon Road (APN 022-721-09). The proposed sidewalk requires a 15’-wide easement from the City of Santa Cruz, as depicted in the attachment entitled “Legal Description of Sidewalk Easement”, which spans approximately 10’-12’ of the visible property with the remainder under the existing street, curb, and gutter.
DISCUSSION: Staff has evaluated the potential for the proposed easement to impact the sale value of the city-owned property and anticipates no significant impact, as the completed infrastructure would likely reduce costs of future development. Furthermore, the City of Scotts Valley has indicated that a sidewalk in this area would be required of any future development on the property but would prefer to install the sidewalk sooner to improve pedestrian safety and access to new developments to the west. Given these considerations and the City’s desire for SV to potentially replace a deteriorated fence on site as part of their work, staff is supportive of granting the easement at no cost due to public benefits.
18.1 The proposed action would provide a non-exclusive sidewalk easement to the City of Scotts Valley to construct the proposed sidewalk and associated infrastructure. Staff will work with the City of Scotts Valley to finalize the construction plans in anticipation of future sale and development of the property.
HEALTH IN ALL POLICIES:
The proposed action would improve pedestrian safety and access across the Skypark site and reduce potential liability of pedestrian injury as residents cross the currently unimproved Skypark frontage. Pedestrian activity and travel has been shown to improve physical health and psychological wellness. The proposed action is consistent with the City’s Health in All Policies Framework.
FISCAL IMPACT: There will be no impact to the General Fund. The proposed action would not involve any exchange of funds between the parties and no financial impacts to any other city funds are anticipated.
Prepared By:
David McCormic
Asset and Development
Manager
Submitted By:
Bonnie Lipscomb
Director of Economic
Development
Approved By:
Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. RESOLUTION.DOC
2. LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF SIDEWALK EASEMENT.PDF
18.2 RESOLUTION NO. NSRESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A GRANT OF EASEMENT AND AGREEMENT
WITH THE CITY OF SCOTTS VALLEY FOR CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED ADJACENT TO SKYPARK ON MT. HERMON ROAD
WHEREAS, the City of Scotts Valley (the “Scotts Valley”), wishes to construct a sidewalk along Mt. Hermon Road in the City of Scotts Valley; and WHEREAS, the City owns property generally known as part of the former Santa Cruz Municipal Airport AKA “Skypark” (APN 022-721-09) and located along Mt. Hermon Road; and WHEREAS, Scotts Valley is seeking an easement on the City-owned surplus property for placement of the sidewalk, fencing, and right of way infrastructure; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Cruz is in the process of disposing the property to facilitate development of the Scotts Valley Town Center Specific Plan; and WHEREAS, Scotts Valley has indicated such sidewalk would be required of any future development and independent appraisal has indicated that such easement would not impact the sales price of the property; and
WHEREAS, Staff has found that alternative uses for the property are extremely limited.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Cruz that the City Manager is authorized to negotiate and execute a Grant of Easement and Agreement with the City of Scotts Valley for City-owned property located adjacent to Mt. Hermon Road.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 13th day of September, 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
DISQUALIFIED:
APPROVED: ______________________________
Sonja Brunner, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
18.3 18.4
18.5 City Council
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 08/16/2022
AGENDA OF: 09/13/2022
DEPARTMENT: Fire
SUBJECT: Cal Fire Vegetation Management - Grant Acceptance, Authorization, and Appropriation (FD)
RECOMMENDATION: Motion to:
1) Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for, accept, and appropriate funds from the Cal Fire Vegetation Management Grant to conduct vegetation management activities in the Moore Creek/Highway 9 Corridor; and
2) Adopt a resolution amending the FY 2023 budget to appropriate a $150,000 grant from CalFire's Vegetation Management Program and hire a contractor to perform vegetation management activities.
BACKGROUND: Nearly every year, California experiences major wildfires that can be devastating to the environment and communities throughout the state. These fires frequently and tragically displace California locals from their homes due to property destruction, poor air quality, extreme heat, and other consequences. Santa Cruz County has seen 7-major wildland fires over the last 15 years. The most recent was the 2020 CZU August Lightening Complex Fire that burned over 911 homes and displaced thousands of residents.
The purpose of this project is to conduct vegetation management activities to reduce fire risk and increase fire department access to the Moore Creek Preserve and Pogonip open spaces, both designated as Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). Both areas are in the moderate to high severity rankings per the State Fire Marshal Fire Hazard Severity Zone. This project will improve safety to first responders and homeowners living in the WUI by slowing the spread of the fire, which allows for safer direct attack, increased time for evacuations and less severe fire behavior. These areas are directly adjacent to and/or would directly affect State responsibility Areas.
DISCUSSION: CAL FIRE’s Wildfire Prevention Grants Program provides funding for fire prevention projects and activities in and near fire threatened communities that focus on increasing the protection of people, structures, and communities.
Project Types and Activities – Qualifying projects and activities include those related to hazardous fuels reduction, wildfire prevention planning, and wildfire prevention education with an emphasis on improving public health and safety while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
19.1 Within the grant performance period of September 1, 2022 and March 15, 2026, when awarded funds, the City of Santa Cruz will hire a contractor to:
• Remove overgrown, combustible vegetation from the Moore Creek Preserve and Pogonip Highway 9 Corridor open spaces, which are both in close proximity to neighborhoods, schools, healthcare facilities and places of worship.
• Create defensible space by way of a shaded fuel break between these open spaces and the surrounding community.
• Remove dead or hazardous trees consistent with the City Arborist dead tree removal planning efforts.
• Improve emergency access to these critical areas. These heavily used public open spaces feature very steep terrain and heavily wooded areas, and are home to many different plant and animal species.
FISCAL IMPACT: Approval of this recommendation will have a net zero impact on the General Fund. $150,000 will be appropriated in the General Fund to execute the work identified in the grant application to perform vegetation management activities in the wildland urban interface areas of the Moore Creek/Highway 9 Corridor and will be offset by $150,000 of General Fund revenue from the CalFire Vegetation Management Grant.
Prepared By:
Paul Horvat
Emergency Services
Manager/PMA Action
Manager
Submitted By:
Rob Oatey
Fire Chief
Approved By:
Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. RESOLUTION.DOCX
2. BUDGET ADJUSTMENT.PDF
19.2 RESOLUTION NO. NSRESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ACCEPT CAL FIRE GRANT FUNDS OF $150,000 INTO THE FY 2023 GENERAL FUND
WHEREAS, The purpose of this project is vegetation management to reduce fire risk and increase fire department access to the Moore Creek Preserve and Pogonip open spaces, both designated as Wildland Urban Interface (WUI); and
WHEREAS, Both vegetation management areas are in the moderate to high severity rankings per the State Fire Marshal Fire Hazard Severity Zones; and WHEREAS, This project will improve safety to first responders and homeowners living in the WUI by slowing the spread of the fire, which allows for safer direct attack, increased time for evacuations and less severe fire behavior.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Santa Cruz hereby:
1. Directs City of Santa Cruz staff to submit the grant proposal package to Cal Fire for the project described more particularly in the accompanying agenda report in the amount of $150,000; and
2. Authorizes the City Manager of the City of Santa Cruz to apply for, accept, and execute in the name of the City of Santa Cruz, all necessary applications, contracts and agreements and amendments thereto and appropriate funds from Cal Fire to procure a contractor to execute the vegetation management work identified in the Moore Creek/Highway 9 corridor wildland urban interface grant application.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this 23rd day of August, 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
DISQUALIFIED:
APPROVED: __________________________
Sonja Brunner, Mayor
ATTEST: __________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
19.3 City of Santa Cruz
BUDGET ADJUSTMENT REQUEST
3XUSRVH
ACCOUNT REVENUE EDEN ACCOUNT TITLE
TOTALREVENUE
ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE EDENACCOUNT TITLE
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
NET: $
REQUESTED BY
DEPARTMENT HEAD
APPROVAL
BUDGET/ACCOUNTING
5(9,(:('
FINANCE DIRECTOR
APPROVAL
CITYMANAGER
APPROVAL
&0)18VH2QO\
5HVR
%$5HI
352-(&7
352-(&7
$02817
$02817
)LVFDO<HDU
'DWH
&RXQFLO$SSURYDO
$GPLQLVWUDWLYH$SSURYDO
Clear Form
2023
08/17/2022
Appropriate $150,000 for a grant awarded by CAL Fire's Vegetation Management program relating to vegetation management activities in the Moore Creek/Highway 9 Corridor. 101-21-32-2203-43210 G212301-126-2266-0 Operating grants and contributions 150,000 WUI Vegetation Mgmt Moore Crk/Hwy 9 Corridor
150,000
101-21-32-2203-52199 g212301-100-2020-0 Other professional and technical services 150,000 WUI Vegetation Mgmt Moore Crk/Hwy 9 Corridor
150,000
0 Paul
Horvat
Digitally signed by Paul Horvat
DN: cn=Paul Horvat, o=City of
Santa Cruz, ou=Fire Department,
[email protected]
om, c=US
Date: 2022.08.22 14:42:35 -07'00'
Robert
Young
Digitally signed
by Robert Young
Date: 2022.08.23
11:12:55 -07'00'
Nicholas
Gong
Digitally signed by Nicholas Gong
DN: cn=Nicholas Gong, o=City of
Santa Cruz, ou=Finance,
[email protected],
c=US
Date: 2022.08.24 10:04:41 -07'00'
Elizabet
h Cabell
Digitally signed by Elizabeth Cabell
DN: cn=Elizabeth Cabell, o=City of Santa Cruz,
ou=Finance Department,
[email protected], c=US
Date: 2022.09.01 07:18:01 -07'00'
19.4 City Council
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 08/30/2022
AGENDA OF: 09/13/2022
DEPARTMENT: Finance
SUBJECT: Liability Claim Filed Against the City of Santa Cruz (FN) RECOMMENDATION: Motion to reject the liability claim of Brandon Michael Oldham, based on staff recommendation.
BACKGROUND: N/A
DISCUSSION: Claim to be rejected:
a. Claimant: Brandon Michael Oldham
Date of occurrence: 6/05/2022
Date of claim: 8/16/2022
Amount of claim: Unspecified
Claimant seeks compensation for damage to his vehicle allegedly caused by a tree.
Self-Represented
FISCAL IMPACT: No fiscal impact.
Prepared By:
Ross Brandon
Risk & Safety Manager
Submitted By:
Elizabeth Cabell
Finance Director
Approved By:
Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
20.1 City Council
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 08/31/2022
AGENDA OF: 09/13/2022
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
SUBJECT: Caterpillar 930M Wheel Loader – Award Contract (PW) RECOMMENDATION: Motion to award a contract for the 48-month lease to purchase agreement of one new 930M Wheel Loader from Peterson Cat (San Leandro, CA) in the amount of $214,050.
BACKGROUND: The Public Works Department purchases vehicles and large equipment for the City of Santa Cruz (City) with budgeted General or Enterprise Funds. The Public Works Fleet division has a 2001 Caterpillar 938G in its pool inventory currently and the loader falls under the first tier (Tier 1) federal emission regulation standard of the Clean Air Act Amendments (CAAA) of 1990. Tier 1 equipment is being phased out in accordance with federal regulations to reduce pollutants. There are separate emission regulations to follow in California, under Section 177 of the Clean Air Act.
The current wheel loader is 21 years old and will not meet California emission standards. The loader recently experienced extensive engine damage during use. To repair the current asset would be $50,000 but as it is a Tier I engine, it will be out of compliance soon based off the overall off-road equipment rating. This piece of equipment is available to all qualified operators in City of Santa Cruz (City) departments through the Fleet division pool inventory program. The wheel loader is a popular asset for staff in the Parks & Recreation, Water and Public Works departments. The cost for renting this equipment is significantly cheaper than renting from a private company, saving the various City funds money by renting it internally from Public Works Fleet Maintenance.
DISCUSSION: Section 3.08.170 of the Municipal Ordinance allows the City to use cooperative purchasing agreements when is in the best interest of the City to do so. The City is one of over 50,000 member agencies of Sourcewell (formally known as National Joint Powers Alliance, NJPA). Sourcewell conducts national competitive solicitations for common products and is able to obtain greater discounts that the City could obtain on its own. The quote for the Caterpillar 930M is Sourcewell pricing and extends the total cost of $214,050 over 48-month lease period at
5.75% fixed interest rate, with an annual payment of $41,281.80, and a final payment at the end of the lease period of $84,720.
Although the idea to invest in alternatively powered vehicles and assets is ideal, staff conducted research and confirmed with suppliers that electric loaders are prototypes in concept design and are not readily available to purchase in the United States for the 4 to 5-ton class equipment.
21.1 FISCAL IMPACT: There are sufficient funds in the Public Works Fleet Fund (Fund 811) for the lease payment of the Caterpillar 930M wheel loader at $41,281.80 per year. The total lease to purchase cost of the equipment is $214,050, with a final balloon payment of $84,720 at the end of the 48-month period. The Mechanical Maintenance Fund is an internal services account where actual equipment expenditures are charged out to activities in various funds based on usage and need. The General Fund impact is based on the usage of the asset user at $62.50/hour in FY 2023. The cost allocation will be distributed to various funds and activities based on use.
Prepared By:
Christina Alberti
Management Analyst
Submitted By:
Mark R. Dettle
Director of Public Works
Approved By:
Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. QUOTE.PDF
21.2 Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
Finance Proposal
Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
C U S T O M E R
Name: CITY OF SANTA CRUZ
Address 1125 RIVER ST, SUITE 100 Good if:
City SANTA CRUZ Acknowledged by Sep-10-2022
State CA Funded by Sep-10-2022
PETERSON TRACTOR CO.
D E A L E R
Quote number 4428839
Sales person Enzweiler H370, Dirk Fax Number
Dealer contact Quote Date 11-Aug-22
Telephone Quote Time 03:40:26 PM
F I N A N C E P R O P O S A L
This is Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation's confirmation of the following finance proposal. This is a proposal only and is subject to credit approval, execution of documentation, and execution and approval of the application survey.
Finance Type Governmental Lease Quoted By Tyler Crow
Number of Payments 48 Monthly Report Created By Luis Lester Payments in Arrears
Model
Ann.
Hours Qty Sale Price
Amount
Financed Payment Balloon
Fixed
Rate
New 930M 500 1 214,050.00 214,550.00 See Amort. Schedule 84,720.00 5.7500% Special Conditions:
930M
Serial Number - , Model Year - 2022, Standard Environment; Major Attachments-Air Conditioning, Cab, Ride Control, Tires; Blades/Buckets/Rippers-Quick Coupler, Autolube, General Purpose Bucket; Manual Configuration and Work Tools:
Payment Structure – Asset
48 Monthly payment(s) 3,440.15
1 Stub payment(s) 84,720.00
Model Insurance
Payment
w/Insurance
New 930M 104.48 Amort. Sch.
The estimate for insurance is provided through Caterpillar Insurance Company (Provided by Westchester Insurance Company in Rhode Island) and is not an offer to contract for insurance.
C O N D I T I O N S
Insurance: The customer must provide evidence of physical damage and liability insurance in an amount and from an insurance carrier satisfactory to CFSC. CFSC must be named on the policies, as loss payee and additional insured, as applicable, and a certificate of insurance, in form and substance acceptable to CFSC, must be provided to CFSC.
Taxes: All taxes are the responsibility of the customer and may or may not be included in the above payment amount.
Equipment: The equipment cannot be delivered until all documents are executed by CFSC. All equipment must reside in the United States at all times.
Approval: This proposal is subject to, among other things, final pricing, credit approval and document approval by CFSC.
The terms and conditions outlined herein are not all-inclusive and are based upon information provided to date. This proposal may be withdrawn or modified by Lessor at anytime. This proposal does not represent an offer or commitment by CFSC to enter into a transaction or to provide financing and does not create any obligation for CFSC. A commitment to enter into the transaction described herein may only be extended by CFSC after this transaction has been approved by all appropriate credit and other authorities within CFSC.
Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation
2120 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203
(615)-341-1000
21.3 We appreciate the opportunity to provide you a proposal for this transaction.
Proposed by: Acknowledged by:
Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation CITY OF SANTA CRUZ Date
21.4 City Council
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 08/31/2022
AGENDA OF: 09/13/2022
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
SUBJECT: Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11 Grant Applications (PW)
RECOMMENDATION: Motion to authorize the City Manager to apply for, accept, and appropriate funds from the California Department of Transportation Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 11 for the projects proposed in this report.
BACKGROUND: The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is a core federal-aid program to States for the purpose of achieving a significant reduction in fatalities and serious injuries on all public roads. California's Local HSIP focuses on infrastructure projects with nationally recognized crash reduction factors (CRFs). The HSIP program includes two categories: a Benefit/Cost (B/C) approach that utilizes collision history and data driven countermeasure solutions, and a set-aside that focuses on core areas that the state is seeking to improve, including pedestrian safety and rural road safety. For the B/C category, HSIP projects must be identified on the basis of crash experience, crash potential, crash rate, or other datasupported means. Benefit/Cost (B/C) analysis is the key factor for funding through HSIP.
Applications submitted must have a minimum B/C ratio of 3.5 to be considered in the selection process. This cycle, the HSIP set aside component includes pedestrian crossing enhancements as an eligible set aside.
This year, the HSIP program requires that a submitting jurisdiction have an approved Local Roadway Safety Plan (LRSP) or equivalent document. The City of Santa Cruz (City) has an approved LRSP, which is the guiding document for the proposed projects in this cycle. Many jurisdictions that would normally apply to this program do not have an approved LRSP document, and as such, the City anticipates that the program is less competitive than in prior years. As a result, the City plans to submit for multiple projects.
These project concepts were reviewed at the June 27, 2022 Transportation and Public Works Commission (TPWC) meeting for feedback. At that time, staff proposed very preliminary projects in order to get feedback with sufficient time to prepare the application. Staff had initially proposed an additional project for priority sidewalk repairs, but upon working through the data, this project had a non-competitive benefit/cost ratio and will not be submitted.
DISCUSSION: For HSIP Cycle 11, the City plans to submit for the following projects:
1. Unsignalized Crossing Improvement Project
22.1 The selection of the Unsignalized Crossing Improvement Project is based upon collision history, the LRSP, and community feedback generated as part of the Active Transportation Plan and other outreach events. These locations are supported by Emphasis Areas 1, 2, and 3 in the LRSP.
The following locations will include intersection improvements, with treatments that may include daylighting (parking removal), bulbouts, crosswalk improvements, lighting, and rectangular rapid flashing beacons (RRFB):
1. Soquel/Poplar (24 Hour Fitness/Staff of Life)
2. Front/Trader Joes
3. Bay/Senior Housing (Between California and Columbia)
4. High/Cardiff
5. Morrissey/Melrose
6. West Cliff/Manor
7. Western/Mountain
8. Murray/Mott
9. Frederick/Gault (La Posada)
10. Hanover/Darwin (Branciforte Library)
11. Woodrow/Naglee (Garfield Library)
12. Market/Hubbard
13. Market/Emeline
14. Market/Grant
15. Market/Avalon
16. Seabright/Watson
17. Seabright/Clinton
18. Seabright/Windsor
19. Seabright/Gault
20. Delaware/Santa Cruz
21. Delaware/Centennial
22. Delaware/Bethany Curve
23. Broadway/Cayuga
24. Broadway/Pennsylvania
25. Broadway/Pine
26. Broadway/Caledonia
27. Broadway/Ocean View
28. Walnut/California
2. Bay and Laurel Corridors
This project is based upon the recommendations of the LRSP. On the Bay Corridor, this includes protected bikeways between Escalona and Nobel/Iowa, speed feedback signs, possible lighting, and an improved pedestrian facility. This builds upon the work the Public Works team currently has underway that the TPWC has supported. If this application is successful, it would fund a more robust project than our current local dollars are able to fund on their own.
The Laurel Corridor has long been a top collision location in the city limits of Santa Cruz. While the Public Works team has used many methods to attempt to remedy this collision history, this remains a corridor with distressingly high collisions for multimodal users. This project will use select recommendations from the LRSP and consider the Laurel Corridor from Front to
22.2 California. Treatments include improved sight distance, enhanced bike lanes, daylighting (parking removal), and striping improvements.
This application is in alignment with and will assist to implement components of the General Plan, Health in All Policies, and Climate Action Plan. The General Plan calls for a “citywide interconnected system of safe, inviting, and accessible pedestrian ways and bikeways” (Goal M4). The Climate Action Plan includes¬¬ the transportation objective to meet an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050 will be accomplished largely by providing lowcarbon transportation options that rival the efficiency and safety of the automobile. This project supports Health in All Policies by improving safety for all roadway users, thereby reducing collisions. This project will help to achieve these General Plan, Health in All Policies, and Climate Action Plan goals by increasing safety for non-motorized users and making Santa Cruz an easier, more connected place to move about using active modes.
FISCAL IMPACT: The projects are 90% state funded and require a 10% local match. The local match for the Bay and Laurel Corridor project will come from dedicated Measure D. The local match for the Unsignalized Crossing Improvement Project will come from Transportation Development Act (TDA).
Prepared By:
Claire Gallogly, AICP
Transportation Planner
Submitted By:
Mark R. Dettle
Director of Public Works
Approved By:
Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. LRSP EMPHASIS AREAS.PDF
2. BAY CORRIDOR LRSP RECOMMENDATIONS.PDF
3. LAUREL CORRIDOR LRSP RECOMMENDATIONS.PDF
22.3 45 | Prepared by: …………………….. …………………..
EMPHASIS AREAS
Emphasis Area 1: Improving Visibility and Lighting
Description:
Visibility is an important factor in roadway safety that benefits drivers and active transportation users. Improving roadway visibility includes installing and/or maintaining street lighting, retroreflective backplates on signals and signs, and roadway striping. Between 2015-2019, of the 2,496 total collisions, 691 occurred while it was dark with streetlights, 97 occurred while it was dark with no streetlights, and 18 collisions took place at dark with streetlights not functioning. Of these dark condition collisions, 130 collisions involved a pedestrian or bicyclist. As the City expands and encourage active transportation use, it is important to make infrastructure improvements that ensure all roadway user safety at all times of the day.
DATA
FINDING
Out of the 943 collisions not occurring during daylight, the most common type of collision is hit object collisions (25%). Aside from the improvements to the safety of active transportation users, improved lighting and visibility can significantly reduce the number of collisions that result in some form of property damage.
Goals:
x Improve, enhance, or install intersection and segment lighting throughout the City.
Strategies:
x Incorporate other visibility improvements:
o Retroreflective backplates on signals and signs
o Retroreflective poles
o Retroreflective warning signs on curved roadways
o High visibility marked crosswalks
o Pedestrian crossing warning signs at pedestrian dense locations o Advanced stop bars
o Curb extensions and/or curb bulb-outs where feasible
22.4 46 | Prepared by: …………………….. …………………..
Emphasis Area 2: Reduce Aggressive Driving Behavior
Description:
The Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) describes aggressive driving as speeding or driving too fast for roadway conditions, tailgating, and other forms of reckless driving maneuvers such as weaving through traffic. Aggressive driving often includes instances where drivers disobey or run traffic signals and signs. Under the SHSP a collision may be deemed as an aggressive driving collision if any of the aforementioned criteria are documented but not necessarily the primary collision factor. In the past five years, there have been 447 collisions attributed to aggressive driving, eight of which resulted in a serious injury. Of these aggressive driving collisions, 346 (77%) were a result of unsafe speed, 70 (15%) were related to traffic signal and sign violation, and 31 (7%) were a result of following too closely. Nearly half of the aggressive driving collisions (201 in total) were rear-end collisions with the second highest collision type being broadside collisions at a total of 69.
DATA FINDING The City and its safety partners identified aggressive driving as a safety concern. Nearly 20% of all collisions in the City of Santa Cruz are related to aggressive driving.
Goals:
x Reduce annual aggressive driving collisions
Strategies:
x Evaluate use of Flashing Yellow Arrow for left turns at permissive signalized intersections x Install speed warning signs at “high risk” intersections x Implement advanced dilemma zone detection
x Consider the use of geometric roadway changes to reduce speeding x Develop a public outreach campaign or expand the existing Street Smarts campaign to coincide with other jurisdictions’ efforts to raise awareness about speeding and aggressive driving x Conduct routine speed surveys to keep speed limits current and enforceable x Enforce legislation that specifically penalizes aggressive driving x Target key intersections and road segments and review striping and signage through roadway safety assessments x Organize targeted education campaign on safety problems at ͆high risk͇ intersections x Additional focused traffic enforcement presence using an equity lens
22.5 47 | Prepared by: …………………….. …………………..
Emphasis Area 3: Improve Traffic Safety for Vulnerable Roadway Users Including the Unhoused Population
Description:
There are many pedestrians and bicyclists, especially those in the unhoused population, throughout the City that need appropriate infrastructure to safely use the roadway system. The City of Santa Cruz has outlined policies for complete streets and has developed an Active Transportation Plan to improve and maintain multi-modal street designs. These policies will ensure that street and highway designs further the goal of providing safe and efficient mobility for all users of the city.
Throughout the City, updates to active transportation facilities such as high visibility crosswalks, bike paths, intersection control, and speed controls can help provide a safe and comfortable environment for people walking and biking. Of the 448 collisions in which at least one pedestrian or bicyclist was involved, 19 resulted in serious injuries and 7 resulted in a fatality.
DATA FINDING
About 18% of the total collisions in the City involves at least one bicyclist or pedestrian. Of the 319 pedestrian involved collisions, 230 occurred where the pedestrian was crossing at a designated marked crossing.
Goals:
x Reduce the number of fatal and serious injury collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists, with an additional focus area on unhoused populations
Strategies:
x Provide outreach, education and enforcement to encourage more separation between vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
x Incorporate safer crossings by:
o High visibility marked crosswalks
o Advanced stop bars
o Pedestrian countdown signals with lead pedestrian intervals at signalized intersections o Reduce pedestrian crossing distance, including treatments such as median refuge islands, curb extensions and/or curb bulb-outs
o Installing midblock crossings at pedestrian dense locations: schools, shopping, beach access, etc. where feasible
x Provide advance signing and wayfinding
x Provide dedicated pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure to and from bus stops
22.6 48 | Prepared by: …………………….. …………………..
x Install adequate street lighting
x Widen street shoulders
x Provide signage (e.g., pedestrian crossing ahead) to help drivers expect to slow down for pedestrians and bikes x Install bicycle storage facilities in public areas, such as the beach, City Hall, schools and parks and in other public facilities in order to encourage bicycle use
x Work with County Public Health partners to implement additional traffic safety outreach to unhoused populations x Support bicycle facilities providing a dedicated right-of-way for the sole use of bicyclists where feasible
POTENTIAL
IMPROVEMENT
LOCATION
The top locations for collisions involving bicycles and pedestrians are along Laurel Street and Front Street. The City can consider doing a vulnerable roadway users education campaign along these streets to help pedestrians and bicyclists navigate these roadways safely. In addition, the City can consider improving active transportation infrastructure and visibility along these streets, supplementing those done on Laurel Street in 2015.
INFRASTRUCTURE TOOLBOX
The following sections provide more information on potential safety measures that might address conditions that were observed to contribute to collision activity in the City. This includes information on Crash Modification Factors, improvements and countermeasures identified for Santa Cruz, as well as for specific projects and locations identified as part of this analysis.
Countermeasure Selection Process
Crash Modification Factors
Part D of the HSM provides information on Crash Modification Factors (CMF) for roadway segments, intersections, interchanges, special facilities, and road networks.
CMF’s are used to estimate the safety effects of highway improvements and apply CMFs to compare and select highway safety improvements. A CMF less than 1.0 indicates that a treatment has the potential to reduce collisions. A CMF greater than 1.0 indicates that a treatment has the potential to increase collisions. The application of an appropriate CMF can influence the decision to implement a particular project, while the misapplication of CMFs can lead to poor decisions. Key factors to consider when applying CMFs include:
1. Selection of an appropriate CMF
2. Estimation of collisions without treatment
3. Application of CMFs by type and severity, and
4. Estimation of the combined effect for multiple treatments
22.7 60 | Prepared by: …………………….. …………………..
4. Bay Corridor (from Nobel Drive to Escalona Drive)
Bay from Nobel Drive to Escalona Drive is an arterial road with a history of collisions involving bicyclists and collisions occurring while it is dark. This corridor is frequently used by transit vehicles serving the campus. Dense vegetation in the center ravine and on both side of the roads pose sight distant and lighting issues, especially to high speed traffic and the existing Class II bike lane. In addition, the horizontal and vertical curvature of the road is also significant between Nobel Drive and Escalona Drive.
Countermeasures at this location are focused on improving mobility and comfort for bicyclists by reducing vehicle speeds and improving and addressing lighting issues. All citywide countermeasure opportunities apply at this location, as well as a few more shown in Figure 25. These include complete street improvements such as narrowing lane widths and installing Class IV bicycle lanes, as well as adding retroreflective edge markers, installing advanced warning signage, and installing sidewalks. Table 13 shows the benefits and costs for each of these site-specific countermeasures. The City also has plans to analyze volumes and roadway capacity along this corridor.
Table 13. Bay Corridor (from Nobel Drive to Escalona Drive) Benefit-Cost Countermeasure CMF
Expected
Life
(Years)
Collisions
Prevented Benefit Estimated Cost B/C
Install advanced warning signage 0.85 10 1.95 $1,641,962 $8,909 184.3 Install reflective edge markers 0.85 10 7.80 $1,641,962 $19,921 82.4 Add segment lighting 0.65 20 18.20 $3,831,244 $1,679,994 2.3 Install back-plates with retroreflective borders on
existing signal hardware 0.85 10 0.45 $23,940 $34,923 0.7 Narrow lane width Varies; Requires further evaluation
Install Class IV bike lanes Varies; Requires further evaluation Install traditional sidewalks along both sides of
roadway Varies; Requires further evaluation
22.8 61 | Prepared by: ………………
Figure 25. Bay Corridor (from Nobel Drive to Escalona Drive) Countermeasure Opportunities
22.9 66 | Prepared by: …………………….. …………………..
7. Laurel Street Corridor (from Washington Street to Front Street) Laurel Street from Washington Street to Front is an arterial road with high intersection density and a history of collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists, sideswipes, and rear-ends, as well as collisions occurring while it is dark. There are Class II bike lane and busy on-street parking along the stretch near Washington Street. There are some opportunities to improve right-turn sight distance from minor streets onto Laurel Street. At Front Street and Laurel intersection, there are opportunities to improve bicycle safety, address issues with speeds, and roadway offset toward the bridge.
Countermeasures at this location are focused on reducing speeds and addressing lighting issues. All citywide countermeasure opportunities apply at this location, as well as a few more shown in Figure 28. These include improving all-red and all-yellow phase signal timing at Laurel Street and Front Street, installing raised pavement markers, extending the green bicycle lanes, and install a rectangular rapid flashing beacon at Laurel Street and Washington Street. Table 16 shows the benefits and costs for each of these site-specific countermeasures.
Table 16. Laurel Street Corridor (from Washington Street to Front Street) Benefit-Cost Countermeasure CMF
Expected
Life
(Years)
Collisions
Prevented Benefit Estimated Cost B/C
Improve signal timing (all-red and all-yellow
phases) at Front Street
0.45 20 55.00 $6,952,889 $9,545 728.4
Install raised pavement markers and striping 0.90 10 28.80 $3,323,607 $14,165 234.6 Extend Bike Lane Green Paint Striping 0.61 10 32.76 $9,555,796 $165,566 57.7 Install Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon at
Washington Street 0.65 10 9.80 $947,386 $133,636 7.1
Lighting Assessment Study Varies; Requires further evaluation Improve right-turn lane sight distance at Cedar
Street Varies; Requires further evaluation
22.10 67 | Prepared by: ………………
Figure 28. Laurel Street Corridor (from Washington Street to Front Street) Countermeasure Opportunities
22.11 City Council
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 08/31/2022
AGENDA OF: 09/13/2022
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
SUBJECT: Wastewater Treatment Facility UV Disinfection System Replacement Project (c401504) – Notice of Completion (PW)
RECOMMENDATION: Motion to accept the work of GSE Construction Company, Inc. (Livermore, CA) and authorize the filling of the Notice of Completion for Wastewater Treatment Facility UV Disinfection System Replacement Project (c401504).
BACKGROUND: The City of Santa Cruz Wastewater Treatment Facility first began operating an ultraviolet (UV) disinfection system in 1997. This system is the final process to clean and disinfect wastewater at the facility before it is conveyed trough the ocean outfall. Due to its age, maintenance had become increasingly frequent and replacement parts have become harder to obtain on the original system. The Wastewater Treatment Facility UV System Project replaced the system installed in 1997 with a more energy efficient and reliable UV disinfection system. At its February 11, 2020 meeting, City Council approved the authorization to advertise this project and authorized the City Manager to execute the contract. On April 13, 2020 the project was awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, GSE Construction Company, Inc.
Construction began on July 22, 2020 and included demolition of the existing UV disinfection system, modifications to the existing concrete channel to accommodate new system, and installation of the UV disinfection equipment and associated electrical equipment.
DISCUSSION: The work for this project is now complete. The project has been inspected by staff and Carollo Engineers who acted on the City’s behalf as construction manager and found to be completed in accordance with the plans and specifications.
FISCAL IMPACT: The total project cost was $3,597,524. This project was funded a Capital Investment Program (CIP) project (WWTF – Ultraviolet Disinfection System Replacement (c401504). There is no impact to the General Fund.
Prepared By:
Katie Stewart
Associate Professional
Engineer
Submitted By:
Mark R. Dettle
Director of Public Works
Approved By:
Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. NOTICE OF COMPLETION.DOCX
23.1 Notice of Completion (Revised Oct 2021)
(Space above for Recorder’s use only)
This instrument is being recorded for the benefit of the City of Santa Cruz.
No recording fee is required pursuant to Government Code § 27383.
NOTICE OF COMPLETION
(CA Civil Code Sections 8102 and 9204)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT:
The undersigned is an authorized representative of the owner of the interest or estate stated below.
1. The Owner’s Name and Address. The Project owner is the City of Santa Cruz, a municipal corporation (the “City”). The City’s mailing address is 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz, California 95060. The City of Santa Cruz has the following interest in the subject Property described below: City Property
2. Project Title and Number. The full name of the work of improvement/public works project (the “Project”) which is the subject of this Notice of Completion is: Wastewater Treatment Facility UV Disinfection System Replacement (c401504)
3. Nature of Work Performed on the Property or Materials Furnished for the City. The Project consisted of work described as: Installed new ultraviolet disinfection system at the wastewater treatment facility
4. The general site location description or address (the “Property”) of the public improvement is located at: 110 California St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
5. Name and Address of Contractor. The Contractor on the Project is: GSE Construction Company, Inc. 7633 Southfront Road, Suite 160, Livermore CA 94551
6. Date of Completion. The Project on the Property was completed on: July 29, 2022
7. The filing of this Notice of Completion was authorized by the Santa Cruz City Council Minute Order on Tuesday, September 13, 2022
DATE: ___________________
Mark Dettle
Director of Public Works, City of Santa Cruz
RECORDED AT THE REQUEST OF:
City of Santa Cruz, Public Works
Attn: Katie Stewart
WHEN RECORDED MAIL TO:
City Clerk’s Department
809 Center Street, Room 9
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
23.2 City Council
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 08/31/2022
AGENDA OF: 09/13/2022
DEPARTMENT: Water
SUBJECT: Water Supply Augmentation Planning (WT)
RECOMMENDATION: Motion authorizing the City Manager to execute Fourth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement for Phase 2 Recycled Water Facility Planning Study in the amount of $358,282 with Kennedy Jenks Consultants (San Francisco, CA) in a form to be approved by the City Attorney.
BACKGROUND: In October 2015, the citizen-led Water Supply Advisory Committee (WSAC) reached consensus among its 14 members and recommended a strategy to deliver longterm water supply security to the City of Santa Cruz water customers by 2025. The strategy included the following three water supply alternatives:
1) strengthened water conservation to reduce demand
2) groundwater storage through water transfers, exchanges and/or aquifer storage and recovery (ASR)
3) advanced treated recycled water or desalinated water The WSAC agreed the alternatives should be analyzed simultaneously so that by 2018 either recycled water or desalination would be prioritized in terms of ongoing study (completed) and by 2020 a selection of one or more projects would be recommended for implementation (completed).
Significant progress has been made on the strategies recommended by the WSAC and approved by City Council as summarized below.
• Water demand objectives have been met through implementation of a variety of conservation measures and other externalities influencing water use (e.g., water use restrictions that, once lifted, did not result in rebounded water use);
• Full scale ASR is occurring at two existing groundwater wells in the Mid County Groundwater Basin (MCGB);
• Ongoing partnership with Soquel Creek Water District to explore water transfers and exchanges;
• New partnership with Scotts Valley Water District to explore the potential for water transfer and exchange opportunities that will be available with the construction of the grant-funded intertie between the two agencies;
24.1 • Completion and approval of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) for the MCGB and submission of the GSP for the Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency; • Award of grant funding for new ASR in the MCGB;
• Securing our Water Future initiative being vetted with the Water Commission with the intention to bring a policy recommendation to City Council in November 2022, setting the framework for long-term implementation of water supply augmentation initiatives to meet WSAC water security and reliability goals;
• Water Supply Augmentation Implementation Plan is developing the detailed design and cost estimates for feasible water supply projects, incorporating the climate change work being performed by University of Massachusetts Amherst staff.
City Council authorized execution of an agreement with Kennedy Jenks at the November 26, 2019 meeting to advance the recycled water alternatives within the context of the WSAC alternatives analysis. Amendments were authorized in May 2020 to include climate modeling, in June 2020 to incorporate clarifying language for the purpose of accounting and reporting requirements for a potential grant (that was not received); and in February 2022 to broaden the suite of water supply alternatives given in part the advancements made by Soquel Creek Water District with their Pure Water Soquel project.
DISCUSSION: As described in the attached scope of work, this Fourth Amendment adds effort related to the climate change modeling and related vulnerability assessments, as well as an economic analysis of the cost to the community of varying degrees of water shortages. More specifically:
• Assessing the resiliency and vulnerability of the City Water Supply System under varying climate and weather model generated conditions, to evaluate the impact of different water supply augmentation strategies as adaptation measures – led by subconsultant University of Massachusetts (UMass)
• Performing an economic analysis of the cost to the city and the served community associated with potential future water supply shortfalls, with a specific focus on potential Stage 3, 4, and 5 levels of curtailment. This economic analysis would allow for a comparison with the costs of water supply that can be provided by the different water supply alternatives considered for the City’s portfolio.
As with all work related to the Department’s Water Supply Augmentation Strategy work plan, this work will be vetted through the Water Commission and is scheduled for completion December 2024. (Note that other supply augmentation initiatives, like ASR, will continue on a parallel course that will likely continue to include added water supply.) FISCAL IMPACT: Funds are available in the Water Department Capital Investment Program FY 2023 budgets, c701611 Recycled Water Feasibility Study, c701612 Recycled Water Feasibility Study – SDC, and c701705 Water Supply Augmentation.
24.2 Prepared By:
Heidi R. Luckenbach
Deputy Water
Director/Engineering Manager
Submitted By:
Rosemary Menard
Water Director
Approved By:
Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. FOURTH AMENDMENT .PDF
24.3 City of Santa Cruz Fourth Amendment to Professional Services Agreement for Phase 2 Recycled Water Feasibility Planning Study
September 2022 Page 1
FOURTH AMENDMENT TO PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT FOR PHASE 2 RECYCLED WATER FEASIBILITY PLANNING STUDY
THIS FOURTH AMENDMENT, dated ___________________, (“Fourth Amendment”) TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT dated December 20, 2019, is made by and between the City of Santa Cruz (“City”) and Kennedy/Jenks Consultants, Inc. (“Consultant”).
RECITALS
WHEREAS, City and Consultant have previously entered into that certain Professional Services Agreement (“Agreement”) dated December 20, 2019, which is incorporated by this reference, and WHEREAS, First Amendment was executed May 14, 2020, to incorporate Scope of Work, Schedule and Budget for work related to the development of a Water Supply Augmentation Implementation Plan and Performance of a Water System Resilience Assessment, and WHEREAS, Second Amendment was executed June 30, 2020, to incorporate clarifying language into the Agreement for the purposes of accounting and report requirements for a potential grant award, and WHEREAS, Third Amendment was executed February 11, 2022, to develop an enhanced Water Supply Augmentation Implementation Plan using more comprehensive set of technical data, and WHEREAS, the City is seeking services to support the climate vulnerability assessments, and economic impact analysis of supply shortages, and
WHEREAS, City and Consultant desire to amend the Agreement as specified herein.
AGREEMENT
NOW, THEREFORE, it is agreed between the Parties to incorporate the above Recitals hereto, and that the Agreement is hereby amended as follows:
A. Exhibit A: Scope of Work of the Professional Services Agreement is hereby amended to add Tasks 14 through 17 per Consultant’s letter dated August 29, 2022, which is attached to this Amendment.
B. Exhibit B: Fee Schedule of the Agreement is hereby amended to add $358,282 per page 15 of the Consultant’s letter dated August 29, 2022, which is attached to this Amendment.
C. Exhibit C: Work Schedule of the Agreement is hereby amended to include the WSAIP schedule per page 11 of the Consultant’s letter dated August 29, 2022, which is attached to this Amendment.
Notwithstanding these amended terms of the original Agreement by this Fourth Amendment, all other terms and conditions of the original Professional Services Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
24.4 City of Santa Cruz Fourth Amendment to Professional Services Agreement for Phase 2 Recycled Water Feasibility Planning Study
September 2022 Page 2
Each party acknowledges that it has reviewed this Fourth Amendment and that the normal rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting party shall not be employed in the interpretation of this Fourth Amendment.
The parties may execute this Fourth Amendment in two or more counterparts, which shall, in the aggregate, be deemed an original but all of which, together, shall constitute one and the same instrument. A scanned, electronic, facsimile or other copy of a party’s signature shall be accepted and valid as an original.
The signatories to this Fourth Amendment warrant and represent that each is authorized to execute this Third Amendment and that their respective signatures serve to legally obligate their respective representatives, agents, successors and assigns to comply with the provisions of this Fourth Amendment.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City and the Consultant have executed this Fourth Amendment effective as of the date shown above.
Approved As To Form:
By: _____________________________ Date: __________________ City Attorney
KENNEDY/JENKS INC
By: _____________________________ Date: __________________ Printed: _________________________ Title: _________________________ CITY OF SANTA CRUZ WATER DEPARTMENT:
By: _____________________________ Date: __________________ Rosemary Menard, Water Director
Technical Review By:
By: _____________________________ Date: __________________ Heidi R Luckenbach,
Deputy Water Director / Engineering Manager
CITY OF SANTA CRUZ:
By: _____________________________ Date: __________________ Matt Huffaker, City Manager
24.5 275 Battery Street, Suite 550
San Francisco, California 94111
415-243-2150
29 August 2022
Heidi Luckenbach
Santa Cruz Water Department
212 Locust St., Suite C
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Subject: Recycled Water Feasibility Study (RWFS) – Phase 2 Amendment #4 to Purchase Order #91-20033
Dear Ms. Luckenbach,
Kennedy Jenks (KJ) is under a Professional Services Agreement with the City of Santa Cruz (City) to perform a Phase 2 Recycled Water Feasibility Study (Phase 2 RWFS). KJ’s contract for the Phase 2 RWFS effort was effective in December 2019. The work was amended in May 2020, June 2020 and in February 2022, to include technical support for:
1) Developing a Water Supply Augmentation Implementation Plan (WSAIP) in support of the City’s Water Supply Augmentation Strategy (WSAS) – led by subconsultant Raucher, LLC. 2) Assessing the resiliency and vulnerability of the City Water Supply System under varying climate and weather model generated conditions, to evaluate the impact of different water supply augmentation strategies as adaptation measures – led by subconsultant University of Massachusetts (UMass).
3) Expanding the technical evaluations to develop a comprehensive WSAIP that would compare alternative water supply options to determine which alternative or combination thereof provides a resilient and reliable water supply portfolio for the City to meet water demands during changing climatic conditions. The WSAIP will incorporate the findings from efforts from the RWFS Phase 2, as well as other work being developed by the City and/or under separate contracts with others.
This fourth amendment is intended to expand the WSAIP by incorporating an economic analysis of the cost to the city and the served community associated with potential future water supply shortfalls, with a specific focus on potential Stage 3,4, and 5 levels of curtailment. This economic analysis would allow for a comparison with the costs of water supply that can be provided by the different water supply alternatives considered for the City’s portfolio.
Exhibit A
24.6 Heidi Luckenbach
Santa Cruz Water Department
29 August 2022
\\kjc.local\kjc-Root\KJ-Office\SFO\Projects\PW-Proj\2016\1668007.01_SantaCruzRWFPS_Phase2\01-PreJobInfo\1.02_Amendments\Amendment No.4 WSAIPSOWF\SantaCruz_Amendment4_LetterScope_8.31.22.docx This amendment also includes expanding the assessment of the City’s Water Supply System by modeling the water supply augmentation alternatives and evaluating the benefits of those alternatives in reducing potential water shortages under different climate conditions. The modeling support would allow to evaluate combinations of water supply alternatives with different timelines of implementation to support the development of adaptable water supply portfolios that can be implemented by the City in phases, based on observed climate conditions. The model results would allow to define “trigger” points for the different portfolio combinations to support the City with decision making on which water supply alternatives to implement under changing conditions (climate conditions, population growth, and regulatory requirements, among others).
Authorized work under Purchase Order #91-20033, effective on December 20, 2019, included the following nine tasks:
Task 1 – 2018 RWFS Overview
Task 2 – Recycled Water Regulatory Update
Task 3 – Phase 2 Alternatives Development and Analysis Task 4 – Coordination with Aquifer Storage and Recovery Project Task 5 – RWFS Phase 2
Task 6 – Project Management and Program Coordination
Task 7 – As-Requested Services
Amendment #1 authorized, signed on May 14, 2020, the following three tasks Task 7.1 – WSAIP Coordination and Support (KJ)
Task 8 – Triple Bottom Line (TBL) Based Assessment (Raucher, LLC) Task 9 – Vulnerability Assessment and Adaption Planning (HG) Amendment #2, signed on June 24, 2020, did not amend the scope of work or fee schedule, but specified miscellaneous provisions for project recordkeeping.
Amendment #3 authorized, signed on February 11, 2022, the following three tasks Task 10 – WSAIP Project Management and Program Coordination Task 11 – WSAIP Technical Tasks
Task 12 – ASR Technical Tasks
Task 13 – WSAIP Implementation Plan
This Amendment #4 includes the following tasks:
Task 14 – Vulnerability and Economic Assessment Program Management Task 15 – Economic Analysis of Water Shortages
Task 16 – Vulnerability Assessment - Alternatives Analysis Task 17 – Vulnerability Assessment & WSAIP/SOWF Support
24.7 Heidi Luckenbach
Santa Cruz Water Department
29 August 2022
\\kjc.local\kjc-Root\KJ-Office\SFO\Projects\PW-Proj\2016\1668007.01_SantaCruzRWFPS_Phase2\01-PreJobInfo\1.02_Amendments\Amendment No.4 WSAIPSOWF\SantaCruz_Amendment4_LetterScope_8.31.22.docx Work will be conducted in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Professional Services Agreement, Recycled Water Feasibility Planning Study (RWFS) - Phase 2, with the City of Santa Cruz, Water Department (SCWD) effective 20 December 2019. This work will be authorized as an Amendment #4 to Purchase Order #91-20033.
Amendment #4 Scope of Work
The proposed scope of work for Amendment #4 includes the following tasks:
Task 14 – Vulnerability and Economic Assessment Program Management Program management includes submittal of monthly project status reports and invoices, regular check in calls, internal coordination to keep the project on schedule and budget, development of a project schedule and QA/QC program to be applied throughout the duration of the project. The scope herein assumes a 12-month project extension from the duration assumed under Amendment #3, extending the project completion to December 2024.
14.1 Project Management and Internal Coordination
KJ will provide project management focused on control of project costs, maintaining project schedule requirements, identifying key issues, and delivering quality documents. Project management will include directing the work of the team so that the work is accomplished on time and within budget. This subtask includes project setup for this amendment, the development of a project schedule for added tasks, and internal coordination for the KJ Team.
Weekly meetings and coordination efforts between KJ team and subconsultant teams are included in Task 17.
14.2 Project Status Calls
The scope assumes the following meetings and calls:
Kick off Meeting (virtual) for Amendment #4, including KJ Project Manager (PM), City PM and supporting staff, Subconsultant Project Managers.
Status calls, assume up to 24 1-hour virtual status calls between the KJ PM and/or Engineer and the City PM and supporting staff to discuss current activities and any needs for additional input or information, via conference calls.
KJ will provide conference call-in information and web-desktop sharing for conference calls. The City will provide meeting space for in person meetings (if needed). Supporting team members and/or subconsultants may be invited to participate as-needed. A running-action item list will be developed and updated during each call to keep track of the status of key action items. KJ will provide an agenda and supporting material in advance of the meetings and brief minutes following the meeting.
24.8 Heidi Luckenbach
Santa Cruz Water Department
29 August 2022
\\kjc.local\kjc-Root\KJ-Office\SFO\Projects\PW-Proj\2016\1668007.01_SantaCruzRWFPS_Phase2\01-PreJobInfo\1.02_Amendments\Amendment No.4 WSAIPSOWF\SantaCruz_Amendment4_LetterScope_8.31.22.docx
14.3 City Commission Presentations
The scope assumes KJ team support for the following Commission meetings (or Joint Council/Commission Meetings) with City staff to vet the approach and preliminary findings. Commission Meeting #1: WSAIP Alternative Screening and Climate Vulnerability (June 2023) – The focus will be to present the full suite of alternatives, decision criteria and synergy with the climate vulnerability study and how these components will be evaluated together to identify an Adaptive Water Supply Portfolio.
Commission Meeting #2: WSAIP Alternative Raking and Selection for Adaptive Portfolio (Sep 2023) – The purpose of this workshop is to discuss the ranking of alternatives and develop a portfolio of projects to move forward to address the City’s water supply gap Commission Meeting #3: WSAIP Alternatives Scoring and Adaptive Portfolio Pathways (April 2024) – The focus will be to present the results of the alternatives ranking and the Adaptive Water Supply Portfolio and the roadmap for implementation. Commission Meeting #4: WSAIP Draft Report (Sep 2024) – The Draft Report will be presented at the Commission or Joint Commission/Council meeting to summarize the study outcomes and next steps for implementation of the Adaptive Water Supply Portfolio.
Commission meetings are assumed to be 2-hours in duration, with more formal presentations of results and/or outcomes and will be attended virtually by the KJ PM and one more technical staff (depending on the focus topic). KJ will provide an agenda, slides and supporting materials in advance of the meetings for the City’s review, with post-meeting minutes.
14.4 Monthly Reporting and Invoices
Communications with the City will include monthly project status reports describing the work accomplished and status of the budget and schedule. The scope assumes a 12-month contract duration extension for a completion by December 2024. This task assumes submittal of additional 12 status reports and invoices beyond the prior effort scoped. The monthly project status reports will describe the following, as-appropriate:
Description of work performed, and milestones achieved, Actual cost separated by task,
Updated schedule
KJ will continue using the same monthly project status reports and invoice templates as used so far for this contract.
14.5 Quality Assurance/Quality Control
Quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) activities are integrated into KJ’s project management system from project inception, through execution to final document submission. KJ uses experienced senior staff, familiar with, but not directly involved in the project work, to provide QA/QC review of
24.9 Heidi Luckenbach
Santa Cruz Water Department
29 August 2022
\\kjc.local\kjc-Root\KJ-Office\SFO\Projects\PW-Proj\2016\1668007.01_SantaCruzRWFPS_Phase2\01-PreJobInfo\1.02_Amendments\Amendment No.4 WSAIPSOWF\SantaCruz_Amendment4_LetterScope_8.31.22.docx work products and project deliverables. All submittals and deliverables from subconsultants and KJ will be reviewed by senior engineers prior to submittal to the City.
Task 14 Assumptions:
Project duration extension of 12 months.
Up to 24 status calls (approximately every two to three weeks) with the core City team. Up to 4 Commission Presentations.
Subconsultant time to attend meetings and calls is included in the technical tasks.
Task 14 Deliverables:
Monthly invoices with required backup (Electronic PDF). Monthly progress status reports (Electronic PDF).
Baseline and monthly schedule updates (Electronic PDF). Meeting agendas, supporting materials, and meeting notes (Electronic PDF).
Task 15 – Economic Analysis of Water Shortages
Task 15 will be led by Bob Raucher, Raucher LLC, and performed in coordination with Colleen Donovan and Carolyn Wagner as independent consultants. This task will provide an assessment of community adverse economic impacts from potential implementation of Stage 3, 4 and 5 water shortage restrictions on the City, as defined by the Water Shortage Contingency Plan (September 2021). The effort will examine economic impacts including:
Direct costs borne by the SCWD, including additional staffing and revenue impacts Direct costs borne by SCWD customers in the form of drought cost recovery fees and penalties for water use greater than allotments
Direct costs on the hospitality sector and other key business entities from the likely restrictions imposed at each water curtailment stage
Indirect and induced economic impacts across all relevant sectors of the local economy arising from the direct impacts, including losses in economic output, jobs, and tax revenues.
Task 15 is divided into the following subtasks with key deliverables as described in Table 1, which are described in greater detail in Attachment A.
24.10 Heidi Luckenbach
Santa Cruz Water Department
29 August 2022
\\kjc.local\kjc-Root\KJ-Office\SFO\Projects\PW-Proj\2016\1668007.01_SantaCruzRWFPS_Phase2\01-PreJobInfo\1.02_Amendments\Amendment No.4 WSAIPSOWF\SantaCruz_Amendment4_LetterScope_8.31.22.docx Table 1: Task 15 Subtasks and Deliverables
Task/Subtask Deliverable
Task 15 – Economic Analysis of Water Shortages
15.1: Contract and Work Management
Invoice with status report and purchase of
IMPLAN model
15.2: Economic Data Gathering and Evaluation Summary of Economic Data and findings
15.3: Economic Impact Analysis IMPLAN model results
15.4: Economic Analysis Technical Memorandum TM Economic Analysis Task 15 Assumptions:
City will provide access to previous water supply economic studies, data regarding additional staff and associated resource needs for different curtailment levels, revenue impacts from different curtailment levels, penalties and fees charged to customers using water above allotment, and other economic considerations to be used as input for the model. Attending and preparing materials for 4, 1hr virtual meetings with City and Water Department representatives to discuss data to be used and economic analysis scenarios to be evaluated. Attending and preparing materials for 2, 2hr virtual Water Commission Presentations. A draft and a final technical memorandum will be prepared (electronic word and PDF files). Purchase of IMPLAN model included in budget.
This task is assumed to be completed over 2 months, starting with Notice to proceed for this amendment.
The support provided by Bob Raucher (Raucher LLC) will be covered under the funding for the approved Task 8 of Amendment #1 as part of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) assessment.
Task 15 Deliverables:
Summary table of economic data assumptions, sources and findings used for economic model. Draft Economic Analysis Technical Memorandum (Electronic word, PDF). Final Economic Analysis Technical Memorandum (Electronic word, PDF).
Task 16 – Vulnerability Assessment – Alternatives Analysis Task 16 will be led by Dr. Casey Brown, assisted by his research team from the University of Massachusetts (UMass). The work to be entails three main task areas:
1) Evaluation of water supply concepts in support of the Securing Our Water Future (SOWF) policy development efforts by the City. The adaptation concepts will be modeled to assess how these concepts can reduce potential water supply shortages from the City’s water supply system.
24.11 Heidi Luckenbach
Santa Cruz Water Department
29 August 2022
\\kjc.local\kjc-Root\KJ-Office\SFO\Projects\PW-Proj\2016\1668007.01_SantaCruzRWFPS_Phase2\01-PreJobInfo\1.02_Amendments\Amendment No.4 WSAIPSOWF\SantaCruz_Amendment4_LetterScope_8.31.22.docx 2) Evaluation of water supply alternatives for development of the WSAIP adaptive portfolio, by comparing supply alternatives and integrating alternatives into a portfolio that provides resiliency to the City’s water supply system under varying climatic conditions. 3) Assessment of potential thresholds that could be used by the City to determine when different stages of the water supply portfolio should be initiated.
Task 16 is divided into the following subtasks with key deliverables as described in Table 2, which are described in greater detail in Attachment B.
Table 2: Task 16 Subtasks and Deliverables
Task/Subtask Deliverable
Task 16 - Vulnerability Assessment Alternatives Analysis
16.1 SOWF Alternatives Analysis
Santa Cruz Water System Model (SCWSM) model
simulations for 4 SOWF concepts.
Summary tables of presentation of initial findings to City and Water Commission.
Model Assumptions and results log.
16.2 WSAIP Alternatives Portfolio
Analysis
Santa Cruz Water System Model (SCWSM) model
simulations for 8 WSAIP combination of alternatives
into portfolios.
Summary tables of presentation of initial findings to City and Water Commission.
Model Assumptions and results log.
Assessment of threshold “Trigger Points”
Task 16 Assumptions:
Attending and preparing materials for up to 30 virtual progress check in calls, 1hr duration, with City staff (weekly or biweekly).
Attending and preparing materials for 3, 2hr virtual Water Commission Presentations Up to 8 model simulations under different climate conditions of combinations of water supply alternatives to build water supply portfolios for the City. Summary log of model assumptions and results to be continuously updated. A draft and a final technical memorandum will be prepared (electronic word and PDF files).
Task 16 Deliverables:
Progress check in calls materials and summary result tables (Electronic, PowerPoint) Materials and presentation slides for Water Commission meetings (Electronic, PowerPoint) Summary log of model assumptions and results to be continuously updated. Draft Vulnerability Assessment Technical Memorandum (Electronic word, PDF). Final Vulnerability Assessment Technical Memorandum (Electronic word, PDF).
24.12 Heidi Luckenbach
Santa Cruz Water Department
29 August 2022
\\kjc.local\kjc-Root\KJ-Office\SFO\Projects\PW-Proj\2016\1668007.01_SantaCruzRWFPS_Phase2\01-PreJobInfo\1.02_Amendments\Amendment No.4 WSAIPSOWF\SantaCruz_Amendment4_LetterScope_8.31.22.docx Task 17 – Vulnerability Assessment and SOWF/WSAIP Support Task 17 includes some effort for coordination and technical support by KJ for the work performed by Raucher and UMass under Tasks 15 and 16, integration of the efforts from Tasks 15 and 16 into the WSAIP deliverable (as scoped under Amendment #3), as well as additional support provided to the City for evaluating the water supply concepts for the SOWF policy efforts and the water supply alternatives for the WSAIP.
This task includes the integration of the 4 SOWF concepts evaluated into the development of the WSAIP, and allowance for evaluating additional water supply alternatives variations to be integrated into the City’s water supply portfolio, under the WSAIP deliverable (as scoped under Amendment #3). The potential additional combinations of water supply alternatives to develop water supply portfolios can include variations of Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) alternatives, Indirect Potable Reuse, Direct Potable Reuse or Desalination alternatives.
Task 17.1 – Economic Analysis Comparison with Supply Alternatives KJ will provide input and QA/QC to the deliverables from the economic analysis conducted by Raucher and subconsultant team under Task 15 and integrate these deliverables into the WSAIP deliverable (as scoped under Amendment #3). The economic analysis findings will be used to compare the costs and impacts from water shortages and curtailments for the City with the costs of the different water supply alternatives that are selected for the City’s Water Supply Adaptive Portfolio.
Task 17.1 Assumptions:
Attending 4, 1hr virtual meetings with sub consultant team and City to discuss economic analysis Task 17.1 Deliverables:
Economic Analysis Technical Memorandum incorporated to WSAIP report (developed under task 15).
Task 17.2 – Securing Our Water Future Vulnerability Assessment Support Utilizing the refined screening metrics and decision criteria from input from the City and Water Commission, KJ in collaboration with the UMass team and Raucher, will integrate the findings from the in support of the SOWF policy efforts into the documentation for the WSAIP.
The SOWF concepts evaluated, with ranked criteria per input from the Water Commission, and assessment of the vulnerabilities of the concepts to the City’s water supply, will be documented in the WSAIP and serve as the guidelines for the analysis of subsequent water supply alternatives being
24.13 Heidi Luckenbach
Santa Cruz Water Department
29 August 2022
\\kjc.local\kjc-Root\KJ-Office\SFO\Projects\PW-Proj\2016\1668007.01_SantaCruzRWFPS_Phase2\01-PreJobInfo\1.02_Amendments\Amendment No.4 WSAIPSOWF\SantaCruz_Amendment4_LetterScope_8.31.22.docx evaluated for the WSAIP (as described under Amendment #3). For the SOWF efforts four concepts are being evaluated:
1. Aquifer Storage and Recovery in the Mid County Groundwater Basin
2. Indirect Potable Reuse in the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin
3. Direct Potable Reuse
4. Desalination
Screening tables will be populated with quantitative and qualitative information from the evaluation to provide a transparent approach for evaluating each concept and the potential improvements to the City’s water supply reliability.
Task 17.2 Assumptions:
The development of 4 water supply concepts for SOWF policy efforts. Meetings with UMass and City to evaluate model results for the concepts (up to 12 -1 hr virtual meetings)
Task 17.2 Deliverables:
Summary of model assumptions and results incorporated to WSAIP report (developed under task 16).
Task 17.3 – WSAIP Vulnerability Assessment Support
KJ in collaboration with the UMass team and Raucher, will evaluate up to 4 additional water supply alternatives (additional to the alternatives assumed under Amendment #3) and integrate the findings into the documentation for the WSAIP.
The additional water supply alternatives will be evaluated as portfolio combinations and ranked based on the criteria per input from the Water Commission. These portfolio alternatives will be evaluated under the City’s Water Supply system model to determine the improvements or vulnerabilities of the City water supply system under these adaptation scenarios. The evaluation of these portfolio alternatives and model results will help inform thresholds or trigger points to be used by the City for assessing when a pathway for the water supply implementation plan should be initiated.
Screening tables will be populated with quantitative and qualitative information from the evaluation to provide a transparent approach for evaluating each water supply portfolio combination and the potential improvements to the City’s water supply reliability.
Task 17.3 Assumptions:
The development of 4 water supply portfolio combinations for WSAIP.
24.14 Heidi Luckenbach
Santa Cruz Water Department
29 August 2022
\\kjc.local\kjc-Root\KJ-Office\SFO\Projects\PW-Proj\2016\1668007.01_SantaCruzRWFPS_Phase2\01-PreJobInfo\1.02_Amendments\Amendment No.4 WSAIPSOWF\SantaCruz_Amendment4_LetterScope_8.31.22.docx Meetings with UMass and City to evaluate model results for the alternatives (up to 18 -1 hr virtual meetings)
Task 17.3 Deliverables:
Summary of model assumptions, results and trigger points, incorporated to WSAIP report (developed under task 16).
24.15 Heidi Luckenbach
Santa Cruz Water Department
29 August 2022
\\kjc.local\kjc-Root\KJ-Office\SFO\Projects\PW-Proj\2016\1668007.01_SantaCruzRWFPS_Phase2\01-PreJobInfo\1.02_Amendments\Amendment No.4 WSAIPSOWF\SantaCruz_Amendment4_LetterScope_8.31.22.docx Anticipated Project Schedule
Table 3: Status of Upcoming Work Task Deliverables
Deliverable
Anticipat
ed Start
Date*
Anticipated
End Date Status
Executed Agreement Sep 2022
Notice to Proceed Sep 2022
Data Request Sep 2022
Commission Meeting #1 Jun 2023 WSAIP Alternative Screening and Climate Vulnerability
Commission Meeting #2 Sep 2023 WSAIP Alternative Raking and Selection for Adaptive Portfolio
Commission Meeting #3 Apr 2024 WSAIP Alternatives Scoring and Adaptive Portfolio Pathways
Commission Meeting #4 Sep 2024 Draft WSAIP report presentation Admin Draft WSAIP Sections:
Section 1 – Policy Framework Background WSAC &
SOWF Dec 2022
Summary tables/figures for these
Sections will be presented during
calls/meetings. Anticipated
completion date is for Admin Draft
Sections. Draft and Final will be
included in the WSAIP submittals.
Section 2 – WSAIP Augmentation Concepts Overview Dec 2022 Section 3 – Water Conservation Mar 2023
Section 4 – In Lieu Water Exchanges and Transfers Mar 2023 Section 5 – Aquifer Storage and Recovery Jun 2023
Section 6 – Recycled Water Jun 2023
Section 7 – Desalination Jun 2023
Section 8 – Screening Approach – Threshold Metrics, Decision Criteria and Ranking Aug 2023
Section 9 – Supply Reliability and Climate Vulnerability Sep 2023 Section 10 – Economic Evaluation of Water Shortages Dec 2023 Section 11 – Adaptive Water Supply Portfolio Mar 2024
Section 12 – Water Supply Portfolio Implementation Jun 2024 Draft WSAIP Aug 2024
Final WSAIP Dec 2024
* Actual dates to be confirmed upon NTP. Submittals for sections that are dependent on TMs and studies completed by others under separate contracts may be shifted if necessary.
Exhibit C
24.16 Heidi Luckenbach
Santa Cruz Water Department
29 August 2022
\\kjc.local\kjc-Root\KJ-Office\SFO\Projects\PW-Proj\2016\1668007.01_SantaCruzRWFPS_Phase2\01-PreJobInfo\1.02_Amendments\Amendment No.4 WSAIPSOWF\SantaCruz_Amendment4_LetterScope_8.31.22.docx Budget Modification
To date, project expenditures are within budget and generally track projected cash flow expenditures for the project. A summary of the original scope and budget modification for Amendment #1, and #3 is shown in Table 4. Amendment #2 did not include a budget modification. A detailed fee estimate for Amendment #4, by subtask, is included in Table 5.
24.17 Table 4: Summary of Budget
Tasks Total Est
Hours
Total KJ
Labor Raucher LLC Colleen Donovan Carolyn Wagner Casey Brown, HG Total
Expenses
Total Labor + Sub +
Expenses
Task 1 – 2018 RWFPS Overview 35 $8,315 - - - - $105 $8,420 Task 2 – RW Regulatory Update 26 $5,870 - - - - $78 $5,948 Task 3 – Phase 2 Alternatives Development Analysis 427 $98,955 - - - - $6,231 $105,186 Task 4 – Coordination with ASR Project 46 $12,310 - - - - $138 $12,448 Task 5 – RWFPS Phase 2 236 $50,560 - - - - $1,030 $51,590 Task 6 – PM and Program Coordination 291 $71,410 - - - - $4,998 $76,408 ORIGINAL (Tasks 1 - 6) 1,061 $247,420 $0 $0 $0 $0 $12,580 $260,000 Task 7 – As-Requested Activities 232 $47,400 - - - - $1,961 $49,361 Task 8 - TBL Based Assessment - - $203,500 - - - $0 $203,500 Task 9 - Vulnerability Assessment and Adaption Planning - - - - - $243,344 $0 $243,344 AMENDMENT # 1 (Tasks 7 - 9) 232 $47,400 $203,500 $0 $0 $243,344 $1,961 $496,205 Task 10 – WSAIP PM and Prog Coord. 248 $59,620 - - - - $7,700 $67,320 Task 11 – WSAIP Technical Tasks 241 $51,295 - - - - $4,400 $55,695 Task 12 – ASR Technical Tasks 488 $108,520 - - - - $2,200 $110,720 Task 13 – WSAIP Implementation Plan 528 $114,890 - - - - $1,375 $116,265 AMENDMENT # 3 (Tasks 10-13) 1,505 $334,325 $0 $0 $15,675 $350,000 Task 14 - Vulnerability & Economic Assessment PM 232 $54,517 $0 $54,517 Task 15 - Economic Analysis of Water Shortages $0 $14,025 $15,125 $2,750 $31,900 Task 16 - Vulnerability Assessment - Alternatives Analysis $183,424 $0 $183,424 Task 17 - Vulnerability Assessment Support 418 $88,442 $0 $88,442 AMENDMENT # 4 (Tasks 14-17) 650 $142,958 $0 $14,025 $15,125 $183,424 $2,750 $358,282 Task 1 - 17 Total 3,448 $ 772,103 $ 203,500 $ 14,025 $ 15,125 $ 426,768 $ 32,966 1,464,488
24.18 Closing
We look forward to continuing to work with you to support the City with the development of a WSAIP.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions on this proposal.
Very truly yours,
KENNEDY JENKS
Claudia Dawn Taffler, PE, LEED®
KJ Project Manager KJ Principal-in-Charge
24.19 Table 5: Detailed Fee Estimate
Exhibit B
24.20 24.21
Attachment A
Economic Consequences Analysis of Water Shortage Scenarios for City of Santa Cruz
24.22 1
Scope of Work for:
Economic Consequences Analysis of Water Shortage Scenarios for City of Santa Cruz
30 August 2022
Overview and Objectives
The Santa Cruz Water Department (SCWD, Department) is evaluating several options to enhance the reliability of its water supply in the face of the system’s vulnerability to climate change and other risks. Shortfalls in supply relative to the community’s already hardened demand are anticipated to become more frequent and more severe as the climate continues to change. This proposed work examines the economic cost to the city and the served community associated with potential future water supply shortfalls, with a specific focus on potential Stage 3,4, and 5 levels of curtailment.
To the extent that water supply enhancement options reduce the likelihood and magnitude of curtailments, the associated reduction in adverse community economic impacts represent benefits provided by the supply enhancements. These benefits (estimated as avoided economic costs borne by the community) can then be compared to the expense of the associated water supply enhancement alternatives.
Background
SCWD is assessing the risks faced by the community associated with future potential water shortages. Risk is defined as the probability of experiencing future supply shortfalls of various magnitudes, multiplied by the consequences of having water shortages and the associated adverse impacts on the served community. Understanding the magnitude of the shortfall risks provides a basis of comparing the benefits of the various water supply enhancement options to the considerable costs of the alternative supplies the city is evaluating.
On the probability side of the risk assessment, SCWD has retained the University of Massachusetts in modeling the water system’s vulnerability to future water shortages. The vulnerability assessment (VA) effort is developing estimated profiles of the projected frequency and severity of future “stages” of water curtailment levels under potential climate change outcomes (e.g., annual precipitation levels declining by 10%, 20%, etc.). The associated water supply shortfalls are interpreted relative to water use restriction “stages” that are based on the Department’s “water shortage contingency plan”(2021).
On the consequence side of the risk assessment, it is essential to understand how much it will “cost” the Department, its customers, and the community as a whole, if and when projected water shortfalls of varying levels of severity occur in the future. This scope of work entails
24.23 2
developing an economic impact analysis to address these “costs to the community” aspects of the risk equation.
Scope of Work (SOW)
This work scope for the proposed assessment of community adverse economic impacts will analyze the impacts from potential implementation of Stage 3, 4 and 5 water shortage restrictions on the City, as defined by the Water Shortage Contingency Plan (September 2021).
The effort will examine economic impacts including:
Direct costs borne by the SCWD, including additional staffing and revenue impacts Direct costs borne by SCWD customers in the form of drought cost recovery fees and penalties for water use greater than allotments
Direct costs on the hospitality sector and other key business entities from the likely restrictions imposed at each water curtailment stage
Indirect and induced economic impacts across all relevant sectors of the local economy arising from the direct impacts, including losses in economic output, jobs, and tax revenues.
Task 1: Contract and Work Management
The consultants will track and report monthly the labor time spent and direct expenses, and provide periodic progress reports as required by the prime contract with Kennedy Jenks, including brief descriptions of technical work executed, remaining work to be done, budget resources expended relative to approved budgets, and performance/results relative to approved schedule, budget, and work scope. Any issues and problems in exicuting the work will be described.
Task 2: Data and Information Gathering and Evaluation
To expedite the analysis, and to properly understand the issues and Stage-level direct impacts, it is imperative that the consultant team have access to the data and knowledge possessed by relevant individuals at the Water Department, elsewhere in the City, and at the Chamber of Commerce. Specifically, we will interact with, and rely upon gaining timely information from:
1. Whomever in the Water Department can assist in understanding the: (a) resource needs and costs to the Department to add needed additional staff and associated resources (training, computers, etc.) for each Stage level; (b) revenue impacts, and (c) associated revenue shortfalls and associated drought cost recovery fee levels, and how they would be applied across customer sectors. (Note: We will need to be careful not to "double count" items (a) and (c) in the analysis, but do want to articulate them both).
24.24 3
The team also will need to learn more about: (d) likely penalties or fees charged for customers using above their allotment, and the likely % of customers by class likely to be penalized; and (e) how water use restrictions at each Stage would be translated into actionable mandates on your customer classes -- e.g., at Stage 3, what would be imposed on tourist/guest lodging establishments (e.g., hotels limited to 50% occupancy, no pools filled, etc.). Item "e" is especially important, as we will need such "scenarios" to serve as the basis for how we impose impacts on various economic sectors in the IMPLAN model for each Stage we are assessing under Task 3.
2. Whomever elsewhere in the City government, and/or Chamber, can provide information on:
(f) how the COVID pandemic impacted the region's tourism/hospitality sectors, and the rest of the local economy, and (g) how other City revenues (such as via the transient occupancy tax) or costs would be impacted by potential Stage-level water use restrictions (and how they were impacted by the COVID-related decline in visitations).
This task includes 2 virtual conference calls with the SCWD and subconsultants team to evaluate data collected and discuss any data gaps before proceeding with the modeling under task 3. A summary of the economic data and findings will be provided as deliverable for task 2.
Task 3 Conducting the Economic Impact Analysis
The economic impact analysis will consist of two related components, both of which will be driven by the information gathered under Task 2 and as reviewed and confirmed by the Department:
1. Direct Impacts and Related Curtailment Scenario Development Direct impacts include the increased costs borne by the utility and its customers at each curtailment Stage. In addition, a relevant “scenario” will be developed – driven by Department input -- on how each Stage-specific suite of curtailments will be applied to each key sector (e.g., developing the “scenario” to develop and apply for how each Stage would translate into implemented specific constraints placed on local business entities such as hotels, restaurants, etc.). The results will be in the form of additional costs, and business revenue reductions, expected at each Stage for each relevant directly impacted sector.
2. Indirect and Induced Economic Impacts: IMPLAN Modeling The direct economic impacts from the scenarios developed above will be input into the widelyapplied and well-accepted IMPLAN regional economic impact, input-output (I-O) model. (The IMPLAN model is briefly described in the text box below). In essence, the IMPLAN model simulates how direct economic impacts in each sector work their way through the local economy in the form of indirect and induced economic impacts.
24.25 4
For example, reduced occupancy at local hotels means reduced hotel revenues (a direct impact), which is likely to result in reduced wages and salaries paid to hotel employees, reduced purchases of goods and services provided (in part) by local laundry and foodstuff vendors, etc. (indirect impacts), which in turn will reduce incomes in those local sectors, with subsequent reductions in expenditures on other local goods and services, etc. (induced impacts). Outputs from the IMPLAN simulations will include reductions in regional economic output, employment, and tax revenues.
The IMPLAN work will be conducted for two separate sets of impacts: (1) the impact of increasing costs for water customers due to increased utility costs and drought cost recovery fees; and (2) for Stage-specific restrictions on the business activities of key water-dependent sectors.
This task includes 2 virtual conference calls with the SCWD and subconsultants team to discuss model results and if additional model evaluations are required. This task assumes additional contingency for 2 more model runs for additional economic scenarios if requested by the SCWD.
24.26 5
Task 4: Preparing a Report and Presentation Materials
The results of the analyses developed under Task 3 will be compiled into a draft technical memorandum describing the objectives, methods, data, and findings of the analyses. Draft presentation materials also will be developed (e.g., PowerPoint slides as may be used to convey study objectives, methods, and findings to the Water Commission).
After review and receipt of comments from the Department, the report and presentation materials will be revised and submitted for a final review and, as suitable, final revision. Team The IMPLAN model (IMpact Analysis for PLANning) is an economic input-output (I-O) model, originally developed by the federal government, that contains information on the relationships within an economy, both between businesses, and between businesses and final consumers. IMPLAN uses this information to predict changes in overall economic activity resulting from a flow of money into the local economy (e.g., a visitor spending). IMPLAN is widely used by academics and the private sector, and it is generally accepted as the standard for economic I-O analysis.
To estimate regional economic impacts, IMPLAN constructs local level multipliers. Multipliers describe the response of the economy to a change in demand or production. Multipliers measure the economic impact of direct effects, as well as how the direct effects ripple through the economy to create indirect and induced impacts. The magnitude of indirect and induced effects depends on the propensity of businesses and households in the region to purchase goods and services from local suppliers. Purchases from local suppliers have ripple effects in the economy, whereas purchases from non-local (outside of the county in this case) suppliers does not result in ripple effects because the money spent for inputs leaves the local economy. IMPLAN accounts for this in the development of local multipliers by assigning regional purchase coefficients to goods and services purchased by individual sectors and households. IMPLAN also reports implications for state and local tax revenues.
IMPLAN provides measure of the direct, indirect, and induced impacts of changes to a regional economy described as:
Direct impacts include money that tourists spend while visiting the area. These include money spent on trip expenses such as transportation, food, lodging, and retail purchases. Local businesses that benefit from direct spending then, in turn, spend additional money on goods and services that they need to operate their businesses. These are termed indirect expenditures.
Direct and indirect spending generates employment in the local region, creating additional income for households, which generates further spending known as induced expenditures.
24.27 6
members will be available to discuss the methods and findings at meetings (remotely) upon request.
This task assumes preparing materials and attending 2 virtual Water Commission calls to present the model results and revisions to the economic analysis as requested by the SCWD.
Timeline and Budget
Assuming we are reasonably on target with the scope and budget, and can have contractual details arranged expeditiously under the Kennedy Jenks contract with the Department no later than September 13, we can provide a draft technical memorandum by October 17, 2022, with highly preliminary results being presented to the Water Commission on October 3, 2022.
Allowing for two weeks’ time for SCWD review and comment and some associated revisions and corrections, a final technical memorandum and related materials can be provided by November 7, 2022.
More refined materials, and responses to Water Commission and other questions and comments, would be available for the November sessions with the Commission and City Council.
A basic timeline is as follows:
Preliminary Results presentation materials: within 2.5 weeks of contract approval and notice to proceed
Draft report: 4.5 weeks from contract approval and notice to proceed. Revised report and associated materials: 2 weeks from receipt of comments and related input from SCWD
Budget details are as follows:
A total budget not to exceed (NTE) of $29,000 (plus any subcontracting markups), consisting of approximately:
IMPLAN model materials (data) for the relevant geographic scope (service area): $2,500 Professional services of Colleen Donovan (Social Science Strategies LLC): $12,750 Professional services of Carolyn Wagner (CW Research and Consulting LLC): $13,750 Professional services of Robert Raucher (Raucher LLC): To be covered under Task 8 of Amendment #1 to Purchase Order #91-20033 with City of Santa Cruz Water Department
24.28 Attachment B
Vulnerability Assessment -- Alternatives Analysis
24.29 1
Vulnerability Assessment -- Alternatives
Analysis
Scope of work
Hydrosystems Group
University of Massachusetts, Amherst,
September 2022
24.30 2
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND
The Hydrosystems Group (HG) at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, is pleased to present this Scope of Work for continuing the climate resilient water supply adaptation plan for the Santa Cruz Water Department (SCWD) in the City of Santa Cruz, California. The HG is a team of expert water resources planners, engineers, and systems analysts with a strong foundation in stakeholder engagement. The group’s research focuses on increasing the resilience of water systems to climate change and variability through the use of advanced climate science and hydrologic forecasting, in combination with innovative water resources management techniques, and robust decision-making methods.
The HG is led by Dr. Casey Brown, Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Brown specializes in climate risk management for water sector and sustainable management of water resources. Dr. Brown is PI and co-PI for several projects in the U.S. and abroad funded by NOAA, the World Bank, the National Science Foundation (NSF), San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, California Department of Water Resources, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, The Rockefeller Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and other agencies. Dr. Brown obtained his PhD in environmental engineering science as a National Science Foundation Fellow at Harvard University in 2004, is a licensed professional engineer in the state of Colorado, and a former U.S. Air Force officer.
During a first phase of work, the HG has developed a modeling framework to assess the vulnerability of the water system operated by the City of Santa Cruz. This modeling framework includes i) a climate scenario generator that produces time series of current and altered climate (i.e., daily precipitation and temperature); and ii) the Santa Cruz Water System Model (SCWSM), a simulation/optimization model that aims at simulating the operations of the SCWD water system across a large range of climate and urban demand scenarios. The HG has conducted the vulnerability assessment of the SCWD system, and has demonstrated the ability to use the modeling framework to assess water supply augmentation alternatives.
The scope of work described aims at providing the Santa Cruz Water Department a comprehensive assessment of the resiliency and vulnerability of the City Water Supply system under varying climate and weather model generated conditions, to evaluate the impact of different water supply augmentation strategies as adaptation measures.
This scope of work, further referred ‘Task 16’, is split into 2 sub-tasks. Task 16 will be led by Assistant Research Professor Baptiste François (Principal Investigator) and Professor Casey Brown (co-Principal Investigator), assisted by Hadi Heidari (Postdoc).
TASK 16.1 SECURING OUR WATER FUTURE (SOWF) ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS The city of Santa Cruz Water Commission approved the selection of four adaptation scenarios. They are the following:
- Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) using existing and new wells in the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Basin (MCCB)
- Indirect Potable Reuse/Groundwater Replenishment in the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin (SMGWB)
- Direct Potable Reuse
24.31 3
- Desalination
Task 16.1 consists first at implementing in SCWSM the above-mentioned adaptation scenarios. Next, the performance of each adaptation scenario/concept will be assessed under current and future climate scenarios to support the ongoing Securing Our Water Future (SOWF) policy development efforts by the city of Santa Cruz. For doing this, the HG will perform a new vulnerability assessment for each of these adaptation scenario.
Results of the assessment will reported into a technical memorandum, and two (online) presentations will be given to the City and Water Commission.
TASK 16.2 WATER SUPPLY AUGMENTATION PLAN (WSAIP) ALTERNATIVES
ANALYSIS
Task 16.2 consists at integrating the results from Task 16.1 into the Water Supply Augmentation Plan (WSAIP) framework. Task 16.2 is includes two sub-tasks.
The first sub-task is the evaluation of either combinations of variations of the adaption concepts assessed in Task 16.1. The task will then consist in implementing the portfolio and/or variation of the adaptation concepts in SCWSM and perform a new vulnerability assessment. 8 portfolios/variations will be assessed.
The second sub-task is the assessment of potential thresholds that could be used by the City to determine when different stages of the water supply portfolio should be initiated.
Results of the assessment will reported into a technical memorandum, and two (online) presentations will be given to the City and Water Commission.
24.32 City Council
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 08/16/2022
AGENDA OF: 09/13/2022
DEPARTMENT: City Clerk
SUBJECT: Parks and Recreation Commission Appointment (CC) RECOMMENDATION: Motion to appoint one member to the Parks and Recreation Commission, with a term ending January 31, 2024.
BACKGROUND: Due to a resignation, there is a vacancy on the Parks and Recreation Commission.
DISCUSSION: The following people are seeking appointment:
Deborah Christie
Jorge Leonardo Cruz
Samantha Rose Lee
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
Prepared By:
Bonnie Bush
City Clerk
Submitted By:
Laura Schmidt
Assistant City Manager
Approved By:
Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. APPLICATIONS.PDF
25.1 25.2
25.3 25.4
Bradley E. Angell, Resume, Page 2 of 4
* Direct lead on many “rough order of magnitude” ROM investigations for complex on-campus capital improvements, including an Arts program update, an update of the Quarry Amphitheater for staff support, and the renovation of the Communications building to better support both the Film & Digital Media’s academic program alongside ITS’s server/help-desk functions.
Sustainability Analyst, Santa Clara County, Facilities and Fleet, San Jose, California; January 2017 – April 2019 * Lead administrator for a municipal solid waste operations contract procurement planned to be 5 to 10 years, budgeted for just under $1 million per year and planned to manage all resource recovery requirements for County facilities. * Planned and administered $80,000 contract procurement of a research, information services, and environmental resource analysis consultant to advance objectives of the Sustainability Master Plan that began August 2017. * Developed energy generation, storage, and efficiency programs with training focused on meeting Zero Net Energy goals. * Researched, negotiated, and drafted the currently adopted Santa Clara County-wide Zero Carbon resolution. * Lead research and coordinating agent for innovative now-adopted county-wide Sustainability Master Plan. * Co-lead and stakeholder coordinator in the development of a county-wide sustainable county working group. * Investigated, designed and administered new internship position to advance a regional resilience advisory committee that included a major local agricultural element, beginning in June and lasting until June 2018. * Staff writing and reporting to Board of Supervisor Housing, Land Use, Environment and Transportation committee. * Developed enhanced greenhouse gas and energy intensity reducing practices on a County-wide basis to advance goals directly related to municipal and community climate action plans. * Lead representative for the Bay Area Regional Energy Network (BayREN) Codes & Standards program. * Developed Title 24, Part 6 building code programs and training focused on executing widespread adoption of Zero Net Energy design objectives, exceeding energy code compliance per project, improving code cycle update language, and developing arduous model ordinance policy throughout the nine counties of the SF Bay Area.
Senior Management Analyst, City of Palo Alto, Palo Alto, California; November 2016 - December 2016 * Primary budget manager for Development Services department managing all building permitting and inspection services. * Departmental strategic planner charged with transitioning organization from general fund to enterprise fund operation.
Senior Administrative Analyst, University of California, Santa Cruz, California; September 2012 - October 2016 * Heavily supported campus-wide grounds operations management (15+ employees) including Integrated Pest Management staff activities.
* Authorship of primary business plan for $1.5+ million annual budget for zero-waste operations at UC Santa Cruz. * Solicited, reviewed, and primary contract administrator for +$100,000 annual contract for dumpster sensor technology. * Primary contract administrator, lead technician, and information services analyst for front-loader truck scale system. * Execution of new business plan in July 2015 based on an alternative election conducted at the Vice-Chancellor level whereby seven proposals defined in a pro forma format for a six-year project timeline were thoroughly reviewed. * Lead designer and implementation agent of innovative weight-based digital resource metrics system including hardware coordination, operational mapping, web design, software programming and integrated data management. * Directed programming of $13 million, six-acre on-campus Resource Recovery Facility including space planning, all major equipment specification, and production of first generation to-scale schematic models. * Regular expert speaker on behalf of UC Santa Cruz regarding the implementation of the campus’s novel digital framework for the Physical Plant’s sustainable, complex and innovative Refuse & Recycling operation. * Received STAR (Staff Appreciation & Recognition) Award four years in a row on May 24, 2013, June 6, 2014, June 8, 2015, and recently on May 9, 2016 in acknowledgment of demonstrated excellence in customer service, exceptional performance, innovation and creative thinking.
Project Coordinator, HPC Architecture, Inc., Santa Clara, California; May 2008 - November 2010 * Active sustainable design, extensive local regulatory compliance, construction administration and project management for commercial and mixed-use clients to secure timely project delivery in the San Francisco Bay Area. * Select projects include: SORAA LED Research & Production Laboratory, Fremont, California (80,000 sq.ft.); First Solar Research & Testing Facility, Santa Clara, California (110,000 sq.ft.); Umbarger Square Shell & Tenant Improvement Project, San Jose, California (120,000 sq.ft.); Façade Redesign, 331 Commercial Street, San Jose, California (30,000 sq.ft.). * Internal business publications production including: Applying Americans with Disability Act under the California Building Code Checklist; Design and installation of company website and bi-monthly newsletter; Updated “General Specifications” for HPC Architecture drawing sets; Updated standard fee and retainer agreements.
25.5 Bradley E. Angell, Resume, Page 3 of 4
Project Coordinator, Graduate Research Assistant, Center for Health Systems & Design, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas; September 2005 - May 2006, then January 2008 - May 2008 * Analysis and synthesis of extensive National Institutes of Health environmental design study coordinating findings from over 30 senior living communities based on 1,600 resident surveys throughout the United States, including the Chicago, Houston, and Seattle metropolitan areas.
* Worked directly under Dr. Susan Rodiek in the production of multi-media Access to Nature presentation materials, including cinematic, web, and print materials focused on improving the design of assisted-living facilities.
Associate Attorney, Law Office of James C. Kuppenbender, Sacramento, California; July 2007 - January 2008 * Counsel in general law practice primarily focused on real property, planning, environmental and business law. * Direct representation in case types including corporate counsel for small construction industry clients, MTBE tort litigation on behalf of a major property management client, counsel for property developers in local government disputes, and general lien enforcement/defense for small construction industry clients.
Assistant Planner, City of Sacramento, Sacramento, California; November 2006 - June 2007 * Planning and land use coordination under Senior Planner Jeanne Corcoran on the Central City Geographic Team. * Interpretation, application and consultation for permit seekers as to the zoning, building and regulatory law compliance.
Intern, Brazos Valley Solid Waste Management Agency, College Station, Texas; April 2005 - September 2005 * Supported the local agency’s recycling, composting and gardening programs for the Bryan-College Station community. * Led composting and environmental policy presentations at exhibitions, events and environmental courses. * Assisted in the administration of hazardous waste management, landfill operations, and high-tech waste disposal.
Environmental Scientist II, Jones & Stokes Associates (now ICF International), Sacramento, California; March 2002 - August 2004
* Collaborated with like professionals including landscape architects, planners, engineers and fellow attorneys for land use and environmental policy solutions for both public and private sector clients. * Primary author on multitude of California Environmental Quality Act documents and their accompanying natural resource alteration permit applications (CWA § 401 Wetland Permits, DFG §1600 Streambed Alt. Agreement, etc.). * Project coordinator, contract administrator, and supportive co-author on environment resource management plans for major clients, including Integrated Pest Management Plans for regional Sonoma County wineries. * Clients included: City of Quincy, California; Lower Northwest Interceptor District; Peter Michael Winery, Calistoga, California; Port of Stockton, California; Mare Island, Vallejo, California.
CONFERENCES & LECTURE PRESENTATIONS
2015 Speaker, Urbanism Against Marginalization: Revisiting the Common-Interest Development as a Vessel for Minor Architectural Production. November 3-5, ARCHTHEO ’15: Theory and History of Architecture Conference Series, Istanbul, Turkey.
2015 Speaker, Weight-based Metrics for Zero Waste 2020: Innovations in Automation Critical to Waste Diversion.
October 27, Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 2015 Poster (Invited), Embracing the Silos: The Benefits of Disciplinary Purity in Achieving Campus Sustainability in Waste Reduction. October 26, Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
2014 Speaker, Best Management Practices: Real-Time Waste Metrics for Weight Based Recharge and Diversion, California Higher Education Sustainability Conference. June 18, University of California, San Diego, California. 2014 Speaker, Smart Dumpster: Employing Python to Report Real-Time Resource Fill to Operational Managers.
PyCon 2014. April 13, Python Software Foundation, Montreal, Quebec. 2012 Speaker, Minor Architecture as Planning Design: Urban-Architectural Design for Communities Facing Disenfranchisement. International Conference-Workshop on Sustainable Architecture & Urban Design. March 3, Penang, Malaysia.
2011 Speaker, Minor Architecture as Design Practice: Environmental Justice and the Politics of Urban Modernization. International Conference on the Constructed Environment. October 29, Chicago, Illinois.
25.6 Bradley E. Angell, Resume, Page 4 of 4
AWARDS, HONORS & GRANTS
2016 Staff Appreciation & Recognition [STAR] Award ($750), Physical Plant, University of California, Santa Cruz 2015 Staff Appreciation & Recognition [STAR] Award ($870), Physical Plant, University of California, Santa Cruz 2014 Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Best Practice Award, University of California, Santa Cruz, Real-time Waste Metrics for Weight Based Recharge and Diversion, California Higher Education Sustainability Conference 2014 Staff Appreciation & Recognition [STAR] Award ($650), Physical Plant, University of California, Santa Cruz 2013 Staff Appreciation & Recognition [STAR] Award ($620), Physical Plant, University of California, Santa Cruz 2012 International Conference Travel Grant ($500), College of Architecture, Texas A&M University 2009 Romenic Traveling Grant for Architectural Research ($8,000), College of Architecture, Texas A&M University 2009 L.T. Jordan Institute Fellowship ($1,500), Memorial Student Center, Texas A&M University
25.7 25.8
25.9 Please note: This application is considered a public document, and will be available for release upon request.
CITY OF SANTA CRUZ APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT TO ADVISORY BODIES Applications will be considered active for two years from date of submission.
NAME DATE
RESIDENCE ADDRESS CITY ZIP
EMAIL HOME # CELL #
EMPLOYER OCCUPATION
REGISTERED CITY VOTER? Yes ܆ No ܆ YEARS LIVED IN CITY LIMITS OF SANTA CRUZ EMPLOYED BY CITY OF SANTA CRUZ? Yes ܆ No ܆ PRESENTLY SERVING ON ADVISORY BODY?** Yes ܆ No ܆ PERSONAL REFERENCE (optional) PHONE
ADVISORY BODIES
If you are applying for more than one advisory body, please rank your preferences numerically with #1 as your first choice.
Arts Commission* Parks and Recreation Commission*
Board of Building Appeals* Planning Commission*
Commission for the Prevention of Violence
Against Women* Transportation and Public Works Commission* Downtown Commission* Sister Cities Committee
Equal Employment Opportunity Committee Water Commission* Historic Preservation Commission* Other:
If you are applying for a specialized category, please indicate:
Advisory Body Category
* A Statement of Economic Interest must be filed after appointment by those appointed to the advisory bodies marked with an asterisk (*). The statement includes, but is not limited to, disclosure of financial, business and real property interests held by the appointee (and spouse) in the City of Santa Cruz or within 2 miles of the jurisdiction of the City of Santa Cruz. ** Council Policy 5.1 states that members shall not serve simultaneously on more than one advisory body. If you are presently serving on (or are appointed to) an advisory body, your application to serve on a second advisory body will be forwarded to the Council for consideration only if you indicate that you are willing to resign from the first advisory body. If you are appointed to serve on an advisory body, you may also be eligible to serve on another advisory body or task force if it is scheduled to sunset within 13 months.
SIGN AND RETURN TO CITY CLERK’S DEPARTMENT
By Email [email protected]
By Mail/In Person: 809 Center Street, Room 9
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Signature of Applicant Fax: 831-420-5031
ɿ 3/($6(86(7+(5(9(56(6,'()25$'',7,21$/,1)250$7,21ɿ Jorge Leonardo Cruz 9/22/2020
Santa Cruz 95062
City of Watsonville Comms. & Envr. Coord.
6 ■
Jorge Savala
#1
EMAIL FORM PRINT FORM
Signature of Applicant
Please note: This application is considered a public document, and will be available for release upon request.
CITY OF SANTA CRUZ APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT TO ADVISORY BODIES Applications will be considered active for two years from date of submission.
NAME DATE
RESIDENCE ADDRESS CITY ZIP
EMAIL HOME # CELL #
EMPLOYER OCCUPATION
REGISTERED CITY VOTER? Yes ܆ No ܆ YEARS LIVED IN CITY LIMITS OF SANTA CRUZ EMPLOYED BY CITY OF SANTA CRUZ? Yes ܆ No ܆ PRESENTLY SERVING ON ADVISORY BODY?** Yes ܆ No ܆ PERSONAL REFERENCE (optional) PHONE
ADVISORY BODIES
If you are applying for more than one advisory body, please rank your preferences numerically with #1 as your first choice.
Arts Commission* Parks and Recreation Commission*
Board of Building Appeals* Planning Commission*
Commission for the Prevention of Violence
Against Women* Transportation and Public Works Commission* Downtown Commission* Sister Cities Committee
Equal Employment Opportunity Committee Water Commission* Historic Preservation Commission* Other:
If you are applying for a specialized category, please indicate:
Advisory Body Category
* A Statement of Economic Interest must be filed after appointment by those appointed to the advisory bodies marked with an asterisk (*). The statement includes, but is not limited to, disclosure of financial, business and real property interests held by the appointee (and spouse) in the City of Santa Cruz or within 2 miles of the jurisdiction of the City of Santa Cruz. ** Council Policy 5.1 states that members shall not serve simultaneously on more than one advisory body. If you are presently serving on (or are appointed to) an advisory body, your application to serve on a second advisory body will be forwarded to the Council for consideration only if you indicate that you are willing to resign from the first advisory body. If you are appointed to serve on an advisory body, you may also be eligible to serve on another advisory body or task force if it is scheduled to sunset within 13 months.
SIGN AND RETURN TO CITY CLERK’S DEPARTMENT
By Email [email protected]
By Mail/In Person: 809 Center Street, Room 9
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Signature of Applicant Fax: 831-420-5031
ɿ 3/($6(86(7+(5(9(56(6,'()25$'',7,21$/,1)250$7,21ɿ Jorge Leonardo Cruz 9/22/2020
Santa Cruz 95062
City of Watsonville Comms. & Envr. Coord.
6 ■
Jorge Savala
#1
25.10 Please use the following space to provide any relevant qualifications or experiences you think would enhance your effectiveness on the advisory body for which you are applying. Feel free to attach additional sheets.
How did you hear about the advisory body opening?
܆ City Website ܆ Word of mouth ܆ Display ad ܆ City Staff or Commissioner Other (explain)
I have enjoyed our local parks and also brought youth from south county to enjoy the parks through the first and only outdoor bilingual education program called Growing Up Wild / Creciendo a lo salvaje based in the corralitos mountains.
I think open public spaces are essential to community development and I would like to work with other community members to ensure that all people in Santa Cruz feel welcomed and invited to these spaces. I would also like for people to be able to recreate and appreciate the balance that the Awaswas people were able to maintain in these lands with the local habitat of their time and uncover the rich natural history that surrounds us.
■
25.11 25.12
25.13 25.14
25.15 25.16
25.17 25.18
25.19 25.20
25.21 25.22
25.23 25.24
25.25 City Council
AGENDA REPORT
DATE: August 29, 2022
AGENDA OF: September 13, 2022
DEPARTMENT: City Manager’s Office
SUBJECT: Adoption of the Climate Action Plan 2030 (CM)
RECOMMENDATION: Resolution adopting the Initial Study/Negative Declaration and approving the Climate Action Plan 2030 including the California Environmental Quality Action (CEQA) Project Review Checklist.
BACKGROUND: In 2012, the City Council adopted by resolution the City of Santa Cruz’s first Community-wide Climate Action Plan with a 2020 time horizon (CAP 2020), containing 12 milestones and 254 actions to achieve the adopted mass GHG emissions reduction target of 30% percent below 1990 levels by 2020. The CAP 2020 close out report from July 2021 utilized the City’s 2019 GHG emissions inventory (Attachment 3, Appendices B and E) as a proxy for 2020 for progress reporting since data were not available to compile a 2020 inventory and due to the unusual trends anticipated from the COVID-19 pandemic on emissions output. Although substantial progress was made on the CAP 2020’s milestones, due to population and employment growth, the community did not achieve the overall GHG emissions reduction target when compared to the 2019 proxy year. Subsequently, in August, 2022, the Association of Bay Area Governments provided the City its 2020 GHG emissions inventory that indicates, due to the substantial decrease in transportation related emissions attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic, that the City ultimately did achieve its GHG emissions reduction target.
Since the CAP 2020 was adopted in 2012, the threat of climate change and the need to drastically decarbonize has become even more urgent. As such, the City Council demonstrated its commitment to accelerating emissions reductions to address climate change via a Climate Emergency and Green New Deal Resolutions and expanding the Sustainability and Climate Action Manager position from 50% to 75% full-time equivalent (FTE) hours.
In 2020, with the CAP 2020 sunset, the City allocated funding to begin work on its second Community-wide Climate Action Plan with a 2030 time horizon (CAP 2030). The Mayor’s appointed community Climate Action Task Force and a dozen local equity advisors were requested to serve as an advisory body to the CAP 2030 development process entitled “Resilient Together.”
Staff conducted extensive community engagement including accessible virtual and in person activities throughout each phase of the CAP 2030 development process including December 2021 and March 2022 City Council study sessions on community visioning and target setting,
26.1 respectively. There were nearly 3,000 points of contact with the community through the Resilient Together process (e.g., comments, emails, people participating, etc.). Details about the Resilient Together engagement process is contained in Attachment 3 Appendix D. Staff and the CAP 2030 advisors also iteratively developed and applied an equity screening tool (Attachment 3 Appendix F) to ensure that no measure or action will yield adverse impacts on equitable community wellbeing outcomes. Any action that was found to produce adverse equity impacts was either rewritten or a new action developed to mitigate any adverse impacts on equity.
Attachment 4 contains the thematic summary of 542 comments received during the draft CAP 2030 public review period and how those comments were addressed. Significant revision between the draft and final CAP 2030 presented for adoption took place based on these comments as summarized in Attachment 4.
DISCUSSION: The CAP 2030 (Attachment 2) includes both a CEQA qualified emissions target that is consistent with the state target for 2030 and is deemed reasonable and achievable: a 40% reduction in emissions from a 1990 level by 2030. The CAP 2030 also recognizes recent scientific consensus and the need to accelerate beyond the state target and sets an aspirational voluntary target of carbon neutral (zero emissions) by 2035.
Based on Attachment 3 Appendix E, Table 1 summarizes historical projections for mass community-wide and average per capita (i.e., per person) emissions (in metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent [MT CO2e]) as they relate to the 2030 and 2035 emissions targets.
Table 1. Mass and Per Capita Historical Emissions and Targets Year Mass Emissions (MT CO2e) Per Capita Emission (MT CO2e) 1990 302,319 6.08
2005 355,669 5.53
2019 274,584 4.22
2030 – target 181,391 2.74 CEQA | 1.32 CN by 2035
2035 – target 0 0
Emissions Reduction Measures
As summarized in Table 2 the CAP 2030 contains 31 measures and 152 actions – the programs, policies and projects - to meet the targets. When considering the cumulative impact of state legislation and implementation of the CAP 2030 measures, the emissions reductions quantified (Attachment 3 Appendix C) meet the 2030 per capita and mass emissions reduction targets. It is important to highlight that emissions reductions were quantified only for those measures that address sectors contained California Scoping Plan (see Table 2. Climate Mitigation measure type) and where a legally justifiable methodology to determine emissions reductions exists.
Some measures are also considered “supportive” meaning that when implemented, they contribute to the success of achieving the quantifiable emissions reduction measures. Those measures that are “supportive” may or may not address a State Scoping Plan sector and may or may not have a means to estimate emissions reduction potential. But, for CEQA purposes, the legal defensibility of those measures is not strong and thus not included in quantification. As data become available and methods more sound to estimate consumption based GHG emissions and the emissions reduction potential of measures outside the State Scoping Plan, the City will complete further quantification work.
26.2 Of note, a 2.74 MT CO2e per capita emission reduction target by 2030 is the minimum the community must achieve for CEQA target compliance. The community must go beyond this per capita emissions reduction by 2030 in order to achieve the aspirational carbon neutrality target in 2035. Considering only emissions from the State Scoping Plan sectors, in order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, per capita emissions must be reduced to 1.32 MT CO2e by 2030 (or
0.165 MT CO2e per year in emissions reductions for 8 years until 2030).
Table 2. At a Glance: CAP 2030 Measures and Actions
Measure Type No. Measures No. Actions
Sustainable Government 9 43
Climate Mitigation
-Building Energy
-Transportation
-Water, Waste, Wastewater
17 90
Climate Economy 2 4
Climate Restoration 3 15
Total 31 152
High Impact Actions
The CAP 2030 also indicates throughout the plan those actions that are High Impact Actions to be prioritized for implementation by the City and community that have the highest emissions reduction potential. The High Impact Actions includes those addressing sectors from both within and outside the State Scoping Plan. The High Impact Actions are reinforced in the community activation platform, Resilient Santa Cruz, a one stop information resource to be launched concurrent to CAP 2030 adoption, giving residents the tools to understand their impact (in per capita MT CO2e) and commit to emissions reduction activities (in MT CO2e) in a fun, teambased and incentivized way. High Impact Actions include those addressing: choosing renewable electricity from Central Coast Community Energy, reducing air travel, eating more plant-based meals, taking public transportation, buying or leasing an electric vehicle, electrifying buildings, using active transportation and installing solar panels.
In order to be successful in achieving the vision articulated by the community in developing and implementing the CAP 2030 (Attachment 3 see Appendix D), the 152 actions must address and strike a balance across 6 pillars including: GHG emissions reduction (65% of actions), structural / organizational change (32% of actions), equity (33% of actions), partnerships (27% of actions), economics (22% of actions) and funding and financing (11% of actions).
While the CAP 2030 is about addressing GHG emissions, it also about supporting a more equitable, resilient community and economy. As indicated in Attachment 3 Appendix J Health in All Policies (HiAP) Crosswalk, the City determined that 91% of the HIAP Community Well Being metrics were being addressed via the CAP 2030’s 152 actions specified, reinforcing the strong nexus between sustainability, equity and public health. This point is further illustrated through the CAP 2030 co-benefits of actions as summarized in Table 3. Moreover, the Attachment 3 Appendix G Green Economy Analysis projects, indicates that implementation of the three most impactful measures specified in the CAP 2030 (building electrification, active transportation and electric vehicle adoption) will result in the creation of 2,250 jobs by 2030.
26.3 Table 3. CAP 2030 Co-Benefit Summary
CAP 2030 Actions with Direct Co-Benefit
(% of 152 total actions)
GHG Emissions Reduction 65%
Community Health 70%
Local Green Jobs 31%
Environmental Restoration 15%
Resilience 40%
Environmental Review
The CAP 2030 is also intended to be a CEQA Qualified Emissions Reduction Plan and meets the requirements of CEQA section 15183.5 for development streamlining opportunities for discretionary projects that implement applicable strategies of the CAP 2030 to reduce emissions.
An administrative CEQA Project Checklist as contained in Attachment 3 Appendix A was developed for developers to submit, and when compliance is achieved, may substitute for a full environmental review process while ensuring construction of low emissions built environment projects that meet the CAP 2030 requirements.
CEQA requires public agencies to review the environmental impacts of proposed projects, including climate action plans like the CAP 2030. An Initial Study and Negative Declaration (Attachment 3, Appendix A) was prepared for the CAP 2030 in accordance to the CEQA Guidelines. The Initial Study assessed the Project’s potential result in significant environmental impacts for each environmental category listed in the CEQA Guidelines’ Appendix G. Environmental Checklist Form.
The Initial Study found that there would be either no impact or a less than significant impact on all resource categories, therefore, no mitigations have been proposed for the Project. The Initial Study and Negative were filed with the Santa Cruz County Clerk and the State Clearinghouse. Notices were sent to responsible agencies and other agencies and interested parties as well as published in the Sentinel newspaper and made available at the downtown Main Library. One only letter was received from California Department of Transportation in support of the CAP 2030.
Accountability and Implementation
As described in Attachment 3 Appendices H and I, the CAP 2030 includes mechanisms for transparency and accountability, a 3-year municipal implementation workplan, a funding and financing implementation tool, and a monitoring and reporting platform. New mechanisms to improve coordination and progress communication include hosting an annual Implementation Partners Roundtable and tracking progress at a publicly accessible Sustainability Dashboard accessed at the Climate Action Program website. Monitoring of and reporting on the CAP 2030 will be conducted by City departments in cooperation with partner agencies consisting of the following activities:
Annually: Identifying the implementation status for each CAP measure and action, evaluating against each action’s implementation timeline and updating the online Sustainability Dashboard. The City will also use the equity screening tool to assess actions as they are implemented and annual departmental workplans are developed to ensure they do not harm community groups.
Annually: Meeting with new Implementation Partners Roundtable and craft a report with progress analysis delivered to City Council and commissions. Biannually: Updating and reporting on the HiAP community well-being outcome indicator metrics.
26.4 Every 3 years: Completing an updated GHG emissions inventory, and evaluating the results against the City’s GHG emissions targets.
Every 5 years: Update the Climate Action Plan targets, measures and actions.
The CAP 2030 measures and actions are not exclusive and do not preclude the use of other GHG reduction measures. Modifications to the strategies or their components may become necessary as circumstances change or as new information, regulations, and technology becomes available.
The monitoring activities and resulting reports will inform whether the City is on track to reach its 2030 target, or if changes to or additional measures and actions are needed.
Call to Action
Every community member plays an essential role in reducing emissions and the impacts of climate change. Without concentrated, collective action, achieving our targets will not be possible. Although the City has not quantified the emissions reduction potential of emissions sources outside the State Scoping Plan sectors via a consumption-based emissions inventory, substantial progress must be made on emissions sources both within and outside of the State Scoping Plan sectors. To advise partners and residents to take actions to make maximum impact in reducing emissions, the CAP 2030 identifies the most impactful actions residents can take and encourages residents to commit to actions in the Resilient Santa Cruz community activation platform.
The Resilient Santa Cruz platform is part of the Resilient Central Coast campaign, with 12 cities and counties in the Central Coast launching platforms this summer and fall that will be accompanied by consistent messaging and outreach. Resilient Santa Cruz platform was selected after a regional assessment by climate practitioners of available activation tools. In addition to the outreach campaign being launched by Resilient Central Coast’s operational partner, Ecology Action, which will focus on frontline and justice organizations and schools, the City is launching and providing demonstrations of the platform. The City is developing an outreach plan that will also include regular messages, team challenges and incentives to motivate use.
Use of the Resilient Santa Cruz community activation platform will enable residents to discover their individual or household impact, join a team if desired, commit to emissions reduction actions, and get regular feedback on how those actions, when implemented, help reach emissions reduction goals. It provides links to rebates, credits, programs and useful information to help residents on their deep decarbonization journey. It even provides climate resilience and emergency preparedness information. There is something for everyone on the Resilient Santa Cruz platform, categorizing actions into those that are easy or youth- or renter-friendly or focus in on specific emission sources like energy, transportation and water use. The High Impact Actions are those most impactful for emissions reductions, but residents should tailor their action choices to the areas their emissions impact summary indicates.
FISCAL IMPACT: Adoption of the CAP 2030 has no direct impact on the General Fund.
However, implementation of the CAP 2030 will require substantial investment and resources by the City, its partners and residents in order to achieve the targets specified. All measures include staff time, consultant services, education, programs, grant applications, structural and organizational changes and more. The funding and financing implementation appendix to the CAP 2030 specifies pathways to obtain this investment for implementation in a rapid and focused way. The cost of inaction on climate change in the community is estimated to be at least
26.5 $25M annually to the City in the form of adverse impacts to health, infrastructure and the economy.
Prepared By:
Tiffany Wise-West
Sustainability & Climate
Action Manager
Submitted By:
Laura Schmidt
Assistant City Manager
Approved By:
Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. RESOLUTION
2. FINAL CAP 2030
3. APPENDICES A THROUGH J
4. DRAFT CAP 2030 PUBLIC REVIEW COMMENT SUMMARY
26.6 RESOLUTION NO. NS-XX,XXX
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ ADOPTING THE INITIAL STUDY–NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2030 AND APPROVING THE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 2030
WHEREAS, greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere as the result of human activity is the primary cause of the global climate crisis; and WHEREAS, in California alone, the initial impacts of climate change have resulted in unprecedented disasters with tremendous human, economic, and environmental costs; and WHEREAS, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates that global emissions need to be reduced by 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030, and 100 percent by 2050 to prevent global catastrophe; and
WHEREAS, the State of California enacted Senate Bill 32 to require greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to be reduced to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and Governor Brown issued Executive Order B-55-18 establishing a statewide target of carbon neutrality by 2045; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Cruz community has repeatedly identified climate action as a top community priority; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Cruz City Council (“City Council”) has adopted Climate Emergency and Green New Deal resolutions calling for accelerated and aggressive climate action; and
WHEREAS, the City of Santa Cruz City Council first adopted a Community-wide Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2012 with a sunset horizon of year 2020; and WHEREAS, after an extensive community engagement process soliciting and considering community issues, comments and recommendations, an update to the CAP 2020 has been prepared, entitled, Community-wide Climate Action Plan 2030 (CAP 2030); and WHEREAS, pursuant to State California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs. tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.)(hereinafter the “CEQA Guidelines”), section 15183.5(a), lead agencies may analyze and mitigate the significant effects of GHG emissions at a programmatic level, such as in a general plan, a long range development plan, or a separate plan to reduce GHG emissions; and
WHEREAS, public agencies may choose to analyze and mitigate significant GHG emissions in a plan for the reduction of GHG emissions and such a plan may be used in a cumulative impacts analysis (CEQA Guidelines, §15183.5(b)); and
26.7 RESOLUTION NO. NS-XX,XXX
2 WHEREAS, section 15183.5(b)(1) of the CEQA Guidelines states that a plan for the reduction of GHG should: a) Quantify GHG emissions, both existing and projected over a specified time period, resulting from activities within a specified area; b) Establish a level, based on substantial evidence, below which the contribution to GHG emissions from activities covered by the plan would not be cumulatively considerable; c) Identify and analyze the GHG emissions resulting from specific actions or categories of actions anticipated within the geographic area; d) Specify measures or a group of measures, including performance standards, that substantial evidence demonstrates, if implemented on a project-by-project basis, would collectively achieve the specified emissions level; e) Establish a mechanism to monitor the plan’ s progress toward achieving the level and to require amendment if the plan is not achieving specified levels; f) Be adopted in a public process following environmental review; and WHEREAS, the CAP 2030 is a qualified GHG emissions reduction plan to reduce GHG emissions within its jurisdictional boundary to meet state targets consistent with the CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5 for year 2030, and includes a CEQA CAP Project Review Checklist; and
WHEREAS, the CEQA CAP 2030 Project Review Checklist provides that projects that are consistent with the measures in the CAP 2030 can utilize the checklist to demonstrate consistency with the CAP 2030 GHG emissions reduction strategy, and if consistent, can tier from the existing programmatic environmental review contained in the proposed Initial Study – Negative Declaration (IS-ND) for the CAP 2030, as further described below; and WHEREAS, the CEQA CAP 2030 Project Review Checklist is an administrative document that may be separately updated by the City to include new GHG reduction measures or to comply with later amendments to the CAP 2030; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines, the City prepared a Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration (IS-ND) for the CAP 2030, incorporated into this Resolution as if fully set forth herein, to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the CAP 2030; and
WHEREAS, the IS-ND for the CAP 2030 was circulated for public review and comment from July 11 to August 10, 2022; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of Santa Cruz independently reviewed and analyzed the proposed IS-ND and all public comments received during the public review process; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Cruz as follows:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The recitals set forth above are hereby adopted as the findings of the City in adopting the policies herein.
26.8 RESOLUTION NO. NS-XX,XXX
3 SECTION 2. Environmental Review. The City Council does hereby make the following findings:
(i) The City Council has independently reviewed and analyzed the whole record, including the Initial Study – Negative Declaration and any public comments received during the public review process.
(ii) The Initial Study – Negative Declaration reflects the independent judgment and analysis of the City of Santa Cruz as lead agency for the CAP 2030 project. (iii) The City of Santa Cruz City Manager’s Office at 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz 95060, is the custodian of the Initial Study– Negative Declaration and the public comments received during the public review process.
(iv) The Initial Study – Negative Declaration has been prepared in compliance with CEQA and the CEQA Guidelines.
(v) On the basis of the whole record before it, including the Initial Study – Negative Declaration and any public comments received during the public review process, the City Council has determined that there is no substantial evidence that the CAP 2030 project, including the CEQA Project Review Checklist, will have a significant effect on the environment as provided in California Code of Regulations 15074(b).
SECTION 3. Adoption of Initial Study – Negative Declaration. The City Council hereby adopts the Initial Study – Negative Declaration prepared for CAP 2030.
SECTION 4. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Targets. The City Council adopts a target of achieving a 40 percent reduction in community-wide emissions on a per capita basis below 1990 levels by 2030 and aspires to a target of carbon neutrality by 2035 or sooner as its community greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.
SECTION 5. Qualified GHG Reduction Plan. The City Council finds after due deliberation that the CAP 2030 will effectively serve as the City’s “qualified” greenhouse gas emissions reduction plan and be used for CEQA streamlining purposes consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b)(1).
SECTION 6. Approval of the CAP 2030 Project. The City Council has reviewed and considered the CAP 2030 and hereby approves the CAP 2030, as well as the CEQA Project Checklist. City Council hereby directs City staff to prepare and file a Notice of Determination with the County Clerk within five working days of the execution of this Resolution.
26.9 RESOLUTION NO. NS-XX,XXX
4 PASSED AND ADOPTED this 13th day of September, 2022 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
DISQUALIFIED:
APPROVED: ______________________________
Sonja Brunner, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
26.10 City of Santa Cruz
2030 Climate Action Plan
September 2022
26.11 Climate Action Plan
Lead Agency
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
cityofsantacruz.com
26.12 Letter from the Mayor
Dear Santa Cruz,
Continuing our long tradition of leadership in
climate and environmental protection, I am
pleased to present the City’s community-wide
Climate Action Plan 2030. Developed over
the last two years through a robust community-driven process called Resilient Together, this Plan embodies the City’s commitment
to acting boldly and rapidly to enact transformational solutions to our climate crisis.
The Plan sets forth the actions necessary for
the City to achieve its share of the state of
California’s emissions reduction target for
2030, and our aspirational voluntary target
of carbon neutrality by 2035. Aligning with
the City’s Health in all Policies initiative and
post-Covid recovery work, the Plan highlights
how climate investments will yield improved
health, jobs, quality of life and equity outcomes.
I thank each and every Santa Cruz resident
for their input into this process. I also thank
members of the mayor’s Climate Action Task
Force, our community equity advisors and the
staff who contributed time and expertise to
this process. It is clear our community, City
staff, and leadership all share the view that
addressing climate change is an urgent priority.
Each of us
has a role to
play in implementing this
Climate Action
Plan. The Plan
details new accountability and transparency mechanisms, as well as resources to assist residents in implementing
the Plan. I call on all residents to review the
Plan and its accompanying resources to learn
how you can best commit to action now. The
City will be aggressively pursuing funding to
support this work while empowering historically underrepresented, underserved and frontline members of our community to access
benefits of the Plan. The cost of inaction far
outweighs the investments that must be made.
While the challenge before us is enormous, I am
deeply encouraged by the fruits of this planning
process and the unprecedented political
support and federal and state investment
in climate change work. The City of Santa
Cruz and its partners are well positioned to
implement this Plan and proactively tackle the
challenge to become more resilient, together.
Sonja Brunner,
Mayor
A Note on Accessibility: As you review this Plan, you may notice the City’s efforts to improve the Plan’s accessibility to all residents, including incorporating white space and descriptive photograph captions. In addition to these formatting enhancements, we have conducted tribal consultation on the Plan, translated key pieces of the plan to Spanish, and have provided hard copies of the plan at community centers and the library for those without virtual access.
If further assistance is needed to access the Plan, please contact [email protected].
26.13 Acknowledgments
Interns and Fellows
Alexia Daoussis, CivicSpark Fellow
Julian Nesbitt, CivicSpark Fellow
Joshua Stewart, Doris Duke Conservation Fellow
Mary Barngrover, UCSC intern
Lauren Paule, UCSC Intern
Trace Laskey, Santa Cruz High Intern
Golnoush Pak, UCSC Intern
Mayor’s Climate Action Task Force & Community Members
Councilmember
Justin Cummings
Beverly DesChaux
David Stearns
Jennie Dusheck
Douglas Hull
Kirsten Liske
Lisa Uttal
Janelle Maguire
Laurie Egan
Pauline Seales
Stacie Bagnasco
Maggie Mathias
Pete Kennedy
Krista Myers
Nancy Glock-Gruenich
Carol Wilhelmy
Ellen Vaughan
Jacki Long
Kelly Meyer
Alex Ponik
Mackenzi Deeter
Megan Clemens
Alan Peevers
Krisna
Supatra-Campbell
Helen Nunberg
Kerry Skemp
Sonya Pendry
Frida Pensamiento
Equity Advisors
Kalina Browne, Santa Cruz County NAACP
Ariana Jones, Blended Bridges
Chinonso Uzowihe, Santa Cruz NAACP
Rachel Kippen, Environmental Justice Educator
Bella Bonner, Blended Bridges
Valentin Lopez, Amah Mutsun Tribal Band
Edgar Landeros, Community Bridges
Pamela Nells, Community Bridges
Brenda Griffin, Santa Cruz County NAACP
Meilin Obinata, Santa Cruz County NAACP
Ayo Banjo, Youth Climate Justice Advisor
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
iv Acknowledgments
26.14 Consultants
Rincon Consultants
Lexi Journey, MESM,
Senior Planner
Camila Bobroff,
MESM, Environmental
Planner
HATCH
Rachelle Sarmiento,
Economic Planner
Consultant
BluePoint Planning
Mindy Craig,
Principal Owner
Bianca Hutner,
Project Associate
Greenlining Institute
Sona Mohnot
Vic Vong
Sneha Ayyagari
Staff
City Manager’s
Office
Peter Bichier
Elizabeth Smith
Dr. Tiffany Wise-West
Public Works
Andy Shatney
Filipina Warren
Mark Dettle
Claire Gallogly
Nathany Nguyen
Anne Hogan
Guadalupe Sanchez
Steve Wolfman
Bob Nelson
Kristen Perez
Leslie O’Malley
Police and Fire
Bernie Escalante
Patricia Dodge
Robert Oatey
Tim Shields
Paul Horvat
Robert Young
IT
Ken Morgan
Jacqueline Trumbull
Library
Yolande Wilburn
Jessica Goodman
David Addison
Planning
Lee Butler
Matthew VanHua
Eric Marlatt
Laura Landry
Katherine Donovan
John Gervasoni
Kurt Hurley
Samantha Haschert
Finance
Bobby Magee
Lupita Alamos
Denise Reid
Water
Rosemary Menard
Heidi Luckenbach
Matthew Zeman
Sarah Easley Perez
Chris Coburn
Economic
Development
David McCormic
Rebecca Unitt
Tiffany Lake
Bonnie Lipscomb
Parks and Recreation
Tony Elliot
Travis Beck
Leslie Keedy
Lindsay Bass
Rachel Kaufman
Jack Sprow
Acknowledgments v
26.15 26.16
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.......................................................................... 1
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................... 19
2. COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT........................................................31
3. GHG EMISSIONS IN THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ ...................... 37
4. KEY LEGISLATION, ACTIONS, AND TARGETS........................... 45
5. EQUITY SCREENING TOOL ........................................................... 49
6. MEASURES AND ACTIONS ........................................................... 55
7. IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................................133
8. CALL TO ACTION ...........................................................................139 APPENDICES ........................................................................................149 Table of Contents vii
26.17 Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Glossary
Below is a list of acronyms, abbreviations, and glossary terms. For more information on the various concepts in this CAP, please visit the City’s Climate Educational Resources webpage, https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/ city-manager/climate-action-program/climate-educational-resources.
A
ADU(s) – Accessory Dwelling Unit(s)
AB – Assembly Bill
AMBAG – Association of Monterey
Bay Area Governments
B
BAU – Business-as-Usual Forecast
Blue Point Planning – City’s
community engagement consultant
for CAP 2030 development
Biofuels- a renewable fuel source derived
from biomass such as algae or animal waste
C
CAC – Climate Action Compact
CAP – Climate Action Plan
CARB – California Air Resources Board
Carbon Neutrality – achieving a
balance between emitting carbon
and atmospheric carbon removal
Carbon Capture – process of capturing carbon
dioxide before it enters the atmosphere
and storing it for centuries or millennia
Carbon Sequestration – Process of
capturing, securing, and storing carbon
from the atmosphere for example in
vegetation such as grasslands or forest,
as well as in soils and oceans
CATF – Mayor’s Community
Climate Action Task Force
CCA – Community Choice Aggregation
CCCE – Central Coast Community
Energy, regional CCA
CEQA – California Environmental Quality Act
Circular Economy – model of production and
consumption that involves sharing, reusing,
repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing
materials and products as long as possible
CO2 – Carbon dioxide
Co-benefit – positive benefits related to climate
mitigating actions (e.g., reduced air pollution)
D
E
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
viii Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Glossary
26.18 Extractive Economy – a resource-based
economy, dependent on harvesting or
extracting natural resources for sale or trade
EEBES – Equitable Existing Building
Electrification Strategy
EF – Emissions Factor
EO – Executive Order
Equity Advisors – Local, compensated
subject matter experts from frontline
and/or historically under-served or
-underrepresented communities
Electrification – the process of generating
power from electricity, and in many
contexts, the transition to such power
from an earlier power source
Equitable or Just Transition – refers to
the transition from a consumption-based,
extractive economy to a regenerative economy,
with special consideration to address the
past harm to frontline communities
EV(s) – Electric Vehicle(s)
F
15-minute neighborhood – involves neighborhood design via a menu of policy actions that provide residents access to
most, if not all, of their needs within a
short walk or bike ride from their home
Frontline Communities – aka communities of
concern; are those that experience continuing
injustice—including people of color, immigrants,
people with lower incomes, people experiencing homelessness or houselessness, differently-abled persons, seniors, and indigenous people—face a legacy of systemic, largely
racialized, inequity that influences their living
and working places, the quality of their air
and water, and their economic opportunities
G
GHG(s) – Greenhouse Gass(es)
Greenlining Institute – City’s equity
consultant for CAP 2030 development
GWP(s) – Global Warming Potential(s)
H
HFC(s) – Hydrofluorocarbon(s)
HiAP – Health in All Policies, a city initiative
that prioritizes equity, public health and sustainability into City policy- and decision-making I
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability
IPCC – Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change
IRP – Interim Recovery Plan, the
city’s strategy to recover from the
covid-19 pandemic’s impacts
Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Glossary ix
26.19 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change Assessment Report 5 (IPCC
AR5) – provides the state of knowledge
concerning the science of climate change.
IPCC AR5 was developed by climate change
experts and government representatives
IOU – investor owned utilities (e.g., PG&E)
J
K
L
LHMP – Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
M
Methane – CH4
MPO(s) – Metropolitan Planning Organization(s)
MT CO2e – Metric tons of carbon
dioxide equivalent is the standard
units to measure GHG emissions.
N
N2O – Nitrous oxide
O
Offroad Equipment – any non stationary
device powere by an internal combustion
engine or electric motor used primarily
off roadways such as agricultural,
landscaping or construction equipment
Offset – an activity, such as planting a
tree, that compensates for the emissions of
CO2 or other GHGs into the atmosphere.
The City proposes no offsets to reach
its emissions reduction targets
OPR – California Governor’s Office
of Planning and Research
P
PFC(s) – Perfluorocarbon(s)
Q
R
Regenerative Economy – Economic
system designed to regenerate the Earth’s
resources rather than deplete them
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
x > Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Glossary
26.20 Regional Energy Network – authorized by
the California Public Utilities Commission,
association of public entitles for administering energy efficiency programs outside the traditional IOU-administered paradigm
Renewable Diesel -– direct substitute for
diesel fuel refined from lower carbon and
renewable source material
Resilient Santa Cruz – aka Bright
Action, community activation and
emissions tracking platform
Rincon – City’s technical consultant
on CAP development
RTP(s) – Regional Transportation Plan(s)
S
SB – Senate Bill
SCCRTC – Santa Cruz County Regional
Transportation Commission
Scoping Plan – Approach California will
take to reduce GHG emissions to achieve
state goals, updated every 5 years by
the California Air Resources Board
Social Cost of Carbon or Emissions –
estimate, in dollars, of the economic
damages (e.g., health, infrastructure, etc.)
that result from emitting one additional ton
of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
SLR – Sea Level Rise
T
TDM – Transportation Demand Management
TOD – Transit oriented development, a planning
paradigm specified in the City’s General Plan
U
USDN – Urban Sustainability Director’s
Network, a leading local government climate
practitioner resource and network
U.S. EPA – United States
Environmental Protection Agency
UCSC – University of California Santa Cruz
V
VMT – Vehicle Miles Traveled
Vision Zero – a strategy to eliminate all traffic
fatalities and severe injuries while increasing
safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all
W
X
Y
Z
> Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Glossary xi
26.21 26.22
Plan Vision
Rapidly enact local climate
solutions that support and
enhance a thriving and
equitable community with
robust active and public
transportation; plentiful
housing that is affordable,
sustainable, and resilient;
and healthy regenerative
landscapes.
The community values that guided the
development and implementation of the
Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030 are:
1. Equity in all policies
2. Accessible people-centric
transportation infrastructure
3. Efficient and low carbon energy and water
4. Protect and enhance natural
resources and urban parks
5. Eliminate food waste and
support local food sources
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1 26.23
FEEDBACK
MECHANISMS
Community Outreach
by the Numbers
3 Visioning Workshops
29 Community Events
2,884
Points of Contact with
the Community
Community Driven
The Santa Cruz community lies at the center
of this CAP and each interested party played
an essential role in the development of the
CAP policies. Community groups including the
Mayor’s Appointed Climate Action Task Force
(CATF), equity advisors, and others shaped the
measures and actions in this CAP by participating in meetings and providing comments, sending emails and letters, responding to
surveys, participating in focus groups and
listening sessions, and providing input at pop
up events and in in online forums. Input was
also specifically solicited and gathered from
frontline groups through regular in-person
listening sessions and events along with the
guidance of our equity advisors. This included
3 visioning workshops that the City held with
key frontline groups, including unsheltered
groups, youth groups, and communities
residing in Beach Flats, as well as a discussion
on Plan implementation with the Beach Flats
community towards the end of the engagement
process. In its entirety, the CAP engagement
consisted of 29 community events with 2,884
points of contact. Overall, engagement efforts
were meant to uplift equity– meaning that
CAP efforts also sought to achieve co-benefits
around community health, wealth and
well-being for all groups, particularly frontline
groups, and ensuring that no group is disproportionately impacted by the CAP’s actions.
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
2 Executive Summary > Community Driven
26.24 Frontline communities are those that experience continuing injustice— including people of color, immigrants, people with lower incomes, people experiencing homelessness or houselessness, differently-abled persons, seniors, and indigenous people—face a legacy of systemic, largely racialized, inequity that influences their living and working places, the quality of their air and water, and their economic opportunities.
Community input covered a wide range of
topics, from suggestions for GHG emissions
reduction and climate adaptation to concerns
regarding urgent environmental issues that the
CAP should prioritize. The CATF also helped
design engagement. This process intentionally
and iteratively attempted to mitigate adverse
costs and impacts to frontline groups. Themes
that emerged from the outreach included the
need to create a seamless and safe active
transportation network; create a robust, decarbonized reliable public transportation system; establish more affordable, denser housing;
promote food recovery and composting; and
enhance regenerative landscapes while prioritizing measures with co-benefits. Therefore, the ambitious goals or targets, measures, and
actions within this CAP that advance equitable
climate mitigation, climate restoration, and a
climate economy were inspired, influenced,
and informed by a diverse set of community
voices. Additionally, climate economy measures
were created in alignment with the City’s
COVID-19 pandemic Interim Recovery Plan,
and measures aiming to promote equity in the
community were formed in alignment with the
City’s Health in All Policies (HiAP) approach.
Excited Community Members
Executive Summary > Community Driven 3
26.25 Qualified Climate Action Plan
The California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) is the statute that requires public
agencies, such as the City of Santa Cruz, to
consider the environmental consequences of
their actions through environmental review.
CEQA requires the City to determine and
disclose if those consequences, or impacts, are
significant, and if so, to avoid or minimize those
impacts, as feasible. The CAP 2030 serves
as a Qualified Climate Action Plan for which
the City can streamline the environmental
review process of future development projects,
which can save time and money during the
environmental review process while serving
as one of the biggest drivers for emissions
reduction. In order to receive the benefits of
streamlining, the Climate Action Plan must:
• Quantify GHG emissions within a defined area
• Establish a GHG emissions reduction target
• Identify emissions from planned activities
• Determine measures to achieve the
specified level of emissions
• Monitor progress and amend if necessary
• Be adopted in a public process
following environmental review
The Development Compliance Checklist serves
to promote relevant CAP actions and clearly
details compliance with the CAP through
a streamlined review process for proposed
new development projects that are subject to
environmental review under CEQA. Refer to
Appendix A Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan
2030 Initial Study – Negative Declaration
for additional detail on the environmental
impacts of implementing the CAP 2030.
Arana Gulch Pedestrian Walkway
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
4 Executive Summary > Qualified Climate Action Plan
26.26 Climate Milestones
The City has positioned itself as a leader in
environmental sustainability and cherishes
its beautiful natural environment and livable
community. However, climate change and its
considerable range of impacts are threatening
the environment and the community. The State
of California considers GHG emissions and
the impacts of climate change to be a serious
danger to public health, the environment,
economic well-being, and natural resources of
the state, and has taken an aggressive stance
to mitigate the impact on climate change
at the state-level through the adoption of
legislation and policies. Two major state climate-related goals are established by Assembly Bill (AB) 32 and Senate Bill (SB) 32 which
establish California’s long-term approach
to addressing climate change and reducing
state GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020
and 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030,
respectively. Additionally, a long-term goal
of reaching carbon neutrality by 2045 was
instituted for the state, but not codified,
through Executive Order (EO) B-55-18. While
it is not required for jurisdictions to meet this,
many are meeting or exceeding this target
to show alignment with the increasingly
aggressive decarbonization goals of the state.
The 2020 CAP adopted by the City in 2012
included a 2005 GHG emissions inventory and
identified targets to reduce GHG emissions
30 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050,
compared to 1990 levels. Progress towards
these targets was tracked at least every
five years using GHG inventories. Overall
community and municipal GHG emissions
have declined steadily since 2005, however,
the City did not meet its 2020 target (30
percent below 1990 emissions), largely due to
population growth and growth in employment.
During the CAP 2030 (referred to as Resilient
Together) development process, the city and
community worked in tandem to determine
the most equitable pathway to carbon
neutrality and set targets exceeding the state’s
Fun in Laurel Park goals set out by SB 32 and EO B-55-18.
Executive Summary > Climate Milestones 5
26.27 36.3%
Energy Reduction in Municipal
Buildings (2008—2020)
3,567
Solar Powered Residences
(2008—2020)
116
Businesses went Solar
(2008 – 2020)
37%
of Municipal Buildings Energy
Use is Renewable Energy
12%
Achieved Active Transportation
Mode Share (Walking
+ Biking) in 2018
2%
Increase of the City’s
Urban Tree Canopy
City Leadership and
Achievements
As a leader in sustainability, the City committed
to reducing GHG emissions and increasing overall
sustainability more than a decade ago, and has
made substantial progress over time. Since the
adoption of the 2020 CAP, the community successfully achieved the following key milestones:
• Reduced energy use in municipal buildings
by 36.3 percent between 2008 to 2020.
• Expanded energy efficiency programs to
7.5 percent of homes and businesses.
• Increased solar to 3,567 residents
between 2008 and 2019.
• Increased solar for commercial
businesses to 116 businesses.
• Generated renewable energy to cover 37
percent of municipal building consumption.
• Decreased the number of people who commuted
alone 10 percent from 2008 to 2020.
• Achieved active transportation (walking and
biking) mode share of 12 percent in 2018.
• Increased the City’s urban tree canopy by 2 percent.
• Partnered with the University of California
Santa Cruz on 32 sustainability and alternative
energy research projects, exceeding the
City’s target of completing 25 projects.
Drivers of progress include state rebates, advantageous utility rates, and the federal Investment Tax Credit, which was available throughout the majority
of the CAP 2020 implementation period. Progress
on the reduction in single occupancy vehicles was
driven by an approach of “meeting people where
they are with many commute options,” and launching
the Rail Trail segments, Go Santa Cruz, and My511
commute platform to facilitate mode shift.
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
6 Executive Summary > Climate Milestones
26.28 2019 Baseline Inventory Summary
The City’s 2019 baseline GHG emissions
inventory estimates local community emissions
from sectors contained in the State’s Scoping
Plan including transportation, residential and
commercial energy use, waste, and water
and wastewater. The 2019 GHG Inventory
was prepared using the most recent available
and accurate community data and, emissions
factors from Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change Assessment Report 5 (IPCC
AR5). Calculations were based on the U.S.
Community Protocol for Accounting and
Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
version 1.2, an activity-based emissions
inventory methodology consistent with
the state inventory, and state guidance.
In 2019, the community emitted approximately 274,584 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e) or 4.22 MT CO2e per
resident. Figure ES-1 shows 2019 emissions
and percent contribution from each sector.
Refer to Appendix B and Appendix E for
additional GHG inventory information.
FIGURE ES-1. 2019 City of Santa Cruz GHG Emissions
Water and Wastewater
754 MT CO2e
0%
Solid Waste
18,976 MT CO2e
7%
Residential Energy
42,718 MT CO2e
16%
Commercial Energy
23,206 MT CO2e
8%
2019
Executive Summary > 2019 Baseline Inventory Summary 7 TOTAL: 274,584 MT CO2e
Transportation and Mobile Services
189,930 MT CO2e
69%
MT CO2e: Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent is the standard units to measure GHG emissions.
Emissions have been rounded and therefore sums may not match.
Source: Emissions were calculated following ICLEI U.S. Community Protocol Version 1.2 and using data provided and approved by the City.
26.29 2030 and 2035 Target Summary
This CAP is the Santa Cruz community’s
roadmap to achieving the City’s 2030 GHG
emissions reduction target and state mandated
goal of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.
The CAP also demonstrates progress towards
achieving the City’s ambitious, aspirational
target of carbon neutrality in 2035 and beyond.
Figure ES-2 below details the City’s community-wide (mass) GHG emissions targets compared to the projected Business-as-Usual
(BAU) Forecast and Adjusted Forecast. The
BAU Forecast projects GHG emissions levels
that scale with population, employment and
transportation growth consistent with regional
projections. The Adjusted Forecast accounts
for GHG reductions expected to occur from
adopted State legislation, for example, 2019
Title 24 Building Energy Efficiency Standards,
Senate Bill 100- California Renewables
Portfolio Standard Program, and more.
FIGURE ES-2. City of Santa Cruz GHG Emissions Forecast (MT CO2e) City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
8 Executive Summary > 2030 and 2035 Target Summary
8 26.30
Strategy Summary
Table ES-1, and the following graphic, provide a summary of the CAP measures that will reduce GHG emissions to meet the City’s vision and targets in alignment with the community values.
Sustainable
Government
9 Measures
43 Actions
Climate
Mitigation
17 Measures
90 Actions
Climate
Economy
2 Measures
4 Actions
Climate
Restoration
3 Measures
15 Actions
Executive Summary > Strategy Summary 9
The CAP 2030 actions support 91% of the City’s Community Well-being Outcome Indicator metrics adopted in 2021 through the City’s HiAP initiative.
See Chapter 4 for the 152 actions – programs, policies, and projects -- defined to achieve each measure and its emissions reduction potential. Emissions reductions are quantified for those measures where a legally justifiable methodology to determine emissions reductions exists.
Measures that are listed as “supportive,” when implemented, contribute to the success of achieving the quantifiable emissions reduction measures. Those measures that are “supportive” may or may not have a means to estimate emissions reduction potential, but for CEQA purposes, the legal defensibility of those methods is not strong and thus not included in the quantification.
26.31 TABLE ES-1. Summary of CAP Measures
Measure
Number Measure
2030
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2035
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2045
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2030
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
2035
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
2045
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
CLIMATE MITIGATION MEASURES
Building Energy Measures
BE-1
Enforce the City’s
new construction
natural gas
prohibition
ordinance (SCMC
6.100) and inform
the community
regarding the
available technology
and benefits of
electrification.
0.085 0.100 0.126 6,107 7,533 10,028
BE-2
Electrify 31% of
existing residential
buildings by 2030
and 53% by 2035.
0.180 0.298 0.383 13,016 22,433 30,444
BE-3
Electrify 26% of
existing commercial
buildings by 2030
and 45% by 2035.
0.079 0.133 0.173 5,730 9,980 13,770
BE-4
Maintain Central
Coast Community
Energy (CCCE)
opt-out rates at
or below 4% for
commercial and 2%
for residential.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive BE-5
Increase resiliency
through equitable
energy efficiency
and local solar
programs.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
10 Executive Summary > Strategy Summary
26.32 Measure
Number Measure
2030
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2035
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2045
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2030
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
2035
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
2045
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
BE-6
Provide inclusive
engagement,
equitable process
and regional
coordination to
maximize building
electrification
carbon reduction
outcomes and other
co-benefits.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Transportation Measures
T-1
Implement
programs for active
transportation
(walking and biking)
that achieve 23% of
bicycle mode share
by 2030 and 30%
by 2035.
0.051 0.069 0.067 3,661 5,188 5,323
T-2
Implement
programs for public
transportation
that achieve
8% of public
transportation
mode share by 2030
and 12% by 2035.
0.002 0.032 0.089 174 2,412 7,076
T-3
Implement
programs and
policies to
discourage driving
single-occupancy
passenger vehicles.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive T-4
Increase passenger
electric vehicle (EV)
adoption to 35% by
2030 and 40% by
2035.
0.441 0.449 0.663 31,706 3,756 52,770
Executive Summary > Strategy Summary 11
26.33 Measure
Number Measure
2030
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2035
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2045
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2030
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
2035
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
2045
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
T-5
Increase commercial
EV adoption to 25%
by 2030 and 35%
by 2035.
0.077 0.050 0.034 5,539 3,769 2,687
T-6
Electrify or
otherwise
decarbonize 50% of
off-road equipment
by 2030 and 75%
by 2035.
0.076 0.116 0.124 5,495 8,736 9,840
T-7
Advocate for
remote work policy
and infrastructure.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Water, Waste, and Wastewater
W-1
Maintain gallons
per capita water use
for the residential
sector at a level
that is at least 10%
below the state goal
of 55 gallons per
person per day.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive W-2
Reduce organic
waste by 75% by
2030 and 90% by
2035; and reduce
inorganic waste by
35% by 2030 and
40% by 2035.
0.065 0.078 0.078 4,724 5,876 6,216
W-3
Establish a
long-term target
to reduce waste
generation growth.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
12 Executive Summary > Strategy Summary
26.34 Measure
Number Measure
2030
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2035
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2045
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2030
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
2035
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
2045
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
W-4
Reduce or capture
GHG emissions
from wastewater
treatment.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive
CLIMATE RESTORATION MEASURES
CR-1
Develop an Urban
Forest Master Plan
and plant 3,000
new trees by 2030.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive CR-2
Explore new carbon
sequestration and
carbon capture
opportunities.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive CR-3
Increase carbon
sequestration by
applying compost
throughout the
community.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive *This measure (W-2) includes actions aimed at reducing to consumption-based emissions sources that are outside of the State scoping plan sectors, such as diet, travel, and shopping local.
CLIMATE ECONOMY MEASURES
CE-1
Prioritize
opportunities for
greatest climate
benefit and
economic inclusion
especially for
minority, veteran
and women owned
businesses in
climate related
sectors.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Executive Summary > Strategy Summary 13
26.35 Measure
Number Measure
2030
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2035
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2045
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2030
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
2035
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
2045
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
CE-2
Support equitable
access to highquality training
and workforce
development
programs in climate
related sectors.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive
SUSTAINABLE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT MEASURES
M-1
Decarbonize
municipally owned
buildings by 2030
and remaining
municipal facilities
by 2045.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive M-2
Procure carbon free
or 100% renewable
electricity
for municipal
operations by 2030.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive M-3
Increase
municipally-owned
renewable energy.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive M-4
Develop and
implement
a Municipal
Transportation
Demand
Management (TDM)
Plan by the end of
2023.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive M-5
Electrify or
otherwise
decarbonize the
municipal fleet by
2035.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
14 Executive Summary > Strategy Summary
26.36 Measure
Number Measure
2030
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2035
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2045
Reduction
(MT CO2e
per capita)
2030
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
2035
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
2045
Reduction
(MT CO2e
total)
M-6
Electrify or
otherwise
decarbonize all
municipal off-road
equipment
(landscaping
equipment,
construction
equipment, marine
diesel engines) by
2040.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive M-7
Increase municipal
procurement of
recovered organics
waste products.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive M-8
Promote efficient
municipal water
consumption.
Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive M-9 Support climate
action planning. Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive Supportive
1.06 1.33 1.74 76,152 99,683 138,154
3.55 3.32 3.15 256,715 249,834 250,569
C. Emissions with Measures
Implemented (B–A) 2.49 1.99 1.41 180,563 150,151 112,415 D. City’s Emissions
Reduction Targets 2.74 0.0 0.0 181,391 0 0
Target Met Yes No* No* Yes No* No*
* - Meeting this target will require more aggressive action across all measures, and carbon sequestration, capture, and/or storage measures to achieve carbon neutrality since 100% of emissions will not be eliminated.
Executive Summary > Strategy Summary 15
A. Total Anticipated
Reductions
B. Adjusted Emissions
26.37 Call To Action
While the City as a municipality can lead on
many of the measures required to achieve
the 2030 targets, the community must rally
together through partnerships and act as
individuals to collectively meet the 2030
target and accelerate progress toward carbon
neutrality in 2035. Although the City has not
quantified the emissions reduction potential
of emissions sources outside the state
scoping plan sectors via a consumption-based
emissions inventory, substantial progress
must be made on emissions sources outside
of the state scoping plan sectors. To advise
partners and residents to take actions to make
maximum impact in reducing emissions, the
CAP identifies the most impactful actions
residents can take and encourages residents
to commit to actions in the Resilient Santa
Cruz community activation platform.
FIGURE ES-3. My Starting Level in the Resilient Santa Cruz platform Household Impact
Use of the Resilient Santa Cruz community
activation platform will enable residents to
discover their individual or household impact,
join a team if desired, commit to emissions
reduction actions, and get regular feedback
on how those actions, when implemented,
help reach emissions reduction goals. It
provides links to rebates, credits, programs
and useful information to help residents on
their deep decarbonization journey. It even
provides climate resilience and emergency
preparedness information. There is something
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
16 Executive Summary > Call To Action
26.38 for everyone on the Resilient Santa Cruz
platform, categorizing actions into those
that are easy or youth- or renter-friendly or
focus in on specific emission sources like
energy, transportation and water use. The
High Impact Actions are those most impactful
The High Impact Actions
• Choose Renewable Electricity from
Central Coast Community Energy
• Reduce Air Travel
• Eat more Plant-based Meals
• Take Public Transportation
• Buy or lease an Electric Vehicle
• Electrify: Install Electric Heat Pump
Water Heater or Space Heating
• Use Active Transportation: bike,
walk, skateboard, or scooter
• Install Solar Panels
And finally, share the solutions and your
commitment to actions with others…
Studies show that the majority of Americans
are concerned about climate change, but
don’t know what to do. It can seem like such
a huge and overwhelming problem when you
don’t know about the solutions. Most people
are glad to find out there are solutions and
even happier when they see that the solutions
don’t need to turn our lives upside down.
Talking about climate change is something
many people avoid. They are worried that
maybe their neighbors are not as concerned
as they are or that they might need to be an
expert to talk about it. However, since most
Santa Cruzans are concerned about climate
change the likelihood is that your neighbor has
the same concerns that you do. Talking about
solutions with neighbors, family, and friends is
a positive conversation and is an easy way to
inspire someone else to take action. People
are usually happy to learn there is something
they can do to help! The best part is you don’t
need to be an expert and it’s easy to do.
Learn more about the set of actions you can
take in Chapter 8, the Call to Action.
Executive Summary > Call To Action 17
for emissions reductions, but residents
should tailor their action choices
to the areas their emissions impact summary
indicates (see Figure ES-3). My Starting
Level in the Resilient Santa Cruz platform.
26.39 26.40
1. INTRODUCTION
Community Vision and Values
The City of Santa Cruz CAP 2030 builds on the
strong foundation of climate action in the City
and provides a framework for updated policies,
programs, and incentives for the community
to work toward climate mitigation, climate
restoration, and building a climate economy.
The CAP incorporates the many climate
protection programs that the City has in
place that will continue to reduce GHG
emissions. Additionally, this plan includes
new initiatives that the City will implement
in order to reach the refined targets that
were established as part of this plan.
Values
The community values that have guided
the development of the CAP and will
continue to guide its implementation are:
• Ensure equity in all policies
• Build people-centric transportation
infrastructure
• Promote efficient and low carbon/
no carbon energy and water
• Protect and enhance natural
resources and urban parks
• Eliminate food waste and
support local food sources
1. Introduction > Community Vision and Values 19
26.41 The City of Santa Cruz CAP incorporates
the many climate protection programs that
the City has in place that will continue to
reduce GHG emissions. Additionally, this
plan includes new initiatives that the City will
implement in order to reach the refined targets
that were established as part of this plan.
Climate Legislation
California is a leader in climate action and has
developed policies and passed legislation that
seeks to control GHG emissions. For example,
the state passed landmark legislation that
requires California to reduce overall GHG
Emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels
by 2030 and appointed the California Air
Resources Board (CARB) to develop policies
to achieve this goal, which are documented in
the Scoping Plan. One of the primary programs
developed by the CARB is the California capand-trade program, which requires mandatory reporting for significant sources of GHG
emissions and sets caps on emission levels that
are outside the purview of the City’s CAP. The
following section highlights the primary state
legislation and guidance related to this CAP,
and Figure 1 shows a more detailed timeline
with additional relevant legislation, as well as
key climate related successes in the City.
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
20 1. Introduction > Community Vision and Values
26.42 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan 2007–2012
2007 Climate Action Compact signed
between county, city and UCSC
City of Santa Cruz
Climate Action Plan Program Established
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan & Climate
Action Plan Update 2012–2017
City Green Building 24.15,
updated for 2016 Building Code
City sues 29 fossil fuel companies for the
impacts of climate change
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Five Year Update 2018–2023
Santa Cruz Climate Adaptation Plan
2018–2023
City Green Building 24.15
updated for 2016 Building Code
Central Coast Community Energy established
Natural Gas Prohibition in New Buildings
Ordinance Adopted
City Green Building SCMC24.15, updated for
2019 Building Code with strong emphasis on
optimal all-electric retrofit/design
Paris Climate Agreement Support Resolution
SB 375: Sustainable Communities
and Climate Protection Act
SB X7-7: Water Conservation Act
CALGreen: Green Building Code
SB 743: CEQA Transportation
Impacts
SB 350: Clean Energy and
Pollution Reduction Act
SB 32: 40% below 1990 by 2030
SB 197: CARB Oversight
and Reporting
SB 1383: Short-lived
Climate Pollutants
City joins Global Covenant of
Mayors for Climate and Energy
Internal Carbon Fund established
via APO
SB 100: Increase RPS
EO B-55-18: Carbon Neutrality
by 2045
EO S-3-05: Targets for GHG
Emission Reductions
AB 32: Global Warming
Solutions Act
SB 97: CEQA GHGs
EO S-1-07: Low Carbon
Fuel Standard
FIGURE 1. Local and State Climate Actions
2006
2009
2005
2008
2007
2010
2014
2012
2016
2011
2015
2013
2017
2020
2019
2018
2021
Local Climate Actions State Climate Actions
1. Introduction > Community Vision and Values 21
Health in All Policies ordinance adopted
Green New Deal Resolution adopted
Major portions of Rail Trail completed
Street Trees Plan adopted
26.43 State Legislation
and Guidance
Executive Order S-3-05
In 2005, the governor signed EO
S-3-05, which established the following
GHG emission reduction targets:
• By 2010, California shall reduce
GHG emissions to 2000 levels
• By 2020, California shall reduce
GHG emissions to 1990 levels
• By 2050, California shall reduce GHG
emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels
Assembly Bill 32 –
California Global Warming
Solutions Act of 2006
Building on EO S-3-05, AB 32 was approved
by the legislature and signed in 2006.
The landmark legislation requires CARB
to develop mechanisms that will reduce
GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020.
Mandatory actions under the legislation
to be completed by CARB include:
• Identification of early action items that can
be quickly implemented to achieve GHG
reductions. These early action items include
regulations affecting landfill operations,
motor vehicle fuels, car refrigerants, and
port operations, among other regulations.
• Development of a Scoping Plan to identify
the most technologically feasible and costeffective measures to achieve the necessary emissions reductions to reach 1990 levels by
2020. The Scoping Plan’s measures include
direct regulations, alternative compliance
mechanisms, incentives, voluntary actions,
and market-based cap-and trade program.
• Creation and adoption of regulations
to require the state’s largest industrial
emitters of GHGs to report and verify
their emissions on an annual basis.
Senate Bill 32
On September 8, 2016, the governor
signed SB 32 into law, extending AB 32
by requiring the state to further reduce
GHGs to 40 percent below 1990 levels by
2030 (the other provisions of AB 32 remain
unchanged). The bill charges CARB to adopt
the regulation so that the maximum technologically feasible emissions reductions are achieved in the most cost-effective way.
Executive Order B-55-18
On September 10, 2018, the governor
issued EO B-55-18, which established a new
statewide goal of achieving carbon neutrality
by 2045 and maintaining net negative
emissions thereafter. This goal is in addition
to the existing statewide GHG reduction
targets established by previous legislation.
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
22 1. Introduction > Community Vision and Values
26.44 Qualified Climate Action Plan
The California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA) is the statute that requires public
agencies, such as the City of Santa Cruz, to
consider the environmental consequences of
their actions through environmental review.
CEQA requires the City to determine and
disclose if those consequences, or impacts,
are significant, and if so, to avoid or minimize
those impacts, as feasible. The City of Santa
Cruz CAP 2030 serves as a Qualified Climate
Action Plan for which the City can streamline
the environmental review process of future
projects, which can save time and money
during the environmental review process while
simultaneously driving emissions reduction.
If development projects are consistent
with the 2030 CAP, CEQA analysis can be
streamlined by presuming that the project’s
GHG emissions are not significant. In order
to receive the benefits of streamlining, the
Climate Action Plan must be consistent with
the criteria set forth in CEQA Guidelines
Section 15183.5(b) as outlined below.
TABLE 2. CEQA Guidelines Section 15183.5(b) Compliance
Criteria Set Forth in CEQA Guidelines Section
15183.5(b)
Where it is Addressed in the
Climate Action Plan
Quantify GHG emissions, both existing and projected
over a specified time period, resulting from activities within a defined geographic area.
GHG Emissions in the
City of Santa Cruz
Establish a level, based on substantial evidence,
below which the contribution to GHG emissions from
activities covered by the plan would not be cumulatively considerable
GHG Emissions in the
City of Santa Cruz
Key Legislation, Actions,
and Targets
Identify and analyze the GHG emissions resulting from
specific actions or categories of actions anticipated
within the geographic area
Measures and Actions; Appendix
C GHG Emissions Reduction
Technical Evidence
Specify measures or a group of measures, including
performance standards, that substantial evidence
demonstrates, if implemented on a project-by-project
basis, would collectively achieve the specified
emissions level
Measures and Actions; Appendix
C GHG Emissions Reduction
Technical Evidence
Establish a mechanism to monitor the plan’s progress
toward achieving the level and to require an amendment
if the plan is not achieving specified levels
Implementation
Be adopted in a public process following
environmental review
Appendix A Santa Cruz Climate
Action Plan 2030 Initial Study –
Negative Declaration
1. Introduction > Community Vision and Values 23
26.45 Scientific Background
Science of Climate Change
Gases that absorb and re-emit infrared
radiation in the atmosphere are called GHGs.
The GHGs that are considered to be the
principal contributors to human-induced
climate change include carbon dioxide,
methane, nitrous oxides, fluorinated gases
such as hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride. Water vapor is excluded as a GHG because it is short-lived
in the atmosphere, and its atmospheric concentrations are largely determined by natural processes, such as oceanic evaporation.
GHGs are emitted by both natural processes
and human activities. Of these GHGs, carbon
dioxide and methane, and nitrous oxide are
emitted in the greatest quantities from human
activities. Ninety-seven percent of the annual
GHG emissions generated in the United
States consist of these. Further, these gases
can trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to
overall warming of the earth's surface. While
all these gases contribute to warming the
earth, carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous
oxides are the three most prominent GHGs
and are used to quantify GHG emissions for
the City. Because all GHG emissions have
different characteristics, a standard unit is
used to compare the potential impacts of
different GHGs and allow them to be added
together. This is achieved by converting all
GHGs into a standard unit called carbon dioxide
equivalent (CO2e), based on the amount of
heat one metric ton (MT) of CO2 traps in the
atmosphere (see Figure 2). Figure 3 demonstrates what is called the greenhouse gas effect.
This process explains how increased emissions
and impacts to the atmosphere can lead to
an overall increase in global temperatures.
FIGURE 2. Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Source: IPCC. Climate Change 2014: Synthesis Report. Available:
https://www.ipcc.ch/site/assets/uploads/2018/02/SYR_AR5_FINAL_full.pdf Each of these gases has its own global warming potential (GWP), or extent to which it traps energy in the atmosphere, ranging from a decade to several thousand years. CO2 is used as the reference point to compare the potential impact of different GHGs, therefore CO2 has a GWP of 1. Methane has a GWP of 28, meaning that each metric ton (MT) of methane causes 28 times more warming than 1 MT of CO2. Nitrous oxide has a GWP of 265 or 265 times the GWP of 1 MT of CO2.
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
24 1. Introduction > Scientific Background
26.46 FIGURE 3. Greenhouse Gas Effect and Associated Climate Impacts Some heat continues into space while
the rest, trapped by greenhouse gases,
help maintain the planet’s relatively
comfortable temperatures.
Less gas =
less heat trapped in the atmosphere
Retaining more reliable:
• Weather
• Rainfall
• Temperature
• Sea Level
More gas =
More heat trapped in the atmosphere
More intense:
• Storms
• Drought
• Heat
• Sea Level Rise
• Wildfires
Increased greenhouse gases means less
heat escapes to space. Between preindustrial times and now, the earth’s average temperature has risen by 1.8°F (1.0°C).
With Normal
Greenhouse Gases
With Increased
Greenhouse Gases
In the last century, human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation have caused an increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
THE RESULT: Extra trapped heat and higher global temperatures.
1. Introduction > Scientific Background 25
26.47 Sources of GHGs and City Influence
The primary source of GHG emissions is the
combustion of fossil fuels. Other major contributors include decomposition of waste and land use changes, such as development on
previously undeveloped land, which have historically impacted frontline communities. The main sources of GHG emissions in Santa Cruz
that the City can influence, as identified in
the state’s 2017 Scoping Plan, are from
transportation, buildings, solid waste, and
water and wastewater. Transportation
emissions are generated by fuel used by
cars, trucks, and off-road vehicles. Building
emissions are from electricity and natural gas
used by residential and commercial buildings.
Solid waste from residential, commercial,
and municipal sources generates methane
emissions as materials (especially organics like
food scraps and yard waste) decompose in
the landfill. Water emissions are generated by
electricity used to transport and treat water for
residential and commercial use, and emissions
from wastewater treatment processes.
Cities can play a critical role in reducing
GHG emissions at the local level. Local
government policies and programs can
reduce GHG emissions and help mitigate
the impacts of climate change, within their
jurisdictional control. Cities can reduce
emissions by improving building codes to
reduce energy use, incentivizing alternative
transportation options to decrease fuel use,
and expanding options for waste stream
diversion and renewable energy sources.
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
26 1. Introduction > Scientific Background
26.48 Sources of GHGs Outside of City Influence
There are many sources of emissions outside
of the control of the city that are not included
in this CAP. However, it is important to
understand what these sources are and how
the community can collectively reduce the
emissions from these sectors. For example,
emissions generated from the life cycle of
products as they are created, such as the
metals and plastics extracted and used to
build cars and trucks, are outside of the City’s
direct influence. Additionally, the food system
can have major implications on the climate.
Modern diets include increased amounts of
non-local, processed foods. This means that
in addition to what goes into the production
of foods, transportation and processing can
increase GHGs emitted. Of these sources,
livestock production is the largest. Meat
from ruminant animals, such as cattle and
goats, are particularly emissions intensive.
Despite this, changing individual diets is not
an enforceable issue. People need to address
their contributions to climate change within
their own households. While the City’s CAP
can provide guidance and will put pressure
on different emissions sectors, limiting the
effects will also come down to the decisions
made by community members. Reducing
individual and household emissions through
well-informed consumption decisions will
contribute to the city’s overall emissions
reductions and assist in repairing the climate.
To support individual actions, the City will
conduct education campaigns as described
in the Measures and Actions section of the
CAP and launch a community activation
platform – Resilient Santa Cruz – which
will encourage and empower community
members to make changes that are within
their individual or household influence. See
Section 8. Call to Action for more information.
1. Introduction > Scientific Background 27
26.49 Effects of Climate
Change in Santa Cruz
The City is a compact, vibrant, beach
community that preserves the diversity and
quality of its natural and built environments,
creates a satisfying quality of life for its
residents and attracts visitors from around the
world. Its unique geography, from exposed
Pacific Ocean cliffs to sheltered Monterey Bay
beaches, and coastal river running through
its downtown and tourist- areas, is a part of
its appeal, yet these features also increase its
vulnerability to the impacts of climate change.
Climate change impacts include sea level rise
(SLR) — which will exacerbate coastal storm
events, cliff erosion, and flooding — drought,
saltwater intrusion, fog reduction and increased
risk of wildfire; and extreme weather such
as storms and extreme heat. The science
surrounding climate change continues to
improve and the impacts of unabated anthropogenic GHG emissions are already being experienced and future impacts are becoming
clearer. However, there is hope and an ability
to make change (as demonstrated in Chapter
5). Through key Legislation, Actions, and
Targets, the City has continuously reaffirmed its
goal to both reduce GHG emissions to mitigate
climate change and to build adaptive capacity
into policies, plans, programs and infrastructure.
People and property in the City are at risk from a variety of hazards that have the potential to precipitate widespread damage to property, infrastructure, and the environment. Communities who are least culpable in the warming of the planet, and most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, have suffered disproportionately as a result of historical injustice and disinvestment. These communities are considered frontline communities and include people of color, immigrants, people with lower incomes, people experiencing homelessness or houselessness, differently-abled persons, seniors, and indigenous people.
Frontline communities are hit first and worst by climate change impacts.
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
28 1. Introduction > Scientific Background
26.50 FIGURE 4. Effects of Climate Change on Human Health Health Effects Secondary Effects Rising
Temperatures
Increased
Allergens
Urban Heat
Island Effect
Increased
AllergyRelated
Illnesses
Injury
&
Death
Mental
Health
Aggravated
Respiratory
Illnesses
Aggravated
Cardiovascular
Illnesses
Heat Stroke
Dehydration
Environmental
Effects
Air Quality
Impacts
Saltwater Intrusion &
Ocean Acidification
Decreased Food, Fuel, &
Energy Availability
Property Loss
Water Contamination
Infrastructure Damage
Natural
Disasters
Increased
Sea level Rise,
Flooding,
Tsunamis,
& Storms
More
Intense
Drought &
Wildfires
More
Frequent
Heatwaves
Increased
Pollution &
GHG
Emissions
1. Introduction > Scientific Background 29
26.51 Coastal storm flooding is a primary hazard
placing property and infrastructure at risk in
the city. Although armoring may prevent some
impacts associated with coastal erosion, in
many areas this infrastructure will not protect
from wave overtopping during coastal storm
events. In 2021, the city witnessed several
strong rainstorms that caused flooding along
the San Lorenzo River. Higher rates of SLR
have also left the city vulnerable to potential
tsunamis. In January 2022, a tsunami caused
by an offshore volcanic eruption sent surges
of waves into the city, submerging several
electrical pedestals and damaging cars and
boats parked at Santa Cruz Harbor.
Wildfires are also increasing throughout the
state of California. The Central Coast has
experienced several detrimental fires in the
past decade. While the City avoided the CZU
Lightning Complex fires in 2020, the fires got
very close to the borders of the City and the
UCSC campus was evacuated. In addition, the
fire burned portions of the watersheds that
supply the City’s drinking water. Increased
drought conditions combined with variable
precipitation and increased temperatures make
the City vulnerable to this threat. Vegetation
fires are likely to increase due to several
climatic and human pressures. However, the
City is taking action to prepare and mitigate
these threats including through the City’s
Adaptation Plan 2018-2023, Resilient Coast
Santa Cruz, coastal monitoring, upcoming
2024-2029 Climate Adaptation Plan, and
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Updates.
The City of Santa Cruz recognizes that
everyone has a role in reducing the impacts
of climate change and meeting the state goals
and City targets for GHG emission reductions.
It is imperative that we all actively participate
in the process and aim to reduce our fair share
of emissions. In late 2017, the City of Santa
Cruz filed a lawsuit seeking to hold fossil fuel
defendants accountable for their decades
of deception about climate change and the
resulting damages associated with sea level
rise, more frequent and intense wildfires, more
destructive storms, and other consequences
of climate change knowingly caused by the
defendants’ products. The City’s goal is to
ensure that the costs of measures needed to
protect Santa Cruz from those consequences
are borne by the fossil fuel defendants who
caused it – and not by the City’s taxpayers.
Considering the social cost of emissions, the
City has estimated it experiences
≥$25M per year in adverse impacts
to the community already due to
climate change.
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
30 1. Introduction > Scientific Background
26.52 2. COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
Community Engagement Process
Resilient Together is the name of the CAP
2030 development process, drawing on the
familiar climate adaptation initiative that
took place between 2019 and 2021, Resilient
Coast Santa Cruz. Resilient Together invited
input from city staff, consultants, and the
Santa Cruz community at large, contributing
to the engagement process and climate action
planning that unfolded between 2020 and
2022. The process was centered in equity, and
sought to process members of the community
who have suffered from historical injustices
and whose voices have not been historically
included in City planning efforts and priorities,
including Indigenous, Black, and Latinx voices.
The City also provided compensation for
these groups for much of their participation
to ensure their time for the value of their time
and subject matter expertise. It was critical for
the City to engage with these communities
not only to garner input and inform the Plan,
but also to form and build long-lasting relationships to provide equitable CAP program development and implementation and to
ensure equitable future planning efforts.
31 26.53
Community Outreach
by the Numbers
9 Total Workshops
263
People Engaged in
In-person Visioning Activities
12 In-person Collage
Visioning Exercises
25+
Online and In-person Activities
2,884
Points of Contact with
the Community
The COVID-19 pandemic challenged the CAP
engagement process, reducing the opportunities for in-person events and feedback. This caused the project team to adapt through
engagement focused on garnering online participation, with the addition of some outdoors, in-person events focused on reaching frontline
communities, in particular, the low-income,
Latinx Beach Flats neighborhood. Each major
engagement event was promoted through
online newsletters and emails, text updates,
Facebook and Instagram posts, flyers at public
locations and events, and partnerships with
local frontline groups, such as Youth for Climate
Justice, the NAACP of Santa Cruz County,
Community Bridges, the Homeless Garden
Project, Black Surf Club and a representative
from Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, to share
information through the community. As of July
2022, overall engagement resulted in over
2,884 touchpoints in the community (defined
as a point of interaction between a City CAP
2030 effort and community members) and over
29 online and in-person events and activities.
This engagement process was supported
by the city’s CATF, and the Equity Advisory
Group consisting of members of frontline
communities. All materials for outreach
activities were provided in English and Spanish.
Connecting Community
Engagement, Equity,
and Climate Data
Community engagement and prioritizing
equitable processes were central elements
that informed and guided the development
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
32 2. Community Engagement > Community Engagement Process
26.54 of the climate measures and actions. The
Greenlining Institute, a nonprofit organization
working to build a future where communities
of color can build wealth, live in healthy
places filled with economic opportunity, and
are ready to meet the challenges posed by
climate change, advised on the language and
approach of the engagement process itself.
Moreover, Greenlining helped the City establish
a framework for an equitable process by
iteratively developing and applying an equity
screening tool which provided guidance on
strategic resource allocation in relation to
equity and ensuring equitable process and
outcomes. The three phases of community
engagement consisted of (1) envisioning values
that encourage a resilient Santa Cruz, (2) establishing targets that will achieve such a vision, and (3) connecting those targets to tangible
actions in the CAP. In addition to the three main
phases of engagement, the project team met
with representatives from all City Departments
to discuss CAP implementation. The City
also engaged with Beach Flats neighbors on
only Earth Day where City staff discussed
solutions to hurdles in implementing the plan.
Phase 1:
Creating a Vision for a
Resilient Santa Cruz
The first phase of engagement focused on
gathering community input to craft the vision
for climate action in the City. In the summer
of 2021, the City hosted an online collage
visioning exercise asking the City's community
members how they envisioned the City in
2030. The City hosted 12 in-person collage
visioning exercises, where community
members contributed images and words to
posters that reflected their vision of the City in
2030. An example of a visioning collage event
is shown in the image below. Overall, approximately 263 people took part in the in-person visioning activities. The City also hosted nine
workshops with key frontline focus groups,
including people experiencing homelessness,
youth, and the Beach Flats community, to
understand the needs of these communities,
who are on the frontlines of climate change
impacts and have often been left out of
City planning efforts and decision-making
processes.. The collage visioning effort helped
to identify community goals and values of
the CAP, and then reflect community needs,
especially those of frontline communities,
in the development of CAP actions.
Visioning Collage Example
2. Community Engagement > Community Engagement Process 33
26.55 The detailed summary of findings
from engagement (Appendix D).
After the data were collected,
reviewed, and consolidated, the
project team generated five initial
value statements:
• Equity in all policies
• Accessible people-centric
transportation infrastructure
• Efficient and low carbon/no
carbon energy and water
• Protect and enhance natural
resources and urban parks
• Eliminate food waste and
support local food sources
All input from the events was collated
and organized by the sectors mentioned
above. Below are the most salient themes
that surfaced throughout the visioning
engagement process. More detail on
these themes can be found in the
community engagement Appendix D.
1. Create a seamless and safe active
transportation network.
2. Create a robust, decarbonized, reliable
public transportation system.
3. Establish more affordable, denser housing.
4. Foster the unique City of Santa
Cruz Community Character.
5. Support and maintain beautiful and
regenerative landscapes and environment.
6. Promote clean energy and create resilient
energy infrastructure and buildings.
7. Ensure sustainable water use in the City.
8. Secure economic, racial, and
environmental justice.
Coast Futura Public Transportation Demonstration
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
34 2. Community Engagement > Community Engagement Process
26.56 PHASE 2:
Target Setting
The second phase of outreach focused on
gathering feedback on carbon neutrality
targets for the Plan. The project team
distributed a survey during fall of 2021 to
assess community opinion on various carbon
neutrality targets. In-person results were
gathered from 50 members from the Beach
Flats community as well. Overall, 325 people
participated in the survey. Results of the
survey demonstrated community members’
preference to set a more aggressive target
of carbon neutrality by 2035 rather than the
state’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2045 (54
percent of the community preferred the 2035
target, while 46 percent preferred the 2045
target). There were some differences between
demographic groups and how aggressively
the City should pursue carbon neutrality with
equity concerns over going fast toward carbon
neutrality. Frontline communities tended to
choose a longer term, 2045 target. The City
ultimately recommended a target of reaching
carbon neutrality by 2035 and worked with
the CATF, advisors, and frontline communities
during Phase 3 to identify actions that would
offer support for frontline communities to
reach the 2030 target and make substantial
progress toward the 2035 target.
Additionally, the survey highlighted community
priorities. Respondents from the community
survey were asked to rank the importance
of several strategic measures. The top three
measures prioritized by respondents were
(1) transportation (prioritized by 67.90% of
participants) – to reduce on road vehicles,
the number of miles traveled, and traffic
in Santa Cruz by equitably improving bike
ability, walkability, and public transportation;
(2) building and development (prioritized
by 50.55% of participants) – to build dense,
mixed residential and business development
that is close to public transit and services,
filling in existing neighborhoods, rather than
extending development into the wildland urban
interface and other undeveloped areas; and
(3) green economy (prioritized by 39.11% of
participants) – to provide better wages and
to enable workers to live where they work.
City staff also presented options for target
dates to achieve carbon neutrality and
reviewed high level measures at a City Council
meeting in January 2022. Staff presented
options to City Council for achieving carbon
neutrality that included options for setting
legally-binding targets and/or aspirational
targets. This session provided an opportunity
for Council to ask more detailed questions to
better understand target setting implications
and general measures of the CAP, ultimately
supporting a carbon neutral by 2035 target.
2. Community Engagement > Community Engagement Process 35
26.57 PHASE 3:
Identifying CAP Actions
After climate targets were established, actions
intended to meet those targets required
community evaluation. The second phase of
outreach focused on gathering community
feedback on the proposed draft actions. The
project team, in concert with the CATF and
the Greenlining Institute; developed a set
of equity criteria to evaluate each measure
that then shaped the equity screening of
the draft actions. The equity criteria fell into
six categories: health, community vibrancy,
affordability, accessibility, accountability,
and green jobs (See the Equity Screening
Section for more information on each of the
criteria). Each criterion included questions
that assess whether an action would benefit
or harm frontline populations. Potentially
detrimental actions were revised to alleviate
the equity concern or another action that
addressed the concern was added.
Once the draft actions were refined based
on the equity screening, the project team
solicited community input on each draft action
from February-March 2022 through an online
forum. Community members were invited to
rate their support for each action and provide
comments explaining their opinion. Overall,
the community was supportive of all proposed
actions, with approval ranging from 57 percent
to 89 percent. Actions that received lower
levels of support and multiple comments were
revised to address the concerns. A total of
126 people participated in this activity. City
staff followed up with listening sessions on
the topics of bicycling, parking and public
transportation and discussing solutions to
implementation challenges with Beach Flats
community members. City staff then presented
these results from Consider.it and an overview
of engagement efforts at a Council study
session in March 2022. This presentation
also reviewed ongoing engagement with City
staff and community members around implementation efforts and future engagement efforts planned after the release of the CAP.
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
36 2. Community Engagement > Community Engagement Process
26.58 Estimating GHG emissions enables local
governments to establish an emissions baseline,
track emissions trends, identify the greatest
sources of GHG emissions within their jurisdictions, and set targets for future reductions.
This section provides a summary of the methodologies used to quantify emissions, the results of the City’s most recent GHG emissions
inventory (2019), a summary of emissions over
time, and an estimate of future emissions.
3. GHG EMISSIONS IN THE
CITY OF SANTA CRUZ
Santa Cruz Coastline
37 26.59
Conducting a GHG Inventory
1. https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator#results This CAP includes a summary of the 2019
GHG emissions inventory from community-wide activities within the city, which was completed by the Association of Monterey Bay
Area Governments (AMBAG) and reviewed and
updated as part of this process (See Appendix
B and Appendix E for more information
on the inventory review and update). The
GHG inventory includes the emissions from
residences and businesses within the city and
GHG emissions from municipal operations
are included as a subset of the community-wide inventory. The 2019 GHG Inventory was prepared using the most recent available
and accurate community data, emissions
factors from IPCC AR5 and was calculated
based on the U.S. Community Protocol for
Accounting and Reporting of Greenhouse Gas
Emissions, Version 1.2 and state guidance. To
allow for comparison among GHG emissions
sources, all emissions are translated to the
equivalent of one metric ton of carbon
dioxide, or MT CO2
e. One MT CO2e is the
equivalent of using 113 gallons of gasoline or
driving 2,482 miles in a standard combustion
vehicle.1
See Appendix B and Appendix E
for more information on the methodology.
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
38 3. GHG Emissions in the City of Santa Cruz > Conducting a GHG Inventory =
2,482
MILES*
* in a standard combustion vehicle
113
GALLONS
OF GASOLINE
OR
1 MT of
CO2
e
26.60 Current GHG Emissions
The City did not complete a consumption based emissions inventory to include sources outside the State Scoping Plan. Due to high complexity, uncertainty and cost. Tradeoffs between activity and consumption based inventories is contained in Appendix B. The City is currently evaluating low cost methods to begin to understand the magnitude of the community’s consumption based emissions.
of total emissions) and commercial energy
(23,206, or 8 percent of total emissions). The
remaining emissions were from solid waste
(18,976, or 7 percent of total emissions) and
water and wastewater (754, which amounted
to less than 1 percent of total emissions).
MT CO2e: Metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent is the standard units to measure GHG emissions.
Emissions have been rounded and therefore sums may not match.
Source: Emissions were calculated following ICLEI U.S. Community Protocol Version 1.2 and using data provided and approved by the City.
3. GHG Emissions in the City of Santa Cruz > Current GHG Emissions 39 2019
Water and Wastewater
754 MT CO2e
0%
Solid Waste
18,976 MT CO2e
7%
Residential
Energy
42,718 MT CO2e
16%
Commercial Energy
23,206 MT CO2e
8%
TOTAL: 274,584 MT CO2e
Transportation and Mobile Services
188,930 MT CO2e
69%
In 2019, the community emitted approximately 274,584 MT CO2e. Figure 5 shows emissions by sector.
FIGURE 5. 2019 Santa Cruz Community Emissions Summary by Sector As shown in Figure 5, emissions from transportation and mobile sources made up the largest sector contribution to total emissions (189,930,
or 69 percent of total emissions). The second
and third largest sources of emissions were
from residential energy (42,718, or 16 percent
26.61 GHG Emissions Over Time
FIGURE 6. City of Santa Cruz Historical Mass Emissions + 2030 Target FIGURE 7. City of Santa Cruz Historical Per Capita Emissions + 2030 Target City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
40 3. GHG Emissions in the City of Santa Cruz > GHG Emissions Over Time The City has conducted GHG emissions
inventories of community-wide GHG
emissions for 2005, 2010, 2015, 2018, and
2019. In addition to these inventories, the
City adopted the 2020 CAP in 2012, which
identified targets to reduce community-wide
GHG emissions 30 percent by 2020 and 80%
by 2050 compared to 1990 emissions levels.
The City’s emissions dropped approximately
9 percent from 1990 to 2019 and did not
meet its 2020 target (30 percent below 1990
emissions or 145,123 MT CO2e), largely due to
population growth and growth in employment.
Figure 6 and Figure 7 below show the City’s
1990, 2005, and 2019 mass (community
wide) and per capita (per person) emissions
over time, as well as the 2030 target for mass
emissions (Figure 6) and per capita emissions
(Figure 7).
26.62 GHG Emissions Forecast
GHG emissions forecasts (projections of future
GHG emissions) are generated from the 2019
inventory to identify the quantity of emissions
reductions needed and the actions that must
be taken now to meet the City’s future targets
in line with the state’s goals. The forecasts are
based on projected population and economic
change projected for the community over time
as well as future state legislative actions that
are expected to reduce future GHG emissions.
Business as Usual Forecast
A BAU scenario provides a forecast of how
GHG emissions would change in the years
2025, 2030, 2035, and 2045 if consumption
trends continue as they did in 2019, based on
projected growth trends in population, and
employment over time, consistent with local
and regional projections. The BAU forecast
does not account for GHG emissions reductions
associated with local GHG reduction measures
or legislative actions. Table 3 shows 2019
and projected demographics for the City.
TABLE 3. City of Santa Cruz Demographics
2019 2025 2030 2035 2045
Population 65,041 68,845 72,218 75,257 79,534
Housing1 24,193 25,465 26,045 26,441 26,992
Employment2 40,343 44,317 45,594 46,863 49,636
Source:
AMBAG 2022 Subregional Growth Forecast
https://www.ambag.org/sites/default/files/2020-12/Final%20Draft%202022%20Regional%20Growth%20Forecast_PDF_A.pdf Notes:
1 2015-2023 Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) (747 units) was divided by 8-years (length of the RHNA/Housing Element cycle) to determine an annual additional number of units. This value was applied to 2015 and future years.
These are the most recent RHNA values for Santa Cruz, updated RHNA values will be released in 2022 2 1990 employment numbers are from the City of Santa Cruz General Plan and Local Coastal Program 1990-2005 (https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/home/showpublisheddocument/8976/635418232770030000)
3. GHG Emissions in the City of Santa Cruz > GHG Emissions Over Time 41
26.63 Legislative Adjusted Forecast
Several state regulations (e.g., SB 100, Title
24) have been enacted that aim to reduce
future local emissions. These regulations
have been incorporated into the adjusted
forecast, which provides a more accurate
picture of future emissions growth and the
emissions reductions the City and community
will be responsible for after state regulations
have been implemented. Table 4 shows the
legislation included in the adjusted forecast.
Table 5 and Figure 8 show the City BAU
and adjusted mass emissions forecasts. See
Appendix E for more information on legislation
included and excluded in the adjusted forecast.
TABLE 4. State-level Policies Included in the Adjusted Forecast Policies and Programs Description
Advanced Clean Cars
Program
A comprehensive car emissions control program which regulates smog, soot-causing pollutants, and GHG emissions into a single coordinated package of requirements.
Title 24 Building Energy
Efficiency Standards
Building standards that regulate new residential and commercial development in California by requiring increased efficiency related to space heating and cooling, lighting, and water heating.
California Renewable
Portfolio Standard (RPS)
Requires investor-owned utilities, publicly owned utilities, electric service providers, and community choice aggregators to increase procurement from renewable energy resources.
Note: Senate Bill 1383, which was enacted to reduce methane emissions from organic materials decomposing in landfills and increase statewide edible food recovery efforts, is excluded from the adjusted forecast because it is implemented at the jurisdictional level and some areas may receive exemptions.
TABLE 5. City of Santa Cruz GHG Mass Emissions Forecast Results Summary (MT CO2e)
2019 2025 2030 2035 2045
Business-as-Usual (BAU)
Forecast
Legislative Adjusted
Forecast 249,834
Percent Reduction in GHG
Emissions from Legislation 0.0% 7.1%
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
42 3. GHG Emissions in the City of Santa Cruz > GHG Emissions Over Time 274,584 335,150 300,519 309,929 330,054
274,584 311,244 256,715 250,569
14.6% 19.4% 24.1%
26.64 FIGURE 8. City of Santa Cruz GHG Emissions Forecast (MT CO2 e)2
2. The increase in emissions from 2020 to 2025 is due to increasing electricity GHG emissions factors between those years. Central Coast Community Energy has published the expected GHG emissions factor associated with its electricity procurement between 2018 and 2030, with the GHG emissions factors increasing between 2020 and 2025, before decreasing again from 2026 to 2030 as they aim to procure 100% renewable electricity by 2030. See Appendix E for more information on the emissions forecast.
While the measures and actions included in this CAP reach the 2030 targets, more work is needed to reach the longer-term 2035 emission reduction target. It is anticipated that going forward the CAP will be reviewed and updated every five years (next in 2027), jointly with the City’s Climate Adaptation Plan.
3. GHG Emissions in the City of Santa Cruz > GHG Emissions Over Time 43
26.65 26.66
Climate Change Targets
The GHG emissions inventory and forecast
provide a basis for the City to establish targets
that will help guide the community’s steps
to achieve future GHG reductions. This CAP
identifies GHG emissions reduction targets
for the years 2030 (SB 32 target year) and
2035, which is in advance of the 2045 goal
established by the 2018 EO B-55-18, in
addition to the interim years of 2025 and 2030,
to provide a mechanism to track progress over
time. The GHG targets have been developed
relative to Santa Cruz’ baseline emissions
levels, and take into consideration projected
changes in the community and state legislation.
4. KEY LEGISLATION,
ACTIONS, AND TARGETS
Lifeguard Tower
45 26.67
The 2017 Scoping Plan includes guidance
that details the methodology and benefits of
developing per capita (per person) emissions
targets versus mass (total community wide)
emissions targets. The key benefit of a per
capita target is that it corrects for population
growth, as the target does not become more
difficult to reach if the City grows faster than
projected. Pursuant to guidance included in the
2017 Scoping Plan the City has established a
per capita emissions target to track progress
TABLE 6. Comparison of City of Santa Cruz and California GHG Reduction Targets Target Per Capita
Emissions
Target
(MT CO2e)
Associated
Mass
Emissions*
Target
(MT CO2e)
Santa
Cruz City
Population
Percent
Reduction
(Below
1990)
6.08 302,319 49,711 N/A
2.74 181,391 72,218 40%
72,218 40%
Carbon
Neutral
Carbon
Neutral 75,257 100%
Carbon
Neutral
Carbon
Neutral 79,534 100%
Note:
Source for population projections: Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG). 2020. Final 2022 Regional Growth Forecast. Available: <https://www.ambag.org/sites/default/files/2020-12/Final%20Draft%202022%20Regional%20 Growth%20Forecast_PDF_A.pdf>. Accessed August 24, 2021
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
46 4. Key Legislation, Actions, and Targets > Climate Change Targets Santa Cruz’ 1990 Emissions (AB 32
Target)
2030 Reduction Target for SB 32
Consistency
Santa Cruz’ 2030 GHG Emissions
Target
Santa Cruz’ 2035 Target Carbon
Neutral
California’s EO B-55-18 Goal (2045)
2.74 181,391
towards meeting its GHG reduction targets.
Additionally, a mass emissions target is included
to demonstrate overall changes in emissions
over time. The City will pursue an aggressive
per capita GHG emission reduction pathway,
as demonstrated in Figure 7, to exceed the
state’s target of carbon neutrality by 2045 and
align with at least 40 percent below 1990 levels
by 2030. Table 6 provides more detail on
the City’s GHG reduction targets and how
they compare to the state reduction goals.
26.68 Climate Action Strategy
This CAP is designed to implement achievable
GHG emissions reduction measures that
promote equity and jobs. The City recognizes
that despite the success achieved so far in
reducing GHG emissions as a community,
rapid, long-term sustainable change must
continue to occur to reach the established
GHG reduction targets and limit impacts
related to climate change. To be truly
effective, this change must be reasonable
and equitably driven. Reducing emissions will
become more difficult as the easier actions are
completed. Continued progress will require
a community-wide commitment at all levels
to implement the measures outlined in this
plan and by making necessary adjustments
identified through regularly monitored
progress. The Implementation and Funding
pieces of this plan provide guidance for
how to achieve implementation success.
The measure development process began with
a thorough review of progress on implementing
the City’s existing programs to identify what
measures and actions worked and which did
not produce the projected results. From there,
measures were refined and added to provide a
strategy that will achieve the GHG emissions
reduction necessary to meet the community's
reduction target. Each of the measures
includes supportive actions that provide a
path for the measure to be implemented.
Rail Trail Groundbreaking
4. Key Legislation, Actions, and Targets > Climate Action Strategy 47
26.69 Steps to 2030 and Beyond
The City’s approach to carbon neutrality,
which is a state of zero greenhouse gas
emissions, has been developed through a
collaborative process with City staff from
all Departments, the CATF and its equity
advisors as the main advisory body, and the
community. The 2030 target represents the
City’s fair share reductions towards achieving
the state’s overall climate goals. The measures
and supporting actions outlined in this section
were established and refined to meet the City’s
GHG emissions reduction target for 2030 and
provide substantial progress towards meeting
the longer-term target of carbon neutrality by
2035, which exceeds the state’s established
goals but is consistent with Governor
Newsom’s direction to the CARB to explore
the feasibility of carbon neutrality by 2035.
While the measures and actions included in
this CAP reach the 2030 targets, more work
is needed to reach the longer-term 2035
emission reduction target. It is anticipated
that going forward the CAP will be reviewed
and updated every five years (next in 2027),
jointly with the City’s Climate Adaptation
Plan. Future iterations of the CAP will provide
updated details for meeting the longer-term
2035 carbon neutrality as new technologies
and solutions become available. The City is
actively engaged in implementing unique
solutions and working with local partners as
demonstrated by the GHG reduction measures
and actions. The City understands the responsibility of taking a leadership role in climate action by developing programs, providing
education and engagement opportunities,
identifying funding, and developing partnerships that spur change in the community, and electrifying and providing clean–energy for
City facilities and EVs. See Appendix C for
more information on the emission reductions
anticipated to be achieved from each measure.
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
48 4. Key Legislation, Actions, and Targets > Steps to 2030 and Beyond
26.70 The equity screening tool consists of a
process and criteria to ensure the CAP is
equitable in both process and outcomes,
achieving an equitable and just transition
for all communities. The tool was developed
through an iterative process. Work on this
process began in the first phases of the
project when the CATF discussed building
shared language and equity best practices
into this project and other projects moving
forward. The CATF meeting with equity
advisors from nearly a dozen frontline groups
and small group conversations with frontline
communities shaped the equity screening tool
that the actions were evaluated against. The
equity screening tool was used to screen all
proposed actions to ensure all actions in the
CAP address equity considerations and do not
negatively impact frontline communities.
5. EQUITY
SCREENING TOOL
Public Engagement
49 26.71
Overview of the
Screening Process
A just transition refers to the transition
from a consumption-based, extractive
economy to a regenerative economy, with
special consideration to address the past
harm to frontline communities. Through
achieving a just transition, the benefits
of a no- to lower-carbon and resilient
economy will be equitably distributed.
The City and Climate Action Task Force
evaluated each of the CAP actions against all
criteria categories and questions and assigned a
score of positive impact, negative impact,
neutral or not applicable. No negative scores
were accepted. The screening criteria that were
selected and used to review the CAP measures
and actions are discussed in further
detail below.
Planting Trees on Arbor Day
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
50 5. Equity Screening Tool > Steps to 2030 and Beyond
26.72 Screening Criteria
Community Health and Safety
Most GHG reduction measures simultaneously
reduce air quality impacts, including reducing
emissions from criteria air pollutants such as
ground-level ozone, particulate matter, carbon
monoxide, lead, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen
dioxide, that have negative health impacts.
Although air quality is in general very good in
the City, the policies included in this CAP must
consider and protect communities most
impacted by local and regional air pollution.
Actions can be intentionally drafted to provide
pathways to improve the health impacts that
the frontline communities in the City
experience resulting from climate change.
Green Job Facilitation
and Creation
CAP measures can create green jobs for the
community. This criterion serves to ensure
that the CAP measures account for local
job development and accessibility during
the transition to a greener economy, particularly for people experiencing barriers to employment. The number of jobs anticipated
to be created by three of the highest impact
measures was determined to be approximately
2,500 through the green economy analysis.
Woman in Face Mask, Sneezing Solar Panel Installers
5. Equity Screening Tool > Steps to 2030 and Beyond 51
26.73 Cultural Vibrancy
Culture plays a significant role in a community’s
inclusivity, resilience, and sustainability. More
recently, the role of cultural vibrancy in climate
action success has been acknowledged. The
local community’s Indigenous heritage and
values must be represented and included in
climate action outreach. This criterion will
require interested party and community input
to understand how the culture of the City can
be leveraged and strengthened by this CAP.
Accessibility
The proposed CAP actions will consider the
accessibility of frontline groups, for example, in
the design and deployment of policies,
programs, and infrastructure considering age,
income, language, and ability. Maximizing the
accessibility of the documents, outreach, and
resulting CAP measures will increase the reach,
and therefore, the success of the CAP. Part of
the CAP development process will be to create
transparent mechanisms to track the progress
of implementation, achievement of targets and
goals, and its benefits to frontline communities
accessible through dashboards and community
activation platforms. Advisory bodies that have
diverse local representatives can help guarantee
that the voices of these communities are
reflected in the development and implementation of the CAP.
Mother and Daughter Hugging Senior Woman Receiving Care City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
52 5. Equity Screening Tool > Steps to 2030 and Beyond
26.74 Accountability
The City aims to ensure that equity is
considered from CAP inception and that equity
actions are transparently implemented, tracked,
and reported. The City seeks to build rapport
with the community and use transparent,
accessible communication with community
members, incorporating community feedback
accordingly.
Affordability
The implementation of measures and associated
actions will consider affordability so that
low-income residents can access their benefits
and services. Actions should be designed
such that any policy or program will not be
implemented until accessible funding and
financing mechanisms are in place to prioritize
and support frontline community transition.
City Residents Attend Community
Meeting Funding and Financing
5. Equity Screening Tool > Steps to 2030 and Beyond 53
26.75 26.76
The City acknowledges that rapid and
long-term sustainable change must
occur to reduce our GHG emissions
and limit our impact on climate change.
This change will come from a collective
goal to reduce emissions through implementation of effective and equitable emission reduction strategies, such as
the Measures and Actions outlined in
this CAP. These measures and actions
work together to achieve the city’s
vision and the following goals:
1. Climate Mitigation: Reduction of GHG
emissions to achieve the City’s 2030
target and the aspirational goal of
achieving carbon neutrality by 2035.
2. Climate Restoration: Restoration of
the City’s natural systems to sequester
carbon, improve biodiversity, and
improve human well-being.
3. Climate Economy: Bolstering a low to no
carbon, resource-efficient and socially
inclusive economy encompassing jobs related
to environmental protection and quality.
4. Sustainable Municipal Government:
Are specific actions that the City
will undertake to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions associated with
municipal operations.
6. MEASURES AND
ACTIONS
55 26.77
High-quality climate action planning is built
on six essential pillars that result in implementable and effective GHG emission reduction strategies. These six essential
pillars lay the foundation for transformational
change needed to engage the community
and drive progress toward the emissions
reductions goals laid out in the Plan.
1. GHG Emissions: Produces measurable
GHG emissions reductions
2. Structural Change: Develop policy,
programs, and conduct information gathering
for improved measure implementation
(e.g., feasibility studies, pilot programs,
adapting organization structure, etc.)
3. Equity: Protects against negative
impacts to frontline groups (as defined
by the equity screening tool)
4. Education & Engagement: Provides
community education, outreach, and
leadership to ensure the community
has the information it needs for
participation in CAP implementation
5. Partnerships: Identifies partnership
opportunities for cost and resource
sharing with local businesses,
community groups, and institutions
6. Funding and Financing: Incorporate
accountability through tracking and
resource allocation priorities
The measures and actions also have co-benefits,
which are additional social, economic, and
environmental benefits to the community.
Community Health: Supports the
health and wellbeing of all members
of the City
GHG Reduction: directly reduces
GHG emissions
Resilience: Bolsters the ability of local
residents and businesses to recover
quickly from a direct climate change
impact, such as extreme heat days or flooding
Local Green Jobs: Creates or advances
employment opportunities in sectors
contributing to sustaining or
improving environmental quality
Environmental Restoration: Supports
healthy and functional ecosystems
For more easy to understand information on the various concepts in this CAP, please visit the City’s Climate Educational Resources webpage:
https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/ city-manager/climate-action-program/climate-educational-resources.
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
56 6. Measures and Actions >
26.78 4. GHG Reduction Potential: Emissions reduced by 2030 and 2035 – supportive measures do not directly result in quantitative GHG emission reductions, although they support the overall goals of the CAP
5. Department: City department responsible for implementing the action
6. Co-Benefits: Additional benefits/advantages of a specific action
7. Pillars: key areas that support measure implementation How to Read Measures and Actions
1. Measure: Overarching goal
2. Measure Overview: Detailed explanation of why the measure is important, how it will be implemented, and general background information
3. Measure Action: Action established to reduce GHG emissions 2 3
5 6 7
1 4
6. Measures and Actions > How to Read Measures and Actions 57
26.79 CLIMATE MITIGATION
Building Energy
MEASURE BE-1: Enforce the City’s new construction
natural gas prohibition ordinance (SCMC 6.100)
and inform the community regarding the available
technology and benefits of electrification.
Measure Overview
This action requires all new buildings in the city to be constructed as all electric and exclude natural gas connections. The ordinance was adopted by the City in 2020 and is included in the CAP to allow the City to take credit for the GHG emissions reductions associated with adopting the ordinance.
The actions under Measure BE-6 provide additional support to address equity, outreach, and funding and financing.
Measure Action
BE1.1 New Construction Natural Gas Prohibition Ordinance (HIGH IMPACT
ACTION)
Enforce the new construction natural gas prohibition ordinance through the development of a comprehensive permitting compliance program that includes routine training for City staff, dedicating staff time for building inspections, charging fees for noncompliance, providing easy-to-understand compliance checklists online and with permit applications and facilitating permitting online.
GHG Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
0.085 MT CO2e
• 2035:
0.100 MT CO2e
• 2045:
0.126 MT CO2e
• Planning
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG Reductions
• Structural
Change
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
58 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Mitigation
26.80 MEASURE BE-2: Electrify 31% of existing residential buildings by 2030 and 53% by 2035.
Measure Overview
Action 1 commits the City to adopting an electrification ordinance for existing residential buildings by the start of 2023, to be enforced through a comprehensive and equitable permitting compliance program. Action 2 commits the City to develop a residential building electrification strategy in partnership with local community based organizations with connections to frontline communities, to support implementing a residential building electrification ordinance. The City is developing an Equitable Existing Building Electrification Strategy (EEBES) in parallel with CAP 2030 development.
Action 3 commits the City to establish a plan to electrify and improve health and safety of the existing affordable housing stock at a neighborhood level, prioritizing equitable engagement with community members through this process.
Action 4 commits the City to exploring natural gas pruning opportunities. Natural gas pruning would require regulatory changes at the CPUC to allow PG&E the flexibility needed to reallocate funding from natural gas infrastructure projects to electrification projects. In the interest of supporting these changes, the City plans to collaborate regionally on advocating for natural gas pruning. Action 5 builds the funding pathway to make existing building electrification possible, particularly for low-income residents of the City.
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Mitigation 59
26.81 Measure Actions
BE2.1 Residential Building Electrification Ordinance (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Develop, implement and enforce phased and equitable electrification ordinance(s) for existing residential buildings by the start of 2023. Maximize permit compliance through streamlining the compliance process, improving third-party enforcement, and advanced training for enforcement staff.
Steps to be completed to adopt the ordinance(s) are as follows:
STEP 1: Work with interested parties in developing an idea for a reach code electrification ordinance(s)
STEP 2: Complete a cost effectiveness study
STEP 3: Develop and draft the ordinance(s) and go through the public process, incorporating revisions as necessary
STEP 4: Go through the formal adoption process
STEP 5: Apply for approval by the California Energy Commission.
GHG Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
0.180 MT CO2e
• 2035:
0.298 MT CO2e
• 2045:
0.383 MT CO2e
• Planning
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Structural
Changes
BE2.2 Partner with Frontline Communities (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Identify and partner with local community-based organizations with connections to frontline communities to assist in development of the existing building electrification strategy.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Planning
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Structural
Change
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
60 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Mitigation
26.82 BE2.3 Electrification Strategy (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) By 2024, establish a plan to decarbonize, electrify and improve health and safety of the City's existing affordable housing stock at a neighborhood level by 2035. Provide detailed information on the City website including descriptions of the health and environmental benefits of electrification, links to CCCE and PG&E resources on electrification, up-to-date lists of local contractors that perform electric retrofits, and information about the most cost-competitive residential electrification technologies currently available.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Planning
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction Resilience Local Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Structural
Change
BE2.4 Neighborhood Electrification (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Work with PG&E and CCCE to identify opportunities to remove obsolete natural gas infrastructure, to redirect PG&E funding allocated for pipeline maintenance to electrification retrofit projects instead. Work with PG&E to identify funding, as needed, for the removal of the infrastructure. Consider a pilot to remove obsolete natural gas infrastructure from municipal buildings.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Economic
Development
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction Resilience Local Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Partnerships
• Economics
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Mitigation 61
26.83 BE2.5 Incentivize Electrification (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Work with PG&E and CCCE to deploy community solar and electrify existing buildings in residential neighborhoods. Work with partners to incentivize all-electric retrofits through rebates, on-bill financing, and other mechanisms.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Partnerships
• Funding and
Financing
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
62 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Mitigation
26.84 MEASURE BE-3: Electrify 26% of existing commercial buildings by 2030 and 45% by 2035.
Measure Overview
These actions commit the City to adopting an electrification ordinance for existing commercial buildings by the start of 2024, to be enforced through the same comprehensive and equitable permitting compliance program described under Measure BE-2 Action 1. To address these GHG emissions, the electrification ordinance bans natural gas line expansion and requires installation of all-electric appliances, such as heat pumps, variable refrigerant flow systems, and hot water heaters, at the time of major renovation and the time of replacement as technologically feasible. The following actions focus on decreasing energy associated emissions through the inclusion of commercial-scale battery storage and improving building emissions performance standards. Equity is a core value for ensuring all communities can affordably transition to all-electric.
Measure Actions
BE3.1 Commercial Building Electrification Ordinance (HIGH IMPACT
ACTION)
Adopt, implement and enforce an electrification ordinance for existing commercial buildings by the beginning of 2024.
GHG Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
0.079 MT CO2e
• 2035:
0.133 MT CO2e
• 2045:
0.173 MT CO2e
• Planning
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green
Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Mitigation 63
26.85 BE3.2 Mitigate Equity Impacts (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Work with partners to mitigate potential equity impacts of existing commercial building electrification ordinance. Facilitate equitable and inclusive funding opportunities for commercial building electrification.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Planning
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
BE3.3 Battery Storage
Support commercial battery storage installations and business district scale microgrid opportunities.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Equity
• Partnerships
• Economics
BE3.4 Building Emissions Performance Standards
Establish a building emissions performance standard for commercial buildings over 20,000 square feet.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Planning
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Structural
Change
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
64 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Mitigation
26.86 MEASURE BE-4: Maintain Central Coast Community
Energy (CCCE) opt-out rates at or below 4% for
residential and 2% for commercial.
Measure Overview
Electricity in the City is predominantly supplied by CCCE, a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA).
CCCE offers one 100 percent renewable electricity option with lower GHG emissions rates than PG&E: 3CPrime, made up of 100 percent renewable electricity from solar and wind. In 2019, CCCE opt-out rates (non-CCCE usage rates) in the City of Santa Cruz was approximately 4 percent for residential customers and 2 percent for commercial customers.
Measure Actions
BE4.1 CCCE Opt-in Rates (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Support annual analysis of CCCE opt-out rates in the City and encourage opting up to CCCE prime 100 percent renewable energy option.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural Change
• Partnerships
• Economics
BE4.2 CCCE Opt-in Incentives (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Increase uptake of 100 percent renewable energy option from CCCE, incentivizing households in affordable housing units.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Structural
Change
• Partnerships
• Economics
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Mitigation 65
26.87 BE4.3 CCCE Opt-in Benefits (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Promote benefits of opting in to CCCE service, particularly those in frontline neighborhoods, small businesses and veteran, woman and minority owned businesses.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Structural
Change
• Economics
• Partnerships
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
66 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Mitigation
26.88 MEASURE BE-5: Increase resiliency through equitable energy efficiency and local solar programs.
Measure Overview
These actions improve sustainability and resilience in the City, with a focus on frontline communities.
The following actions focus on building partnerships through which the City may improve efficiency, building decarbonization (e.g., Passive House), energy efficiency, and encourage the use of solar energy systems.
Measure Actions
BE5.1 Weatherization and Healthy Retrofits (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Partner to deliver weatherization, healthy home retrofits, energy efficiency and solar system installs to low-income homeowners and rental units.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Planning
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Partnerships
BE5.2 Community Solar Policies (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Advocate to reform community solar policies and rates, enabling residential and commercial renters to participate in benefits of local solar.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Mitigation 67
26.89 BE5.3 Rental Building Energy Performance Standards Establish rental building energy performance standards to increase adoption of rebated energy efficiency and electrification measures.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Planning
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Economics
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
68 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Mitigation
26.90 MEASURE BE-6: Provide inclusive engagement,
equitable process and regional coordination to
maximize building electrification carbon reduction
outcomes and other co-benefits.
Measure Overview
These actions provide a suite of equity-centered activities that will support the City’s building energy measures. These actions include defining equity metrics, based on feedback from frontline communities; leveraging local and regional partnerships to incentivize equitable all-electric retrofits; advocating for state and federal regulator changes to enable neighborhood level electrification, community solar, and more; facilitating equitable access to accurate and current information about electrification programs, incentives, and opportunities; and working with partners to establish a Regional Energy Network for energy efficiency and electrification building resources.
Measure Actions
BE6.1 Equity Metrics for New and Existing Building Electrification (HIGH
IMPACT ACTION)
Define equity metrics for new and existing building electrification ordinances' implementation and enforcement based on feedback from frontline communities, successful examples from other jurisdictions, and structure ordinances and permitting compliance programs to meet these metrics. Equity metrics should be designed to prevent displacement and lead to end-user costs for low-income populations that are lower after electrification than before.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Planning
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Mitigation 69
26.91 BE6.2 All-Electric Rates
Partner with CCCE to develop all-electric rates by income-level and incentivize equitable all-electric retrofits.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City
Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Partnerships
BE6.3 Prioritize Electrification (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Advance new and existing building electrification as a priority at all scales.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Economic
Development
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
BE6.4 Neighborhood Level Electrification Advocacy (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Advocate for state and federal regulatory changes to enable neighborhood level electrification, community solar, natural gas pruning, and rate stabilization policies.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Planning
• Economic
Development Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Partnerships
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
70 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Mitigation
26.92 BE6.5 Equity Outreach and Training
Conduct a study to evaluate the need to increase fees to provide outreach, trainings, and additional staff for building electrification compliance.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Planning
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
BE6.6 Equitable Access to Electrification Programs (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Facilitate equitable access to accurate and current information about electrification programs, incentives and opportunities. Develop induction cooktop loaner programs.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Planning
• Library
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Economics
BE6.7 Workforce Development Opportunities
Participate in regional workforce development opportunities for building and transportation electrification.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• Planning
• Economic
Development
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Equity
• Partnerships
• Economics
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Mitigation 71
26.93 BE6.8 Regional Energy Network
Work with partners to establish a Regional Energy Network for energy efficiency and electrification building resources, expand education on subsidized rate programs, code compliance training and apprenticeship program.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Partnerships
• Structural
Change
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
72 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Mitigation
26.94 TRANSPORTATION
MEASURE T-1: Implement programs for active
transportation (walking and biking) that achieve 23%
bicycle mode share by 2030 and 30% by 2035.
Measure Overview
The following actions aim to maintain, improve, and expand alternative travel networks such as pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. The actions prioritize equitable access to these facilities by centering frontline and low income communities.
Measure Actions
T1.1 Active Transportation Planning (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Fund, staff and implement the Active Transportation Plan Update, Vision Zero, Safe Routes to School and the 2030 General Plan update.
GHG Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
0.051 MT CO2e
• 2035:
0.069 MT CO2e
• 2045:
0.067 MT CO2e
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Structural
Change
• Funding and
Financing
T1.2 Rail Trail Access (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Complete all portions of Rail Trail and work with partners to plan active and public transportation to Rail line.
GHG Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030: Contributes
to T1.1 reductions
• 2035: Contributes
to T1.1 reductions
• 2045: Contributes
to T1.1 reductions
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Partnerships
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation 73
26.95 T1.3 Bicycle Parking Infrastructure (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Require secure bike parking near public transportation and in major activity centers.
Require bike parking installation in new commercial developments and existing commercial renovations.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
T1.4 Bike Share (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Re-establish citywide e-bike share with explicit consideration of how to make accessible to frontline groups.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
T1.5 Equitable Active Transportation Access (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Build new infrastructure that provides equitable access to safe bicycle and pedestrian pathways throughout the City, prioritizing frontline neighborhoods.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
74 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation
26.96 T1.6 Pilot Neighborhood Greenways (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Pilot Neighborhood Greenways to slow traffic and improve walking and biking and evaluate piloting time based closures to vehicles primarily in business districts.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Planning
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
T1.7 Efficient and Equitable Land Use (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Accelerate housing development and support commercial and industrial development in city limits, concentrating the most intensive growth in transit corridors and central areas of the city to promote walking and biking to nearby jobs, entertainment, goods, services, and public transportation, through the General Plan Housing Element Update to be approved in 2023. Prioritize expansion of affordable housing stock.
Partner to incentivize 15-minute neighborhoods, particularly within frontline neighborhoods communities, supported by dense housing and buildings, provision of locally sited essential services and amenities, and connected by a network of bike, pedestrian, and transit services.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Planning
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation 75
26.97 MEASURE T-2: Implement programs for public
transportation that achieve 8% public transportation
mode share by 2030 and 12% public transportation
mode share by 2035.
Measure Overview
Public Transportation in Santa Cruz County is provided by Santa Cruz Metro Transit District . The City does not directly operate public transit service. The role of the City is to support public transit through land use planning, investments in transportation infrastructure and non-auto programs, and partnerships with METRO. The following actions support public transportation prioritizing serving major destinations and frontline neighborhoods, where those who need public transportation are most likely to work and reside. These actions require employers to develop education and financial incentives for employees to bike, walk, carpool, or take the bus to work and require large employers to subsidize alternative modes. These actions commit the City to support METRO in securing funding for public transportation fleet electrification, and focus on expanding public transportation marketing and incentives to tourists and frontline communities and residents commuting outside of the City for work.
Measure Actions
T2.1 Bus Rapid Transit Corridors (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Support countywide coordination to fund and implement Bus Rapid Transit.
GHG Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
0.002 MT CO2e
• 2035:
0.032 MT CO2e
• 2045:
0.089 MT CO2e
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
76 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation
26.98 T2.2 Public Transportation Prioritization (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Support public transportation prioritizing serving major corridors, destinations, and frontline neighborhoods. Advocate for enhanced and increased public transportation service with improved customer serving amenities (e.g., all door boarding, on demand, online ticketing, Wi-Fi).
GHG Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030: Contributes
to T2.1 reductions
• 2035: Contributes
to T2.1 reductions
• 2045: Contributes
to T2.1 reductions
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Equity
T2.3 Employer-Led Transportation Incentives (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Require more employers to develop education and financial incentives for employees to bike, walk, carpool, or take the bus to work. Require large employers to subsidize alternative modes.
GHG Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030: Contributes
to T2.1 reductions
• 2035: Contributes
to T2.1 reductions
• 2045: Contributes
to T2.1 reductions
• City Manager’s
Office
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Economics
T2.4 Free Public Transit (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Advocate for METRO to fund and implement a free public transit pilot program for students, foster youth, and unhoused youth in the City.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
• Equity
• Funding and
Financing
• Partnerships
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation 77
26.99 T2.5 Public Transportation Electrification (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Support funding for public transportation fleet electrification.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
• Funding and
Financing
• Partnerships
T2.6 Equitable Transportation Marketing (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Equitably market and publicize public transportation improvements and incentive programs as they are planned and implemented.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
• Equity
• Funding and
Financing
• Partnerships
T2.7 Transportation Communications (BIG ACTION)
Partner with Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, Santa Cruz County, and Regional Agencies to expand citywide transportation communications and marketing programs to residents commuting outside of the City for work and those coming into work from other locations.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
• Funding and
Financing
• Partnerships
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
78 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation
26.100
MEASURE T-3: Develop programs and policies to
discourage driving single-occupancy passenger vehicles.
Measure Overview
The following actions focus on infrastructural improvements to assist with changing community choices around transportation. The City plans to partner with community groups to develop programs, and policies that discourage single-passenger vehicles while addressing equity concerns and tracking through equity metrics. These actions commit the City to explore and implement a local gasoline and diesel car registration tax with exemptions for low-income residents, and to consider a variety of tactics for discouraging single passenger vehicles in high traffic zones such as a congestion charge program, limiting parking options, bans in high traffic zones or transit routes, and rideshare user taxes.
Reduced parking supply makes driving single-passenger vehicles less attractive and can shift traveler choice to other options. Parking supply can be reduced by decreasing parking requirements for new development, limiting parking options for single passenger vehicles in downtown and other commercial areas, adjusting parking rates and implementing parking maximums.
Measure Actions
T3.1 Equitable Single-Passenger Vehicle Discouragement
Partner with community groups to develop programs and policies that discourage singlepassenger vehicles while addressing equity concerns and tracking through equity metrics.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Partnerships
• Equity
• Structural
Change
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation 79
26.101
T3.2 Local Gasoline and Diesel Registration Tax
Explore implementing a local gasoline and diesel car registration tax with exemption for low-income people.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Economics
• Equity
T3.3 Transportation Taxes
Discourage single occupancy vehicles in high-traffic zones by investigating the feasibility of a congestion charge program, limiting parking options, banning single occupancy vehicles in high traffic zones or public/multimodal transportation routes, and providing rideshare user taxes.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Planning
• Public Works
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Economics
T3.4 Off-Street Parking Requirements
Reduce off-street parking requirements for new housing developments close to frequent transit service, with sensitivity to low-income neighborhoods whose parking is already constrained.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Planning
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
80 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation
26.102
T3.5 Limit Single-Passenger Vehicle Parking
Consider limiting parking options for single-passenger vehicles in downtown and other commercial areas of the city balanced with needs of sustaining downtown employees, businesses and tourists.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Planning
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Economics
T3.6 Adjustable Parking Rates
Adjust parking rates dependent on demand and supply in all downtown parking locations and evaluate whether revenue may be used to fund active transportation or public transportation projects.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Planning
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Economics
T3.7 Parking Maximums
After implementing action 4, eliminate parking minimums citywide and develop parking maximums, while pricing all public parking spaces based on available transportation options, travel demand, and land use.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Planning
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Economics
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation 81
26.103
T3.8 Parking Solutions for Tourism
Support the City’s tourism economy by exploring and implementing neighborhood or zone based parking solutions and use of electric trolleys in high traffic and walkable areas.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Planning
• Public Works
• Economic
Development Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Economics
T3.9 Multimodal Improvements (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Remove parking to accommodate multimodal improvements, including protected bike lanes and transit improvements, taking into account business impacts.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Planning
• Public Works
• Economic
Development
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Economics
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
82 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation
26.104
MEASURE T-4: Increase passenger electric vehicle (EV)
adoption to 35% mode share by 2030 and 40% by 2035.
Measure Overview
Adding and supporting the addition of EV chargers within the City will be the main mechanism through which the City will encourage EV adoption within the community. The following actions commits the City to installing more than 1,247 new EV chargers, prioritizing frontline neighborhoods (e.g., Beach Flats, Lower Ocean) and high usage areas, requires new residential multifamily housing and large commercial building owners to install chargers in 20 percent of parking spaces and ensure electric service capacity is sufficient so that more 20 percent of parking spaces are EV ready, and commits the City to advocating for programs and incentives for income tiered residential EV charger installations and EV purchases.
These actions commit the City to pursue affordable EV car share to serve affordable housing and multifamily developments in frontline neighborhoods, to bridge the equity gap between low-income residents and renters and EV ownership. Additionally, the following actions commit the City to partnering with community-based organizations to increase adoption rates of EVs in frontline neighborhoods, conduct EV and public transportation education events in frontline neighborhoods, and engage compensated frontline communities in regional and local vehicle electrification strategy development.
Measure Actions
T4.1 Electric Vehicle Chargers (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Install at least 1,247 new public EV charging stations prioritizing frontline neighborhood and high usage areas by 2030.
GHG Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
0.439 MT CO2e
• 2035:
0.449 MT CO2e
• 2045:
0.663 MT CO2e
• Public Works
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Equity
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation 83
26.105
T4.2 New Development Charging Station Requirements
(HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Update municipal code to require new residential multifamily housing and large commercial building owners to install chargers in 20 percent of parking spaces and secure electric service capacity is sufficient so that >20 percent of parking spaces are EV ready.
GHG Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030: Contributes
to T4.1 reductions
• 2035: Contributes
to T4.1 reductions
• 2045: Contributes
to T4.1 reductions
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
T4.3 Income Tiered Residential EV Chargers (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Advocate for programs and incentives for income tiered residential EV charger installations and EV purchases.
GHG Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030: Contributes
to T4.1 reductions
• 2035: Contributes
to T4.1 reductions
• 2045: Contributes
to T4.1 reductions
• City Manager’s
Office
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Equity
T4.4 EV Car Share (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Pursue partnership with affordable EV car share to serve affordable housing and multifamily developments in frontline neighborhoods, while also promoting EV car share citywide, for example by requiring car share for certain new projects.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
84 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation
26.106
T4.5 Frontline Neighborhood EV Adoption (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Partner with CCCE, PG&E, and community groups to increase adoption rates of EVs in frontline neighborhoods by stacking incentives and leveraging on-bill financing for EV chargers.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Partnerships
• Economics
T4.6 Public Transportation Education (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Partner to conduct EV and public transportation education events in frontline neighborhoods.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Partnerships
T4.7 Equitable Electrification Strategy Development (HIGH IMPACT
ACTION)
Engage compensated frontline communities in regional and local vehicle electrification strategy development.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Partnerships
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation 85
26.107
MEASURE T-5: Increase commercial EV adoption to 25%
by 2030 and 35% by 2035.
Measure Overview
Commercial EV adoption is projected to occur at a slower rate than passenger vehicle adoption, with the greatest electrification success projected in light-duty commercial vehicles. To accelerate commercial EV adoption in the City of Santa Cruz and achieve 25 percent EV adoption in 2030 and 35 percent in 2035, the City plans to actively identify and engage businesses/employers with vehicle fleets to accelerate EV adoption. These actions commit the City to increasing adoption of EV fleets by incentivizing commercial vehicle owners and employers, prioritizing small businesses, and vet, woman, or minority-owned businesses, and commit the City to prioritizing commercial EVs for loading zone access and use other curbside management practices.
Measure Actions
T5.1 Commercial Vehicle Fleets Incentives (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Engage with local employers and business fleet owners in the City to identify opportunities for accelerated fleet electrification, prioritizing small businesses, and veteran, woman or minority-owned businesses. Provide information on the requirements of the Advanced Clean Truck regulation and available funding sources for fleet replacements (e.g., Low Carbon Fuel Standard).
GHG Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
0.077 MT CO2e
• 2035:
0.050 MT CO2e
• 2045:
0.034 MT CO2e
• City Manager’s
Office
• Economic
Development
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Equity
• Economics
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
86 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation
26.108
T5.2 Commercial Vehicle Electrification Feasibility Study Conduct a study of business vehicle fleets in the City and identify employers and businesses subject to the Advanced Clean Truck regulation as well as those to target for accelerating zero-emission vehicle adoption. With stakeholder support, use the results from the study to develop and implement a plan for City-supported accelerated fleet electrification in business and municipal fleets.
GHG Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Contributes to
T5.1 reductions
• 2035:
Contributes to
T5.1 reductions
• 2045:
Contributes to
T5.1 reductions
• City Manager’s
Office
• Public Works
• Economic
Development Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Equity
• Economics
T5.3 Commercial EV Loading Zone Access
Prioritize commercial EVs for loading zone access and use other curbside management practices.
GHG Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Contributes to
T5.1 reductions
• 2035:
Contributes to
T5.1 reductions
• 2045:
Contributes to
T5.1 reductions
• City Manager’s
Office
• Planning
• Economic
Development
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation 87
26.109
MEASURE T-6: Electrify or otherwise decarbonize 50%
of off-road equipment by 2030 and 75% by 2035.
Measure Overview
The following actions commit the City to exploring and mitigating equity impacts of electrifying and upgrading off-road equipment and harbor vessels and engaging with small business, women, vet, or minority owners of off-road equipment fleets to provide equitable fleet electrification. Offroad equipment includes landscaping equipment, agricultural equipment, construction equipment, etc. To support a gasoline and diesel phase-out ordinance for off-road equipment, these actions commit the City to investigating funding for decarbonization of off-road fleets in the City. The City also commits to supporting the transition of local employers to zero-emissions off-road equipment through online resources and a test demonstration site for the landscaping industry. The final action commits the City to banning gas powered small off-road engines by 2024, and providing income tiered incentives for small businesses.
Measure Actions
T6.1 Equitable Off-Road Electrification
Explore ways to mitigate equity impacts of electrifying and upgrading off-road equipment and harbor vessels.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Public Works
• Parks and
Recreation
• Economic
Development
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Equity
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
88 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation
26.110
T6.2 Equitable Off-Road Electrification Partnerships
Engage with small business, women, veteran, or minority owners of off-road equipment fleets and others with highest decarbonization potential to promote equitable fleet electrification through outreach and pursuing grants or other funding.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Economic
Development
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Equity
• Partnerships
T6.3 Off-Road Decarbonization Funding
Access funding to decarbonize off-road equipment, including investigating state funding to decarbonize off-road equipment as a result of Executive Order N-79-20 and State Climate Funding Package.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Economic
Development
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Funding and
Financing
• Structural
Change
• Education and
Engagement
T6.4 Zero-Emissions Off-Road Equipment Transition
Support transition of local employers to zero-emissions off-road equipment. Provide online resources and a test demonstration site for landscaping industry.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Parks and
Recreation
• Economic
Development
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Funding and
Financing
• Education and
Engagement
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation 89
26.111
T6.5 Ban Gas Powered Small Off-Road Engines
Develop an ordinance to phase out gas and diesel-powered off-road equipment starting in 2024, partnering to provide income tiered incentives for small businesses. Ordinance language to include allowance for biofuels for equipment for which zero emission alternatives are not available.
GHG Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
0.076 MT CO2e
• 2035:
0.116 MT CO2e
• 2045:
0.124 MT CO2e
• Planning
• Parks and
Recreation
• Economic
Development
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Equity
• Partnerships
• Economics
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
90 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation
26.112
MEASURE T-7: Advocate for remote work policy &
infrastructure.
Measure Overview
Remote work programs can reduce commute and business trips, leading to decreased GHG emissions and improved air quality. The City will work with the County, Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, AMBAG, and the City’s larger employers to support remote work programs that also address equity issues such as internet access. The City will also participate in regional advocacy for development of a statewide telework policy.
Measure Actions
T7.1 Remote Work Policy and Partnerships
Work with the County, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, AMBAG, and the City's larger employers to support remote work programs, while seeking to address remote work equity issues such as internet access.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Economic
Development
• City Manager’s
Office
• Library Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Partnerships
T7.2 Remote Work Policy and Infrastructure
Participate in regional advocacy for development of a statewide remote work policy.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Economic
Development
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Partnerships
• Economics
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Transportation 91
26.113
MEASURE W-1: Maintain gallons per capita water use
for the residential sector at a level that is at least 10% below the state goal.
Measure Overview
The following actions commit the City to continuing public engagement and conservation programs, focusing on frontline communities.
Measure Actions
W1.1 Free Water Conservation Devices
Continue to provide free water conservation devices and rebates for water conservation and continue targeted outreach to frontline communities.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Water
Department
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
• Equity
W1.2 Water Conservation Education and Rebates
Continue to promote available City rebates and educate residents on the benefits of water conservation and its connection to climate change benefits.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Water
Department
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Economics
WATER, WASTE, AND WASTEWATER
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
92 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Water, Waste, and Wastewater
26.114
W1.3 Watershed Stewardship
Expand watershed stewardship school program to include water conversation.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Water
Department
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Partnerships
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Water, Waste, and Wastewater 93
26.115
MEASURE W-2: Reduce organic waste by 75% by 2030
and 90% by 2035; and reduce inorganic waste by 35%
by 2030 and 40% by 2035.
Measure Overview
The following actions aim for emissions reduction in the waste sector and are driven by the City of Santa Cruz’s compliance with SB 1383, which sets a statewide target to reduce organic waste disposal 75 percent relative to 2014 levels and recover 20 percent of edible food by 2025.
The City will pursue funding opportunities to conduct detailed planning of food waste to energy infrastructure and process to meet state food waste diversion targets. The City will also continue to participate in the Countywide Solid Waste Task Force consortium to plan and pursue funding for regional infrastructure projects beyond the State’s 2025 organic waste diversion targets. Lastly, the City will conduct waste characterization studies annually to understand the waste stream and plan to further increase waste diversion. These actions also promote food waste reduction education, an important part of SB 1383 implementation. The final action is to pilot and evaluate emerging technologies to reduce organic waste in the City.
Measure Actions
W2.1 Regional Compost Trading Program
Partner to develop a regional compost trading program to meet state organic procurement target.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
0.065 MT CO2e
• 2035:
0.078 MT CO2e
• 2045:
0.078 MT CO2e
• Public Works
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Partnerships
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
94 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Water, Waste, and Wastewater
26.116
W2.2 Incorrectly Sorted Materials Fee
Expand enforcement and implement fee for incorrectly sorted materials with sensitivity to shared collection.
GHG Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Contributes to
W2.1 reductions
• 2035:
Contributes to
W2.1 reductions
• 2045:
Contributes to
W2.1 reductions
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Funding and
Financing
• Economics
W2.3 Food Waste Infrastructure
Pursue funding to conduct detailed planning of food waste to energy infrastructure and process to meet state food waste diversion targets.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
• Funding and
Financing
W2.4 Countywide Solid Waste Task Force
Continue to participate in Countywide Solid Waste Task Force consortium to plan and pursue funding for infrastructure beyond state 2025 organic waste diversion targets.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Partnerships
• Funding and
Financing
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Water, Waste, and Wastewater 95
26.117
W2.5 Annual Characterization Studies
Conduct waste characterization studies annually to understand the waste stream and plan to increase waste diversion and reduce contamination.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Funding and
Financing
W2.6 Organic Waste Training
Provide training resources to businesses and large institutions on organic waste diversion.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
W2.7 Waste Handling Signage
Continue multi-lingual engagement with multi-family property owners/managers and developing waste handling signage for their properties.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Partnerships
• Education and
Engagement
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
96 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Water, Waste, and Wastewater
26.118
W2.8 Waste Diversion Education
Continue to conduct targeted, multi-lingual, culturally appropriate, and geographically diverse waste diversion educational and technical assistance campaigns.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Partnerships
• Education and
Engagement
W2.9 Recycling Programs
Expand the Recycling Boot Camp and Master Recycler's Programs.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Partnerships
• Education and
Engagement
W2.10 Pilot Emerging Technologies
Pilot and evaluate emerging technologies to reduce organic waste by restaurants and other major food waste producers.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• City Manager’s
Office
• Economic
Development Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Partnerships
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Water, Waste, and Wastewater 97
26.119
MEASURE W-3: Set long-term target to reduce waste
generation growth.
Measure Overview
These actions leverage the City’s ability to provide funding and education for reduced waste generation growth, secure grant funding, enforce implementation of fees for single-use food ware, partner with businesses, and conduct studies to explore new, cutting-edge topics, including promoting a closed-loop circular economy. Although these actions do not provide any direct GHG reductions, they are important tools for increasing sustainability and resilience in the community.
Measure Actions
W3.1 Waste Prevention Education
Continue free training and education program accessible to all residents and employees to learn about waste prevention and diversion strategies and effects of overconsumption.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Partnerships
• Education and
Engagement
W3.2 Food Waste Prevention
Work collaboratively and leverage grants to prevent food waste and rescue edible food.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Partnerships
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
98 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Water, Waste, and Wastewater
26.120
W3.3 Single-Use Food Ware Fee
Enforce implementation of a fee at point of use for single-use food ware by food service providers.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• Economic
Development
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Partnerships
• Economics
W3.4 Consumption-Based Emissions Inventory
Conduct a consumption-based emissions inventory and promote a closed-loop circular economy.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Economics
W3.5 Community Activation Platform (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Leverage community activation platform and community partners to encourage lifestyle choices that reduce consumption based emissions including plant based diets, travel alternatives and local purchasing. Explore policy options to increase adoption of plantbased, and plant-strong diets.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Information
Technology
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Equity
• Partnerships
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Water, Waste, and Wastewater 99
26.121
W3.6 Edible Food Recovery Program
Expand edible food recovery program to all restaurants and food generating businesses and incentivize small businesses who otherwise could not participate.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• Economic
Development
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Partnerships
• Economics
W3.7 Reusable To-Go Containers
Evaluate and implement a program for reusables for restaurant to-go containers.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• Economic
Development
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Partnerships
W3.8 Circular Economy Promotion
Explore opportunities to promote a "circular economy" among local manufacturers and industry. Prioritize reuse and repair of appliances, clothing, furniture and equipment.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• Economic
Development
• City Manager’s
Office Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Partnerships
• Economics
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
100 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Water, Waste, and Wastewater
26.122
MEASURE W-4: Reduce or capture GHG emissions from
wastewater treatment.
Measure Overview
Through these actions, the City plans to explore opportunities to capture and convert methane to biofuel through the state’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) program. The City will also collaborate with surrounding cities and the County to advocate and support emissions reduction at wastewater facilities.
Measure Actions
W4.1 Methane Capture and Conversion
Explore opportunities related to methane capture and conversion to biofuel through the state's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) program.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
W4.2 Wastewater Facilities Emissions Reduction
Collaborate with surrounding cities and the County to advocate and support emissions reduction at wastewater facilities.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Partnerships
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Water, Waste, and Wastewater 101
26.123
MEASURE CR-1: Develop an Urban Forest Master Plan
and plant 3,000 new trees by 2030.
Measure Overview
The following actions focus on maintaining and increasing tree cover within the City by developing and implementing an Urban Forest Master Plan. Additionally, tree planting in neighborhoods will be done through the implementation of the Street Tree Master Plan. The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band is interested in contributing indigenous knowledge on trees and kelp forests during CAP 2030 implementation.
Measure Actions
CR1.1 Plant Trees in Frontline Neighborhoods
Prioritize planting trees in and with low income or frontline neighborhoods and other neighborhood groups as per the Street Tree Master Plan and protect and replace urban trees on public and private property per Ordinance Chapter 9.56.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Parks and
Recreation
• Economic
Development
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
CR1.2 Enhance Landscaping Capacity
Ensure that the city has the resources and staff to effectively plant and maintain street trees and landscape.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Parks and
Recreation
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Funding and
Financing
CLIMATE RESTORATION
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
102 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Restoration
26.124
CR1.3 Forest Management
Pursue funding to expand forest management to promote carbon sequestration and reduce threat of intense fires.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Parks and
Recreation
• Fire Department
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
CR1.4 Street Tree Master Plan
Implement the City’s Street Tree Master Plan 2021 and address barriers to implementation.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Parks and
Recreation
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
• Structural
Change
CR1.5 Urban Forest Restoration Outreach
Increase urban forest restoration outreach opportunities with frontline and other neighborhood groups.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Parks and
Recreation
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Partnerships
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Restoration 103
26.125
MEASURE CS-2: Explore new carbon sequestration and
carbon capture opportunities.
Measure Overview
The following actions focus on finding additional opportunities for carbon sequestration, carbon capture, and carbon storage both in the City and regionally. This will be done by implementing new carbon sequestration pilot projects and encouraging the use of carbon sequestering building materials.
Measure Actions
CS2.1 Carbon Sequestration, Capture and Storage
Partner to conduct carbon sequestration and carbon capture and storage opportunities in the City and regionally.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Parks &
Recreation
• Economic
Development
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
CS2.2 Carbon Sequestering Construction Materials
Pilot and promote carbon sequestering construction materials like low-carbon concrete and mass timber.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Economic
Development
• Planning Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
104 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Restoration
26.126
CS2.3 Knowledge of Carbon Sequestering Building Materials Work with local building professionals to expand knowledge and adoption of carbon sequestering building materials and techniques and support reduction of embodied carbon.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Planning
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
CS2.4 Local Lumber Company Partnerships
Partner with local lumber companies to promote sustainable and locally harvested lumber for timber construction to reduce emissions from materials transportation and reduce the price premium of emerging timber construction.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Partnerships
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Restoration 105
26.127
MEASURE CS-3: Increase carbon sequestration by
applying compost throughout the community.
Measure Overview
The associated actions focus on maintaining and expanding local compost programs and opportunities. These actions center regenerative agriculture locally and regionally, and encourage the implementation of additional open space policies.
Measure Actions
CR3.1 Compost Rebate Program
Explore making compost available at no or low cost to community gardeners. Continue to operate the compost bin rebate program.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• Parks and
Recreation
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
CR3.2 Compost Development Goal Setting
Engage with community gardeners, agriculture industry, master gardeners and Homeless Garden Project to plan and set goals around compost development and application.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Parks and
Recreation
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Partnerships
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
106 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Restoration
26.128
CR3.3 Regenerative Agriculture
Explore collaborating with UCSC to pilot opportunities for regenerative agriculture and permaculture.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Parks and
Recreation
• Public Works Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Public
Education
CR3.4 Regenerative Landscaping Policy Adoption
Adopt regenerative landscaping policies and promote trainings to support commercial and residential land owners to better maintain native and carbon sequestering landscapes.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Parks and
Recreation
• Planning
• City Manager’s
Office Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Public
Education
CR3.5 City Reforestation
Reforest or afforest areas of the City that are currently mowed in line with other City parks and open space plans.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Parks and
Recreation
• Fire Department
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Public
Education
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Restoration 107
26.129
CR3.6 Open Space Policy Strengthening
Evaluate policies to strengthen current open space habitat preservation.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Parks and
Recreation
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Public
Education
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
108 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Restoration
26.130
CLIMATE ECONOMY
MEASURE CE-1: Prioritize opportunities for greatest
climate benefit and economic inclusion especially for
minority, veteran and women owned businesses in
climate related sectors.
Measure Overview
These actions prioritize addressing the conditions of the local labor force and supply chain in order to incentivize greener consumption practices, and effectively reduce emissions.
Measure Actions
CE1.1 Labor Issues
Address pressing issues regarding local purchasing, local hire, supply chain, and unequal conditions in the labor market.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Economic
Development
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Economics
CE1.2 Consumption-Based Emissions (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Encourage lifestyle choices that reduce consumption-based emissions including plant-based diets, travel alternatives and local purchasing by leveraging community activation platform and community partners.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Economics
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Economy 109
26.131
MEASURE CE-2: Support equitable access to highquality training and workforce development programs in climate related sectors.
Measure Overview
This action focuses on the need to support equitable job access and opportunity. It also advocates for local job creation, entrepreneurship, and business development.
Measure Actions
CE2.1 Equitable Job Opportunities
Equitably support entrepreneurship, workforce diversity, increased quality of jobs and access to local jobs and business development.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Economic
Development
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Economics
CE2.2 Regional Collaboration
Support regional collaboration regarding jobs, housing and economic development.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Economic
Development
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Equity
• Economics
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
110 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Climate Economy
26.132
SUSTAINABLE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT
MEASURE M-1: Decarbonize municipally owned
buildings by 2030 and remaining municipal
facilities by 2045.
Measure Overview
The following actions plan to decarbonize municipal facilities in the City through phasing out fossil fuels, such as diesel and natural gas. Additionally, these actions plan to reduce emissions by retrofitting lighting throughout the City and move towards municipal electrification.
Measure Actions
M1.1 Decarbonization Plan (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Develop a plan to decarbonize, electrify, and improve indoor air quality in all municipal buildings by 2030 and electrify any remaining facilities by 2045.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government 111
26.133
M1.2 Phase Out Diesel
Evaluate the feasibility and cost of phasing out diesel and natural gas generators and put policy in place to decommission and replace diesel generators with solar and battery storage by 2030 as feasible.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
M1.3 Municipal Building Decarbonization Plan (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Adopt and implement a municipal building electrification plan to electrify 100% of municipal buildings by 2040.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
M1.4 Retrofit City Lighting
Adopt and implement a plan for retrofitting all remaining streetlights, facility lighting, and traffic signals to LEDs by 2040.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
112 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government
26.134
M1.5 “Electric First” Commitment (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Implement an “electric first” commitment for building projects and other major retrofits of municipal buildings unless otherwise infeasible.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Economic
Development
• Public Works
• Water
Department
• Parks and
Recreation
• Finance
Department
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
M1.6 Funding for Municipal Electrification (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Fund and hire an energy manager and dedicate staff time for obtaining grant funding for municipal electrification.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Funding and
Financing
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government 113
26.135
MEASURE M-2: Procure carbon free or 100% renewable
electricity for municipal operations by 2030.
Measure Overview
The following actions focus on ensuring that all municipal operations are carbon free or utilize all renewable energy by opting up to CCCE Prime and maintain CCCE use.
Measure Actions
M2.1 Opt Up to CCCE Prime (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Consider opting up to CCCE Prime for 100 percent renewable energy now.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
M2.2 CCCE’s Electricity
Continue to purchase CCCE’s electricity for all municipal accounts.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
114 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government
26.136
MEASURE M-3: Increase municipally-owned
renewable energy.
Measure Overview
The following actions aim to decrease City emissions by studying the feasibility of additional solar, battery storage, or other renewable energy generation. These actions also aim to localize energy production through the implementation of microgrids.
Measure Actions
M3.1 Pacific Station (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
With community partners, redevelop Pacific Station as a net zero energy transit center with mixed use and affordable housing.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Economic
Development
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
• Economics
M3.2 Renewable Energy Generation (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Conduct a feasibility study to understand opportunities for installing additional solar and battery storage, or other renewable energy generation infrastructure at municipally owned facilities (e.g., generators and renewable energy at critical facilities).
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government 115
26.137
M3.3 Microgrid Opportunities (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Identify and implement near term microgrid opportunities that align with resiliency objectives and conduct a microgrid pilot program (e.g., at City Hall for critical loads).
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
116 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government
26.138
MEASURE M-4: Develop and implement a Municipal
Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan by the
end of 2023.
Measure Overview
The following actions aim to decrease emissions by incentivizing passive transportation and alternative modes of travel for workers. Opportunities for remote work, satellite offices, and affordable housing in near proximity to primary work centers are explored in order to decrease work travel times and associated emissions.
Measure Actions
M4.1 City Staff Commute Data
Continue to conduct a detailed survey of City staff commute data annually and report findings to employees.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
M4.2 Secure Bike Parking (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Investigate and implement opportunities for installing secure bike parking, fix-it stations, and showers at municipal work sites that do not currently have these facilities.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government 117
26.139
M4.3 Free Public Transit Passes (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Expand provision of free public transit passes to all municipal employees as demand necessitates.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
M4.4 Remote Work Program Plan
Develop a remote work program plan with milestones that educates and enables eligible municipal employees to work from home for part of their work schedule including alternative work schedules in order to further sustainability and employee retention goals.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Human
Resources
• City Manager’s
Office
• Information
Technology
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
M4.5 Alternative Work Travel Incentives
Include alternative modes or incentives for employees to bike, walk, and carpool to work.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Human
Resources
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Changes
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
118 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government
26.140
M4.6 Satellite Offices
Consider flex-work/co-working satellite offices or access at libraries and in nearby communities like the San Lorenzo Valley or South County to reduce commute times.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Human
Resources
• Library
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
M4.7 Housing and Work Proximity
Promote opportunities for housing in affordable housing developments to employees to live close to their City work sites.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Economic
Development
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
• Economics
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government 119
26.141
MEASURE M-5: Electrify or otherwise decarbonize the
municipal fleet by 2035.
Measure Overview
The following actions center on infrastructural and vehicle decarbonization through the addition of EV charging stations, renewable fuel procurement and the implementation of an electrification plan.
Measure Actions
M5.1 Fleet Electrification Plan (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Adopt and implement the City's Fleet Electrification Plan to convert fossil fuel municipal fleet vehicles to electric or otherwise decarbonize the fleet by 2035, evaluating phasing and the potential for regional bulk procurement.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
M5.2 Electric Vehicle Charger Installation (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Plan for and install EV ready infrastructure and additional EV chargers in municipal parking lots for fleet, employee and public use, and pilot curbside installations.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• Planning
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
120 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government
26.142
M5.3 Renewable Diesel
Procure 100 percent renewable diesel as a transition fuel until complete fleet electrification in 2035.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
M5.4 Electric Vehicle First Policy (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Adopt an EV first policy, unless infeasible for the use case, for all municipal vehicles by end of 2023.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Finance
• Public Works
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government 121
26.143
MEASURE M-6: Electrify or otherwise decarbonize
all municipal off-road equipment (landscaping
equipment, construction equipment, marine diesel
engines) by 2040.
Measure Overview
The following actions focus on decreasing emissions caused by municipal off-road equipment. These actions prioritize emissions-free equipment for municipal uses and encourage the use of alternative fuels, such as biofuels, for such equipment.
Measure Actions
M6.1 Inventory of Municipal Off-Road Equipment
Complete an inventory of all municipal off-road equipment, specifying which equipment types are possible to electrify based on existing technologies, experience and cost, and adopt an implementation plan to decarbonize by 2040.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• Parks and
Recreation
• Water
Department
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
M6.2 Emissions-Free Equipment Preference
Adopt an emissions-free equipment preference purchasing policy for off-road equipment for all City departments.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Finance
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
122 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government
26.144
M6.3 Biofuels for Municipal Off-Road Equipment
Evaluate and procure biofuels (renewable diesel and biogas) to operate municipally owned off-road equipment as feasible for use cases that cannot be electrified. Re-evaluate decarbonization opportunities regularly to ensure biofuels are not being used for equipment that could otherwise be electrified.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• Parks and
Recreation
• Water
Department Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
M6.4 Obtain Funding for Decarbonizing Off-Road Equipment Dedicate staff time to obtain grant funding for decarbonization of off-road equipment.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Parks and
Recreation
• Public Works
• City Manager’s
Office Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Funding and
Financing
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government 123
26.145
MEASURE M-7: Increase municipal procurement of
recovered organics waste products.
Measure Overview
The following actions aim to decrease organic waste in the City and regionally. These actions focus on reuse of organic materials as compost wherever feasible and encourage finding other alternative uses for organic wastes.
Measure Actions
M7.1 Application of Compost for Suitable Facilities
Require City agencies to procure and apply compost to the exterior of suitable facilities in accordance with landscape management needs and plans.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• Parks and
Recreation
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
M7.2 Opportunities for Procuring Organic Waste Products Investigate opportunities for generating and procuring recovered organic waste products.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• Parks and
Recreation
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
124 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government
26.146
M7.3 Food Waste to Energy Feasibility Studies
Update food waste to energy feasibility studies and design and construct facilities to accommodate food waste.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• GHG
Reductions
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government 125
26.147
MEASURE M-8: Promote efficient municipal water
consumption.
Measure Overview
The following actions prioritize water use reduction through the implementation of drought-tolerant landscaping, improved irrigation, and the creation of stormwater infrastructure.
Measure Actions
M8.1 Irrigation Infrastructure and Water Reduction Strategies Evaluate replacement of existing municipal watering/irrigation infrastructure and schedules as water reduction strategies.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Parks and
Recreation
• Water
Department
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
M8.2 Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
Continue to implement landscaping that utilizes drought-tolerant landscaping techniques for parks, medians, and fields.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Parks and
Recreation
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
126 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government
26.148
M8.3 Green Stormwater Infrastructure
Evaluate and increase green stormwater infrastructure on City facilities.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• Parks and
Recreation
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
M8.4 Efficient Municipal Water Consumption
Identify funding to dedicate staff time to obtain grant funding for implementing efficient municipal water consumption.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Parks and
Recreation
• Water
Department
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Funding and
Financing
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government 127
26.149
MEASURE M-9: Support climate action planning.
Measure Overview
The following actions cement the continuation of climate action planning. These actions prioritize identifying potential changes the City can make in order to address climate change. Actions focus on creating an inventory of life cycle emissions, divest from fossil fuels, and encourage healthy and equitable changes to consumption habits.
Measure Actions
M9.1 Climate Action Plan
Update the Climate Action Plan every 5 years, report annually and integrate climate action into the budget decision making process.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Finance
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
M9.2 Life Cycle Emissions
Explore adding life cycle emissions into the decision-making process as data becomes available.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Education and
Engagement
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
128 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government
26.150
M9.3 Fossil Fuel Divestment Policy
Implement a fossil fuel divestment policy and provide update to City Council on status of divestment from fossil fuel banking.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Finance
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
M9.4 Plant-Based Diet Strategies (HIGH IMPACT ACTION)
Evaluate plant-strong and plant-based diets strategies, procurement and policies.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
• Finance
• Human
Resources Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
M9.5 Plant-Based Diet Menu Choices (HIGH IMPACT ACTION) Explore inclusion of plant-strong and plant-based diets and menu choices as a measure in the City’s Green Business Program.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government 129
26.151
M9.6 Climate Action Program
Consider staffing, structure and integration of Climate Action Program throughout organization, including consideration of public advisory formats, and modify as needed to meet increasing demands on integration, coordination, reporting and engagement.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
M9.7 Green Event Guide
Develop a green event checklist/guide and consider conditions of use for special event permits that support climate action.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Public Works
• Parks and
Recreation
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
M9.8 Climate Action Plan in City Financial Plans
Integrate the Climate Action Plan into the City's upcoming Master Investment Strategy/ Financial Plan Development, Master Fee Evaluation and Cost Evaluation Plan and its change management process.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Finance
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
130 6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government
26.152
M9.9 Preferable Purchasing Policy
Update and enforce the City's environmentally preferable purchasing policy to include electric first vehicles and building commitments, as well as plant based/strong diet recommendations.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Finance
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
M9.10 Supply Chain Monitoring
Monitor supply chain and end of life handling of renewable energy and other climate supportive products and technologies to avoid slave labor, environmental degradation from extraction and/or disposal in frontline communities, and advocate for the elimination of these processes globally.
GHG
Reduction Department Co-Benefits Pillars
• 2030:
Supportive
• 2035:
Supportive
• 2045:
Supportive
• Finance
• City Manager’s
Office
Community
Health
GHG
Reduction
Resilience Local
Green Jobs
Env.
Restoration
• Structural
Change
6. Measures and Actions > Building Energy > Sustainable Municipal Government 131
26.153
26.154
To ensure this CAP is implemented, responsive
to evolving real world conditions, and achieves
the GHG emissions targets, the CAP 2030
includes a plan for funding, implementing,
monitoring, and updating the CAP over time.
7. IMPLEMENTATION
Community Participation
133
26.155
Responsible Parties for Implementation
The CAP builds off the success from the City’s
past efforts and focuses on making the next
set of changes, infrastructure investments,
and policy directives that will allow Santa Cruz
to transition to carbon neutrality. Making
meaningful progress towards reducing our
GHG emissions starts with City leadership,
through policies, education, ordinances, and
investments that act as catalysts for change
throughout the wider community. As such,
the City can update building codes, provide
electric vehicle charging infrastructure and
designate bike lanes, but it is up to the broader
community to embrace these new services and
technologies and gain the benefits outlined
in this plan. Community partners can then
support these policies with incentives and
programs and businesses can leverage these
policies to provide new services and adopt
new practices. Finally, residents that have been
provided with the incentives and education,
can adapt behavior to lower GHG emissions
communitywide. As policies and programs are
developed and infrastructure is constructed,
City staff will work to engage the community on
progress and opportunities for improvement.
The CAP’s implementation will be led by the
City’s Climate Action Program, with support
from the community partners, as detailed below
and represented in Figure 9. The responsible
City departments are identified for each CAP
action described in Chapter 6. Measures, and
Actions, and the complete proposed CAP
implementation plan is included in Appendix I.
FIGURE 9. CAP Implementation Partners
City
Drives
CAP Implementation
Partners
Assist City and
Implement Programs
Community
Embrace New Services
and Technologies
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
134 7. Implementation
26.156
City Responsibilities
The City is directly responsible for updating building codes, developing ordinances, conducting outreach, education, promotion, and feasibility studies, fostering partnerships, and providing specific infrastructure updates (e.g., EV charging infrastructure, bike lanes, municipal building electrification, etc.) as specified in the CAP actions. As policies and programs are developed and infrastructure is constructed in alignment with the CAP’s strategies, measures, and actions, City staff will engage the community on opportunities or requirements for participating in these new structures as they become available. The City will continue to staff a group comprised of community members (e.g., CATF) regularly and other ad hoc committees as needed to support implementation. The City is also responsible for reporting and providing accurate and current progress toward targets on a sustainability dashboard, leading funding pursuits, and ensuring that there is adequate staffing to implement the CAP.
Partner Responsibilities
While the City is responsible for driving implementation of the CAP, local businesses, special districts, regional jurisdictions, community organizations, and other local groups are lead implementers or better positioned to implement CAP actions. For example, Santa Cruz METRO Transit District is better positioned to improve local public transportation than the City as it has responsibility for the buses and bus infrastructure in the city. However, City Council members participate in the METRO board and are able to advocate for actions specified in the CAP. Through relationships identified and fostered by the City, other key partners of the CAP will be responsible for assisting the City with outreach and promotion, conducting program tracking, developing incentives, rebates, and funding pathways for community level appliance upgrades, installing renewable energy and EV technologies, improving and expanding transit, and increasing organic waste collection capacity.
Community Responsibilities
The City and its partners will be responsible for CAP implementation, including continuing to conduct inclusive equitable and culturally relevant engagement to ensure all communities and residents have access to participate in CAP implementation. It will be up to the broader community to embrace the actions developed through the collaborative community process. The City will launch a community activation platform that will provide links to programs and incentives, which will empower community members to participate in CAP implementation. Participation in these measures, feedback on implementation successes and hurdles, and ongoing collaboration with the City will all drive the successful implementation of the CAP.
The City will use the equity screening tool periodically to assess actions as they get implemented to ensure they do not harm communities or have negative impacts.
7. Implementation 135
26.157
Funding Implementation
Full implementation of the City’s CAP will
require investments on the part of the City,
local households and property owners, and
commercial businesses. In most cases, the
expenditures will not only help to reduce
GHG emissions but will also bring other
valuable cobenefits as described in Chapter
6. Some expenditures will not represent net
cost increases, but instead will involve substituting investments to GHG emissions reducing alternatives for equipment, materials,
and technologies that would otherwise have
been made on less climate-friendly options.
For example, residents and businesses are
encouraged to make investments in water
and energy conservation improvements, for
which the initial expenditure on the improvements will be offset by long-term savings from reduced water or energy usage. The benefits
may also provide additional, unquantified
improved resilience and operational benefits.
As described in Appendix G, Green Economy
Analysis, the City estimated the anticipated
cost of implementing three high impact
measures - existing building electrification,
active transportation and EV adoption - by
2030 to be up to nearly $430M and yielding
nearly 2,500 jobs. Currently, there are over
$65M in new and existing Capital Improvement
Projects in the FY23 budget that support implementation of the CAP 2030. In Appendix H, Funding and Financing Implementation, the City
developed a funding and financing pathways
matrix to be used as a tool to successful and
rapidly access financing for implementation
and is participating in multi-scalar coordination
with internal and external partners to do so.
Implementation Accountability
In general, access to sources of financing is not
the only challenge for communities seeking to
implement CAPs; rather the bigger issue is the
shortage of funding that can pay back financing
and, more importantly, the staffing capacity
required to monitor the lifecycle of the CAP,
from pooling resources, building community
support, securing partnerships, raising funds,
implementing measures, and tracking progress
against targets. While it is critical the City
overcome key financing challenges and identify
innovative funding tools, communities can best
meet the challenge of project development
by paying close attention to ensuring
organizational capacity is available and accountability is built-in as part of the implementation process. The City also has committed to 17
mechanisms to accountability including several
new mechanisms to broaden transparency
and share progress as described in Appendix
I Implementation and Monitoring Plan. The
following touchpoints will allow City leadership
and staff to review availability of funds and
financing thresholds, track progress against
metrics set in the CAP 2030 and tracked in
CAP Dash, and adjust priorities and activities
as necessary to meet targets set in the CAP.
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
136 7. Implementation
26.158
• Continue membership with Green
Cities California, Urban Sustainability
Directors Network and Local
Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI)
• Continue and promote staff membership
to Central Coast Climate Collaborative
Participation in the Santa Cruz City
Schools Green Committee, Citywide
Workforce development team,
and other climate networks.
• Participation of CAP x Department
Heads Bimonthly Meetings
• Regular City Manager Employee Newsletter
posts bimonthly or as activities dictate
• Staff participation in CAP 2030
implementation/tracking training
from November 2022 onwards
• Full departmental participation
in Sustainability Team
• Annual City Council and
Commission presentations
• Participation of departments in the annual
risk and progress disclosure submission
to the Carbon Disclosure Project
• Participation in the Climate Action Task
Force and/or other climate advisory body
with bimonthly to quarterly meetings
• Participation in HiAP (Health in All Policies)
City Council Committee bimonthly meetings
• (New) Participation in the Annual CAP
Implementation Partners Roundtable
• (New) Review and provision of content
at least annually in the Sustainability
Dashboard on Website
• (New) Explore launching a future Master
City Wellbeing Dashboard with HiAP,
Budget, Energy, etc.
the internal CAP Dash Implementation and
Funding Tracking tool
Near-Term Implementation Activities
In addition to the phasing outlined in Appendix
I Implementation and Monitoring Plan for all
actions through the 2030 time horizon for the
CAP, the City has developed a 3-year workplan
of municipal activities as detailed in Appendix
H Funding and Financing Implementation,
denoting responsible departments, relative
magnitude of funding required, degree of staff
capacity required and a timeline for implementation between fiscal years (FY) 23 and 26 (i.e., July 2023 through July 2026). Many activities
implement structural organization and policy
changes as well as municipal infrastructure to
enable achievement of high impact emissions
reduction measures and actions. With a newly
proposed Implementation Partners Roundtable
and City departments, a new 2-year implementation workplan will be developed in FY 26 to carry the community through until the Climate
Action Plan is updated in FY 28. Departmental
workplans tiering off of the overall municipal
workplan will be developed annually with
one progress check-in with each department
conducted mid-year to allow for reporting on
progress and course correction where needed.
7. Implementation 137
• (New) Review and provision of content to
26.159
Monitoring and Reporting
Monitoring of and reporting on the
CAP 2030 will be conducted by City
departments in cooperation with partner
agencies. Monitoring and reporting will
consist of the following activities:
1. Annually: Identifying the implementation
status for each CAP measure and action,
evaluating this against each action’s
implementation timeline and updating the
online Sustainability Dashboard. The City
will also use the equity screening tool to
assess actions as they are implemented to
ensure they do not harm community groups.
2. Annually: Meet with new Implementation
Partners Roundtable and craft a report
with the above information and analysis
delivered to City Council and commissions.
3. Every 3 years: Completing an
updated GHG emissions inventory,
and evaluating the results against the
City’s GHG emissions targets.
4. Every 5 years: Update the Climate Action
Plan targets, measures and actions.
The CAP 2030 measures and actions are
not exclusive and do not preclude the use of
other GHG reduction measures. Modifications
to the strategies or their components
may become necessary as circumstances
change or as new information, regulations,
and technology becomes available. The
monitoring activities and resulting reports
will inform whether the City is on track to
reach its 2030 target, or if changes to or
additional measures and actions are needed. Sustainability Dashboard Example City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
138 7. Implementation
26.160
8. CALL TO ACTION
Every community member plays an essential
role in reducing the impacts of climate
change. Without concentrated, collective
action, achieving our long-term targets
will be nearly impossible and, unfortunately, under that scenario, the impacts of climate change are only anticipated
to further intensify and worsen.
This call to action includes proposed actions
that can be taken at the community level to
support the City’s achievement of targets on
climate mitigation, climate restoration, and
a climate economy. In addition to this brief
guidance, the City will launch a community
activation platform with links to programs and
incentives and enroll community members in
friendly competition as we collectively seek
to decarbonize. **High Impact Actions are
noted here and in the Resilient Santa Cruz
platform – part of a region-wide Resilient
Central Coast effort - so residents know
how to plan their decarbonization journey
to make the most impact. The City looks
forward to working together to build a more
sustainable and resilient City of Santa Cruz!
139
26.161
Residents
Eat More Whole-Food,
Plant-Based Food**
Whole food, plant-based eating patterns focus
on foods primarily from plants. This includes
not only fruits and vegetables, but also nuts,
seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans.
Eating more whole, minimally processed foods,
and eating less meat, dairy, and refined sugar
not only has many health benefits, it also
reduces the GHG emissions associated with the
rearing of animal products, like meat and dairy,
out of the food chain.3
3. Nature, 2021. Global greenhouse gas emissions from animal-based foods are twice those of plan-based foods
4. https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/how-do-i/go-santa-cruz Bike, Walk, Take the Bus,
or Carpool When Possible**
Finding alternative transportation options to
single-occupancy vehicles is key to reducing
your transportation footprint. Biking, walking,
skateboarding, scootering, taking the bus, and
carpooling are all good alternative transportation options, and support the City’s efforts to increase active and shared transportation
(Measures T-1, T-2 and T-3). Substantial
incentives exist for electric bikes and bus
passes through My831 Commute and GO Santa
Cruz transportation initiatives.4
Healthy Food Examples Bicyclists
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
140 8. Call to Action
26.162
Buy an Electric Vehicle When
It’s Time for a New Car**
Gasoline and diesel usage are the largest
contributor to the City's GHG emissions. The
City’s transportation strategy includes electrifying car trips to the greatest extent possible (Measure T-4). Buying an EV will directly
support this strategy and may provide life cycle
cost savings in the long run. Substantial rebates
exist for used and new EVs.
5. United States Environmental Protection Agency https://www.epa.gov/recycle/reducing-waste-what-you-can-do Reduce Your Waste
Every year, the average American sends over
1,000 pounds of everyday household refuse to
landfills and/or incinerators. Reducing personal
waste directly reduces the GHG emissions
associated with the transfer, storage, and
processing of waste. There are many things to
reduce personal waste including but limited to:
using reusable cups, containers, and cutlery;
buying food and products with minimal
packaging; opt-out of paper mailing as much as
possible; use reusable napkins and cloths for
cleaning; and use reusable shopping bags.5
Electric Vehicle Shopping Use Alternative Waste Bins
8. Call to Action 141
26.163
Compost Your Yard
and Food Waste
The City has adopted a strategy to divert
organic waste from the landfill through a food
scrap to energy process and home composting
programs in the City (Measures W-2 and
W-3). You can support this work by consuming
less and doing your own composting and
recycling now. It is low cost and has the added
benefit of reducing strain on local landfills.
Shop Local
Shopping locally can reduce emissions and air
pollution by reducing transportation miles of a
product. Shopping locally also helps support the
local economy.
Reduce Your Water Usage
While water usage is only a small contributor to
GHG emissions in the City, smart water usage is
imperative to reducing the impacts of drought.
Shopping at a Farmer's Market
Yard Waste Bin Drought-resistant Landscaping
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
142 8. Call to Action
26.164
Homeowners and Property Owners
Homeowners and property owners have power over how their property uses resources like energy for heating and cooling, and water for washing and landscaping. If you are a homeowner or property owner in the City, this section includes a list of suggested actions for reducing the energy of your property while maintaining comfort in a cost-effective way.
Install Solar Panels and/
or Battery Storage**
Installing solar panels on your property
reduces your electricity emissions directly to
zero and increases the City’s electrical grid
resiliency. These are key aspects of City’s
energy strategy (see Measures BE-4, BE-5
and BE-6). Battery storage takes this one
step further by allowing you to store solar
energy for use at night, decreasing your
emissions footprint even further at the time
when the grid is supplying the most carbon
intensive electricity. Battery storage can
also increase your property’s resiliency by
providing electricity during power outages or
disasters. Landlords should ensure that upfront
costs associated with installing solar panels
and battery storage are not passed down to
tenants, especially low-income tenants.
Install an Electric Water
Heater, Heat Pump,
HVAC, and Stove Top**
All-electric appliances will be 100% renewable
electricity by 2030 due to the purchasing
of electricity in our City by Central Coast
Community Energy (CCCE) and support the
effort to electrify existing buildings (Measure
BE-2). Investigate the electrification process
now so that you are prepared to replace your
gas unit with an electric alternative once it
is time for replacement. Focusing on time
of replacement will help keep costs lower
for homeowners and property owners. The
Lumina Heat Pump Evaluation Tool is an online
calculator to evaluate the economic and environmental benefits of switching your residential HAAC and domestic hot water heater with
an electric heat pump. Landlords should
ensure that upfront costs associated with
installing an electric water heater, heat pump,
HVAC, and stove top are not passed down
to tenants, especially low-income tenants.
Residential Roof-mounted Solar Panels
8. Call to Action 143
26.165
Business and Employers
Businesses and employers will play a key role in reducing GHG emissions and supporting this CAP.
This section provides a list of actions that businesses and employers can take to support GHG emissions reductions. For a comprehensive and holistic approach to decarbonizing, businesses may also enroll in and become a certified green business through the City’s Green Business Program.
6. https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/how-do-i/go-santa-cruz Install Bike-Friendly Facilities
for Your Employees and
Encourage Public Transit**
Employers can help employees decarbonize
their commute and bike, walk, or take the
bus to work. Employers can install bike racks
or bike lockers for employees to safely store
their bikes during the workday, providing
showering facilities, and/or offer financial
incentives for employees to bike, walk, carpool,
or take the bus to work. Employers can also
partner with Bike Santa Cruz County, the local
bicycle advocacy group, to further support the
already strong bike culture. The GO Santa Cruz
program offers incentives to help downtown
employees choose options other than driving
to get to work, including free transit passes.6
Install EV Chargers in
Employee Parking Lot
and Convert Fleet to
Electric When Possible**
Gasoline and diesel usage are the largest
contributor to the City’s GHG emissions.
The City’s transportation strategy includes
electrifying car trips to the greatest extent
possible (Measure T-4 and T-5). Converting
your fleet to electric, installing EV chargers in
your workplace parking lot, and developing
a workplace charging program for your
employees will support this important effort.
Substantial incentives exist to do so.
Bike Locker Example EV Charging Stations
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
144 8. Call to Action
26.166
Install Solar Panels and/
or Battery Storage at
Your Business**
Installing solar at your business, or working
with landlords to get solar installed, reduces
your electricity emissions and increases the
City’s electrical grid resiliency. These are key
aspects of the energy strategy (see Measures
BE-4, BE-5, and BE-6). Battery storage takes
this one step further by allowing you to store
solar energy for use at night, decreasing your
emissions footprint even further at the time
when the grid is supplying the most carbon
intensive electricity. Battery storage can also
increase your business’s resiliency by providing
electricity during power outages or disasters.
Develop Work-from-Home
Policies for Employees
Allowing your employees to work from home,
even one day per week, will reduce vehicle
miles traveled, save your employees money,
improve air quality, and reduce traffic impacts.
Most passenger vehicle miles in California
are from commuting to and from work.
Removing the need to commute to work via
car supports efforts to reduce vehicle miles
traveled and helps reduce GHG emissions.
Battery Storage Work-from-home Employee
8. Call to Action 145
26.167
Reduce Your Water Usage
While water usage is only a small contributor
to GHG emissions in the City of Santa Cruz,
smart water usage is imperative to reducing
the impacts of drought. Take advantage
of rebated water conservation devices.
Reduce Food Waste
The City has adopted a strategy to divert
organic waste from the landfill in the City
(Measure W-2 and W-3). Support this
effort by reducing your food waste at your
business and adding food waste to food
scrap buckets for the City to pick up.
Practice Sustainable Business
You can reduce your organization’s GHG
emissions by adopting an environmentally
preferable procurement policy, specifying
sustainable materials and developing other
employee-focused sustainability policies.
Reducing Water Usage Saves Money
Commercial Food Scrap Collection
Working from Home Reduces the Use
of Fossil Fuels
City of Santa Cruz | CLIMATE ACTION PLAN
146 8. Call to Action
26.168
Developers
Developers hold the keys to making new buildings in Santa Cruz less GHG intensive. A primary way to do that is by building all-electric and ensuring all new development comes with EV charging infrastructure.
Build All-electric Multifamily
and Single Family Homes**
New multifamily and single family developments represent a unique opportunity for developers to save money and reduce GHG
emissions at the same time by building allelectric. This action is consistent with the City’s efforts to eliminate natural gas in new
building construction through an electrification ordinance starting in 2023 (Measure BE-1 and BE-3). If you are a developer
in the City, you can support the City’s
energy strategy and take advantage of the
cost-saving benefits of building all-electric
now. Substantial rebates exist to do so.
Example of an All-electric Single-family House
8. Call to Action 147
26.169
26.170
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
cityofsantacruz.com
26.171
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan 2030 Initial Study – Negative Declaration + Developer Checklist
Appendix B: AMBAG Community and Municipal Greenhouse Gas Inventory Review and VMT Updates
Appendix C: GHG Emissions Reduction Technical Evidence
Appendix D: Engagement Summary
Appendix E: GHG Emissions Inventory Update &
Forecast Memorandum
Appendix F: Equity Screening Tool
Appendix G: Green Jobs Analysis
Appendix H: Funding and Financing Implementation Memorandum Appendix I: Implementation + Monitoring Plan
All appendices are accessible in the left hand document box at www.cityofsantacruz.com/climateactionplan
149
Appendix J: City's Health in All Policies Crosswalk
26.172
APPENDIX A:
Santa Cruz Climate
Action Plan 2030
Initial Study –
Negative Declaration
+ CEQA Checklist
26.173
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
Draft
Initial Study – Negative Declaration
prepared for
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street
Santa Cruz, California 95060
Contact: Tiffany Wise-West
prepared by
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
511 Garden Road, Suite C-250
Monterey, California 93940
June 2022
26.174
Table of Contents
Draft Initial Study– Negative Declaration i
Table of Contents
Acronyms and Abbreviations iii
Initial Study
Proposed Plan Title 1
Lead Agency/Plan Sponsor and Contact 1
Plan Location and Physical Setting 1
Existing Sustainability Setting 5
General Plan Designation and Zoning 12
Description of the CAP 12
Cumulative Projects Scenario 27
Required Approvals 27
Environmental Factors Potentially Affected 29
Determination 29
Environmental Checklist 31
1 Aesthetics 31
2 Agriculture and Forestry Resources 35
3 Air Quality 39
4 Biological Resources 43
5 Cultural Resources 49
6 Energy 53
7 Geology and Soils 57
8 Greenhouse Gas Emissions 63
9 Hazards and Hazardous Materials 67
10 Hydrology and Water Quality 71
11 Land Use and Planning 75
12 Mineral Resources 77
13 Noise 79
14 Population and Housing 83
15 Public Services 85
16 Recreation 87
17 Transportation 89
18 Tribal Cultural Resources 93
20 Wildfire 103
21 Mandatory Findings of Significance 105
References 107
Bibliography 107
List of Preparers 110
26.175
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
ii
Tables
Table 1 City of Santa Cruz 2019 Communitywide GHG Emissions by Sector 14 Table 2 City of Santa Cruz CAP Measures and Actions 15
Table 3 City of Santa Cruz 2030 GHG Reductions from 2030 BAU levels 26 Table 4 City of Santa Cruz GHG Emissions Projections and Targets 26 Table 5 State of California Recommended Normally Acceptable Noise Levels 80 Table 6 Human Response to Different Levels of Groundborne Vibration 81 Figures
Figure 1 Regional Location 2
Figure 2 Plan Location 3
Appendices
Appendix A Sources, Health Effects, and Typical Controls Associated with Criteria Pollutants Appendix B Description of Greenhouse Gases of California Concern
26.176
Initial Study
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration iii
Acronyms and Abbreviations
CCCE Central Coast Community Energy
AB Assembly Bill
ABAU adjusted business-as-usual
AMBAG Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments
ATP Active Transportation Plan
BAU business-as-usual
BMPs Best Management Practices
CAA Clean Air Act
CalEPA California Environmental Protection Agency
CAL FIRE California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection CalGREEN California’s Green Building Standards Code
CAP Climate Action Plan
CARB California Air Resources Board
CAT Climate Action Team
CBC California Building Code
CCA Community Choice Aggregation
CCRWQCB Central Coast Regional Control Board
CEC California Energy Commission
CFGC California Fish and Game Code
CGS California Geological Survey
CH4 Methane
CO2 carbon dioxide
CO2e carbon dioxide equivalent
CPUC California Public Utilities Commission
dB decibels
dBA A-weighted sound pressure level
DOC California Department of Conservation
DOF Department of Finance
EIR Environmental Impact Report
EO Executive Order
EV Electric Vehicle
26.177
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
iv
FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency
FHWA Federal Highway Administration
FTA Federal Transit Administration
GHG Greenhouse Gas
GWh gigawatt-hours
HFC hydrofluorocarbon
Ldn day/night average sound level
LHMP Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
MBARD Monterey Bay Air Resources District
MBTA Migratory Bird Treaty Act
MPO Metropolitan Planning Organizations
MT metric tons
MTP Metropolitan Transportation Plan
N
2O nitrous oxide
NCCAB North Central Coast Air Basin
NPDES National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
PCE Peninsula Clean Energy
PFC perfluorinated compound
PGE Pacific Gas & Electric
PPV peak particle velocity
RMS Root Mean Square
ROG reactive organic gases
RTP Regional Transportation Plan
SB Senate Bill
SCMC Santa Cruz Municipal Code
SCS Sustainable Communities Strategies
SF6 sulfur hexafluoride
SIP State Implementation Plan
SR State Route
SWPPP Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
UCSC University of California at Santa Cruz
U.S. EPA United Stated Environmental Protection Agency
USIEA United States Energy Information Administration
26.178
Initial Study
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration v
UWMP Urban Water Management Plan
VdB vibration decibels
VMT vehicle miles traveled
ZNE zero net energy
26.179
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
vi
This page intentionally left blank.
26.180
Initial Study
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 1
Initial Study
Proposed Plan Title
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
Lead Agency/Plan Sponsor and Contact
Lead Agency/Plan Sponsor
City of Santa Cruz
809 Center Street, Room 206
Santa Cruz, California 95060
Contact Person
Tiffany Wise-West, PE, PhD
(831) 420-5433
[email protected]
Plan Location and Physical Setting
The City of Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030 applies to all areas, plans, and projects within the City of Santa Cruz limits. Figure 1 shows the City’s regional location, and Figure 2 shows the plan location. The plan location includes all of Santa Cruz’s incorporated lands including the City’s landfill and the Hill Water Treatment Plant, both of which fall within the City’s incorporated lands but are surrounded by unincorporated Santa Cruz County.
Regional Location and Setting
The City of Santa Cruz is approximately 13 square miles and is located on the north shore of the Monterey Bay in the central portion of Santa Cruz County of California’s central coast. The City is almost entirely surrounded by the Santa Cruz Mountains and protected open spaces (City of Santa Cruz 2012). Specifically, the City is bordered by the Santa Cruz Harbor, the Arana Gulch, and Anna Jean Cummings County Park to the east, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park to the north, Wilder Ranch State Park to the west, and the Pacific Ocean to the south. The nearest major cities are Watsonville, San Jose, Fremont, and San Francisco, which are located approximately 16 miles to the southeast, 25 miles to the north, 35 miles to the north, and 55 miles to the northwest, respectively.
Vehicular access to Santa Cruz is primarily provided by Highway 1 (Cabrillo Highway), State Route (SR)-17 (Santa Cruz Highway), and SR-9 (River Street). The City’s downtown core is located just south of the junction of north-south SR-17, which leads north to San José, the cities of Silicon Valley, and the San Francisco Bay Area beyond, and SR- 1, which follows the coast north to the San Francisco Bay Area. SR-9 is a winding two-lane road that traverses the Santa Cruz Mountains, passing through the communities of Felton, Ben Lomond, Brookdale, and Boulder Creek.
26.181
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
2 Figure 1 Regional Location
26.182
Initial Study
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 3
Figure 2 Plan Location
26.183
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
4 The City is served by several public transit providers, including the Santa Cruz Metro, , Amtrak passenger rail, and Greyhound Lines, Inc. motorcoach services. The City’s Metro Center Transit Station is located on Pacific Avenue. The City also provides an electric trolley service, the Santa Cruz Trolley, as a means to travel between the beach and the City’s downtown areas (Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce 2022). The nearest airport to Santa Cruz is the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport, located approximately 30 miles northeast of the City.
Local Setting
Santa Cruz is the most populous city in Santa Cruz County, with an estimated total population of 65,041 in 2019 (California Department of Finance [DOF] 2021). According to the City of Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan, the City contains a mix of small-scale residential neighborhoods; widely-visited beaches; a river, many creeks, and riparian corridors; a more intensely developed downtown area with distinctive buildings; and automobile-oriented commercial corridors. The City is also home to the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC). Residential uses comprise the largest portion of existing land uses within Santa Cruz with community commercial development along major transportation corridors. Other major land uses include park space, natural areas, and lands associated with UCSC (City of Santa Cruz 2012). The City supports a diverse range of industries. In 2021, there were over 3,500 businesses within the City limits providing approximately 39,000 jobs.
The top sectors for employment in the City are Education, Retail Trade, Accommodation and Food Services, and Health Care Services, which represent 57 percent of Santa Cruz Employment (City of Santa Cruz 2021a).
The City of Santa Cruz maintains a clearly defined urban boundary due to the natural features and green space that border the City on all sides. The San Lorenzo River is a defining feature of the City, as it flows through its center and serves as the dividing line between the City’s eastern and western areas. The City also features four miles of coastline along the Monterey Bay on its southern border.
The City’s beaches and coastal bicycle, pedestrian, and automobile routes are extremely popular destinations for both residents and visitors. Santa Cruz is shaped by a various topography that creates a variety of public views throughout the community, including views of Monterey Bay and the City as a whole. The City’s arroyos and steep coastal cliffs provide the greatest variation in topography, along with pronounced hills, such as the coastal terraces of the UCSC campus, Pogonip, and the Carbonera area; smaller hills, such as Beach Hill and Mission Hill, which act as community landmarks; and shallow slopes toward the Monterey Bay. Other significant topographical features of note include the ridgelines along Escalona Drive and Grandview Street.
The City can be characterized by its warm, temperate, Mediterranean climate with dry summers and rainier winters. The warmest months of the year in Santa Cruz are typically August and September, and the coldest months of the year are typically December and January. The average temperature in the month of September is 61.6 degrees Fahrenheit while the average temperature in the month of January is 51.0 degrees Fahrenheit. The driest month of the year is typically July with an average of
0.0 inches of rainfall, and the wettest month of the year is typically January with an average of 5.9 inches of rainfall (Climate Data 2022).
26.184
Initial Study
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 5
Existing Sustainability Setting
City of Santa Cruz Sustainability and GHG Reduction Efforts The City has implemented a variety of environmental policies and programs since 2011 contributing to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) reductions. The following is a list of the City’s primary sustainable and climate protection policies and programs:
▪ Community Climate Action Task Force established (2008) ▪ Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment adopted (2011) ▪ 2012-2020 Climate Action Plan adopted (2012)
▪ Polystyrene Ban Ordinance adopted (2012)
▪ Santa Cruz City Schools Complete Streets Master Plan adopted (2015) ▪ Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance adopted (2016)
▪ Climate Action Milestones revised (2016)
▪ Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy Resolution adopted (2016) ▪ 2015-2023 Housing Element of General Plan adopted (2016) ▪ Active Transportation Plan (2017)
▪ Resolution in Support of Paris Agreement adopted (2017) ▪ Local Hazard Mitigation Plan Five Year Update adopted (2018) ▪ Climate Emergency Resolution adopted (2018)
▪ 2018-2023 Climate Adaptation Plan Update adopted (2018) ▪ Health In All Policies Ordinance and City Council Policy adopted (2019) ▪ Green New Deal Resolution adopted (2019)
▪ Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades (2018)
▪ Emergency Operations Plan adopted (2018)
▪ 2030 General Plan adopted (2012, as amended 2019)
▪ Beach Vulnerability and Adaptation Strategy completed (2021) ▪ Parks Master Plan 2030 adopted (2020)
▪ Re-Envision Santa Cruz Interim Recovery Plan adopted (2020) ▪ 2020 Urban Water Management Plan adopted (2020)
▪ Local Coastal Program updated (currently underway)
Regional Sustainability and GHG Reduction Efforts
In coordination with Santa Cruz County (hereinafter “County”), the State of California (hereinafter “State”), and the federal government, the City of Santa Cruz has committed to implementing regional and State policies related to GHG emissions reduction. The following is a summary of regional GHG emissions reduction efforts, which the City of Santa Cruz CAP is intended to be consistent with or exceed.
26.185
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
6 Monterey Bay Air Resources District CEQA Guidelines
The Monterey Bay Air Resources District (‘MBARD’) published the Guidelines for Implementing CEQA in February 2016, which provides guidelines for the assessment of air quality and GHG emissions impacts for projects subject to CEQA review. The Guidelines for Implementing CEQA notes that MBARD’s GHG threshold is defined in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), a metric that accounts for the emissions from various GHGs based on their global warming potential. If annual emissions of GHGs exceed these threshold levels, the proposed project would result in a cumulatively considerable contribution of GHG emissions and must implement mitigation measures.
A proposed stationary source project would not have a significant GHG impact, if operation of the project would (MBARD 2014):
▪ Emit less than the significance level of 10,000 metric tons per year (MT/yr) CO2e, or ▪ In accordance with the State CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.4(b)(3), the project complies with regulations or requirements adopted to implement a statewide, regional, or local plan for the reduction or mitigation of GHG emissions [such as, sources subject to the Cap-andTrade requirements pursuant to Title 17, Article 5 (California Cap on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Market-based Compliance Mechanisms)].
This approach is consistent with State CEQA Guidelines, Section 15183.5, which states that:
“Lead agencies may analyze and mitigate the significant impacts of greenhouse gas emissions at a programmatic level, such as…a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Later project-specific environmental documents may tier from and/or incorporate by reference that existing programmatic review. Project-specific environmental documents may rely on an [Environmental Impact Report] containing a programmatic analysis of greenhouse gas emissions.” Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments’ Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy
The Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments (AMBAG) adopted the 2040 Metropolitan Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy (MTP/SCS) in June 2018. The MTP/SCS outlines policies, projects, and programs required to improve the County’s transportation system over the next 20 years and demonstrates how the region will integrate transportation and land use planning to meet the greenhouse gas reduction targets established by Senate Bill (SB) 375 and air quality requirements established by the State Implementation Plan. The 2040 MTP/SCS describes 6 goals and policy objectives related to access and mobility, economic vitality, environment, healthy communities, social equity, and system preservation and safety (AMBAG 2018a).
AMBAG is currently developing the 2045 MTP/SCS, which is scheduled for adoption in June 2022. 2045 Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Plan
The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission adopted the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) in March 2022. The 2045 RTP acts as a comprehensive planning document that provides guidance for transportation policy and projects through the year 2045 and is incorporated into the AMBAG 2040 MTP/SCS. The RTP incorporates sustainability principles in all of its elements. Each of the goals, policies, performance measures and targets included within the 2045 RTP were developed with extensive public and partner input to form the foundation for a sustainable transportation plan. The three major goals for the 2045 RTP are as follows (Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission 2022):
26.186
Initial Study
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 7
▪ Establish livable communities that improve people’s access to jobs, schools, recreation, healthy lifestyles, and other regular needs in ways that improve health, reduce pollution, and retain money in the local economy.
▪ Reduce transportation related fatalities and injuries for all transportation modes ▪ Deliver access and safety improvements cost effectively, within available revenues, equitably and responsive to the needs of all users of the transportation system and beneficially for the natural environment.
Central Coast Community Energy
Central Coast Community Energy (CCCE) is a joint powers authority based in Monterey and governed by a Board of local elected officials, city managers and city administrators from each of the participating jurisdictions. Launched in 2018 in Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties, the cities of San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay elected to join CCCE in 2020 With San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties soon following suit. CCCE aims to expand consumer choice, reduce utility costs, and invest in California’s renewable energy projects. CCCE is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through local control of utility scale renewable electricity generation provided at competitive rates. Renewable energy is energy that comes from resources that are naturally replenished, create limited carbon emissions, and include small hydroelectric, solar, wind, biomass, biowaste, and geothermal sources. CCCE also focuses on the implementation of innovative energy programs that facilitate the electrification of the transportation and built environments (CCCE 2022).
State Sustainability and GHG Reduction Efforts
The following summarizes the State GHG emissions reduction efforts, which the City of Santa Cruz CAP is intended to be consistent with or exceed.
Assembly Bill 1493, the Pavley Bill
In 2002, the California State Legislature enacted AB 1493 (aka “the Pavley Bill”), which directs the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to adopt standards that will achieve "the maximum feasible and cost-effective reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles," taking into account environmental, social, technological, and economic factors. In September 2009, the ARB adopted amendments to the “Pavley” regulations to reduce GHG emissions in new passenger vehicles from 2009 through 2016. The Pavley Bill is considered to be the national model for vehicle emissions standards. In January of 2012, the ARB approved a new emissions control program for vehicle model years 2017 through 2025. The program combines the control of smog, soot, and greenhouse gases and the requirement for greater numbers of zero emission vehicles into a single package of standards called Advanced Clean Cars.
Assembly Bill 117, Community Choice Aggregation
AB 117 establishes the creation of Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) that fosters clean and renewable energy markets. CCA allows cities and counties to aggregate the buying power of individual jurisdictions. The California CCA markets were created as an answer to the brownouts and energy shortages of the early 2000’s. AB 117 was passed in 2002 as an answer to California’s increased energy independency by incorporating more alternative and renewable energy sources into its energy portfolio. With AB 117, municipalities can provide alternative energy choices to their local carrier (e.g., the Pacific Gas and Electric Company [PG&E]). Marin Clean Energy was the first
26.187
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
8 CCA in the State of California to go online with a 50 percent to 100 percent clean energy portfolio in 2010. Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) was created in February 2016 when all 20 towns/cities in San Mateo County, plus the County of San Mateo, voted unanimously to form a Joint Powers Authority to administer the program. PCE is a public, locally controlled electricity provider that gives PG&E customers in San Mateo County the choice of having 50 percent to 100 percent of their electricity supplied from clean, renewable sources at competitive rates. CCAs are governed by the CPUC. SB 790 further ensures fair and transparent competition by creating a code of conduct and guiding principles for entrants into the CCA field.
California Executive Order S-3-05
In 2005, the California governor issued Executive Order (EO) S-3-05, which identifies Statewide GHG emissions reduction targets to achieve long-term climate stabilization as follows:
▪ Reduce GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020
▪ Reduce GHG emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050 In response to EO S-3-05, California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) created the Climate Action Team (CAT), which in March 2006 published the Climate Action Team Report (the “2006 CAT Report”). The 2006 CAT Report identified a recommended list of strategies that the State could pursue to reduce GHG emissions. These are strategies that could be implemented by various State agencies to ensure that the emission reduction targets in EO S-3-05 are met and can be met with existing authority of the State agencies. The strategies include the reduction of passenger and light duty truck emissions, the reduction of idling times for diesel trucks, an overhaul of shipping technology/infrastructure, increased use of alternative fuels, increased recycling, and landfill methane capture, among others.
California Assembly Bill 32
In 2006, the California legislature signed Assembly Bill (AB) 32 – the Global Warming Solutions Act – into law, requiring a reduction in Statewide GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and CARB preparation of a Scoping Plan that outlines the main State strategies for reducing GHGs to meet the 2020 deadline. In addition, AB 32 required CARB to adopt regulations to require reporting and verification of Statewide GHG emissions. Based on this guidance, CARB approved a 1990 Statewide GHG level and 2020 limit of 427 MT of CO2e.
California Senate Bill 375
In 2008, SB 375 enhanced the State’s ability to reach AB 32 targets by directing CARB to develop regional GHG emissions reduction targets to be achieved from passenger vehicles for 2020 and 2035. In addition, SB 375 directs each of the State’s 18 major Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO) to prepare a SCS that contains a growth strategy to meet such regional GHG emissions reduction targets for inclusion in the respective RTP.
On March 22, 2018, CARB adopted updated regional targets for reducing GHG emissions from 2005 levels by 2020 and 2035. AMBAG was assigned targets of a three percent reduction in per capita GHG emissions from passenger vehicles by 2020 and a six percent reduction in per capita GHG
26.188
Initial Study
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 9
emissions from passenger vehicles by 2035. In March 2022, AMBAG formally adopted the 2045 RTP, which meets the requirements of SB 375.California Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan of 2008 In September 2008, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) adopted California’s first Long Term Energy Efficiency Strategic Plan, presenting a single roadmap to achieve maximum energy savings across all major groups and sectors in California. The Strategic Plan was subsequently updated in January 2011 to include a lighting chapter. The Strategic Plan sets goals of all new residential construction and all new commercial construction in California to be zero net energy (ZNE) by 2020 and 2030, respectively. In 2018, the California Energy Commission (CEC) voted to adopt a policy requiring all new homes in California to incorporate rooftop solar. This change will go into effect in January 2020 with the adoption of the 2019 Title 24 Code, described below, and is a step towards the State achieving its goal of all residential new construction being ZNE by 2020.
Additionally, the Strategic Plan sets goals of 50 percent of existing commercial building to be retrofit to ZNE by 2030 and all new State buildings and major renovations to be ZNE by 2025.
California Climate Change Scoping Plan
In 2008, CARB approved the original California Climate Change Scoping Plan, which included measures to address GHG emission reduction strategies related to energy efficiency, water use, and recycling and solid waste, among other measures. Many of the GHG reduction measures included in the Scoping Plan (e.g., Low Carbon Fuel Standard, Advanced Clean Car standards, and Cap-andTrade) have been adopted and implemented since approval of the Scoping Plan.
Senate Bill 97, CEQA Guidelines for Addressing GHG Emissions CEQA requires public agencies to review the environmental impacts of proposed projects, including General Plans, Specific Plans, and specific kinds of development projects. In February 2010, the California Office of Administrative Law approved the recommended amendments to the State CEQA Guidelines for addressing GHG emissions. The amendments were developed to provide guidance to public agencies regarding the analysis, mitigation, and effects of GHG emissions in draft CEQA documents.
California Climate Change Scoping Plan Update (2013)
In 2013, CARB approved the first update to the California Climate Change Scoping Plan. The 2013 Scoping Plan Update defined CARB climate change priorities for the next five years and set the groundwork to reach post-2020 Statewide GHG emissions reduction goals. The 2013 Scoping Plan Update highlighted California’s progress toward meeting the “near-term” 2020 GHG emission reduction goals defined in the original Scoping Plan. It also evaluated how to align the State’s longer-term GHG reduction strategies with other State policy priorities, including those for water, waste, natural resources, clean energy, transportation, and land use.
Senate Bill 1275, Charge Ahead Initiative
In September 2014, SB 1275 was signed into law, establishing a State goal of one million zeroemissions and near-zero-emissions vehicles in service by 2020 and directing CARB to develop a longterm funding plan to meet this goal. SB 1275 also established the Charge Ahead California Initiative requiring planning and reporting on vehicle incentive programs and increasing access to and benefits from zero-emissions vehicles for disadvantaged, low-income, and moderate-income communities and consumers.
26.189
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
10 California Executive Order B-30-15
In 2015, the California governor issued EO B-30-15, which established a Statewide mid-term GHG reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.
Senate Bill 350, Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015 In October 2015, SB 350 was signed into law, establishing new clean energy, clean air, and GHG reduction goals for 2030 and beyond. SB 350 codifies Governor Jerry Brown’s aggressive clean energy goals and establishes California’s 2030 GHG reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels. To achieve this goal, SB 350 increases California’s renewable electricity procurement goal from 33 percent by 2020 (legislation originally enacted in 2002) to 50 percent by 2030. Renewable resources include wind, solar, geothermal, wave, and small hydroelectric power. In addition, SB 350 requires the State to double State-wide energy efficiency savings in electricity and natural gas end uses by 2030 from a base year of 2015.
California Senate Bill 32
In 2016, the California legislature signed SB 32 into law, extending AB 32 by requiring further reduction in Statewide GHG emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 (the other provisions of AB 32 remain unchanged). On December 14, 2017, CARB adopted the 2017 Scoping Plan, which provides a framework for achieving the 2030 target. The 2017 Scoping Plan relies on the continuation and expansion of existing policies and regulations, such as the Cap-and-Trade Program, as well as implementation of recently adopted policies and policies, such as SB 350 and SB 1383 (see below).
Assembly Bill 197, State Air Resources Board Greenhouse Gases Regulations In 2016, the California legislature approved AB 197, a bill linked to SB 32, which increases legislature oversight over CARB and directs CARB to prioritize disadvantaged communities in its climate change regulations, and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of measures it considers. AB 197 requires the ARB to “protect the State’s most impacted and disadvantaged communities [and] consider the social costs of the emissions of greenhouse gases” when developing climate change programs. The bill also adds two new legislatively appointed non-voting members to the ARB, increasing the Legislature’s role in the ARB’s decisions.
California Climate Change Scoping Plan Update (2017)
In 2017, CARB approved the second update to the California Climate Change Scoping Plan. The 2017 Scoping Plan put an increased emphasis on innovation, adoption of existing technology, and strategic investment to support its strategies. As with the 2013 Scoping Plan Update, the 2017 Scoping Plan Update does not provide project-level thresholds for land use development. Instead, it recommends that local governments adopt policies and locally-appropriate quantitative thresholds consistent with Statewide per-capita goals of six MT of CO2e by 2030 and two MT of CO2e by 2050.
As stated in the 2017 Scoping Plan Update, these goals may be appropriate for plan-level analyses (city, county, subregional, or regional level), but not for specific individual projects, because they include all GHG emissions sectors in the State (CARB 2017a).
26.190
Initial Study
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 11
California Executive Order B-55-18
In 2018, the California governor issued EO B-55-18, which established a new Statewide goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 and maintaining net negative emissions thereafter. This goal is in addition to the existing Statewide GHG reduction targets established by SB 32.
For more information on the Senate and Assembly Bills, Executive Orders, and Scoping Plans discussed above, and to view reports and research referenced above, please refer to the following websites: www.climatechange.ca.gov and www.arb.ca.gov/cc/cc.htm.
Senate Bill 100, The 100 Percent Clean Energy Act of 2018 In September 2018, Governor Brown signed SB 100, requiring that the State’s load serving entities (including energy utilities and community choice energy programs) must procure energy generated 100 percent from Renewables Portfolio Standard for eligible renewable resources by 2045.
California Code of Regulations Title 24 (California Building Code) Updated every three years through a rigorous stakeholder process, Title 24 of the CCR requires California homes and businesses to meet strong energy efficiency measures, thereby lowering their energy use. Title 24 contains numerous subparts, including Part 1 (Administrative Code), Part 2 (Building Code), Part 3 (Electrical Code), Part 4 (Mechanical Code), Part 5 (Plumbing Code), Part 6 (Energy Code), Part 8 (Historical Building Code), Part 9 (Fire Code), Part 10 (Existing Building Code), Part 11 (Green Building Standards Code), Part 12 (Referenced Standards Code). The California Building Code (CBC) is applicable to all development in California. (Health and Safety Code §§ 17950 and 18938(b).)
The regulations receive input from members of industry, as well as the public, with the goal of "[r]educing of wasteful, uneconomic, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy." (Pub. Res.
Code § 25402.) These regulations are carefully scrutinized and analyzed for technological and economic feasibility (Pub. Res. Code § 25402(d)) and cost effectiveness (Pub. Res. Code § 25402(b)(2) and (b)(3)).
PART 6 – BUILDING ENERGY EFFICIENCY STANDARDS
CCR Title 24 Part 6 is the Building Energy Efficiency Standards. This code, originally enacted in 1978, establishes energy-efficiency standards for residential and non-residential buildings in order to reduce California’s energy demand. The Building Energy Efficiency Standards is updated periodically to incorporate and consider new energy-efficiency technologies and methodologies as they become available. New construction and major renovations must demonstrate compliance with the current Building Energy Efficiency Standards through submission and approval of a Title 24 Compliance Report to the local building permit review authority and the CEC. Under the 2019 standards, nonresidential buildings will be 30 percent more energy efficient compared to the 2016 standards, and residential homes will be 7 percent more energy efficient. When accounting for the electricity generated by the solar photovoltaic system, residences would use 53 percent less energy compared to homes built to the 2016 standards. The 2019 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, adopted on May 9, 2018, became effective on January 1, 2020. The 2019 Standards move toward cutting energy use in new homes by more than 50 percent and require installation of solar photovoltaic systems for single-family homes and multi-family buildings of three stories and less. The 2019 Standards focus on four key areas: 1) smart residential photovoltaic systems; 2) updated thermal envelope standards (preventing heat transfer from the interior to exterior and vice versa); 3) residential and
26.191
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
12 nonresidential ventilation requirements; 4) and nonresidential lighting requirements. Under the 2019 Standards, nonresidential buildings will be 30 percent more energy-efficient compared to the 2016 Standards, and single-family homes will be seven percent more energy-efficient. When accounting for the electricity generated by the solar photovoltaic system, single-family homes would use 53 percent less energy compared to homes built to the 2016 standards.
PART 11 – CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS
The California Green Building Standards Code, referred to as CALGreen, was added to CCR Title 24 as Part 11 first in 2009 as a voluntary code, which then became mandatory effective January 1, 2011 (as part of the 2010 CBC). The 2016 CALGreen institutes mandatory minimum environmental performance standards for all ground-up new construction of non-residential and residential structures. It also includes voluntary tiers (I and II) with stricter environmental performance standards for these same categories of residential and non-residential buildings. Local jurisdictions must enforce the minimum mandatory Green Building Standards and may adopt additional amendments for stricter requirements.
The mandatory standards require:
▪ 20 percent reduction in indoor water use relative to specified baseline levels; ▪ 50 percent construction/demolition waste diverted from landfills; ▪ Inspections of energy systems to ensure optimal working efficiency; ▪ Low-pollutant emitting exterior and interior finish materials such as paints, carpets, vinyl flooring, and particleboards;
▪ Dedicated circuitry to facilitate installation of EV charging stations in newly constructed attached garages for single-family and duplex dwellings; and ▪ Installation of EV charging stations at least three percent of the parking spaces for all new multi-family developments with 17 or more units.
Similar to the compliance reporting procedure for demonstrating Building Energy Efficiency Standards compliance in new buildings and major renovations, compliance with the CALGreen water-reduction requirements must be demonstrated through completion of water use reporting forms for new low-rise residential and non-residential buildings. Buildings must demonstrate a 20 percent reduction in indoor water use by either showing a 20 percent reduction in the overall baseline water use as identified in CALGreen or a reduced per-plumbing-fixture water use rate.
General Plan Designation and Zoning
The CAP would be implemented throughout the City of Santa Cruz and would occur in all Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan designations and zoning designations. The plan would not alter any existing General Plan land use or zoning designations at this time. Any changes in zoning designations that would occur as a result of this CAP would be subject to CEQA.
Description of the CAP
The Santa Cruz CAP incorporates the many climate protection programs noted above that the City of Santa Cruz has in place, in addition to a variety of measures and actions that focus on a continued effort to reduce GHG emissions. The City has developed the CAP to achieve a number of objectives,
26.192
Initial Study
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 13
including equitable climate outcomes, a safer future and enhanced quality of life for the community, new economic opportunities through green jobs, enhanced social equity and citizen engagement on the issue of climate change, increased use and accessibility of active and public transportation, and reduced obstacles for building decarbonization. The CAP provides a foundation for future development efforts in the City of Santa Cruz. It is anticipated that environmental documents for future development projects will identify and incorporate applicable GHG reduction measures from the CAP.
In 2022, Santa Cruz is actively engaged in addressing climate change, sustainability, and reductions in GHG emissions. The CAP addresses communitywide GHG emissions and includes an aspirational target to reduce community-wide GHG emissions output to carbon neutrality by 2035. It also includes an interim target to reduce communitywide GHG emissions to 2.51 MT of CO2e per person (or 181,018 MT of CO2e in total emissions) by 2030. This corresponds to an approximately 40 percent reduction in per capita and associated total mass emissions below 1990 levels by 2030, meeting the California Senate Bill 32 target for 2030 to reduce total GHG emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels. The Santa Cruz CAP assessed herein is based on community-level inventories developed in 2005 and 2019 and formulates a list of measures and associated actions to achieve the City’s sustainability goals.
The 2005 GHG emissions inventory provides an important foundation for the CAP, providing the basis for an emissions back-cast to 1990 to serve as the reference year from which the City’s target to reduce per capita emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 has been developed.
Approximately 5.53 MT of CO2e per person (355,669 MT of CO2e total) were emitted in Santa Cruz in 2005. The 2019 inventory also provided the basis for the GHG emissions forecast, against which progress toward the City’s 2030 target can be measured. Approximately 4.22 MT of CO2e per person (274,584 MT of CO2e total) were emitted in Santa Cruz in 2019. GHG emissions in the 2005 and 2019 inventories were from the residential and commercial energy, transportation, solid waste, and wastewater sectors. The residential and commercial energy sector represents emissions that result from electricity and natural gas used in both private and public sector buildings and facilities. The transportation sector includes emissions from on-road and off-road transportation, gasoline and diesel sales within the City, and natural gas used for transportation purposes. The transportation sector was the largest contributor to Santa Cruz’s GHG emissions in 2019, followed by residential and commercial energy.
Table 1 provides the Santa Cruz community GHG emissions in 2019 by sector as well as each sector’s percentage of communitywide emissions.
26.193
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
14 Table 1 City of Santa Cruz 2019 Communitywide GHG Emissions by Sector Sector
GHG Emissions
(MT of CO2e)
Percentage of
GHG Emissions
Residential 42,718 15.55%
Electricity 341 0.12%
Natural Gas 42,377 15.43%
Commercial 23,206 8.45%
Electricity 950 0.34%
Natural Gas 22,256 8.11%
Transportation 189,162 68.89%
On-Road Transportation 179,979 65.55%
Diesel 4,071 1.35%
Gasoline 3,962 1.50%
Natural Gas 1,150 0.42%
Solid Waste 18,976 6.91%
Wastewater 754 0.27%
Total 274,584 100%
Population 65,041 N/A
Per Capita Emissions (MT of CO2e/person) 4.22 N/A
MT of CO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
As shown in Table 1, the largest sector of GHG emissions is related to transportation (specifically onroad transportation). As part of the CAP and as described above, Santa Cruz is committed to a per capita emissions reduction target of approximately 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 and an aspirational target of carbon neutrality (net zero emissions) by 2035. This 2030 GHG emissions goal is selected to be consistent with SB 32 State emissions targets and AMBAG regional passenger vehicle emissions targets. This 2030 GHG emissions goal is also consistent with CEQA Guidelines1for a qualified GHG emissions reduction strategy, and to be achievable by City-supported measures and actions identified in the CAP. The CAP includes a business-as-usual (BAU) forecast of GHG emissions through 20xx and an adjusted BAU (ABAU), based on the 2019 inventory, that will enable the City of Santa Cruz to estimate the amount of emissions reductions needed to meet its per capita reduction targets.
The CAP includes measures and actions to make residential, commercial, and municipal buildings more energy efficient and to bolster resiliency through the use of locally produced solar. It recommends implementation of active and public transportation programs to emphasize a transition away from single-passenger occupancy vehicles while advocating for the increased adoption of commercial and passenger electric vehicles. It also offers solutions to reducing organic and inorganic waste and includes actions for collaborating with other communities to support reducing or capturing wastewater process emissions. In addition, the CAP includes measures to increase tree planting for carbon sequestration and increase green stormwater infrastructure on City facilities. Table 2 includes a comprehensive list of the CAP measures and descriptions of respective supporting actions as well as anticipated annual GHG reductions by 2030 and 2035. 1 CEQA Guidelines 15183.5(b) Plans for Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
26.194
Initial Study
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 15
Table 2 City of Santa Cruz CAP Measures and Actions
ID # Measure and Respective Supporting Actions
Anticipated Reduction/
Sequestration
(MT of CO2e)
Measure BE-1 Enforce the City’s new construction natural gas prohibition ordinance (SCMC 6.100) and inform the community regarding the available technology and benefits of electrification.
2030: 0.085
2035: 0.100
Action BE-1-1 Enforce the new construction natural gas prohibition ordinance through the development of a comprehensive permitting compliance program that includes routine training for City staff, dedicating staff time for building inspections, charging fees for noncompliance, providing easy-tounderstand compliance checklists online and with permit applications and facilitating permitting online.
2030: 0.085
2035: 0.100
Measure BE-2 Electrify 31% of existing residential buildings by 2030 and 53% by 2035. 2030: 0.180 2035: 0.298
Action BE-2-1 Develop, implement, and enforce phased and equitable electrification ordinance(s) for existing residential buildings by the start of 2023.
Maximize permit compliance through streamlining the compliance process, improving third-party enforcement, and advanced training for enforcement staff. Steps to be completed to adopt the ordinance(s) are as follows:
Step 1: Work with stakeholders in developing an idea for a reach code electrification ordinance(s)
Step 2: Complete a cost effectiveness study
Step 3: Develop and draft the ordinance(s) and go through the public process, incorporating revisions as necessary
Step 4: Go through the formal adoption process
Step 5: Apply for approval by the California Energy Commission. 2030: 0.180
2035: 0.298
Action BE-2-2 Identify and partner with local community-based organizations with connections to frontline communities to assist in development of the existing building electrification strategy.
Supportive
Action BE-2-3 By 2024, establish a plan to electrify and improve health and safety of the City’s existing affordable housing stock at a neighborhood level by 2035. Provide detailed information on the City website including descriptions of the health and environmental benefits of electrification, links to CCCE and PG&E resources on electrification, up-to-date lists of local contractors that perform electric retrofits, and information about the most cost-competitive residential electrification technologies currently available.
Supportive
Action BE-2-4 Work with PG&E and CCCE to identify opportunities to remove obsolete natural gas infrastructure, to redirect PG&E funding allocated for pipeline maintenance to electrification retrofit projects instead. Work with PG&E to identify funding, as needed, for the removal of the infrastructure. Consider a pilot to remove obsolete natural gas infrastructure from municipal buildings.
Supportive
Action BE-2-5 Work with PG&E and CCCE to deploy community solar and electrify existing buildings in residential neighborhoods. Incentivize all-electric retrofits through rebates, on-bill financing, and other mechanisms.
Supportive
Measure BE-3 Electrify 26% of existing commercial buildings by 2030 and 45% by 2035.
2030: 0.079
2035: 0.133
Action BE-3-1 Adopt, implement, and enforce an electrification ordinance for existing commercial buildings by the beginning of 2024.
2030: 0.079
2035: 0.133
26.195
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
16 ID # Measure and Respective Supporting Actions
Anticipated Reduction/
Sequestration
(MT of CO2e)
Action BE-3-2 Work with partners to mitigate potential equity impacts of existing commercial building electrification ordinance. Facilitate equitable and inclusive funding opportunities for commercial building electrification.
Supportive
Action BE-3-3 Support commercial battery storage installations and business district scale microgrid opportunities.
Supportive
Action BE-3-4 Establish a building emissions performance standard for commercial buildings over 20,000 square feet.
Supportive
Measure BE-4 Maintain Central Coast Community Energy (CCCE) opt-out rates at or below 4% for residential and 2% for commercial.
Supportive
Action BE-4-1 Support annual analysis of CCCE opt-out rates in the City and encourage opting up to CCCE prime 100% renewable energy option.
Supportive
Action BE-4-2 Increase uptake of 100% renewable energy option from CCCE, incentivizing households in affordable housing units.
Supportive
Action BE-4-3 Promote benefits of opting in to CCCE service, particularly those in frontline neighborhoods and small businesses and vet, woman and minority owned businesses.
Supportive
Measure BE-5 Increase resiliency through equitable energy efficiency and local solar programs.
Supportive
Action BE-5-1 Partner to deliver weatherization, healthy home retrofits, energy efficiency and solar system installs to low income homeowners and rental units.
Supportive
Action BE-5-2 Advocate to reform community solar policies and rates, enabling residential and commercial renters to participate in benefits of local solar.
Supportive
Action BE-5-3 Establish rental building energy performance standards to increase adoption of rebated energy efficiency and electrification measures.
Supportive
Measure BE-6 Provide inclusive engagement, equitable process, and regional coordination to maximize building electrification and other co-benefits.
Supportive
Action BE-6-1 Define equity metrics for new and existing building electrification ordinances' implementation and enforcement based on feedback from frontline communities and successful examples from other jurisdictions, and structure ordinances and permitting compliance program to meet these metrics. Equity metrics should be designed to prevent displacement and lead to end-user costs for low-income populations will not be greater after electrification than before.
Supportive
Action BE-6-2 Partner to develop all-electric rates by income-level and incentivize equitable all-electric retrofits.
Supportive
Action BE-6-3 Advance new and existing building electrification as a priority at all scales.
Supportive
Action BE-6-4 Advocate for state and federal regulatory changes to enable neighborhood level electrification, community solar, natural gas pruning, and rates stabilization policies.
Supportive
Action BE-6-5 Conduct a study to evaluate the need to increase fees to provide outreach, trainings, additional staff for building electrification compliance.
Supportive
26.196
Initial Study
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 17
ID # Measure and Respective Supporting Actions
Anticipated Reduction/
Sequestration
(MT of CO2e)
Action BE-6-6 Facilitate equitable access to accurate and current information about electrification programs, incentives, and opportunities. Develop induction cooktop loaner programs.
Supportive
Action BE-6-7 Participate in regional workforce development opportunities for building electrification.
Supportive
Action BE-6-8 Work with partners to establish a Regional Energy Network for energy efficiency and electrification building resources, expand education on subsidized rate programs, code compliance training and apprenticeship program.
Supportive
Measure T-1 Implement programs for active transportation (walking and biking) that achieve 23% of bicycle mode share by 2030 and 30% by 2035. 2030: 0.051
2035: 0.069
Action T-1-1 Fund, staff and implement the Active Transportation Plan Update, Vision Zero, Safe Routes to School and the 2030 General Plan update. 2030: 0.051
2035: 0.069
Action T-1-2 Complete all portions of Rail Trail and work with partners to plan active and public transportation to Rail line.
Action T-1-3 Require secure bike parking near transit and in major activity centers.
Require bike parking installation in new commercial developments and existing commercial renovations.
Supportive
Action T-1-4 Re-establish citywide e-bike share with explicit consideration of how to make accessible to frontline groups.
Supportive
Action T-1-5 Build new infrastructure to ensure there is equitable access to safe bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure throughout the city, prioritizing frontline neighborhoods.
Supportive
Action T-1-6 Pilot Neighborhood Greenways to slow traffic and improve walking and biking and evaluate piloting time based closures to vehicles primarily in business districts.
Supportive
Action T-1-7 Accelerate housing development and support commercial and industrial development in city limits, concentrating the most intensive growth in transit corridors and central areas of the city to promote walking and biking to nearby jobs, entertainment, goods, services, and public transportation, through the General Plan Housing Element Update to be approved in 2023. Prioritize expansion of affordable housing stock.
Partner to incentivize 15- minute neighborhoods, particularly within frontline neighborhood communities, supported by dense housing and buildings, provision of locally sited essential services and amenities, and connected by a network of bike, pedestrian, and transit services.
Supportive
Measure T-2 Implement programs for public transportation that achieve 8% of public transit mode share by 2030 and 12% by 2040.
2030: 0.002
2040: 0.032
Action T-2-1 Support countywide coordination to fund and implement Bus Rapid Transit. Advocate for enhanced and increased public transportation service with improved customer serving amenities (e.g., all door boarding, on demand, online ticketing, Wi-Fi). ).
2030: 0.002
2035: 0.032
Action T-2-2 Support public transportation prioritizing serving major corridors, destinations, and frontline neighborhoods.
26.197
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
18 ID # Measure and Respective Supporting Actions
Anticipated Reduction/
Sequestration
(MT of CO2e)
Action T-2-3 Require more employers to develop education and financial incentives for employees to bike, walk, carpool, or take the bus to work. Require large employers to subsidize alternative modes.
Action T-2-4 Advocate for METRO to fund and implement a free public transit pilot program for students, foster youth, and unhoused youth in the City.
Supportive
Action T-2-5 Support funding for public transportation fleet electrification. Supportive Action T-2-6 Equitably market and publicize public transportation improvements and incentive programs as they are planned and implemented.
Supportive
Action T-2-7 Partner with Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, Santa Cruz County, and Regional Agencies to expand citywide transportation communications and marketing programs to residents commuting outside of the City for work.
Supportive
Measure T-3 Develop programs and policies to discourage driving single passenger occupancy vehicles.
Supportive
Action T-3-1 Partner with community groups to develop programs, and policies that discourage single-passenger vehicles while addressing equity concerns and tracking through equity metrics.
Supportive
Action T-3-2 Explore implementing a local gasoline and diesel car registration tax with exemption for low-income people.
Supportive
Action T-3-3 Discourage single passenger vehicles in high traffic zones considering a congestion charge program, limiting parking options, bans in high traffic zones or public/multimodal transportation routes, and rideshare user taxes.
Supportive
Action T-3-4 Reduce off-street parking requirements for new housing developments close to frequent transit service, with sensitivity to low-income neighborhoods whose parking is already constrained.
Supportive
Action T-3-5 Consider limiting parking options for single-passenger vehicles in downtown and other commercial areas of the city balanced with needs of sustaining downtown employees, businesses, and tourists.
Supportive
Action T-3-6 Adjust parking rates dependent on demand and supply in all downtown parking locations and evaluate whether revenue may be used to fund active transportation or public transportation projects.
Supportive
Action T-3-7 After implementing ActionT-3-4, eliminate parking minimums citywide and develop parking maximums, while pricing all public parking spaces based on available transportation options, travel demand, and land use.
Supportive
Action T-3-8 Support the City’s tourism economy by exploring and implementing neighborhood or zone based parking solutions and use of electric trolleys in high traffic and walkable areas.
Supportive
Action T-3-9 Remove parking to accommodate multimodal improvements, including protected bike lanes and transit improvements, taking into account business impacts.
Supportive
Measure T-4 Increase passenger electric vehicle (EV) adoption to 35% by 2030 and 40% by 2035.
2030: 0.439
2040: 0.449
Action T-4-1 Install at least 1,247 new public EV charging stations prioritizing frontline neighborhood and high usage areas by 2030.
2030: 0.439
2035: 0.449
26.198
Initial Study
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 19
ID # Measure and Respective Supporting Actions
Anticipated Reduction/
Sequestration
(MT of CO2e)
Action T-4-2 Require new residential multifamily housing and large commercial building owners to install chargers in 20% of parking spaces and ensure electric service capacity is sufficient so that >20% of parking spaces are EV ready.
Action T-4-3 Advocate for programs and incentives for income tiered residential EV charger installations and EV purchases.
Action T-4-4 Pursue affordable EV car share to serve affordable housing and multifamily developments in frontline neighborhoods, while also promoting EV car share citywide, for example by requiring car share for certain new projects.
Supportive
Action T-4-5 Partner with CCCE, PG&E, and community groups to increase adoption rates of EVs in frontline neighborhoods by stacking incentives and leveraging on-bill financing for EV chargers.
Supportive
Action T-4-6 Partner to conduct EV and public transportation education events in frontline neighborhoods.
Supportive
Action T-4-7 Engage compensated frontline communities in regional and local vehicle electrification strategy development.
Supportive
Measure T-5 Increase commercial EV adoption to 25% by 2030 and 35% by 2035. 2030: 0.077 2040: 0.050
Action T-5-1 Engage with local employers and business fleet owners in the City to identify opportunities for accelerated fleet electrification, prioritizing small businesses, and veteran, woman or minority-owned businesses.
Provide information on the requirements of California’s Advanced Clean Truck regulation and available funding sources for fleet replacements (e.g., Low Carbon Fuel Standard).
2030: 0.077
2035: 0.050
Action T-5-2 Conduct a study of business vehicle fleets in the City and identify employers and businesses subject to the Advanced Clean Truck regulation as well as those to target for accelerating zero-emission vehicle adoption. With stakeholder support, use the results from the study to develop and implement a plan for City-supported accelerated fleet electrification in business and municipal fleets.
Action T-5-3 Prioritize commercial EVs for loading zone access and use other curbside management practices.
Measure T-6 Electrify or otherwise decarbonize 50% of off-road equipment by 2030 and 75% by 2035.
2030: 0.076
2035: 0.116
Action T-6-1 Explore ways to mitigate equity impacts of electrifying and upgrading off-road equipment and harbor vessels.
Supportive
Action T-6-2 Engage with small business, women, vet or minority owners of off-road equipment fleets and others with highest decarbonization potential to promote equitable fleet electrification through outreach and pursuing grants or other funding.
Supportive
Action T-6-3 Access funding to decarbonize off-road equipment, including investigating state funding to decarbonize off-road equipment as a result of Executive Order N-79-20 and State Climate Funding Package.
Supportive
26.199
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
20 ID # Measure and Respective Supporting Actions
Anticipated Reduction/
Sequestration
(MT of CO2e)
Action T-6-4 Support transition of local employers to zero-emissions off-road equipment. Provide online resources and a test demonstration site for landscaping industry.
Supportive
Action T-6-5 Develop an ordinance to phase out gas and diesel-powered off-road equipment starting in in 2024, partnering to provide income tiered incentives for small businesses. Ordinance language to include allowance for biofuels for equipment for which zero emission alternatives are not available.
2030: 0.076
2035: 0.116
Measure T-7 Advocate for remote work policy & infrastructure. Supportive Action T-7-1 Work with the County, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission, AMBAG, and the City's larger employers to support remote work programs, while seeking to address remote work equity issues such as internet access.
Supportive
Action T-7-2 Participate in regional advocacy for development of a statewide remote work policy.
Supportive
Measure W-1 Maintain gallons per capita water use for the residential sector at a level that is at least 10% below the state goal of 55 gallons per person per day.
Supportive
Action W-1-1 Continue to provide free water conservation devices and rebates for water conservation and continue targeted outreach to frontline communities.
Supportive
Action W-1-2 Continue to provide rebates or other funding for installing laundry to landscape, rainwater catchment systems, targeting outreach to low and medium incomes homes.
Supportive
Action W-1-3 Expand watershed stewardship school program to include water conversation.
Supportive
Measure W-2 Reduce organic waste by 75% by 2030 and 90% by 2035; and reduce inorganic waste by 35% by 2030 and 40% by 2035. 2030: 0.065 2035: 0.078
Action W-2-1 Partner to develop a regional compost trading program to meet State organic procurement target.
2030: 0.065
2035: 0.078
Action W-2-2 Expand enforcement and implement fee for incorrectly sorted materials with sensitivity to shared collection.
Action W-2-3 Pursue funding to conduct detailed planning of food waste to energy infrastructure and process to meet State food waste diversion targets.
Supportive
Action W-2-4 Continue to participate in Countywide Solid Waste Task Force consortium to plan and pursue funding for infrastructure beyond State 2025 organic waste diversion targets.
Supportive
Action W-2-5 Conduct waste characterization studies annually to understand the waste stream and plan to increase waste diversion and reduce contamination.
Supportive
Action W-2-6 Provide training resources to businesses and large institutions on organic waste diversion.
Supportive
Action W-2-7 Continue multi-lingual engagement with multi-family property owners/managers and developing waste handling signage for their properties.
Supportive
26.200
Initial Study
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 21
ID # Measure and Respective Supporting Actions
Anticipated Reduction/
Sequestration
(MT of CO2e)
Action W-2-8 Continue to conduct targeted, multi-lingual, culturally appropriate, and geographically diverse waste diversion educational and technical assistance campaigns.
Supportive
Action W-2-9 Expand the City’s Recycling Boot Camp and Master Recycler's Programs. Supportive Action W-2-10 Pilot and evaluate emerging technologies to reduce organic waste by restaurants and other major food waste producers.
Supportive
Measure W-3 Set a long-term target to reduce waste generation growth. Supportive Action W-3-1 Continue free training and education program accessible to all residents and employees to learn about waste prevention and diversion strategies and effects of overconsumption.
Supportive
Action W-3-2 Work collaboratively and leverage grants to prevent food waste and rescue edible food.
Supportive
Action W-3-3 Enforce implementation of a fee at point of use for single-use food ware by food service providers.
Supportive
Action W-3-4 Conduct a consumption-based emissions inventory and promote a closed-loop circular economy.
Supportive
Action W-3-5 Leverage community activation platform and community partners to encourage lifestyle choices that reduce consumption-based emissions including plant based diets, travel alternatives and local purchasing.
Explore policy options to increase adoption plant-based, and plant strong diets.
Supportive
Action W-3-6 Expand edible food recovery program to all restaurants and food generating businesses and incentivize small businesses who otherwise could not participate.
Supportive
Action W-3-7 Evaluate and implement a program for reusables for restaurant to-go containers.
Supportive
Action W-3-8 Explore opportunities to promote a "circular economy" among local manufacturers and industry.
Supportive
Measure W-4 Reduce or capture GHG emissions from wastewater treatment emissions.
Supportive
Action W-4-1 Explore opportunities related to methane capture and conversion to biofuel through the state's Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) program.
Supportive
Action W-4-2 Collaborate with surrounding cities and the County to advocate and support emissions reduction at wastewater facilities.
Supportive
Measure CS-1 Develop an Urban Forest Master Plan and plant 3,000 new trees by 2030.
Supportive
Action CS-1-1 Prioritize planting trees in and with low income or frontline neighborhoods and other neighborhood groups as per the Street Tree Master Plan.
Supportive
Action CS-1-2 Ensure that the City has the resources and staff to effectively plant and maintain street trees and landscape.
Supportive
Action CS-1-3 Pursue funding to expand forest management to promote carbon sequestration and reduce threat of intense fires.
Supportive
26.201
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
22 ID # Measure and Respective Supporting Actions
Anticipated Reduction/
Sequestration
(MT of CO2e)
Action CS-1-4 Implement the City’s Street Tree Master Plan 2021 and address barriers to implementation.
Supportive
Action CS-1-5 Increase urban forest restoration outreach opportunities with frontline and other neighborhood groups.
Supportive
Measure CS-2 Explore new carbon sequestration and carbon capture opportunities. Supportive Action CS-2-1 Partner to conduct carbon sequestration and carbon capture and storage opportunities in the City and regionally.
Supportive
Action CS-2-2 Pilot and promote carbon sequestering construction materials like lowcarbon concrete and mass timber.Supportive Action CS-2-3 Work with local building professionals to expand knowledge and adoption of carbon sequestering building materials and techniques and support reduction of embodied carbon.
Supportive
Action CS-2-4 Partner with local lumber companies to promote sustainable and locally harvested lumber for timber construction to reduce emissions from materials transportation and reduce the price premium of emerging timber construction.
Supportive
Measure CS-3 Increase carbon sequestration by applying compost throughout the community.
Supportive
Action CS-3-1 Explore making compost available at no or low cost to community gardeners. Continue to operate the City compost bin rebate program.
Supportive
Action CS-3-2 Engage with community gardeners, agriculture industry, master gardeners and Homeless Garden Project to plan and set goals around compost development and application.
Supportive
Action CS-3-3 Explore collaborating with UCSC to pilot opportunities for regenerative agriculture and permaculture.
Supportive
Action CS-3-4 Adopt regenerative landscaping policies and promote trainings to support commercial and residential land owners to better maintain native and carbon sequestering landscapes.
Supportive
Action CS-3-5 Reforest or afforest areas of the City that are currently mowed in line with other City parks and open space plans.
Supportive
Action CS-3-6 Evaluate policies to strengthen current open space habitat preservation. Supportive Measure CE-1 Prioritize opportunities for greatest climate benefit and economic inclusion especially for minority, veteran and women owned businesses in climate related sectors.
Supportive
Action CE-1-1 Address pressing issues regarding local purchasing, local hire, supply chain, and unequal conditions in the labor market.
Supportive
Action CE-1-2 Encourage lifestyle choices that reduce consumption-based emissions including plant-based diets, travel alternatives and local purchasing by leveraging community activation platform and community partners.
Supportive
Measure CE-2 Support equitable access to high-quality training and workforce development programs in climate related sectors.
Supportive
Action CE-2-1 Equitably support entrepreneurship, and increase in quality of jobs and access to local jobs and business development.
Supportive
26.202
Initial Study
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 23
ID # Measure and Respective Supporting Actions
Anticipated Reduction/
Sequestration
(MT of CO2e)
Action CE-2-2 Support regional collaboration regarding jobs, housing and economic development.
Supportive
Measure M-1 Decarbonize municipally owned buildings by 2030 and remaining municipal facilities by 2045.
Supportive
Action M-1-1 Develop a plan to decarbonize, electrify, and improve indoor air quality in all municipal buildings by 2030 and electrify any remaining facilities by 2045.
Supportive
Action M-1-2 Evaluate the feasibility and cost of phasing out diesel and natural gas generators and put policy in place to decommission and replace diesel generators with solar and battery storage by 2030 as feasible.
Supportive
Action M-1-3 Adopt and implement a municipal building electrification plan for retrofitting all remaining streetlights, facility lighting, and traffic signals to LEDs by 2040.
Supportive
Action M-1-4 Adopt and implement a plan for retrofitting all remaining streetlights, facility lighting, and traffic signals to LEDs by 2040.
Supportive
Action M-1-5 Implement an “electric first” commitment for building projects and other major retrofits of municipal buildings unless otherwise infeasible.
Supportive
Action M-1-6 Fund and hire an energy manager and dedicate staff time for obtaining grant funding for municipal electrification.
Supportive
Measure M-2 Procure carbon free or 100% renewable electricity for municipal operations by 2030.
Supportive
Action M-2-1 Consider opting up to CCCE Prime for 100% renewable energy now. Supportive Action-M-2-2 Continue to purchase CCCE’s electricity for all municipal accounts. Supportive Measure M-3 Increase municipally-owned renewable energy. Supportive Action M-3-1 Redevelop Pacific Station as a net zero energy producing transit center with mixed use and affordable housing.
Supportive
Action M-3-2 Conduct a feasibility study to understand opportunities for installing additional solar and battery storage, or other renewable energy generation infrastructure at municipally owned facilities (e.g., generators and renewable energy at critical facilities).
Supportive
Action M-3-3 Identify and implement near term microgrid opportunities that align with resiliency objectives and conduct a microgrid pilot program (e.g., at City Hall for critical loads).
Supportive
Measure M-4 Develop and implement a Municipal Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Plan by the end of 2023.
Supportive
Action M-4-1 Continue to conduct a detailed survey of City staff commute data annually and report findings to employees.
Supportive
Action M-4-2 Investigate and implement opportunities for installing secure bike parking, fix-it stations, and showers at municipal work sites that do not currently have these facilities.
Supportive
Action M-4-3 Expand provision of free public transit passes to all municipal employees as demand necessitates.
Supportive
26.203
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
24 ID # Measure and Respective Supporting Actions
Anticipated Reduction/
Sequestration
(MT of CO2e)
Action M-4-4 Develop a remote work program plan with milestones that educates and enables eligible municipal employees to work from home for part of their work schedule including alternative work schedules in order to further sustainability and employee retention goals.
Supportive
Action M-4-5 Include alternative modes or incentives for employees to bike, walk, and carpool to work.
Supportive
Action M-4-6 Consider flex-work/co-working satellite offices or access at libraries and in nearby communities like the San Lorenzo Valley or South County to reduce commute times.
Supportive
Action M-4-7 Promote opportunities for housing in affordable housing developments to employees to live close to their City work sites.
Supportive
Measure M-5 Electrify or otherwise decarbonize the municipal fleet by 2035. Supportive Action M-5-1 Adopt and implement the City's Fleet Electrification Plan to convert fossil fuel municipal fleet vehicles to electric or otherwise decarbonize the fleet by 2035, evaluating phasing and the potential for regional bulk procurement.
Supportive
Action M-5-2 Plan for and install EV ready infrastructure and additional EV chargers in municipal parking lots for fleet, employee and public use, and pilot curbside installations.
Supportive
Action M-5-3 Procure 100% renewable diesel as a transition fuel until complete fleet electrification in 2035.
Supportive
Action M-5-4 Adopt an electric vehicle first policy, unless infeasible for the use case, for all municipal vehicles by end of 2023.
Supportive
Measure M-6 Electrify or otherwise decarbonize all municipal off-road equipment (landscaping equipment, construction equipment, marine diesel engines) by 2040.
Supportive
Action M-6-1 Complete an inventory of all municipal off-road equipment, specifying which equipment types are possible to electrify based on existing technologies, experience and cost, and adopt an implementation plan to decarbonize by 2040.
Supportive
Action M-6-2 Adopt an emissions-free equipment preference purchasing policy for offroad equipment for all City departments.
Supportive
Action M-6-3 Evaluate and procure biofuels (renewable diesel and biogas) to operate municipally owned off-road equipment as feasible for use cases that cannot be electrified. Re-evaluate decarbonization opportunities regularly to ensure biofuels are not being used for equipment that could otherwise be electrified.
Supportive
Action M-6-4 Dedicate staff time to obtain grant funding for decarbonization of offroad equipment.Supportive Measure M-7 Increase municipal procurement of recovered organics waste products. Supportive Action M-7-1 Require City agencies to procure and apply compost to the exterior of suitable facilities in accordance with landscape management needs and plans.
Supportive
Action M-7-2 Investigate opportunities for generating and procuring recovered organic waste products.
Supportive
26.204
Initial Study
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 25
ID # Measure and Respective Supporting Actions
Anticipated Reduction/
Sequestration
(MT of CO2e)
Action M-7-3 Update food waste to energy feasibility studies and design and construct facilities to accommodate food waste.
Supportive
Measure M-8 Promote efficient municipal water consumption. Supportive Action M-8-1 Evaluate replacement of existing municipal watering/irrigation infrastructure and schedules as water reduction strategies.
Supportive
Action M-8-2 Continue to implement landscaping that utilizes drought-tolerant landscaping techniques for parks, medians, and fields.
Supportive
Action M-8-3 Evaluate and increase green stormwater infrastructure on City facilities. Supportive Action M-8-4 Identify funding to dedicate staff time to obtain grant funding for implementing efficient municipal water consumption.
Supportive
Measure M-9 Support climate action planning. Supportive Action M-9-1 Update the Climate Action Plan every 5 years, report annually and integrate climate action into budget decision making process.
Supportive
Action M-9-2 Explore adding life cycle emissions into the decision-making process as data becomes available.
Supportive
Action M-9-3 Implement a fossil fuel divestment policy and provide update to City Council on status of divestment from fossil fuel banking.
Supportive
Action M-9-4 Evaluate plant-strong and plant-based diets strategies, procurement and policies.
Supportive
Action M-9-5 Explore inclusion of plant-strong and plant-based diets and menu choices as a measure in the City’s Green Business Program.
Supportive
Action M-9-6 Consider staffing, structure and integration of Climate Action Program throughout organization, including consideration of public advisory formats, and modify as needed to meet increasing demands on integration, coordination, reporting and engagement.
Supportive
Action M-9-7 Develop a green event checklist/guide and consider conditions of use for special event permits that support climate action.
Supportive
Action M-9-8 Integrate the Climate Action Plan into the City's upcoming Master Investment Strategy/Financial Plan Development, Master Fee Evaluation and Cost Evaluation Plan and its change management process.
Supportive
Action M-9-9 Update and enforce the City's environmentally preferable purchasing policy to include electric first vehicles and building commitments, as well as plant based/strong diet recommendations.
Supportive
Action M-9-10 Monitor supply chain and end of life handling of renewable energy and other climate supportive products and technologies to avoid slave labor, environmental degradation from extraction and/or disposal in frontline communities, and advocate for the elimination of these processes globally.
Supportive
Note: MT of CO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent Source: Compiled by Rincon based on information contained in the Santa Cruz Draft CAP.
The measures included in the CAP (shown above in Table 2), combined with Statewide legislation, will enable Santa Cruz to meet its per capita GHG emissions reduction target of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.
26.205
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
26 Table 3 shows the contribution of the Statewide initiatives in conjunction with the CAP measures to reduce Santa Cruz projected total emissions in 2030. Table 4 shows the 2030 and 2035 GHG emissions and targets for Santa Cruz, including the expected emissions once the measures and actions listed in Table 2 are implemented.
Table 3 City of Santa Cruz 2030 GHG Reductions from 2030 BAU levels State Initiative Sector
2030 Reduction
in per Capita Emissions
(MT of CO2e/person)
2030 Reduction
in Total Emissions
(MT of CO2e)
Pavley Regulation and
Advanced Clean Cars Program
On-road Transportation 0.61 43,799
Renewable Portfolio Standard All electricity 0 2.61
Title 24 Residential Energy 0 2.43
A. Total State Initiative Emissions Reductions 0.61
B. Total CAP Emissions Reductions
Yes Yes
Table 4 City of Santa Cruz GHG Emissions Projections and Targets Description
Emissions
(MT of CO2e/person)
Emissions
(MT of CO2e Total)
1990 Emissions 6.08
2030 Target Emissions 181,391
2030 Expected Emissions with Implementation of
CAP Measures and Actions
2035 BAU Emissions 4.12
2035 Target Emissions Carbon Neutral Carbon Neutral
2035 Expected Emissions with Implementation of
CAP Measures and Actions
MT of CO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
Implementation of the CAP measures and actions listed in Table 2 could result in physical changes to the environment that could potentially have an impact on the environment. However, the analysis provided within this document ultimately deems such potential impacts to be less than significant.
While individual projects resulting from the measures described above have not been identified for the purposes of this document, the types of actions that could result from realization of the CAP measures are taken into account in considering potential environmental impacts that could occur through implementation of the CAP. For example, projects or actions requiring ministerial approval, such as installation of electric vehicle charging stations and supporting infrastructure, as well as new bicycle or pedestrian facilities, would introduce physical changes related to the temporary presence and operation of construction vehicles and equipment during installation of required facilities and the long-term presence of new facilities such as bike and pedestrian facilities, solar arrays, and
1.06 300,519
2.49 180,563
2.74 309,929
1.99 150,151
2030 Adjusted Emissions 3.55
256,715
D. Santa Cruz Emissions Reduction Target
MT of CO2e = metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
2.74 C. Total Emissions with Reductions (BAU - [A+B]) 2.49 E. Meets/exceeds State Goals? (C < D)
180,563
181,391
76,152
43,804
26.206
Initial Study
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 27
electric vehicle charging stations, which could alter pedestrian and vehicular traffic patterns. Future plans or projects requiring discretionary approval would be subject to environmental review under CEQA, and individual impact analyses will identify required plan- or project-specific mitigation measures where applicable.
Cumulative Projects Scenario
For purposes of CEQA cumulative impacts analysis of the Santa Cruz CAP, the cumulative projects scenario is buildout of the Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan in addition to the projected population, employment, and housing for the City of Santa Cruz through 2030. AMBAG’s 2018 Regional Growth Forecast projects Santa Cruz would have 75,571 residents, 46,153 jobs, and 28,634 housing units in the year 2030 (AMBAG 2018b). These projections are slightly higher than those provided in the Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan and the Santa Cruz CAP for 2030, but are utilized to provide a conservative analysis.
Required Approvals
City of Santa Cruz
Required approvals include:
▪ Adoption of the CAP by City Council, and
▪ Certification of the CAP Initial Study-Negative Declaration Although individual plans or projects may be implemented later under the umbrella of the CAP, each individual plan or project would be subject to separate environmental review under CEQA.
Other Public Agencies
The City of Santa Cruz has sole approval authority over the CAP. There are no other public agencies whose approval is required.
26.207
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
28 This page intentionally left blank.
26.208
Initial Study
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 29
Environmental Factors Potentially Affected
This CAP would potentially affect the environmental factors checked below, involving at least one impact that is “Potentially Significant” or “Less than Significant with Mitigation Incorporated” as indicated by the checklist on the following pages.
□ Aesthetics □ Agriculture and
Forestry Resources
□ Air Quality
□ Biological Resources □ Cultural Resources □ Energy
□ Geology/Soils □ Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
□ Hazards & Hazardous
Materials
□ Hydrology/Water Quality □ Land Use/Planning □ Mineral Resources □ Noise □ Population/Housing □ Public Services
□ Recreation □ Transportation □ Tribal Cultural Resources □ Utilities/Service Systems □ Wildfire □ Mandatory Findings of Significance
Determination
Based on this initial evaluation:
■ I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared. □ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there will not be a significant effect in this case because revisions to the project have been made by or agreed to by the project proponent. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
□ I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
□ I find that the proposed project MAY have a “potentially significant impact” or “less than significant with mitigation incorporated” impact on the environment, but at least one effect (1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and (2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as described on attached sheets. An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed. □ I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, because all potential significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately
26.209
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
30 in an earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable standards, and (b) have been avoided or mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.
Lead Agency Representative Signature Date
Lead Agency Representative Printed Name Title
26.210
Environmental Checklist
Mandatory Findings of Significance
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 31
Environmental Checklist
1 Aesthetics
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Have a substantial adverse effect on a
scenic vista? □ □ ■ □
b. Substantially damage scenic resources,
including but not limited to, trees, rock
outcroppings, and historic buildings within
a State scenic highway? □ □ ■ □
c. In non-urbanized areas, substantially
degrade the existing visual character or
quality of public views of the site and its
surroundings? (Public views are those that
are experienced from a publicly accessible
vantage point). If the project is in an
urbanized area, would the project conflict
with applicable zoning and other
regulations governing scenic quality? □ □ ■ □
d. Create a new source of substantial light or
glare that would adversely affect daytime
or nighttime views in the area? □ □ ■ □
a. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on a scenic vista? b. Would the project substantially damage scenic resources, including but not limited to, trees, rock outcroppings, and historic buildings within a State scenic highway? The Santa Cruz General Plan and the General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) generally identify scenic resources within and nearby Santa Cruz as those that are oriented toward Monterey Bay and the Pacific Ocean to the south and west; the City’s Greenbelt, which includes roughly 1,500 acres of woodlands and coastal prairie to the west, north, and east; and the Santa Cruz Mountains that form the City’s northern boundary. Important natural features that provide scenic views in the City include Pogonip, DeLaveaga Park, Arana Gulch, Neary Lagoon, Younger Lagoon, Antonelli Pond, Arroyo Seco Canyon, the Moore Creek Preserve, and the Jessie Street Marsh (City of Santa Cruz 2012). Scenic vistas are often available from publicly accessible roadways including Highway 1, which runs east-west through the northern and central portion of the City before following the coast north to San Francisco, and SR-9, which follows the San Lorenzo River from Highway 1 north through the Santa Cruz Mountains to Boulder Creek and San Jose. Both routes are eligible for
26.211
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
32 designation as a State scenic highway. SR-17, which runs parallel to SR-9 just outside of the Santa Cruz City boundary, is also eligible for designation as a State scenic highway (Caltrans 2022).
Although eligible, these roadways have not been officially designated by Caltrans as a State scenic highway.
As a policy document, the CAP would not result in impacts related to scenic vistas and scenic highways. However, implementation of some CAP strategies may promote infrastructure development and other physical changes through policies and programs. CAP Action BE-2-4 promotes the removal of obsolete natural gas infrastructure, while CAP Action BE-2-5 promotes the deployment of community solar and electrification of existing buildings in residential neighborhoods. CAP Action BE-3-3 supports commercial battery storage installations and business district scale microgrid opportunities. CAP Action-BE 5-1 vows to deliver weatherization, healthy home retrofits, and solar system installs to low-income homeowners and rental units. Additionally, CAP Action T-1-1 will fund, staff, and implement the Active Transportation Plan Update, Vision Zero, Safe Routes to School and the 2030 General Plan update, while Actions T-1-2, T-1-3, and T-1-5 describe completing all portions of Rail Trail, planning active and public transportation to the Rail line, ensuring secure bike parking near transit and in major activity centers, requiring bike parking installation in new commercial developments and existing commercial renovations, and building new infrastructure to ensure there is equitable access to safe bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
Action T-4-1 also promotes the installation of at least 1,247 new public EV charging stations. CAP projects would generally be limited to the existing developed areas of the City and would be smallscale in nature. Implementing the Active Transportation Plan Update and completing all portions of Rail Trail could have a positive effect on scenic vistas by adding new vantage points within existing natural landscapes. Furthermore, CAP Measure CS-1 would result in the planting of additional trees within the City’s landscape, which would also have a positive effect on scenic vistas.
The CAP would promote infrastructure development and redevelopment that is complimentary to existing development and land uses. Though the implementation of the CAP may result in future development, CAP-related projects and actions, including those identified above, would already be required to adhere to City development zoning regulations and policies, including Santa Cruz Municipal Code (SCMC), Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan and Local Coastal Program, and other neighborhood area plans. Chapter 24.08 of the SCMC, Land Use Permits and Findings, enforces the requirement for a majority of development within the City to obtain a design permit, which is meant to ensure that new development includes high-quality architecture and aesthetic conformity; Chapter 24.12 of the SCMC, Community Design, sets for the general requirements applicable to development of all lands within the City and outlines regulations that enforce the protection of aesthetic amenities (City of Santa Cruz 2021b). General Plan Community Development Policy 1.2 ensures that the scale, bulk, and setbacks of new development preserve important public scenic views and vistas (City of Santa Cruz 2012). Local Coastal Program Policy 1.4 enforces the utilization of the environmental review process and maintenance of the Zoning Ordinance to ensure protection of scenic views, while Policy 2.1 requires design review to regulate visual quality along coastal resources (City of Santa Cruz 1992). Additionally, the City maintains multiple individual area plans that provide design guidelines for development within specific parts of Santa Cruz. Compliance with the SCMC, Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan, Local Coastal Program, and individual area plans would ensure that potential future infrastructure development and redevelopment related to the CAP would be carefully integrated with the existing character of the Santa Cruz community, minimizing potential aesthetic impacts. As such, the CAP would not result in adverse impacts related to scenic vistas or State scenic highways within the City. Therefore, the CAP would result in lessthan-significant impacts related to scenic vistas and scenic highways.
26.212
Environmental Checklist
Mandatory Findings of Significance
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 33
c. Would the project, in non-urbanized areas, substantially degrade the existing visual character or quality of public views of the site and its surroundings? (Public views are those that are experienced from a publicly accessible vantage point). If the project is in an urbanized area, would the project conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality? The City of Santa Cruz is an urbanized area. The following applicable visual character/quality policies and actions are outlined in the City’s General Plan:
▪ Policy HA4.1: Visually reflect the city’s culture, history, identity, and the creativity of its residents, in the built environment.
▪ Policy CD1.1: Preserve natural features that visually define areas within the city. ▪ Policy CD1.4: Ensure that development adjacent to open space lands maintains visual and physical connections to that open space.
□ Action CD1.4.2: Consider visual access to nearby natural areas as part of developmental review
▪ Policy CD3.1: Develop and maintain physical and visual linkages between key areas in the City.
▪ Policy CD3.5: Require superior quality design for buildings at visually significant locations throughout the city, such as gateways to Santa Cruz and intersections of major corridors. □ Action CD4.1.5: Require superior quality design for buildings at visually significant locations throughout the city, such as gateways to Santa Cruz and intersections of major corridors.
▪ Policy CD4.2: Ensure that new development and right-of-way improvements enhance the visual quality of streetscapes.
□ Action ED1.8.2: Improve the visual appearance of visitor routes and entrances to the city.
□ Action ED1.9.1: Promote and develop clean, visually inviting, and safe shopping environments.
The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes but would instead promote sustainable infrastructure development and redevelopment through policies and programs. Implementation of some CAP measures related to transportation, renewable energy, and GHG sequestration may result in physical changes that could impact scenic resources. For example, CAP Action BE-2-4 promotes the removal of obsolete natural gas infrastructure, while CAP Action BE-2-5 promotes the deployment of community solar and electrification of existing buildings in residential neighborhoods. CAP Action BE-3-3 supports commercial battery storage installations and business district scale microgrid opportunities. CAP Action BE-5-1 vows to deliver weatherization, healthy home retrofits, and solar system installs to low-income homeowners and rental units. Additionally, CAP Action T-1-1 will fund staff and implement the Active Transportation Plan Update, Vision Zero, Safe Routes to School and the 2030 General Plan update while Actions T-1-2, T-1-3, and T-1-5 describe completing all portions of Rail Trail, planning active and public transportation to the Rail line, ensuring secure bike parking near transit and in major activity centers, requiring bike parking installation in new commercial developments and existing commercial renovations, and building new infrastructure to ensure there is equitable access to safe bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
Action T-4-1 also promotes the installation of at least 1,247 new public EV charging stations.
Implementation of solar panels, battery storage, and EV charging stations and introduction of active transportation and public transit infrastructure may slightly change the scenic character of the City.
26.213
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
34 However, future CAP-related projects would be designed and located to be complimentary to existing land uses and would be required to adhere to City zoning and development regulations that aim to preserve the character of the City and minimize environmental impacts. In addition, CAP projects and actions would be reviewed for consistency with the General Plan policies described above and other applicable regulatory land use actions prior to approval. Therefore, the CAP would not conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality and would result in a less than significant impact.
d. Would the project create a new source of substantial light or glare that would adversely affect daytime or nighttime views in the area?
The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes. Rather, the CAP would promote sustainable infrastructure development and redevelopment that is complimentary to existing development and land uses. As a policy document, the CAP would not directly result in impacts related to light and glare. However, implementation of CAP actions BE-2-4, BE-3-3, BE-5-1, T-1-1, T-1-2, T-1-3, T-1-5, and T-1-7 may promote new active transportation and public transit infrastructure, solar panels, and EV charging stations throughout the City, as discussed in criterion a, b, and c, above. Solar panels have the potential to result in new sources of glare within the City if not thoughtfully designed and located. The design and location of proposed solar infrastructure would be complimentary to existing development in the City, such as the addition of small-scale rooftop solar panels, in order to reduce potential glare impacts. Furthermore, CAP projects and actions would be reviewed for consistency with the SCMC Chapter 24.08, which establishes exterior lighting standards (City of Santa Cruz 2021b). In addition, CAP projects or actions would be reviewed for consistency with the General Plan, Local Coastal Plan, and other applicable regulatory land use actions prior to approval.
Compliance with the described regulations would minimize environmental impacts related to light and glare by limiting the use of highly reflective materials and requiring the shielding of exterior lighting. Thus, the CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to light and glare.
Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is buildout of the Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan in addition to the projected population, employment, and housing for the City of Santa Cruz through 2030 (75,571 residents, 46,153 jobs, and 28,634 housing units). Cumulative impacts related to scenic resources, visual character, and increased light and glare would generally be site-specific, and cumulative projects are not anticipated to contribute to cumulative aesthetic impacts with adherence to Santa Cruz General Plan and Local Coastal Program policies and the Municipal Code. Because of the developed nature of Santa Cruz, future infrastructure projects under the CAP, in combination with other cumulative projects anticipated in Santa Cruz through 2030, would not adversely impact the visual character of the Santa Cruz community. In addition, future development in the City would be required to obtain a Design Permit, as applicable, in accordance with Chapter 24.08 of the SCMC and would be reviewed against applicable Santa Cruz General Plan policies and the City’s design standards for design quality and compatibility with adjacent land uses. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would result in a less-than-significant cumulative impact related to aesthetics.
26.214
Environmental Checklist
Mandatory Findings of Significance
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 35
2 Agriculture and Forestry Resources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland,
or Farmland of Statewide Importance
(Farmland), as shown on maps prepared
pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and
Monitoring Program of the California
Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? □ □ □ ■
b. Conflict with existing zoning for agricultural
use or a Williamson Act contract? □ □ □ ■
c. Conflict with existing zoning for, or cause
rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public
Resources Code Section 12220(g));
timberland (as defined by Public Resources
Code Section 4526); or timberland zoned
Timberland Production (as defined by
Government Code Section 51104(g))? □ □ □ ■
d. Result in the loss of forest land or
conversion of forest land to non-forest use? □ □ □ ■
e. Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their location or
nature, could result in conversion of
Farmland to non-agricultural use or
conversion of forest land to non-forest use? □ □ □ ■
a. Would the project convert Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance (Farmland), as shown on maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program of the California Resources Agency, to non-agricultural use? b. Would the project conflict with existing zoning for agricultural use or a Williamson Act contract? e1. Would the project involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of Farmland to non-agricultural use? The City of Santa Cruz is characterized primarily by urban and suburban development along with parks and natural areas; however, the City does contain some areas of exclusive agricultural use.
The largest agricultural land use within the City is associated with Moore Creek Upland Open Space, which is located on the western edge of the City. An additional an agricultural parcel is located in the southwestern area of the City and is associated with UCSC (City of Santa Cruz 2012).
26.215
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
36 According to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program, City is almost entirely classified as urban and built-up land, with one area mapped as grazing land on the eastern edge of the City.
There are four areas mapped as Farmland of Statewide Importance and seven areas mapped as Prime Farmland located west of the City (California Department of Conservation [DOC] 2016). There are no Williamson Act contracts within the City (DOC 2017).
The majority of CAP measures focus on electrifying buildings, improving active transportation, developing zero emission vehicle and public transit infrastructure, reducing waste generation, and reducing wastewater process emissions. These measures would not involve projects or policies that would result in impacts related to conversion or loss of farmland. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to degradation of agricultural resources or conversion of agricultural land to nonagriculture uses, nor would there be a conflict with existing zoning or general plan land use designations.
c. Would the project conflict with existing zoning for, or cause rezoning of, forest land (as defined in Public Resources Code Section 12220(g)); timberland (as defined by Public Resources Code Section 4526); or timberland zoned Timberland Production (as defined by Government Code Section 51104(g))?
d. Would the project result in the loss of forest land or conversion of forest land to non-forest use? e2. Would the project involve other changes in the existing environment which, due to their location or nature, could result in conversion of forest land to non-forest use? Santa Cruz contains several parks and natural areas. Specifically, the City’s Greenbelt contains approximately 1,500 acres of woodlands and coastal prairie that border the City to the west, north, and east (City of Santa Cruz 2012). Santa Cruz does not contain areas designated for forest land or Timberland Production. SCMC Chapter 13.30, Trees, establishes policies, regulations, and standards to ensure tree protection within the City (City of Santa Cruz 2021b). In addition, the Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan contains a number of goals, policies, and actions, such as Policy NRC5.1, protect and manage tree resources in the urban environment, with emphasis on significant and heritage trees, that illustrate the City’s commitment to managing and preserving Santa Cruz’s urban forest.
The CAP does not include actions that would result in the loss of forest land or the conversion of forest land to non-forest use, nor would it conflict with or cause the rezoning of forest, timber land, or Timberland Production areas. Rather, CAP Measure CS-1 would result in the planting of 3,000 new trees within the City by 2030, and CAP Action CS-3-5 would potentially result in the reforestation or afforestation of areas that are currently mowed. Potential future infrastructure development and redevelopment related to the CAP would comply with the regulations and policies of the SCMC and the Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan, ensuring the City’ urban forest would be protected. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to degradation of forestry resources or conversion of forest land to non-forest uses, nor would there be a conflict with existing zoning or Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan land use designations.
Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is buildout of the Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan in addition to the projected population, employment, and housing for the City of Santa Cruz through 2030 (75,571 residents, 46,153 jobs, and 28,634 housing units). As discussed above, the CAP would not include any measures or actions that would significantly impact agricultural or forest resources. In addition, the CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes that could result in cumulative impacts
26.216
Environmental Checklist
Mandatory Findings of Significance
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 37
related to conversion or loss of farmland or forest land. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would result in no cumulative impact related to agricultural and forestry resources.
26.217
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
38 This page intentionally left blank.
26.218
Environmental Checklist
Mandatory Findings of Significance
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 39
3 Air Quality
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Conflict with or obstruct implementation of
the applicable air quality plan? □ □ □ ■
f. Result in a cumulatively considerable net
increase of any criteria pollutant for which
the project region is non-attainment under
an applicable federal or state ambient air
quality standard? □ □ ■ □
g. Expose sensitive receptors to substantial
pollutant concentrations? □ □ ■ □
h. Result in other emissions (such as those
leading to odors) adversely affecting a
substantial number of people? □ □ □ ■
a. Would the project conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable air quality plan? The federal Clean Air Act (CAA) governs air quality in the United States and is administered by the United Stated Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) at the federal level. Air quality in California is also governed by regulations under the California CAA, which is administered by CARB at the State level. At the regional and local levels, local air districts typically administer the federal and California CAA. As part of implementing the federal and California CAA, the U.S. EPA and CARB have established ambient air quality standards for major pollutants at thresholds intended to protect public health. Santa Cruz is located within the North Central Coast Air Basin (NCCAB), which is comprised of Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito Counties. The NCCAB is under the jurisdiction of the Monterey Bay Air Resources District (MBARD). As the local air quality management agency, MBARD is required to monitor air pollutant levels to ensure that State and federal air quality standards are met and, if they are not met, to develop strategies to meet the standards. Depending on whether or not the standards are met or exceeded, the NCCAB is classified as being in “attainment” or “nonattainment.” Under State law, air districts are required to prepare a plan for air quality improvement for pollutants for which the district is in non-attainment. MBARD is in attainment for all Federal standards; however, MBARD is in non-attainment for State ozone and PM2.5 (particulate matter up to 2.5 microns in size) standards (MBARD 2017). The sources, health effects, and typical controls associated with criteria pollutants are described in Appendix A.
The Federal CAA Amendments mandate that states submit and implement a State Implementation Plan (SIP) for areas not meeting air quality standards. The SIP includes pollution control measures to demonstrate how the standards will be met through those measures. The SIP is established by incorporating measures established during the preparation of AQMPs and adopted rules and regulations by each local Air Pollution Control District and Air Quality Management District, which are submitted for approval to CARB and the U.S. EPA (CARB 2017b). The goal of an AQMP is to
26.219
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
40 reduce pollutant concentrations below the NAAQS through the implementation of air pollutant emissions controls.
The Monterey Bay Air Resources District Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP) was adopted by the District Board of Directors in March 2017 and provides a plan to improve North Central Coast air quality and to protect public health as well as the climate. The legal impetus for the 2017 AQMP is to update the 2012 AQMP, in compliance with State air quality planning requirements as codified in the California Health and Safety Code §40910 et seq. Although steady progress has been made toward meeting State ozone standards in the North Central Coast and the District in attainment for the one-hour standard, the region continues to be designated as non‐attainment for the eight‐hour State ozone standards, as noted previously (MBARD 2017).
The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes but would rather promote sustainable infrastructure development and redevelopment. CAP measures and actions focus on decarbonization, implementation of local renewable energy infrastructure, improvement to active transportation, implementation of zero emission vehicle and public transit infrastructure, and reduction of waste and wastewater emissions. Implementation of CAP actions, such as those aimed at reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT), electrifying vehicles, and reducing natural gas use through building electrification, would have co-benefits to air quality within the NCCAB, would help MBARD meet applicable air quality goals, and would generally reduce sensitive receptor exposure to pollutant concentrations. Although the purpose and intended effect of the CAP is to reduce GHG emissions generated in Santa Cruz to help reduce the effects of climate change, many of its actions would also reduce criteria pollutant (i.e., air quality) emissions. For example, CAP actions BE-1-1, BE2-1, BE-2-4, BE-3-1, BE-6-2, and BE-6-3 involve electrification and support a reduction in natural gas usage, while CAP actions BE-3-3, BE-5-1, and BE-5-2 focus on implementation, accessibility, and storage of local solar infrastructure. In addition, CAP Measures T-1 and T-2 seek to reduce VMT in the City by improving active transportation and public transit facilities, while Measures T-4, T-5, and T-6 would encourage the adoption of EVs and low-emissions off-road vehicles and equipment by enhancing EV infrastructure, replacing the municipal fleet of off-road equipment with low- or zeroemissions equipment, and supporting the transition of local employers to zero-emissions off-road equipment. These energy- and transportation-related strategies would reduce air quality emissions as well as GHG emissions. Therefore, the CAP is consistent with the State Implementation Plan and the 2017 AQMP. The CAP would have no impact related to a conflict with or obstruction of the applicable air quality plan.
b. Would the project result in a cumulatively considerable net increase of any criteria pollutant for which the project region is non-attainment under an applicable federal or State ambient air quality standard (including releasing emissions that exceed quantitative thresholds for ozone precursors)?
The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes but would instead promote sustainable infrastructure development and redevelopment. As a policy document, the CAP would not result in impacts related to criteria pollutants. However, implementation of the following CAP measures may promote construction activities that would temporarily generate criteria pollutants during the construction phase.
CAP Action BE-2-4 promotes the removal of obsolete natural gas infrastructure, while CAP Action BE-2-5 promotes the deployment of community solar and electrification of existing buildings in residential neighborhoods. CAP Action BE-3-3 supports commercial battery storage installations and business district scale microgrid opportunities. CAP Action-BE 5-1 vows to deliver weatherization,
26.220
Environmental Checklist
Mandatory Findings of Significance
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 41
healthy home retrofits, and solar system installs to low-income homeowners and rental units.
Additionally, CAP Action T-1-1 will fund, staff, and implement the Active Transportation Plan Update, Vision Zero, Safe Routes to School and the 2030 General Plan update, while Actions T-1-2, T-1-3, and T-1-5 describe completing all portions of Rail Trail, planning active and public transportation to the Rail line, ensuring secure bike parking near transit and in major activity centers, requiring bike parking installation in new commercial developments and existing commercial renovations, and building new infrastructure to ensure there is equitable access to safe bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Action T-4-1 also promotes the installation of at least 1,247 new public EV charging stations.
Construction-related air quality impacts are generally associated with fugitive dust (PM10 and PM2.5) and exhaust emissions from heavy construction vehicles and soil hauling trucks, in addition to reactive organic gases (ROG) that would be released during the drying phase upon application of architectural coatings. However, implementation of proposed measures would not include largescale construction within Santa Cruz and would involve temporary and short-term criteria pollutant emissions. As such, project construction under implementation of the CAP would be expected to result in low-level criteria pollutant emissions and negligible impacts to air quality. CAP projects or actions would also be reviewed for consistency with MBARD air quality regulations and other applicable local, State, and federal regulations once project details and locations are known. Thus, the construction required for implementation of the CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to net increase of criteria pollutants.
With respect to operational emissions, many CAP measures and actions would have the secondary benefit of reducing criteria pollutant emissions, such as CAP measures aiming to increase building energy efficiency, promote electric vehicles, reduce on-road gasoline fuel use, and reduce VMT.
Implementation of CAP measures would be beneficial by helping Santa Cruz meet applicable air quality plan goals. In addition, future CAP projects would be required to comply with local, regional, and State air quality regulations. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to criteria pollutant emissions.
c. Would the project expose sensitive receptors to substantial pollutant concentrations? Implementation of the CAP measures and actions described in criterion b., above, promote infrastructure development and redevelopment that may result in temporary construction activities.
Construction-related air quality impacts are generally associated with fugitive dust (PM10 and PM2.5) and exhaust emissions from heavy construction vehicles and soil hauling trucks, in addition to ROG that would be released during the drying phase upon application of architectural coatings. However, implementation of proposed CAP measures would not include large-scale construction, and construction-related emissions would be temporary. As such, implementation of the CAP would result in low-level toxic air contaminant emissions associated with construction.
While the CAP could result in construction-related impacts related to toxic air contaminants and exposure to sensitive receptors, CAP projects or actions would be reviewed for consistency with MBARD air quality regulations and other applicable local, State, and federal regulations once project details and locations are known to ensure compliance with such regulations. Thus, the construction associated with implementation of the CAP would not result in substantial emissions of toxic air contaminants and exposure to sensitive receptors. No operational toxic air contaminant emissions are anticipated with implementation of the CAP measures and actions. Therefore, the CAP would have a less-than-significant impact related to exposure of sensitive receptors to toxic air contaminants.
26.221
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
42 d. Would the project result in other emissions (such as those leading to odors) adversely affecting a substantial number of people?
The CARB 2005 Air Quality Land Use Handbook: A Community Health Perspective identifies land uses associated with odor complaints which include: sewage treatment plants, landfills, recycling facilities, waste transfer stations, petroleum refineries, biomass operations, auto body shops, coating operations, fiberglass manufacturing, foundries, rendering plants, and livestock operations.
CAP Measure W-2 promotes the reduction of organic waste by 85% by 2030 and CAP Measure W-3 sets a long-term target to reduce the overall growth of waste generation. As such, the CAP would result in reduced odors related to waste processing. Therefore, the CAP would not facilitate development that could create adverse odors, and there would be no impact related to odors exposure.
Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is buildout of the Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan in addition to the projected population, employment, and housing for the City of Santa Cruz through 2030 (75,571 residents, 46,153 jobs, and 28,634 housing units). Construction of projects associated with implementation of the CAP, in combination with other cumulative projects anticipated under General Plan buildout, could exceed applicable MBARD thresholds or be inconsistent with the 2017 AQMP. However, implementation of the CAP would have a less-than-significant contribution related to potential cumulative air quality impacts within the air basin and on sensitive receptors within the City of Santa Cruz, given that the operation of projects implemented under the CAP would result in Citywide reduction of GHG emissions, energy use, single-occupancy vehicle travel, and waste generation. As such, implementation of the CAP would not result in adverse impacts related to contribution of criteria pollutants to the air basin and exposure of sensitive receptors to toxic air contaminants. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would result in a less-than-significant cumulative impact related to air quality.
26.222
Environmental Checklist
Mandatory Findings of Significance
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 43
4 Biological Resources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Have a substantial adverse effect, either
directly or through habitat modifications,
on any species identified as a candidate,
sensitive, or special status species in local
or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or
by the California Department of Fish and
Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? □ □ ■ □
b. Have a substantial adverse effect on any
riparian habitat or other sensitive natural
community identified in local or regional
plans, policies, or regulations, or by the
California Department of Fish and Wildlife
or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? □ □ ■ □
c. Have a substantial adverse effect on state
or federally protected wetlands (including,
but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool,
coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling,
hydrological interruption, or other means? □ □ ■ □
d. Interfere substantially with the movement
of any native resident or migratory fish or
wildlife species or with established native
resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or
impede the use of native wildlife nursery
sites? □ □ ■ □
e. Conflict with any local policies or
ordinances protecting biological resources,
such as a tree preservation policy or
ordinance? □ □ □ ■
f. Conflict with the provisions of an adopted
Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural
Community Conservation Plan, or other
approved local, regional, or State habitat
conservation plan? □ □ □ ■
26.223
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
44 a. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect, either directly or through habitat modifications, on any species identified as candidate, sensitive, or special status in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service?
Santa Cruz is a primarily urbanized community with neighborhood parks, community parks, and recreational and open spaces incorporated throughout the City. The City also features a “Greenbelt,” which includes roughly 1,500 acres of woodlands and coastal prairie. SCMC Title 13, SCMC Chapter 24.14, the Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan, and the Local Coastal Plan incorporate regulations, goals, and policies to protect biological resources, such as plants, trees, wildlife habitats, vegetation communities, wetlands and rivers, coastal resources, and rare and endangered species in the City (City of Santa Cruz 1992; City of Santa Cruz 2012; City of Santa Cruz 2021b). The western portions of Santa Cruz, in undeveloped areas associated with Moore Creek Preserve, Wilder Ranch State Park, and Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve, contain critical habitat for the California red-legged frog (Rana draytonii); northern portions of Santa Cruz, within Pogonip and near Carbonera Creek, contain critical habitat for robust spineflower (Chorizanthe robusta var. robusta); other portions of Santa Cruz, including areas within DeLaveaga Park, Schwann Lake Park, and Woods Lagoon, contain critical habitat for Santa Cruz tarplant (Holocarpha macradenia) (USFWS 2022).
The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes and would instead promote sustainable infrastructure development and redevelopment. The CAP strategies and actions would not conflict with the SCMC or objectives and policies of the Santa Cruz General Plan or Local Coastal Program related to wildlife and vegetative communities, but would rather be consistent with and promote those policies. CAP measures and actions would generally apply to the urbanized areas of the City, with little application to parks, open spaces area, or the undeveloped portions of the City where sensitive habitat and related species may be present. As such, the CAP would not have a substantial adverse effect on candidate, threatened, or endangered wildlife species either directly through individual take or indirectly through species habitat modification.
As a policy document, the CAP would not directly result in impacts related to wildlife species of special status. However, implementation of some CAP actions may promote infrastructure development within the urbanized portions of the City and could result in impacts to species through construction activities. CAP Action BE-2-4 promotes the removal of obsolete natural gas infrastructure, while CAP Action BE-2-5 promotes the deployment of community solar and electrification of existing buildings in residential neighborhoods. CAP Action BE-3-3 supports commercial battery storage installations and business district scale microgrid opportunities. CAP Action-BE 5-1 vows to deliver weatherization, healthy home retrofits, and solar system installs to low-income homeowners and rental units. Additionally, CAP Action T-1-1 will fund, staff, and implement the Active Transportation Plan Update, Vision Zero, Safe Routes to School and the 2030 General Plan update, while Actions T-1-2, T-1-3, and T-1-5 describe completing all portions of Rail Trail, planning active and light transportation to the Rail line, ensuring secure bike parking near transit and in major activity centers, requiring bike parking installation in new commercial developments and existing commercial renovations, and building new infrastructure to ensure there is equitable access to safe bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Action T-4-1 also promotes the installation of at least 1,247 new public EV charging stations. These actions have the potential to disturb nesting habitat for birds and raptors protected under Sections 3503, 3503.5, and 3513 of the California Fish and Game Code (CFGC) and under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). However, construction activities for future CAP projects would be required to comply with the provisions of
26.224
Environmental Checklist
Mandatory Findings of Significance
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 45
the MBTA and CFGC Sections 3503, 3503.5, and 3513 in order to avoid impacts to protected birds and would be reviewed for consistency with City, State, and federal policies related to protected species. In addition, CAP Measure CS-1 would result in the planting of 3,000 new trees within the City by 2030, while CAP Action CS-3-5 would result in the reforestation or afforestation of areas that are currently mowed. As such, the CAP would not have a substantial adverse effect on specialstatus wildlife species. Rather, the planting of trees and reforestation of mowed areas could provide additional habitat for special-status wildlife species within the City. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to special-status wildlife species. b. Would the project have a substantial adverse effect on any riparian habitat or other sensitive natural community identified in local or regional plans, policies, or regulations, or by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? c. Have a substantial adverse effect on state or federally protected wetlands (including, but not limited to, marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.) through direct removal, filling, hydrological interruption, or other means?
The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes but would instead promote sustainable infrastructure development and redevelopment within urbanized areas of the City. According to the Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan, there are a number of riparian corridors associated with the San Lorenzo River, Branciforte Creek, Carbonera Creek, Arana Gulch Creek, Pasatiempo Creek, and Moore Creek, among others. Other special habitat resources in Santa Cruz include wetlands and lagoons such as Neary Lagoon, Schwan Lagoon, and Woods Lagoon. The Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan contains Goal NRC1, protected, enhanced, and sustainably managed creek systems, riparian environments, and wetlands, and Goal NRC3, conservation and stewardship of resources (City of Santa Cruz 2012).
The CAP measures and actions would generally apply to the urbanized areas of the City, with little application to parks, open spaces area, or other locations where riparian and wetland habitat is located. Future CAP-related projects would be required to adhere to City development regulations and Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan policies, including Chapter 24.12, Environmental Resource Management, and Chapter 13.30, Trees of the SCMC. In addition, the location and details of future CAP projects would be reviewed for consistency with applicable local, regional, and State regulations related to sensitive habitat prior to approval. As such, the CAP would not have a substantial adverse effect on riparian habitat or sensitive natural community, such as wetlands.
Therefore, the CAP would have a less-than-significant impact related to riparian habitat, federally protected wetlands, or other sensitive natural communities. d. Would the project interfere substantially with the movement of any native resident or migratory fish or wildlife species or with established native resident or migratory wildlife corridors, or impede the use of native wildlife nursery sites?
The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes but would instead promote sustainable infrastructure development and redevelopment within urbanized portions of the City. As a policy document, the CAP would not result in direct impacts related to interference with species movement or use of wildlife nursery sites. However, implementation of CAP Action T-1-1 and T-1-2, which promotes the implementation of the Active Transportation Plan Update and the completion of all portions of the Rail Trail, could potentially result in temporary disturbance to habitat areas.
Future CAP projects would be required to adhere to City development regulations and Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan policies, including Chapter 24.12, Environmental Resource Management, and
26.225
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
46 Chapter 13.30, Trees of the SCMC, and would be reviewed for consistency with applicable local, regional, and State regulations to retain urban forestry and open space and minimize environmental impacts. Furthermore, the CAP measures and actions would generally apply to the urbanized areas of Santa Cruz with little application to parks, open spaces area, or other locations where wildlife corridors or native wildlife nursery sites may be present. Therefore, the CAP would result in a lessthan-significant impact related to interference with species movement or wildlife nursery use. e. Would the project conflict with any local policies or ordinances protecting biological resources, such as a tree preservation policy or ordinance?
Santa Cruz is a primarily urbanized community with neighborhood parks, community parks, and recreational spaces throughout the City. The City also features a “Greenbelt,” which includes roughly 1,500 acres of woodlands and coastal prairie. SCMC Title 13, SCMC Chapter 24.14, the Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan, and the Local Coastal Plan incorporate regulations, goals, and policies to protect biological resources, such as plants, trees, wildlife habitats, vegetation communities, wetlands and rivers, coastal resources, and rare and endangered species in the City (City of Santa Cruz 1992; City of Santa Cruz 2012; City of Santa Cruz 2021b).
The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes but would promote sustainable infrastructure development and redevelopment within the urbanized portion of the City. The purpose and intended effect of the CAP is to reduce GHG emissions generated in the City to help reduce the effects of climate change. Implementation of proposed CAP measures and actions would be beneficial by helping Santa Cruz meet applicable local policies and ordinances. In addition, CAP Measure CS-1 would result in the planting of 3,000 new trees within the City by 2030, while CAP Action CS-3-5 would result in the reforestation or afforestation of areas that are currently mowed.
As such, the CAP would not conflict with or obstruct implementation of the applicable policies for preserving biological resources and would not affect the City’s ability to attain goals and policies that protect biological resources. Therefore, the CAP would result in no impact related to consistency with local biological resources protection policies. f. Would the project conflict with the provisions of an adopted Habitat Conservation Plan, Natural Community Conservation Plan, or other approved local, regional, or State habitat conservation plan?
The City of Santa Cruz has developed two existing Habitat Conservation Plans: City of Santa Cruz Operations and Maintenance Habitat Conservation Plan and Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan. The Operations and Maintenance Habitat Conservation Plan was developed for improvements or projects within the City that have the potential to take federally listed species and other non-listed special-status species. Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant Low-Effect Habitat Conservation Plan was developed for the operations, maintenance, and construction activities associated with the GHWTP (City of Santa Cruz 2022).
The SCMC Title 13, SCMC Chapter 24.14, the Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan, and the Local Coastal Plan incorporate regulations, goals, and policies aimed to protect biological resources, such as plants, trees, wildlife habitats, vegetation communities, wetlands and rivers, coastal resources, and rare and endangered species in the City (City of Santa Cruz 1992; City of Santa Cruz 2012; City of Santa Cruz 2021b). The CAP would not facilitate specific development projects, nor would it add or enable new development that would conflict with the City of Santa Cruz Operations and Maintenance Habitat Conservation Plan, SCMC, Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan, or Local Coastal Program. Rather, the CAP prioritizes the preservation of greenspace and trees and improvements to
26.226
Environmental Checklist
Mandatory Findings of Significance
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 47
buildings and the transportation system in order to reduce GHG emissions and related impacts to the environment. In addition, CAP Measure CS-1 would result in the planting of 3,000 new trees within the City by 2030, while CAP Action CS-3-5 would result in the reforestation or afforestation of areas that are currently mowed. Therefore, the CAP would have no impact related to consistency with an adopted habitat or natural community conservation plan.
Cumulative Impacts
The cumulative projects scenario is buildout of the Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan in addition to the projected population, employment, and housing for the City of Santa Cruz through 2030 (75,571 residents, 46,153 jobs, and 28,634 housing units). Implementation of CAP projects, in combination with other cumulative projects anticipated under General Plan buildout, could result in impacts to biological resources during infrastructure and building construction. However, as described in criterion a through f, above, infrastructure development or redevelopment resulting from implementation of the CAP would be required to comply with applicable Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan and Local Coastal Program goals and policies as well as State and federal regulatory requirements regarding avoidance of special wildlife species and habitat. In addition, the CAP would not result in new building construction that replaces habitat but rather would result in the planting of trees and reforestation of currently mowed areas. Therefore, implementation of the CAP would result in a less-than-significant cumulative impact related to biological resources.
26.227
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
48 This page intentionally left blank.
26.228
Environmental Checklist
Mandatory Findings of Significance
Draft Initial Study – Negative Declaration 49
5 Cultural Resources
Potentially
Significant
Impact
Less than
Significant
with
Mitigation
Incorporated
Less than
Significant
Impact
No
Impact
Would the project:
a. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of a historical resource
pursuant to §15064.5? □ □ ■ □
b. Cause a substantial adverse change in the
significance of an archaeological resource
pursuant to §15064.5? □ □ ■ □
c. Disturb any human remains, including
those interred outside of formal
cemeteries? □ □ ■ □
a. Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical resource pursuant to §15064.5?
The Santa Cruz General Plan EIR identifies two designated local historic districts (Mission Hill and Downtown Neighborhood) and one National Register district (Cowell Limes Work District) along with 15 properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places and one additional structure listed on the California Register of Historic Places (City of Santa Cruz 2011). The CAP would not involve land use or zoning changes but would promote infrastructure development and redevelopment that would be complimentary to existing development. Projects resulting from implementation of the CAP would be required to comply with Santa Cruz 2030 Genera Plan goals, policies, and programs related to the preservation of historic resources, including Goal HA1, which strives to protect and preserve cultural resources. CAP-related projects would be reviewed for compliance with applicable local, regional, and State regulations regarding cultural resources and in addition to compliance with the Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan to avoid adverse impacts related to historic resources. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to historical resources.
b. Would the project cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of an archaeological resource pursuant to §15064.5?
According to the Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan, the attractive climate, natural resources, and topography of the Santa Cruz area provided an attractive environment for the prehistoric people who lived here, and for the Mission and pueblo. As a result, Santa Cruz has many archaeological and prehistoric archaeological sites. The Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan, Figure 2 (“Areas of Historical Archaeological Sensitivity”), identifies areas with archaeological sensitivity. A few highly sensitive areas are scattered throughout the central portion of the City, but the majority of highly sensitive archaeological areas are concentrated in the northern portion of the City within Pogonip. There is a possibility for archaeological sites not previously recorded to be present in areas where CAP projects could occur. In particular, CAP Actions BE-3-3, T-1-1, T-1-2, T-1-3, T-1-5, and T-4-1 would result in
26.229
City of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2030
50 small-scale construction that may expose previously undiscovered archaeological resources during ground disturbing activities. In addition, CAP Measure CS-1 would result in the planting of 3,000 new trees within the City by 2030 while CAP Action CS-3-5 would result in the reforestation or afforestation of areas that are currently mowed, both of which would result in ground disturbing activities. The CAP projects and tree planting would be located and designed strategically to reduce ground disturbance to the maximum extent possible. In addition, CAP-related projects would be reviewed for consistency with applicable local, regional, and State archeological regulations prior to final siting and construction, and would be required to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) in accordance with the Santa Cruz 2030 General Plan and its associated policies and programs. These policies include a standard requirement that preparation of archaeological investigation be undertaken on sites proposed for development within areas identified as “Highly Sensitive” or “Sensitive” on the “Areas of Historical Archaeological Sensitivity” map, as well as the requirement to notify applicants within paleontologically sensitive areas of the potential for encountering archaeological resources during construction. In the event of encountering paleontological resources during construction, construction would be halted and resources examined. If the find is significant, the City requires the treatment of the find in accordance with the recommendations of the evaluating paleontologist. Treatment may include, but is not limited to, specimen recovery and curation or thorough documentation (City of Santa Cruz 2012). As such, archeological resources would be protected prior to and/or upon discovery and, thus, impacts would be reduced to a minimal level. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to archaeological resources.
c. Would the project disturb any human remains, including those interred outside of formal cemeteries?
There is a possibility of encountering unknown buried human remains throughout the City where CAP-related projects could occur. In particular, CAP Actions BE-3-3, T-1-1, T-1-2, T-1-3, T-1-5, and T4-1 would result in small-scale construction that may expose unknown human burial sites ground disturbing activities. In addition, CAP Measure CS-1 would result in the planting of 3,000 new trees within the City by 2030 while CAP Action CS-3-5 would result in the reforestation or afforestation of areas that are currently mowed, both of which would result in ground disturbing activities. CAP projects and actions would be reviewed for compliance with applicable local, regional, and State regulations regarding cultural resources and human remains to avoid impacts related to unknown human interments. In addition, CAP projects would be required to comply with State coroner requirements related to burial findings, including assessment and mitigation incorporation once project details and locations are known. Therefore, the CAP would result in a less-than-significant impact related to human remains.