Agenda packet — Santa Cruz City Council, September 12, 2023 (part 2 of 2)

Guided Impresse’s integration and standards functionality in this technical marketing role, creating partnerships and education efforts around the benefits which collaboration tools and workflow automation bring to the broader printing industry. This included:
• Subject matter expert; providing industry specific knowledge and user requirements to guide product development.
• Requested speaker at printing industry events on the topics of print eProcurement, workflow automation, and emerging automation standards, such as JDF. • Originated the Impresse/Cisco business development partnership. • PrintTalk creation. While employed by Impresse, Co-founded and managed development of PrintTalk, an XML messaging standard to automate communication between the business systems used by print buyers and those used by their printers. PrintTalk is now tightly integrated within the widely supported JDF (Job Definition Format) industry standard.

GEORGE Lithograph, Brisbane, CA 1987 – 1999
Director, Technology Development (and co-owner)
In 1989, George Lithograph had no digital production capabilities. By 1999, George was widely considered an innovative technology leader. The company grew sales from $11 million in 1988 to $60+ million in 1999, placing it within the printing industry's top 1% in annual sales. My technology restructuring efforts contributed to the outstanding valuation received when we sold the company in 1998.

Created and operated George’s strategic workflow and integration program. This multimillion dollar program identified & developed technology "edges" that enabled George to expand in its high-tech marketplace. I created technology strategy, implementation and infrastructure; negotiated capital equipment purchases, managed integration and training.

Registered the Internet domain name George.com in 1992 and fired-up servers for email, FTP and Web to accelerate business relationships, years before competitors.

Speaker on workflow innovation for Viewpoint, Digital Smart Factory, Seybold & Xplor conferences.

PROFESSIONAL & EDUCATION
Advisory Board, Graphic Communications Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 2003 to-date. http://www.grc.calpoly.edu/industry/graphiccommunication-department-advisory-board Advisory Board, CIP4 (The International Cooperation for the Integration of Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress), based in Zurich, Switzerland 2002-2004, 2006-2008, and 2010-2012. www.cip4.org/
Co-Chair, JDF Product Description workgroup, within CIP4, 2001 to-date.

Cal Poly, California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo BSc Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Communications Technology and Management, 1972

18.27 18.28

18.29 18.30

18.31 18.32

18.33 18.34

18.35 Joe Thompson
| |
Experienced project manager in union, non-profit, government, and campaign environments with strong relationship-building skills. Thrives when working on a team and promotes positive and productive work environments while striving to achieve hard deadlines and goals. Remains calm and focused in challenging and high-stress roles.

EXPERIENCE
Gail Pellerin For Assembly 2022| Field Director | Santa Cruz & Santa Clara County Jun 2022 - Nov 2022 ● Organized teams of up to 45 volunteers for canvases, phonebanks, and actions to build name recognition and support across multiple counties.
● Led outreach to important stakeholders and elected officials in both counties. Experience and connections with Environmental Justice groups, Labor, and Democratic Clubs.

NWF Strategies| Sr. Campaign Intern | Primarily Remote Jan 2021 - September 2021 ● Built consensus on strategy among more than 150 members and coalition partners. ● Organized teams of up to 65 volunteers for canvases, phonebanks, and actions to build political power. ● Led outreach to LGBTQ+ groups and elected officials.

John Laesch For Mayor |Campaign Assistant | Aurora, IL Jan 2021 - April 2021 ● Managed social media accounts, messaging, email, and text fundraising. ● Co-Led opposition research and field operations leading up to GOTV. ● Led rapid response fact-checking of policy disputes, political attacks, and public-facing campaign documents. ● Provided debate preparation and coached candidate how to respond, attack, and stay calm under pressure. ● Managed call time and increased candidate fundraising, asks, and overall organization.

The Borgen Project| Political Affairs Intern| Remote Sep 2020 - Jan 2021 ● Lobbied congressional officials for poverty reduction efforts. ● Fundraised for the non-profit by sending out emails and letters. Top intern at the Borgen Project and helped coordinate between other interns and myself.
● Developed and honed in on relations to push talking points and crisis management. ● Built relationships with community groups in economic development, environment, and technology Starbucks| Shift Supervisor|Santa Cruz, CA Nov 2019 - Aug 2022 ● Successfully unionized the first Starbucks in California, working with my workers to make our workplace more democratic and better for the workers.
● Organized my coworkers and myself through team building, trust exercises, hangouts, one on ones, group meetings, phone calls, and building up leaders to help organize each other and other stores.

Education
University of California, Santa Cruz, Environmental Studies Major SKILLS
Leadership, Communication, ThruText & Spoke, Thru Talk, MailChimp, Action Network, Zoom, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Canvas, Slack, Website and Graphic Design.

18.36 City Council

AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 08/23/2023
AGENDA OF: 09/12/2023
DEPARTMENT: Public Works
SUBJECT: Amendment of Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 16.08.110, Prohibitions and Limitations on Wastewater Discharges (PW) RECOMMENDATION: Introduce for publication an ordinance amending Santa Cruz Municipal Code Section 16.08.110, Prohibitions and Limitations of Wastewater Discharges, in compliance with the Clean Water Act at sections 403.6 (e) and 403.8 (National Pretreatment Standards).

BACKGROUND: The City owns and operates an award-winning regional wastewater treatment facility at 110 California Street under the provisions of the Federal Clean Water Act; its NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination System) and a Federally mandated Pretreatment Program.

Section 403 of the Clean Water Act requires the implementation of technically derived load and concentration limits (Local Limits) for pollutants treated at publicly owned treatment facilities (POTW) with capacities greater than 5 million gallons per day (5 MGD). The Local Limits are required to be regularly reviewed for continued effectiveness. The City has implemented Local Limits as mandated since 2002 and has continuously updated the limits with data derived from surveillance and improved analyses approximately each decade.

In 2012 the Local Limits were revised to include limits on Compounds of Emerging Concern, per City Ordinance 2010-20. The current update will add regulations around a new class of compounds which have the potential to impact the production of potable reclaimed water from the wastewater effluent in 2023 and beyond. On June 14, 2023 staff held an outreach meeting with industrial dischargers and the general public to discuss and receive feedback on the updated draft limits. Based on recent sampling, existing dischargers will not have compliance issues with the new limits.

The approval of the updated Local Limits will require the modification of the Municipal Code at Section 16.08.110 - Prohibitions and Limitations on Wastewater Discharges - to specify the additions of limits to compounds that are of concern to the imminent production of potable reclaimed water for the Pure Water Soquel project.

DISCUSSION: For the 2023 Local Limits Update, pursuant to Clean Water Act section 403, staff recommends that Council pass the draft ordinance provided, which contains the following improvements:

19.1 1) The following updates to current limits:
a) Boron 5.8 mg/L (no current limit)
b) Vanadium 0.52 mg/L (no current limit)
2) A direction to staff to study and establish limitations on wastewater discharges for the following compounds: (a) Acetone; (b) Formaldehyde; (c) Perchlorate; (d) Carbon DiSulfide; and (e) Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate. Once staff has developed those recommended limits, staff is directed to come back to the Council with proposed revisions to the Municipal Code that reflect those limits. Limiting these compounds will be important to the production of potable reclaimed water.

FISCAL IMPACT: There is no impact to the General Fund.

Prepared By:

Akin Babatola
Laboratory and Environmental
Compliance Manager
Submitted By:

Nathan Nguyen P.E.

Director of Public Works
Approved By:

Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:

1. PROPOSED ORDINANCE (CLEAN).DOCX

2. PROPOSED ORDINANCE (TRACKED CHANGES).DOCX

19.2 ORDINANCE NO. 2023-XX

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ AMENDING SANTA CRUZ MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 16.08.110 PERTAINING TO WASTEWATER DISCHARGE WHEREAS, the City owns and manages an award-winning wastewater treatment facility at 110 California Street under the provisions of the Federal Clean Water Act; its NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination Scheme) and a Federally mandated Pretreatment Program.

WHEREAS, the Clean Water Act at section 403 requires the implementation of technically derived load and concentration limits (Local Limits) for pollutants treated at publicly owned treatment facilities (POTW) with capacities greater than 5 million gallons per day (5 MGD).

WHEREAS, the Local Limits are required to be regularly reviewed for continued effectiveness.

WHEREAS, the City has implemented Local Limits as mandated since 2002, and has continuously updated the limits with data derived from surveillance and improved analyses approximately each decade.

WHEREAS, the update contained in this ordinance will feature additional new limits including compounds of potential impacts to the production of potable reclaimed water from the wastewater effluent in 2023 and beyond.

WHEREAS, the approval of the updated Local Limits will require modification of Municipal Code Chapter 16.08.110(3), as stated in this ordinance.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Santa Cruz as follows:

SECTION 1. Santa Cruz Municipal Code section 16.08.110 at subsection (3) is amended as follows:
“(3) Specific Limitations on Wastewater Discharges. The following are the maximum concentrations of pollutants allowable in wastewater discharges to the wastewater treatment system, unless state or federal limits are lower in which case those limits shall control. Dilution of any wastewater discharge for the purpose of satisfying these pretreatment standards or any applicable pretreatment standards shall be considered a violation of this chapter and is prohibited.

Grab samples must be used for pH, cyanide, oil and grease, sulfide, and volatile organic compounds. Composite samples for twenty-four hours or other time period approved by the director are required for all other parameters, using flow-proportional techniques where feasible.

Pollutant Concentration
Arsenic 0.21 mg/l

19.3 ORDINANCE NO. 2023-XX
2 Pollutant Concentration
Boron 5.8 mg/l
Cadmium 1.57 mg/l
Chromium, total 35.65 mg/l
Chromium, hexavalent 5.26 mg/l
Copper 2.17 mg/l
Cyanide 0.08 mg/l
Lead 6.04 mg/l
Mercury 0.32 mg/l
Nickel 1.15 mg/l
Selenium 96.28 mg/l
Silver 0.71 mg/l
Sulfide (dissolved) 0.20 mg/l –
monthly average;

1.0 mg/l –
maximum
Suspended solids 3,000 mg/l
Vanadium 0.52 mg/l
Zinc 25.23 mg/l
pH 5.0 min. to

10.0 max.

Total petroleum
hydrocarbons
100 mg/l
Temperature ≤104°F
(40°C)
Oil or grease of animal or
vegetable origin
300 mg/l
(unless exempt by
Section 16.08.190)
MTBE 1.0 mg/l
TTO* 1.0 mg/l
Phenols, total** 150 mg/l
Phenols, chlorinated*** 0.60 mg/l
Chlordane 1.48 x 10-
5 mg/l

19.4 ORDINANCE NO. 2023-XX
3 Pollutant Concentration
DDT, o, p 0.011 mg/l
Dieldrin 9.40 x 10-
5 mg/l
endosulfan I 0.006 mg/l
Endrin 0.002 mg/l
heptachlor 0.00014 mg/l
heptachlor epoxide 1.39 x 10-
5 mg/l
hexachlorobenzene 23.50 mg/l
Naphthalene 2,350 mg/l
Phenanthrene/Anthracene,
C1
2,349.99 mg/l
Anthracene 2,422.68 mg/l
Fluoranthene 123.38 mg/l
8 – PCB 1.38859 x 10-4
2,3,7,8-TCDD 2.53 x 10-
9 mg/l
* TTO is defined as the sum of all individual compounds listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 40 CFR 433.11e with quantifiable concentrations greater than 0.01 mg/l when measured using test methods approved under 40 CFR 136 or other methods approved for NPDES monitoring, and other toxic organic compounds as determined by the director. ** Phenols, total, by EPA Method 420.1.
*** Phenols, chlorinated, is defined as the sum of 2-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, pentachlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol and 4-chloro-3-methylphenol (p-choloro-m-cresol).” SECTION 2. The Council, to facilitate reclaimed water production, directs staff to develop recommended limitations on wastewater discharges for the following compounds: (a) Acetone; (b) Formaldehyde; (c) Perchlorate; (d) Carbon DiSulfide; and (e) Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate. Once staff has developed those recommended limits, staff is directed to come back to the Council with proposed revisions to the Municipal Code that reflect those limits.

SECTION 3. Environmental Review. The City Council finds and determines that the adoption of this ordinance is not considered a “project” under the CEQA guidelines (Cal. Code Regs. title 14 § 15378(a)). Further, even if the adoption of this ordinance were deemed a CEQA “project”, it would be categorically exempt from CEQA under Cal. Code Regs. title 14:
1) Section 15307 (“actions taken by regulatory agencies as authorized by state law or local ordinance to assure the maintenance, restoration, or enhancement of a natural resource”);

19.5 ORDINANCE NO. 2023-XX
4 2) Section 15308 (“actions taken by regulatory agencies, as authorized by state or local ordinance, to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment”); and
3) Section 15321 (“Actions by regulatory agencies to enforce or revoke a lease, permit, license, certificate, or other entitlement for use issued, adopted, or prescribed by the regulatory agency or enforcement of a law, general rule, standard, or objective, administered or adopted by the regulatory agency”).

Further, none of the categorical exemptions listed above are barred by any of the exceptions listed in Cal. Code Regs. title 14 § 15300.2.

SECTION 4. Severability. If any section or portion of this chapter is found to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, such finding shall not affect the validity of the remainder of the chapter, which shall continue in full force and effect.

SECTION 5. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after final adoption.

PASSED FOR PUBLICATION this 12th day of September, 2023, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

APPROVED: ______________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
PASSED FOR FINAL ADOPTION this 26th day of September, 2023, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

19.6 ORDINANCE NO. 2023-XX
5 APPROVED: ______________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
This is to certify that the above and
foregoing document is the original
of Ordinance No. 2023-xx and that
it has been published or posted in
accordance with the Charter of the
City of Santa Cruz.
________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator

19.7 ORDINANCE NO. 202X-XX

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ AMENDING
SANTA CRUZ MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 16.08.110

PERTAINING TO WASTEWATER DISCHARGE
WHEREAS, the City owns and manages an award-winning wastewater treatment facility at 110 California Street under the provisions of the Federal Clean Water Act; its NPDES (National Pollution Discharge Elimination Scheme) and a Federally mandated Pretreatment Program.

WHEREAS, the Local Limits are required to be regularly reviewed for continued effectiveness.

WHEREAS, the City has implemented Local Limits as mandated since 2002, and has continuously updated the limits with data derived from surveillance and improved analyses approximately each decade.

WHEREAS, the approval of the updated Local Limits will require modification of Municipal Code Chapter 16.08.110(3), as stated in this ordinance.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Santa Cruz as follows:

19.8 ORDINANCE NO. 202X-XX
2 Pollutant Concentration
Arsenic 0.21 mg/l
Boron 5.8 mg/l
Cadmium 1.57 mg/l
Chromium, total 35.65 mg/l
Chromium, hexavalent 5.26 mg/l
Copper 2.17 mg/l
Cyanide 0.08 mg/l
Lead 6.04 mg/l
Mercury 0.32 mg/l
Nickel 1.15 mg/l
Selenium 96.28 mg/l
Silver 0.71 mg/l
Sulfide (dissolved) 0.20 mg/l –
monthly average;

1.0 mg/l –
maximum
Suspended solids 3,000 mg/l
Vanadium 0.52 mg/l
Zinc 25.23 mg/l
pH 5.0 min. to

10.0 max.

19.9 ORDINANCE NO. 202X-XX
3 Pollutant Concentration
Chlordane 1.48 x 10-
5 mg/l
DDT, o, p 0.011 mg/l
Dieldrin 9.40 x 10-
5 mg/l
endosulfan I 0.006 mg/l
Endrin 0.002 mg/l
heptachlor 0.00014 mg/l
heptachlor epoxide 1.39 x 10-
5 mg/l
hexachlorobenzene 23.50 mg/l
Naphthalene 2,350 mg/l
Phenanthrene/Anthracene,
C1
2,349.99 mg/l
Anthracene 2,422.68 mg/l
Fluoranthene 123.38 mg/l
8 – PCB 0.000138859
mg/l1.38859 x 10-4
2,3,7,8-TCDD 2.53 x 10-
9 mg/l
* TTO is defined as the sum of all individual compounds listed in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at 40 CFR 433.11e with quantifiable concentrations greater than 0.01 mg/l when measured using test methods approved under 40 CFR 136 or other methods approved for NPDES monitoring, and other toxic organic compounds as determined by the director. ** Phenols, total, by EPA Method 420.1.
*** Phenols, chlorinated, is defined as the sum of 2-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, pentachlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol and 4-chloro-3-methylphenol (p-choloro-m-cresol).” SECTION 2. The Council, to facilitate reclaimed water production, directs staff to develop recommended limitations on wastewater discharges for the following compounds: (a) Acetone; (b) Formaldehyde; (c) Perchlorate; (d) Carbon DiSulfide; and (e) Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate. Once staff has developed those recommended limits, staff is directed to come back to the Council with proposed revisions to the Municipal Code that reflect those limits.

19.10 ORDINANCE NO. 202X-XX
4 1) Section 15307 (“actions taken by regulatory agencies as authorized by state law or local ordinance to assure the maintenance, restoration, or enhancement of a natural resource”); 2) Section 15308 (“actions taken by regulatory agencies, as authorized by state or local ordinance, to assure the maintenance, restoration, enhancement, or protection of the environment”); and
3) Section 15321 (“Actions by regulatory agencies to enforce or revoke a lease, permit, license, certificate, or other entitlement for use issued, adopted, or prescribed by the regulatory agency or enforcement of a law, general rule, standard, or objective, administered or adopted by the regulatory agency”).

Further, none of the categorical exemptions listed above are barred by any of the exceptions listed in Cal. Code Regs. title 14 § 15300.2.

SECTION 5. This ordinance shall take effect and be in force thirty (30) days after final adoption.

PASSED FOR PUBLICATION this 12th day of September, 2023, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

19.11 ORDINANCE NO. 202X-XX
5 DISQUALIFIED:

APPROVED: ______________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
This is to certify that the above and
foregoing document is the original
of Ordinance No. 202x-xx and that
it has been published or posted in
accordance with the Charter of the
City of Santa Cruz.
________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator

19.12 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Garrett <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2023 9:06 AM
To: City Council
Subject: 9.12.23 Agenda Item #19 Wastewater discharges

9.12.23 Agenda Item #19 Wastewater discharges
Dear Council,
The case for Item 19 would be one where the uses for recycled water demand removal of certain substances for health reasons. The (your) idea we should perhaps pursue using waste water in the production of potable reclaimed water from the wastewater effluent in 2023 and beyond means you intend we drink reclaimed effluent wastewater someday.

I thought the $600 million upfront and even higher water production operating costs we will be hugely paying on for the rest of our lives to upgrade the capability of the ground and surface water system would have eliminated this unpalatable concept from consideration.

Yes, I suppose if I was trapped in a crashed car over a cliff for a week and was forced then to drink my own urine to stay live, MAYBE I would, I’m not sure, but that’s the sort of condition needed to justify this drink effluent idea. Since you say the water treatment already removes such substances setting limits above that obviously has no consequences, but I imagine it depends on what concentrations there are to begin with, an unknowable in the future and safe limits should be set then according to actual uses. I would be interested in knowing what uses those currently are, if any, that these limits would affect or necessarily improve.

Let me summarize. Yuck, yuck, and Yuck to drinking effluent water.

I recall watching a YouTube of Lizard Brain Emperor Newsom taking a sip of reclaimed effluent wastewater newly in production somewhere in California as a photo op and doing his best to put a "yum" smile on his face before the camera cut away. If we ever do start mixing recycled wastewater into our drinking supply I hope you will all be drinking the first full glass bottoms up.

Garrett Philipp - Westside

19.13 Local Limits Re-Evaluation
and City Ordinance
Modification
City of Santa Cruz: Local Limits Study
September 2023

19.14 Background and Overview
• The City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) is regulated by an National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit authorized by USEPA through the California Water Board Region III
• Local limits are the scientifically derived discharge limits for industrial users (IU) so that IU discharges do not cause the City WWTF to violate NPDES effluent limits or the health of workers-- all users
• The WWTF provides treated secondary effluent planned for use in Pure Water Soquel to produce potable water which may qualify for use in drinking water • Data on wastewater quality were collected for four quarters (’20-’21) from the City and County IUs, WWTF Headworks and the WWTF Effluent to evaluate the existing local limits found in ORDINANCE NO. 2010-20

19.15 Overview of Local Limits Re-evaluation Process
Quarterly
Sampling of
>150 analytes
at 19
sampling
locations
Group and
Reduce
Analytes
(adjust for
Non Detects)
Screen
Analytes and
Compare
Data to
Criteria*
Calculate or
re-evaluate
Maximum
Allowable
Headworks
Loadings
(MAHLs)
Adjust Local
Limits or
Recommend
Monitoring
Requirements
* Detailed in Slide 8

19.16 Initial Data Analyses and Data Reduction
• Non-detects were converted to the <0.5*method detection limit (MDL) of that analyte, and then average, minimum and
maximum determined.
• Analytes that were detected in all the sampling events (100% detection) were considered for further evaluation.
• Other analytes considered based on discussion with City/County.

19.17 Map indicating City and County IUs (Industrial Users)

19.18 Analytes After Data Reduction
Metals
• Boron
• Arsenic
• Copper
• Zinc
• Vanadium
• Nickel
• Chromium
• Cadmium
Organic Compounds
• N-Nitrosodibutylamine (NDBA)
• N-Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA)
• N-Nitroso-dimethylamine (NDMA)
• N-Nitrosomorpholine
• Acetone
• Chloroform
• 3-4-Methylphenol
• Formaldehyde
• Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate
• Total Phenolics (mg/L
• Carbon Disulfide
• Bromodichloromethane
• Bromoform
• p,p-DDD
• p,p-DDT
• Toluene
Inorganic Compounds
• Perchlorate
• Cyanide
Other
• Gross Beta for
Radioactivity
• Tritium
• Diesel C10-C28
• TPH-GRO C6-C10

19.19 Screening of Analytes for Re-evaluation of Local
Limits
• Screening criteria:
• Existing Local Limit
• Persist through advanced water purification
• Effluent limitations in the City’s NPDES Permit
• Title 22 chemicals
• Primary and secondary MCLs
• Drinking water notification levels
• Detection in WWTF Effluent/IU samples at max value > 50% of lowest screening criterion

19.20 Analytes Considered for Re-evaluation of Local Limits Parameter Primary Reason for Inclusion Category
Arsenic Existing Local Limit Metal
Copper Existing Local Limit Metal
Zinc Existing Local Limit Metal
Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate Detected in effluent at concentration above 50% of lowest criterion
Organic
Acetone Detected in various samples at
concentration above 50% of lowest
criterion; important for recycled water
Organic
Formaldehyde Detected in effluent at concentration
above 50% of lowest criterion; important
for recycled water
Organic
Perchlorate Detected in SIU samples at concentration
above 50%; important for recycled water
Inorganic
Boron Detected in various samples at
concentration above 50%
Metal
Vanadium Detected in SIU at concentration above
50% of lowest criterion
Metal
Carbon disulfide Detected in SIU at concentration above 50% of lowest criterion; important for
recycled water
Organic

19.21 Proposed Local Limits for New Analytes
• Newly Added Analytes
• Boron - 5.8 mg/l
• No current limit
• Vanadium - 0.52 mg/l
• No current limit
• Reasons for Local Limits
• Detection in samples at > 50% of
lowest criterion
• Detected in several IUs
• Follow-up Action
• Recommend outreach and
monitoring to potentially
impacted SIUs

19.22 No Change in Re-calculated Local Limits for Existing Analytes
• Existing Analytes
• Arsenic – 0.21 mg/l
• Copper – 2.17 mg/l
• Zinc – 25.23 mg/l
• Additional evaluations for Cu and Zn
• Application of background concentrations
in distribution system and finished water
• Investigation into specific IU operations
• Implementation
• The City plans to keep the local limit the
same as the existing limit and will consider
additional source control measures (as per
NPDES permit provisions) as needed

19.23 Existing Analytes with no Material Change to Local Limits • These analytes were not
detected in any of the samples
• Limits needed because they
are national pollutants of
concern (POC)
Analyte Existing Limit
Cadmium 1.57 mg/L
Chromium, total 35.65 mg/L
Chromium, hexavalent 5.26 mg/L
Cyanide 0.08 mg/L
Lead 6.04 mg/L
Mercury 0.32 mg/L
Nickel 1.15 mg/L
Selenium 96.28 mg/L
Silver 0.71 mg/L

19.24 Existing Analytes with No Material Change to Local Limits • TTO and Phenolics
• Most analytes in the TTO and
phenol groups were not detected
or did not pass screening criteria
• Limits needed because they are
important for PWS water reuse
• Other analytes in the table were
not detected in any of the
samples
• Limits needed because they are
widely present in diesel/fuel
compounds
Analyte Existing Limit
MTBE 1 mg/L
Total Toxic Organics (TTO) 1 mg/L
Phenols, total 150 mg/L
Phenols, chlorinated 0.60 mg/L
Naphthalene 2,350 mg/L
Phenanthrene/ Anthracene, C1 2,349.99 mg/L
Anthracene 2,422.68 mg/L
Fluoranthene 123.38 mg/L

19.25 Analytes Proposed for Removal from Local Limits List • No detection of these analytes in
any of samples
• Analytes are also not expected
to be present in industrial user
discharges at any levels of
concern (City has NPDES limit
for these analytes)
Analyte Existing Limit
Chlordane 1.48 x 10-5 mg/L
DDT, o, p 0.011 mg/L
Dieldrin 9.40 x 10-5 mg/L
Endosulfan I 0.006 mg/L
Endrin 0.002 mg/L
Heptachlor 0.00014 mg/L
Heptachlor epoxide 1.39 x 10-5 mg/L
Hexachlorobenzene* 23.50 mg/L
8 – PCB 0.000138859 mg/L
2,3,7,8-TCDD 2.53 x 10-9 mg/L
* Limit to be removed as this analyte is also regulated under TTO

19.26 Other Analytes considered
• Analytes include
• Acetone
• Formaldehyde
• Perchlorate
• Carbon disulfide
• Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate
Reasons for consideration
• Acetone: Important for PWS water reuse as it can pass through advanced treatment. Could appear as elevated TOC levels in effluent or treated water. City to initiate
communication with dischargers to determine any sources of acetone release in case of TOC increase in effluent or RO permeate.
• Formaldehyde, Perchlorate and Carbon disulfide: Important from water reuse standpoint. City continues to monitor. • Bis (2-Ethylhexyl) Phthalate: Already included in the list of TTOs for dischargers, so no separate local limit.

19.27 Next Steps
• Council approval and
• City Ordinance amendment
• Final report to Central CoastWater Board and USEPA

19.28 City Council

AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 08/23/2023
AGENDA OF: 09/12/2023
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development and Housing
SUBJECT: Downtown Association: Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessments for FY 2024 (ED)
RECOMMENDATION: Motion to:
1) Approve, or modify and approve, the updated plan prepared by the Downtown Association for FY 2024; and
2) Adopt the Resolution of Intention to levy a Downtown Parking and Business Improvement Assessment for FY 2024 and schedule a public hearing for September 26, 2023 on the levy of the assessments for FY 2024; and
3) Introduce for publication an ordinance confirming that Chapter 5.05 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code shall continue to apply to the Parking and Business Improvement and setting forth a new method and basis for levying assessments thereby resulting in an increased Assessment.

BACKGROUND: In accordance with State law, the Downtown Association (DTA) is required to submit an annual workplan for each year in which assessments are to be levied in the Downtown Parking and Business Improvement Area. The attached workplan, prepared by the Downtown Association, is an update to the FY 2024 workplan approved by the City Council on June 13, 2023 and proposes an increased assessment pursuant to a modified assessment formula for the January billing of the 2023/2024 fiscal year. The updated workplan is being submitted for Council approval and may also be modified by Council and then approved. The City acts as a fiscal agent on behalf of the DTA, but is not a member of the DTA, nor is the City involved in the preparation of the plan.

DISCUSSION: The DTA’s updated budget and annual workplan was approved by the DTA Board in July and proposes to collect an increased assessment pursuant to a modified assessment formula for the January billing of the 2023/2024 fiscal year. The workplan outlines the DTA’s FY 2024 planned activities, budgeted expenses and revenues, and contributions from sources other than the assessments levied. The assessment funds enhanced programs and services focused on a clean, safe and welcoming Downtown, marketing and events, member networking and support, and advocacy on behalf of all businesses in the Area. DTA hired a financial consultant to provide assessment methodology options and to determine if assessed businesses benefit from these services. After carefully considering the options, the Board recommended the

20.1 approved workplan attached to this report and the modified assessment formula is proposed as follows:

Each business’s assessment is based upon three factors: building square footage, business type, and benefit zone. There are four business types and their respective percentages, as outlined below.

Business Type
Type 1: 100% | Retail, Food, Lodging
Type 2: 75% | Financial, Bars
Type 3: 60% | Wholesale, Trade, Services, Professions, Auto Dealers Type 4: 40% | Non-Profit, Theaters (capped at 10,000 SF) The benefit zones based on the business address and are allocated as follows:

Benefit Zone Allocation
Zone 1: 100%
Zone 2: 60%
The business improvement assessment formula allows for an annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) adjustment in the rate.

Assessment Calculation
Base Rate: $0.54 per square foot
Sq. Ft. x $0.54 x CPI x TF x ZF + $100 = $ Annual Assessment Sq. Ft. = building square footage (Zone 4 – 10,000 square foot maximum) CPI = annually adjusted Consumer Price Index (utilizing the 2023/2024 as the base fiscal year) TF = Type Factor:
i. Type 1 = 100% (retail, food, lodging)
ii. Type 2 = 75% (financial, bars)
iii. Type 3 = 60% (wholesale, trade, services, professions, auto dealers) iv. Type 4 = 40% (non-profit, theaters)
ZF = Zone Factor:
v. Zone 1 = 100%
vi. Zone 2 = 60%
$100 = Base business fee
Sample Parcel Assessments
For example, a business that has 1,000 square feet, and is a Type 1 business located in Zone 1, would calculate its formula as follows:
1,000 x $0.54 x 100% x 100% x 100% +$100 = $640.00
All business assessments are calculated in the same manner. The full assessment methodology report is provided as an attachment.

Public Meeting Process:

20.2 Following approval of the plan, a resolution declaring the intention of the City to levy and collect the increased assessments within the Parking and Business Improvement Area must be adopted.

The resolution shall also set a public hearing to be held on September 26, 2023 after the hour of 1pm. Notice of the public hearing will be given by publishing the Resolution of Intention in a newspaper of general circulation in the City once at least seven days prior to the public hearing.

The City Council shall consider all qualified written ballots in favor and in opposition that are filed with the City Clerk prior to the City Council meeting at which the public hearing is conducted and prior to the closure of the public hearing itself. Each ballot shall contain a description of the business in which the person subscribing the protest has an ownership interest sufficient to identify the business and, if the subscribing person is not shown on the official records of the City as the owner of the business, written evidence that the subscribing person is the owner of the business. Written ballots may be submitted to the Santa Cruz City Clerk by way of U.S. mail or delivered in person. The City Clerk’s mailing address is 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz, California 95060.

Any protest objecting to the regularity or sufficiency of the proceedings to levy increased or current assessments shall clearly set forth the irregularity or defect to which the objection is made. All protests shall conform to the requirements set forth therefor in California Streets and Highways Code Sections 36524 and 36525.

If the Resolution of Intention is not adopted at the September 12, 2023 public meeting, the September 26, 2023 public hearing will be cancelled and the currently due assessment installment, levied by the City Council on June 13, 2023 and remaining in effect, shall be billed as currently scheduled in January 2024. All interested persons are invited to present oral or written comments at either the public meeting or public hearing, or both. Further, at the public hearing, written and oral protests, if any, may be made in accordance with State Street and Highways Code Sections 36524 and 36525. Prior to the public hearing, protests may be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office.

FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact to the City. Revenues collected from the assessment are turned over to the DTA to be spent for promotional activities in the Parking and Business Improvement Area.

Prepared By:

Rebecca Unitt
Economic Development
Manager
Submitted By:

Bonnie Lipscomb
Director of Economic
Development and Housing
Approved By:

Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:

1. RESOLUTION.DOCX

2. UPDATED FY 2024 ANNUAL DTA WORKPLAN.PDF

3. METHODOLOGY REPORT.PDF

4. ORDINANCE.DOCX

20.3 RESOLUTION NO. NS-XX,XXX

RESOLUTION OF INTENTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ

TO LEVY INCREASED ASSESSMENTS PURSUANT TO A MODIFIED ASSESSMENT

FORMULA FOR THE PARKING AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA FOR THE SECOND HALF OF FISCAL YEAR 2024
WHEREAS, in accordance with California Streets & Highways Code §36533, the Downtown Association prepared an annual report/plan (Plan) to the City of Santa Cruz for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 pertaining to the Parking and Business Improvement Area (Area); and WHEREAS, on June 13, 2023 the City Council adopted Resolution NS-30, 160 confirming the Parking and Business Improvement Area FY 2024 Plan and levying the Parking and Business Improvement Area Assessments for FY 2024 recommended in the Plan; WHEREAS, the Area’s annual Assessment is billed to Area members in two equal installments on a semi-annual basis;
WHEREAS, the first annual Assessment installment was billed to Area members on July 1, 2023 and the second annual Assessment installment is scheduled to be billed to Area members on January 1, 2024; and
WHEREAS, for those reasons stated in the August 11, 2023 Notice of Public Meeting and Public Hearing pertaining to this matter and sent to all Area members in accordance with the requirements of Streets and Highways Code Section 36541 and Government Code Section 54954.6, and for the reasons explained in the City Council agenda report accompanying this Resolution, the Downtown Association, acting in its capacity as the Area’s Advisory Board, has petitioned the City Council to increase the Assessment; and WHEREAS, Streets and Highways Code Section 36540 authorizes a business improvement area advisory board to recommend at any time modifications to the basis and method of levying Assessments; and
WHEREAS, the basis and method for the Downtown Association’s recommended increase to the Assessment is explained and illustrated as Exhibit “A” and the basis and method of the currently effective Assessment, levied by the City Council on June 13, 2023, is explained and illustrated at Exhibit “B”; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Streets & Highways Code §36533, the City Council has heretofore considered the Plan and by motion approved the Plan’s report; and WHEREAS, California Streets & Highways Code §36540 and 36541 authorize the City Council to modify the basis and method of levying assessments as originally approved in the Plan, by following the procedures set forth in said statutes; and

20.4 RESOLUTION NO. NS-XX,XXX
2 WHEREAS, Santa Cruz Municipal Code §5.05.080 provides for the levy of semiannual assessments within the Area pursuant to the formulas set forth in this resolution at Exhibits “A” and “B”.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Cruz as follows:

1. The City Council hereby declares its intention to modify the basis and method of levying assessments for the second 2024 semi-annual Assessment billing thereby resulting in an increased 2024 annual Assessment.

2. The City Council hereby declares and finds that the proposed increased Assessment is based upon a proportionate degree of special benefit derived by each business in the Area. In particular, the proceeds of the proposed increased Assessment will be used to provide enhanced services focused on a clean , safe and welcoming Downtown, marketing and events, member networking and support, and advocacy on behalf of all businesses in the District.

3. The FY 2024 Plan heretofore approved by the City Council on June 13, 2023 contains a full and detailed description of the improvements and activities to be provided to the Area in FY 2024, the overall costs for which have since increased.

4. The proposed increased Assessment is based upon building square footage, business type, and benefit zone. Proposed increased Assessment rates are as set forth in Exhibit “A”.

5. The public interest and convenience will be served by initiating these assessment district proceedings to levy an increased Assessment, in that the activities and improvements to be financed through assessments derived from the assessment district will generally result in the continued and increased revitalization of the downtown business, shopping and tourism district, thereby, in turn, resulting in a stronger tax base for the City of Santa Cruz. The assessee-businesses will be particularly benefitted inasmuch as the improvements and activities to be financed through the assessments will serve to promote the businesses in the Area and maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming Downtown.

6. Notice is hereby given that on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at the hour of 1 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at the meeting place of the City Council, City of Santa Cruz, 809 Center Street, Santa Cruz, California, a public hearing will be conducted on the proposed levy of the increased Assessment. At the public hearing, the City Council shall hear and consider all oral or written protests concerning:
i. Proposed increased assessment and modified assessment formula. If ballots opposing the increased assessment and modified assessment formula are received from the owners of businesses in the Area who will pay fifty percent

20.5 RESOLUTION NO. NS-XX,XXX
3 (50%) or more of the increased assessments to be levied1 (and are not withdrawn so as to reduce ballots opposed to less than fifty percent (50%)), no further proceedings to levy the increased assessment as set forth in the Resolution of Intention, shall be taken for a period of one (1) year from the date of the finding of a majority protest by the City Council and the current assessment, levied by the City Council on June 13, 2023 shall remain in effect and business will be billed at the current assessment rate in January, 2024.

However, if the majority protest is only against the funding of a specified type or types of improvement or activity within the Area, these types of improvements or activities shall be eliminated and the increased Assessment shall be levied.

The City Council shall consider all oral and written protests filed with the City Clerk prior to the City Council meeting at which the public hearing is conducted and prior to the closure of the public hearing itself. Each protest to be considered shall contain a description of the business in which the person subscribing the protest has an interest sufficient to identify the business and, if the subscribing person is not shown on the official records of the City as the owner of the business, written evidence that the subscribing person is the owner of the business.

Any protest objecting to the regularity or sufficiency of the proceedings to levy the increased Assessment shall clearly set forth the irregularity or defect to which the objection is made. All protests shall conform to the requirements set forth therefor in California Streets and Highways Code Sections 36524 and 36525.

7. New businesses in the Area will not be exempt from the levy of the increased Assessment.

8. The City Clerk is hereby directed to give further notice of the public hearing referenced in paragraph 6 by publishing this Resolution of Intention once in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Santa Cruz at least seven (7) days prior to the public hearing.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 12th day of September, 2023 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:
1 Ballots shall be weighted according to the proportional financial obligation of the affected property.

20.6 RESOLUTION NO. NS-XX,XXX
4 APPROVED: ______________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator

20.7 RESOLUTION NO. NS-XX,XXX
5 Exhibit A:

Increased Assessment & Modified Assessment Formula for January 2024 Billing Under the increased assessment rate and modified assessment formula, the following methodology would be used to levy the January 2024 assessment for Fiscal Year 2023-2024:

Base Rate: $0.54 per square foot
Sq. Ft. x $0.54 x CPI x TF x ZF + $100 = $ Annual Assessment Sq. Ft. = building square footage (Zone 4 – 10,000 square foot maximum) CPI = annually adjusted Consumer Price Index (utilizing the 2023/2024 as the base fiscal year) TF = Type Factor:
i. Type 1 = 100% (retail, food, lodging)
ii. Type 2 = 75% (financial, bars)
iii. Type 3 = 60% (wholesale, trade, services, professions, auto dealers) iv. Type 4 = 40% (non-profit, theaters)
ZF = Zone Factor:
v. Zone 1 = 100%
vi. Zone 2 = 60%
$100 = Base business fee
Sample Parcel Assessments
For example, a business that has 1,000 square feet, and is a Type 1 business located in Zone 1, would calculate its formula as follows:
1,000 x $0.54 x 100% x 100% x 100% +$100 = $640.00
All business assessments are calculated in the same manner.

20.8 RESOLUTION NO. NS-XX,XXX
6 Business Improvement District Zones
Street Address Zone
Bulkhead St 100-199 2
Cathcart St 100-299 1
Cedar St 300-399 2
Cedar St 400-1199 1
Center St 300-1099 2
Church St 100-100 1
Church St 200-299 2
Commerce Ln 1300-1399 1
Cooper St 100-199 1
Elm St 100-199 1
Elm St 200-299 2
Front St 300-407 2
Front St 408-530 (Even Only) 2
Front St 409-529 (Odd Only) 1
Front St 531-899 1
Knight St 100-199 2
Laurel St 100-399 2
Lincoln St 100-199 1
Lincoln St 200-304 2
Locust St 100-199 1
Locust St 200-299 2
Maple St 200-299 (All) 2
Maple St 100-198 (Even Only) 1
Maple St 101-199 (Odd Only) 2
Mission St 100-120 2
North Pacific Av 2000-2099 2
Pacific Av 715-904 (Excluding
901, 903)
2 Pacific Av 901-1599 (excluding
902, 904)
1 Palomar Ar 1-99 1
Pearl Al 100-199 2
River St 10-75 1
River St 76-199 1
River St South 100-199 1
Soquel Av 100-199 1
Union St 100-199 2
Walnut Av 100-125 1
Walnut Av 132-199 2
Water St 100-149 2

20.9 RESOLUTION NO. NS-XX,XXX
7 Exhibit B:

Current 2023/2024 BIA District Assessment Formula
Business Improvement Assessments are based on the following formula:
(Business Area X Rate [.47] X Type X Zone) + $50.00 = Annual Assessment Annual Assessment / 2 = Semi-Annual Assessment
Example: (1,000 Sq Ft) x .47 x 100% (Type 1) x 60% (Zone 2) + $50.00 = $332.00 / 2 = $166.00 Semi-Annual Assessment
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT RATES:

TYPE 1 - 100% RETAIL & FOOD
TYPE 2 - 60% FINANCIAL, BARS, & THEATERS
TYPE 3 - 40% WHOLESALE TRADE, SERVICES &

PROFESSIONS, AUTO DEALERS
ZONE 1 - 100% CAP OF 10,000 SQ FT
ZONE 2 - 60% CAP OF 10,000 SQ FT

20.10 RESOLUTION NO. NS-XX,XXX
8 Business Improvement District Zones
Street Address Zone
Bulkhead St 100-199 2
Cathcart St 100-299 1
Cedar St 300-399 2
Cedar St 400-1199 1
Center St 300-1099 2
Church St 100-100 1
Church St 200-299 2
Commerce Ln 1300-1399 1
Cooper St 100-199 1
Elm St 100-199 1
Elm St 200-299 2
Front St 300-407 2
Front St 408-530 (Even Only) 2
Front St 409-529 (Odd Only) 1
Front St 531-899 1
Knight St 100-199 2
Laurel St 100-399 2
Lincoln St 100-199 1
Lincoln St 200-304 2
Locust St 100-199 1
Locust St 200-299 2
Maple St 200-299 (All) 2
Maple St 100-198 (Even Only) 1
Maple St 101-199 (Odd Only) 2
Mission St 100-120 2
North Pacific Av 2000-2099 2
Pacific Av 715-904 (Excluding
901, 903)
2 Pacific Av 901-1599 (excluding
902, 904)
1 Palomar Ar 1-99 1
Pearl Al 100-199 2
River St 10-75 1
River St 76-199 1
River St South 100-199 1
Soquel Av 100-199 1
Union St 100-199 2
Walnut Av 100-125 1
Walnut Av 132-199 2
Water St 100-149 2

20.11 ORDINANCE NO. 2023-XX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ AMENDING SECTION 5.05.040 AND ADDING SECTION 5.05.100 TO THE SANTA CRUZ MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO

THE PARKING AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA
BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Santa Cruz as follows:

Section 1. Section 5.05.040 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:

5.05.040 FORMULA FOR ASSESSMENT
The rate of business promotion assessment shall be imposed according to the following:
(a) Sq. Ft. x $0.54 x CPI x TF x ZF + $100 = $ Annual Assessment

1. Sq. Ft. = square footage of the business (Zone 4 – 10,000 square foot maximum);

2. CPI = the annually adjusted Consumer Price Index (utilizing the 2023/2024 as the base fiscal year);

3. TF = Type Factor:
i. Type 1 = 100% (retail, food, lodging)
ii. Type 2 = 75% (financial, bars)
iii. Type 3 = 60% (wholesale, trade, services, professions, auto dealers) iv. Type 4 = 40% (non-profit, theaters)

4. ZF = Zone Factor:
i. Zone 1 = 100%
ii. Zone 2 = 60%

5. $100 = Base business fee
For example, a business that has 1,000 square feet, and is a Type 1 business located in Zone 1, would calculate its formula as follows:
1,000 x $0.54 x 100% x 100% x 100% +$100 = $640.00
Section 2. Section 5.05.100 is hereby added to the Santa Cruz Municipal Code to read as follows:

20.12 ORDINANCE NO. 202X-XX
2 “Section 5.05.100 Continued Application. The provisions of this Chapter shall continue to apply to the Parking and Business Improvement Area with the increased assessments approved and levied by the City Council on September 26, 2023.”
PASSED FOR PUBLICATION this 12th day of September, 2023, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

APPROVED: ______________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator
This is to certify that the above and
foregoing document is the original
of Ordinance No. 2023-xx and that
it has been published or posted in
accordance with the Charter of the
City of Santa Cruz.
________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator

20.13 Downtown Association of Santa Cruz
FY 2023/24 WorkPlan
Approved by the Board of Directors
May 16, 2023 (Operating Plan)
July 18, 2023 (Proposed Assessment Structure)

20.14 2
Introduction
The Downtown Association of Santa Cruz manages a Business Improvement District established to promote commerce and provide an environment compatible with doing business. Business operators in the Downtown district contribute an assessment which is allocated by the Downtown Association Board of Directors to further the mission of the Downtown Association. The Board of Directors is comprised of, and elected by, assessed business owners in Downtown Santa Cruz.

The mission of the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz is to promote and sustain downtown as a unique and economically viable business, entertainment, social and cultural center. The primary programs of the Downtown Association are (1) Downtown Santa Cruz district marketing and events, and (2) providing clean, safe and welcoming services to visitors and businesses 365 days a year through our Ambassador and Information Kiosk programs. The Downtown Association also supports and advocates for downtown businesses, connecting downtown business owners and managers to resources and to each other. 2023/24 DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
David Apgar, Goal Screen (Board Secretary)
Jennalee Dahlen, Yoso Wellness Spa and Yoso the Annex
Zach Davis, The Penny Ice Creamery (Board Vice Chair)
Katie Fairbairn, Santa Cruz Community Credit Union
Pedro Gonzalez, Farmers Insurance Group
Timmy Hunt, Pono Hawaiian Grill
Christie Jarvis, Minnow Arts and Land Culture Landscape Architecture Trevor Jones, Minnow Arts and SpaceCamp Design Build, Inc Bill Kempf, William C. Kempf, Architect (Board Treasurer) Stacy Nagel, Google (Social & Legislative Committee Chair) Nikki Patterson, Ecology Action
Cara Pearson, Pacific Cookie Company (Marketing Committee Chair) Damani Thomas, Oswald (Board Chair)
Uriah Wilkins, PipeLine (Nominations Committee Chair)

MANAGEMENT TEAM
Jorian Wilkins, Executive Director
Sonja Brunner, Operations Director
Shiri Gradek, Brand Director

20.15 3
Downtown Association of Santa Cruz
FY 2023/24 WorkPlan

1. Are there any proposed changes to the Business Improvement Assessment (BIA) structure? In 2024, it will be 30 years since the last change to the Business Improvement Assessment in Downtown Santa Cruz. The Board recommends increasing the assessment rates to ensure district marketing, activation, business support, advocacy and beautification activities are sustainably funded going forward.

The formula for calculating BIA Fees is:

Business Area Square Footage (SF) x Rate x Type % x Zone % + Parcel Fee No change is proposed to existing zones. The proposed increased rates and changes to type discounts are:

Rate: $0.47 → $0.54 per square foot
Parcel Fee: $50 → $100 annually
Type %:

Type 1 100% Retail, Food, Lodging
Type 2 60% → 75% Financial, Bars
Type 3 40% → 60% Wholesale, Services, Professions, Auto Type 4 40% Nonprofits & Theaters*
*Cap of 10,000 Sq Ft for Type 4 businesses; square footage cap eliminated for other types.

As downtown Santa Cruz has grown over the past three decades, and with future downtown development projects planned, the need to review the assessment methodology is paramount to the success of downtown. The proposal modestly increases the per square foot rate across the board, while also reducing discounts between neighbors (with an exception made for nonprofits, and struggling movie theaters which help bring people Downtown.)

20.16 4
The Downtown Association hired a financial consultant to provide assessment methodology options and to determine if assessed parcels benefit from Association services. After carefully considering the options, the Board recommends the proposed new assessment structure and an annual adjustment based on the Consumer Price Index or 3%, whichever is greater.

The full Methodology Summary Report from the financial consultant is included as Attachment No. 3.

2. Describe the improvement activities that will be provided or eliminated.

Please see Attachment No. 1 for baseline activities. The Downtown Association has successfully advocated for significant funding from property owners, in order to provide clean, safe and welcoming services for the district. Through the Association’s contracts with the Downtown Management Corporation and Block by Block, the Downtown Ambassador services are securely funded and professionally managed, and they greatly benefit everyone who spends time in our district.

District marketing, activation, business advocacy and beautification activities are all at risk without the proposed assessment changes. Without the changes, the Association can only sustainably afford a part-time administrator to support the volunteer Board in meeting the organizational requirements of running a business improvement district going forward. Our district would no longer have paid, professional leadership or advocacy staff. Business news, resources and networking events would cease. There would be under $100K available for outsourcing Downtown Santa Cruz promotions to a public relations firm, the scope for which would preclude many popular event traditions and participatory promotions currently produced by the Association’s in-house Brand Director.

Conversely, with the proposed BIA changes, the Downtown Association will not only be able to sustainably fund the current clean, safe & welcoming programs, district marketing, public events, business support and advocacy, but also increase our budget for activations that draw people Downtown, and our budget for neighborhood beautification projects including power washing and landscaping improvements.

3. Describe the budget for the improvement activities.

Please see Attachment No. 2.

4. Describe the method currently used to levy assessments for FY 24.

Business Improvement Assessments are based on the following formula:

20.17 5
(Business Area X Rate X Type X Zone) + $50.00 = Annual Assessment Annual Assessment ÷ 2 = Semi-Annual Assessment
FY 24 business improvement rates are currently as follows ~ RATE: $.47 per square foot*
*Cap of 10,000 Sq Ft
Type 1 100% Retail & Food
Type 2 60% Financial, Bars, & Theaters
Type 3 40% Wholesale, Services, Professions, Auto
ZONE 1 100%
ZONE 2 60%
Zone 1 represents the large majority of in-district businesses. Zone 2 businesses are on the outskirts of the district, and most are outside the Downtown Ambassador team’s walking coverage area. The Board is not proposing any changes to zones.

5. The amount of contributions from other sources, if any.

For FY 24, the Downtown Association has secured $337,478 in revenue from the Downtown Management Corporation to fund the contract for Ambassador services with Block by Block (www.blockbyblock.com). This is an increase over FY 23 funding of $213,784, and expands the walking coverage area of the Ambassador team to include Front Street and Cedar Street, along with Pacific Avenue and its side streets.

Staff-managed programs, projected to generate $95,000 in FY 24, generated $90,480 in FY 23:

FY 23 Actual
Sponsorship for Events/Promotions $ 12,470
Event Ticket Sales $ 24,272
Event Registration Fees $ 9,584
Advertising Sales* $ 43,565
Other Revenue $ 589
TOTAL $ 90,480

20.18 6
*Advertising sales fund the distribution of 50,000 Downtown Santa Cruz Map & Directories annually.

Unredeemed Downtown Dollars fund the expenses of this popular local gift program, which has zero fees for 80+ participating Downtown Santa Cruz businesses.
(NOTE: None of this program revenue is anticipated if the organization is required to cut staff due to unsustainable funding; instead, these valued programs would also have to be cut.)

6. The proposed work plan for the next fiscal year.

Please see Attachment No. 1

20.19 7
Attachment No. 1
Downtown Association of Santa Cruz
FY 2023-2024 Work Plan
Approved on May 16, 2023
Introduction
The Downtown Association of Santa Cruz is a 501c(6) member benefit organization established to promote the Downtown business district. The organization’s mission is to provide effective leadership to create, promote and sustain downtown as a unique and economically viable business, entertainment, social and cultural center.

The Downtown Association operates a merchant-based Business Improvement District (B.I.D.) funded by a special assessment on those operating businesses in the district. The organization is governed by a volunteer board of directors, elected from, and representing, the assessed members of the district.

Staff includes an Executive Director, Brand Director, and part-time Membership Champion. Through our contractor, BlockbyBlock, the Downtown Association also has a full-time Operations Director, staffing the Downtown Ambassador Program along with the Downtown Information Kiosk. Additionally, the work of the association is augmented by volunteers, interns and contractors from time to time as projects warrant.

This work plan has been developed by the Board and staff to serve as a roadmap to guide the activities and resource allocation of the Downtown Association for fiscal year 2023-2024.

Budget Increase Needed for A Vibrant Downtown
The Downtown Association’s weak financial position was acknowledged in 2020 with the hiring of an Interim Executive Director, alongside the firm Progressive Urban Management Associates, to facilitate a strategic plan to improve the organization’s sustainability, work that was carried out in partnership with the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Department.

In 2023-24, the organization will be running at a significant deficit and pursuing an increase in Business Improvement Assessments to more sustainably fund the services and programs offered to downtown business members. The levy has not changed for decades, and it is time.

20.20 8
Year In Review
In fiscal year 2022-2023, the community enjoyed the return of a lively, activated Downtown with the opening of dozens of new businesses and year-round events - including the return of the Holiday Parade - drawing thousands of people back to spending time in Downtown Santa Cruz.

While operating on a shoestring budget, the Downtown Association supported its business members and the community at large, in its following four core areas:

1. Clean, Safe & Welcoming Programs: To ensure long-term sustainability for the Downtown Association’s core programs supported by the Downtown Management Corporation, the Downtown Ambassador and Information Kiosk programs, the Downtown Association contracts with BlockbyBlock, which runs operations for over 100 downtowns across the country. In 2022- 23, the Downtown Association advocated for the Downtown Management Corporation to expand the Ambassador’s coverage area to include the entire Downtown Association district, including Front Street, Center Street, Cedar Street, River Street and the Clock Tower triangle (between Pacific Avenue, Water Street, and River Street). The current Ambassador coverage area is now constrained to the area funded by the Downtown Management Corporation, Pacific Avenue and its side streets from Laurel Street to Water Street.

Downtown Ambassadors take charge of daily garbage, remove graffiti, report public maintenance issues to the city, and connect people in need to social services, in addition to connecting businesses to resources and assisting visitors, in the monthly Ambassador Reports. The association maintains close working relationships with the Santa Cruz Police Department and Encompass Service downtown Outreach Workers, as well as the City Manager and Office of Economic Development, who provide critical support to our Ambassadors and downtown’s safety and cleanliness.

2. Marketing: The Downtown Association of Santa Cruz actively markets Downtown Santa Cruz as the primary shopping district for Santa Cruz County through outreach to local residents and to visitors from Monterey, San Benito and Santa Clara communities. In order to reach a diverse and engaged group of visitors to the downtown district, the Downtown Association uses a multi-faceted approach to marketing by utilizing digital marketing (social media boasting over 19,800 instagram followers, ads, website and digital newsletters “e-news”) as well as in-person events to increase foot traffic to downtown streets and businesses.

With the help of an engaged Board of Directors, the Marketing Committee also churns out new promotion ideas each year to increase visibility to Downtown Santa Cruz, this year co-launching Downtown Fridays to draw hundreds of people Downtown during the winter.

20.21 9

3. Member Networking & Support: The association works to keep downtown business owners, managers and employees connected and informed primarily through our weekly Business News which is distributed via email and Facebook and read by hundreds of Downtown business owners and staff each week. The Downtown Association also hosts quarterly business mixers for its members, along with city partners, county business serving organizations, and community nonprofits. The association publicizes its Board of Directors and Committee meetings to encourage members’ volunteer engagement. It leads an annual public safety meeting with SCPD, County Mental Health, Downtown Outreach and Downtown Ambassadors. The association also collaborates with the Workforce Development Board of Santa Cruz County to host a Walkabout Job Fair, in conjunction with a Downtown Day Welcoming UCSC students in the fall, that results in dozens of hires for downtown businesses.

4. Advocacy: The Downtown Association maintains collaborative working relationships with organizations across Santa Cruz county, particularly with those that also serve the association’s members, such as the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce, Santa Cruz County Business Council, Visit Santa Cruz, and the Small Business Development Center of Santa Cruz. Advocacy activities this year included supporting the Downtown Library and Affordable Housing project, supporting streamlined permitting and grants for permanent outdoor dining parklets, and co-hosting periodic broker breakfasts focused on reducing vacancies Downtown, with the partnership of Economic Development.

Since 2019, the Downtown Association has also been advocating for Santa Cruz to adopt a better tax assessment structure to sustain the desired downtown management, maintenance, beautification and neighborhood services. Well-funded Property Based Improvement Districts (PBIDs) provide the clean, safe and welcoming programs of downtowns that are admired around the country. The existing PBID in Downtown Santa Cruz is the Downtown Management Corporation (DMC). The Downtown Association is fully supportive of the DMC expanding its district boundaries to better fund crucially needed Ambassador services for the entire neighborhood.
2023-2024 PROGRAMS

DOWNTOWN AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
The Mission of the Downtown Ambassadors is to be the best part of people’s day in Downtown Santa Cruz.

The Downtown Ambassador program is funded by the Downtown Management Corporation. Launched in October of 2018, the Ambassador program has become a vital element of downtown management, and of the downtown experience for businesses and visitors. Providing a welcoming presence in the downtown is the core function of the program, but the impact and benefits reach well beyond that. In addition to serving visitors by providing local information, recommendations and directions, the Ambassadors serve

20.22 10
as a liaison with city agencies, contractors, service providers and others involved in Downtown management, maintenance, social services, and public safety.

Regular coordination with the Public Works downtown maintenance team, the sanitation department, Uncle Poop waste removal, and property owners adds a level of efficiency and accountability in addressing the ongoing and growing cleaning and maintenance needs of downtown’s built environment. The Ambassador team communicates both through the City of Santa Cruz’ Community Request for Service Portal (CRSP), as well as by selectively escalating issues of pressing concern via direct communications with relevant city departments.

Ongoing engagement with Downtown Businesses and with district residents also does a lot to build community in the Downtown.

BRAND MANAGEMENT AND DISTRICT MARKETING
Promoting Downtown has long been a core purpose of the Downtown Association. The Downtown Association of Santa Cruz manages the Downtown Santa Cruz brand and promotes the businesses, events and elements that support its visibility and appeal, including:
• Continual alignment of social media and digital marketing • Brand management across all promotions, events and communications • Ongoing encouragement of brand alignment with our members and collaborators
The brand is conveyed through all of the association’s marketing efforts, designed to bring people to the district and enhance the experience of everyone spending time in Downtown Santa Cruz.

SOCIAL MEDIA & DIGITAL MARKETING
All of the association's promotional efforts direct visitors to downtown businesses and to the Downtown Association’s website, which remains current with Downtown events, activities and a complete and expanded directory of businesses. Our social media presence has over 34,000 followers, and continues to gain popularity on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. The social platforms have provided an outstanding way to reach Downtown Santa Cruz fans with the many specific events, activities and business promotions in the district.

20.23 11
DOWNTOWNSANTACRUZ.COM
The Downtown Santa Cruz website is a cornerstone of the association’s marketing. Utilizing a platform designed for downtowns across the country, the site has enhanced SEO, and provides a wealth of information and resources for visitors, locals and for the Downtown Santa Cruz business community. An online events calendar lists daily activities, concerts, plays, festivals, book readings, classes and everything else happening for the public in the district. A comprehensive business directory helps direct people to the food, shops or services they’re hoping to find. The site also provides valuable information to help the association’s business members find the resources they need to be successful in Downtown Santa Cruz.

DIGITAL E-NEWS
Our e-newsletters, with a reach of over 5,000 residents and fans, include This Week Downtown which provides a great sample of what’s happening downtown, from the big ticket events, to the more obscure, plus information about new businesses, deals, and interesting happenings.

BUSINESS DIRECTORIES
Each of our member businesses is listed on our online DowntownSantaCruz.com Business Directory. We also publish and distribute 50,000 copies of a popular fold-out illustrated paper Map and Directory with listings of all the retail, restaurants and services in the district, and maintain three freestanding business directory wayfinding signs on Pacific Avenue.

DOWNTOWN PROMOTIONS
Throughout the year, the Downtown Association typically promotes special and themed activities, building on successful events and inventing new activations. Popular community events include Kids Day, Wine Walk, Monthly Sidewalk Sales and of course winter Holiday traditions.

Downtown Sidewalk Sales
On the last weekend of each month, from March through Black Friday Weekend, the retail shops spill out onto the sidewalk for great month-end sales.

Where’s Waldo
In partnership with Bookshop Santa Cruz, Where’s Waldo is a great local summer activity that brings Waldo seekers around Downtown and into stores on a monthlong scavenger hunt. The Promotion culminates with a special event at Bookshop Santa Cruz with Prizes and Waldo himself.

Ice Cream Month
Downtown Santa Cruz would be remiss if we did not participate in National Ice Cream Month in July. Each year we host a coloring contest and invite folks to color their own exciting ice cream treat. Winners are selected in a variety of categories with a grand prize of ice cream for a year at the many favorite Downtown ice cream spots.

20.24 12
Back to School
Our back to school promotions celebrate students from kindergarten to postgraduates. Our targeted promotions for UCSC slugs and Cabrillo students aim to introduce our area’s newer residents to Downtown shops, restaurants, events and attractions.

Downtown Trick or Treat
One of our community’s favorite Santa Cruz traditions is Downtown Trick or Treat. Once again the Downtown Association will partner with our business members and the Santa Cruz Police Department to invite the community downtown for a fun, safe trick-or-treating good time.

Downtown Wine Walks
These Popular events are a great opportunity to showcase the local Appalachia and introduce wine lovers to new retail spots Downtown, and bring them back to visit their favorites. Presented twice a year, in November and in May, the Wine Walk is a great opportunity to bring visitors from around the Bay Area to spend a great afternoon in Downtown Santa Cruz.

Downtown Holiday Parade
The Official Kick Off to the Holiday Season happens on the first Saturday in December as the Downtown Holiday Parade marches, rolls, pedals, dances and sings up Pacific Avenue, bringing out thousands of locals, and amazing cross section of our community, and of course, the big finale of the Santa Cruz High School Cardinal Regiment Band followed by the man of the Hour atop a shiny, red, antique Santa Cruz Fire Engine.

Reindeer Roundup
The holidays provide many opportunities for Downtown promotion. Similar to our Summer Where’s Waldo Scavenger hunt, the Reindeer Roundup brings families into stores throughout the month of December, helping Santa find his team.

Golden Envelope
The Downtown Association serves as a neighborhood sponsor for the national Small Business Saturday event and brings holiday shoppers downtown to support local businesses during the Black Friday weekend, including on Small Business Saturday. During this Willy Wonka inspired event, shoppers are incentivized to come Downtown to win a Golden Envelope filled with surprise gift cards, when they make qualifying purchases at participating retailers on Saturday.

20.25 13
Santa on Pacific Avenue
Those who have visited Santa on Pacific Avenue for a photo op know that the experience is not matched anywhere. These relaxed visits with our very special ambassador to the North Pole have reached a level of legend among local kids, parents and grandparents.

Kids Day Downtown
With dozens of children’s community organizations providing free activities during this fun street fair, Kids Day welcomes thousands of local families to Downtown for entertainment and great specials in our Downtown shops and restaurants.

Partner Events
In addition to producing events in-house, the Downtown Association co-sponsors and supports the production of a number of events throughout the year that promote the brand of Downtown Santa Cruz. Included in these events are Downtown Fridays, Earth Day, First Friday Santa Cruz, Dance Week Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Pride Parade & Festival, and more.

DOWNTOWN DOLLARS
Our Downtown Dollars program keeps tens of thousands of dollars in Downtown every year. Accepted at 85+ businesses in the district, Downtown Dollars make great gifts and are available for purchase at Bookshop Santa Cruz, Pacific Cookie Company, the Downtown Information Kiosk, and online. Downtown Dollar gifts encourage local spending.

DOWNTOWN INFORMATION KIOSK
For over a decade, the visitor information center in the kiosk located at 1130K2 Pacific Avenue, at the intersection of Soquel Avenue in front of New Leaf Community Market, has been a Santa Cruz institution.

The location provides valuable information and resources to visitors and locals, while promoting businesses and activities throughout the district. The cost of the kiosk has been offset by donated rent from the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Department.

DOWNTOWN ADVOCACY
The Downtown Association maintains current knowledge of organizations and agencies that support doing business Downtown, and connects downtown businesses to resources. Downtown Association staff also serve as informed representatives of the downtown business community, on relevant issues, to the City Council, city management and other organizations interested in contributing to the business climate or community events in Downtown Santa Cruz. The Downtown Association’s ability to effectively represent the business interests downtown is dependent upon strong relationships, primarily with our business members, and ultimately with the many communities who use Downtown.

20.26 14

MEMBERSHIP EVENTS
One of the greatest assets of Downtown is our business community leaders, who bring their passions and talents downtown and open their doors to the public, defining the common experiences of Downtown Santa Cruz. The Downtown Association recognizes this asset, and fosters the connection of its members, and their ability to support each other, by hosting grand opening ribbon cuttings and networking events designed to bring members together and enhance the sense of community, as well as informational meetings that educate and engage the community on current events and issues.

WORKSHOPS
The Downtown Association hosts workshops and partners with other business service agencies to provide information, tools and knowledge that will help our members succeed.

Other Special Initiatives
Cognizant of important changes on the horizon, the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz will have an ongoing voice in defining the character of downtown as numerous large, mixed-use retail and residential developments begin construction. The Downtown Association will also continue to support permanent family-friendly attractions and privately-managed public spaces, which are widely desired by downtown’s business patrons. Constructing a Toddler Park on Pacific Avenue is one important, ongoing Board initiative.

Beautification
With additional funding, the first priority for the organization would be to create a power washing purse, so Downtown Ambassadors could direct private contractors to clean public sidewalks and benches on an on-demand basis, in between regularly scheduled city crew cleanings, as needed. Several landscaping improvement opportunities have also been identified that would increase the appeal of the Pacific Avenue corridor.

Conclusion
The Downtown Association of Santa Cruz has been a pillar in promoting, managing, and advocating for our Downtown while -- supporting the community of neighborhood business leaders who make Downtown the attractive, unique, fun and lively place it is today. The Downtown Association is also an active participant in the economic vibrancy of the Santa Cruz community. Meanwhile, the organization is financially vulnerable and not sustainable in its current Business Improvement District (BID) structure. The strength of the organization’s future lies in the ability to increase its revenues, through additional support from DMC and right-sizing Business Improvement Assessments in the coming year.

20.27 15
-
Attachment No. 2
FY 2023/24 FY 2023/24 FY 2024/25 FY 2023/24 FY 2024/25
Budget
If BIA Change
Approved
If BIA Change
Approved
If BIA Change
Rejected
If BIA Change
Rejected

REVENUE
Property District Services (DMC Contract) $337,000 $337,000 $337,000 $337,000 $337,000 Business Improvement Assessment $260,000 $340,000 $420,000 $260,000 $267,800 Events & Sponsorships $40,000 $40,000 $40,000 $20,000 - Advertising & Other $55,000 $55,000 $55,000 $10,000 -
Total Revenue $692,000 $772,000 $852,000 $627,000 $604,800

EXPENSES
Staffing
Ambassador Contract $367,390 $367,390 $378,412 $367,390 $378,412 Downtown Association $268,535 $268,535 $276,591 $268,535 $90,000 Total Staff Expense $635,925 $635,925 $655,003 $635,925 $468,412 Marketing
Promotional Expenses $45,000 $45,000 $45,000 $45,000 $65,000 Activation / Event Expenses $42,500 $55,000 $55,000 $35,000 $25,000 Marketing Total $87,500 $100,000 $100,000 $80,000 $90,000 Beautification - $12,500 $25,000 - -
Overhead $43,170 $43,170 $45,000 $43,170 $45,000
Other $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 $25,000 -
Total Expense $791,594 $816,594 $850,003 $784,094 $603,412 Net -$99,594 -$44,594 $1,997 -$157,094 $1,388

20.28 16
Attachment No. 3
Methodology Summary Report

20.29 Santa Cruz, California
August 2023
Prepared by:

Kristin Lowell, Inc.

Business Improvement District
Downtown Association of Santa Cruz
Methodology Summary Report

20.30 TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION A: Introduction ........................................................................................ 1 SECTION B: Description of Services...................................................................... 2 SECTION C: District Boundary ............................................................................... 7 SECTION D: Proposed Budget.............................................................................. 11 SECTION E: Assessment Methodology ............................................................... 12

20.31 DTSC Business Improvement District August 2023
Methodology Summary Report Page 1 of 12
SECTION A: INTRODUCTION
In 1985, the City of Santa Cruz approved the initial Business Improvement District (“BID”) for downtown Santa Cruz to fund business promotion. Subsequently, in 2018, the BID was amended to fund ambassadors that provide ongoing maintenance services throughout the downtown. The BID is funded by a special assessment of those operating businesses in the district and is collected every year on the business license. The Downtown Association of Santa Cruz (“DTA”) is the 501c(6) management organization that manages the day to day operations of the BID. Its mission is to provide effective leadership to create, promote and sustain downtown as a unique and economically viable business, entertainment, social and cultural center.

As downtown Santa Cruz has grown over the three decades and future downtown development projects planned, the cost for providing these ongoing services has increased to the point that the BID is no longer generating enough revenue to provide the same level of services. To meet the current service levels and that of anticipated future need, the DTA is requesting an increase in the assessments levied against the businesses within the district boundary.

This report reviews the provided services, estimated budget, and the assessment rates for the existing district.

20.32 DTSC Business Improvement District August 2023
Methodology Summary Report Page 2 of 12
SECTION B: DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES
Downtown Ambassador Program
The Mission of the Downtown Ambassadors is to be the best part of people’s day in Downtown Santa Cruz.

The Downtown Ambassador program is funded by
the Downtown Management Corporation. Launched
in October of 2018, the Ambassador program has
become a vital element of downtown management,
and of the downtown experience for businesses and
visitors. Providing a welcoming presence downtown
is the core function of the program, but the impact
and benefits reach well beyond that. In addition to
serving visitors by providing local information,
recommendations and directions, the Ambassadors
serve as a liaison with city agencies, contractors,
service providers and others involved in Downtown
management, maintenance, social services, and
public safety.

Communication with the Santa Cruz Police Department, County Mental Health liaisons, Downtown Outreach workers, and with members of our community looking for, or in need of services, extends the valuable impact and reach of the program. Ongoing engagement with Downtown Businesses and with district residents also does a lot to build community in Downtown.

Downtown Marketing
Promoting Downtown has long been a core purpose of the Downtown Association. The Downtown Association of Santa Cruz manages the Downtown Santa Cruz brand and promotes the businesses, events and elements that support its visibility and appeal, including:
• Continual alignment of social media and digital marketing • Brand management across all promotions, events and communications • Ongoing encouragement of brand alignment with our members and collaborators The brand is conveyed through all of the association’s marketing efforts, designed to bring people to the district and enhance the experience of everyone spending time in Downtown Santa Cruz.

DOWNTOWNSANTACRUZ.COM
The Downtown Santa Cruz website is a cornerstone of the association’s marketing. Utilizing a platform designed for downtowns across the country, the site has enhanced SEO, and provides a wealth of information and resources for visitors, locals and for the Downtown Santa Cruz

20.33 DTSC Business Improvement District August 2023
Methodology Summary Report Page 3 of 12
business community. An online events calendar lists daily activities, concerts, plays, festivals, book readings, classes, and everything else happening for the public in the district. A comprehensive business directory helps direct people to the food, shops, or services they’re hoping to find. The site also provides valuable information to help the association’s business members find the resources they need to be successful in Downtown Santa Cruz.

Social Media & Digital Marketing
All of the association's promotional efforts direct visitors to downtown businesses and to the Downtown Association’s website, which remains current with Downtown events, activities and a complete and expanded directory of businesses. Our social media presence has over 34,000 followers, and continues to gain popularity on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. The social platforms have provided an outstanding way to reach Downtown Santa Cruz fans with the many specific events, activities and business promotions in the district.

Digital E-News
Our e-newsletters, with a reach of over 5,000 residents and fans, include This Week Downtown which provides a great sample of what’s happening downtown, from the big ticket events, to the more obscure, plus information about new businesses, deals, and interesting happenings.

Business Directories
Each of our member businesses is listed on our online DowntownSantaCruz.com Business Directory. We also publish and distribute 50,000 copies of a popular fold-out illustrated paper Map and Directory with listings of all the retail, restaurants, and services in the district, and maintain three freestanding business directory wayfinding signs on Pacific Avenue.

Downtown Information Kiosk
For over a decade, the visitor information center in the kiosk located at 1130K2 Pacific Avenue, at the intersection of Soquel Avenue in front of New Leaf Community Market, has been a Santa Cruz institution. The location provides valuable information and resources to visitors and locals, while promoting businesses and activities throughout the district. The cost of the kiosk has been offset by donated rent from the City of Santa Cruz Economic Development Department.

Downtown Dollars
The Downtown Dollars program keeps tens of thousands of dollars in Downtown every year.

Accepted at 85+ businesses in the district, Downtown Dollars make great gifts and are available for purchase at Bookshop Santa Cruz, Pacific Cookie Company, the Downtown Information Kiosk, and online. Downtown Dollar gifts encourage local spending.

Downtown Promotions
Throughout the year, the Downtown Association promotes special and themed activities, building on successful events and inventing new activations. Popular community events include Kids Day, Wine Walk, Monthly Sidewalk Sales and of course winter Holiday traditions.

Where’s Waldo
In partnership with Bookshop Santa Cruz, Where’s Waldo is a great local summer activity that brings Waldo seekers around Downtown and into stores on a month-long scavenger hunt. The Promotion culminates with a special event at Bookshop Santa Cruz with Prizes and Waldo himself.

20.34 DTSC Business Improvement District August 2023
Methodology Summary Report Page 4 of 12
Ice Cream Month
Downtown Santa Cruz would be remiss if we did not participate in National Ice Cream Month in July. Each year we host a coloring contest and invite folks to color their own exciting ice cream treat. Winners are selected in a variety of categories with a grand prize of ice cream for a year at the many favorite Downtown ice cream spots.

Back to School
Our back to school promotions celebrates students from kindergarten to postgraduates. Our targeted promotions for UCSC slugs and Cabrillo students aim to introduce our area’s newer residents to Downtown shops, restaurants, events, and attractions.

Golden Envelope
The Downtown Association serves as a neighborhood sponsor for the national Small Business Saturday event and brings holiday shoppers downtown to support local businesses during the Black Friday weekend, including Small Business Saturday. During this Willy Wonka inspired event, shoppers are incentivized to come Downtown to win a Golden Envelope filled with surprise gift cards, when they make qualifying purchases at participating retailers on Saturday.

Rotating Promotions
Varying themed promotions throughout the year highlight different Downtown appeals, such as Self Care Month promoting spas, yoga, and health services or Beverage Bingo delivering prizes to customers who patronize more than one coffee shop.

Public Events
Downtown Sidewalk Sales
On the last weekend of each month, from
March through Black Friday Weekend, the
retail shops spill out onto the sidewalk for
great month-end sales.

Kids Day Downtown
With dozens of children’s community
organizations providing free activities during
this fun street fair, Kids Day welcomes
thousands of local families to Downtown for
entertainment and great specials in our
Downtown shops and restaurants.

Downtown Trick or Treat
One of our community’s favorite Santa Cruz traditions is Downtown Trick or Treat. Once again, the Downtown Association will partner with our business members and the Santa Cruz Police Department to invite the community downtown for a fun, safe trick-or-treating good time.

20.35 DTSC Business Improvement District August 2023
Methodology Summary Report Page 5 of 12
Downtown Wine Walks
These Popular events are a great opportunity to showcase the local Appalachia and introduce wine lovers to new retail spots Downtown and bring them back to visit their favorites. Presented twice a year, in November and in May, the Wine Walk is a great opportunity to bring visitors from around the Bay Area to spend a great afternoon in Downtown Santa Cruz.

Santa on Pacific Avenue
Those who have visited Santa on Pacific Avenue for a
photo op know that the experience is not matched
anywhere. These relaxed visits with our very special
ambassador to the North Pole have reached a level of
legend among local kids, parents and grandparents.

Partner Events
In addition to producing events in-house, the Downtown
Association co-sponsors and supports the production of a number of events throughout the year that promote the brand of Downtown Santa Cruz. Included in these events are Downtown Fridays, Earth Day, First Friday Santa Cruz, Dance Week Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Pride Parade & Festival, and more.

Beautification
With additional funding, the first priority for the DTSC would be to create a power washing purse, so Downtown Ambassadors could direct private contractors to clean public sidewalks and benches on an on-demand basis, in between regularly scheduled city crew cleanings, as needed.

Several landscaping improvement opportunities have also been identified that would increase the appeal of the Pacific Avenue corridor.

Business Support & Advocacy
The Downtown Association maintains current knowledge of organizations and agencies that support doing business Downtown and connects downtown businesses to resources. Downtown Association staff also serve as informed representatives of the downtown business community, on relevant issues, to the City Council, city management and other organizations interested in contributing to the business climate or community events in Downtown Santa Cruz. The Downtown Association’s ability to effectively represent the business interests downtown is dependent upon strong relationships, primarily with our business members, and ultimately with the many communities who use Downtown.

20.36 DTSC Business Improvement District August 2023
Methodology Summary Report Page 6 of 12
Downtown Business News
The Downtown Association’s weekly e-newsletter to business members provides businesses owners and managers with up-to-date information on upcoming Downtown events and promotional opportunities, relevant and accessible small business resources, local public initiatives and legislative issues affecting Downtown, and reasons to celebrate in our community.

Membership Events
One of the greatest assets of Downtown is the business community leaders, who bring their passions and talents downtown and open their doors to the public, defining the common experiences of Downtown Santa Cruz. The Downtown Association recognizes this asset, and fosters the connection of its members, and their ability to support each other, by hosting grand opening ribbon cuttings and networking events designed to bring members together and enhance the sense of community, as well as informational meetings that educate and engage the community on current events and issues.

Workshops
The Downtown Association hosts workshops and partners with other business service agencies to provide information, tools and knowledge that will help our members succeed.

Other Special Initiatives
Cognizant of important changes on the horizon, the DTSC will have an ongoing voice in defining the character of downtown as numerous large, mixed-use retail and residential developments begin construction. The Downtown Association will also continue to support permanent familyfriendly attractions and privately managed public spaces, which are widely desired by downtown’s business patrons. Constructing a Toddler Park on Pacific Avenue is one important, ongoing Board initiative.

20.37 DTSC Business Improvement District August 2023
Methodology Summary Report Page 7 of 12
SECTION C: DISTRICT BOUNDARY
Existing Boundary
The current District boundary includes all parcels with street frontage on Pacific Avenue between River Street and Laurel Street and all side streets off of Pacific Avenue between Front Street and Center Street including, Soquel Avenue, Locust, Cooper, Church, Walnut, Lincoln, Cathcart, Elm and Maple Streets; Plaza, Locust, Commerce, Elm and Birch Lanes; Pearl Alley; Lincoln-Cathcart and Pacific-Front alley ways.

See the District boundary map on the following page.

Service Zones
The District is allocated into two service zones based on the address of the building as indicated in the following table.

Street Address Zone
Bulkhead St 100-199 2
Cathcart St 100-299 1
Cedar St 300-399 2
Cedar St 400-1199 1
Center St 300-1099 2
Church St 100-100 1
Church St 200-299 2
Commerce Ln 1300-1399 1
Cooper St 100-199 1
Elm St 100-199 1
Elm St 200-299 2
Front St 300-407 2
Front St 408-530 (Even Only) 2
Front St 409-529 (Odd Only) 1
Front St 531-899 1
Knight St 100-199 2
Laurel St 100-399 2
Lincoln St 100-199 1
Lincoln St 200-304 2
Locust St 100-199 1
Locust St 200-299 2
Maple St 200-299 (All) 2
Maple St 100-198 (Even Only) 1
Maple St 101-199 (Odd Only) 2
Mission St 100-120 2
North Pacific Av 2000-2099 2
Pacific Av 715-904 (Excluding 901,
903)
2 Pacific Av 901-1599 (excluding 902,
904)
1 20.38
DTSC Business Improvement District August 2023
Methodology Summary Report Page 8 of 12
Street Address Zone
Palomar Ar 1-99 1
Pearl Al 100-199 2
River St 10-75 1
River St 76-199 1
River St South 100-199 1
Soquel Av 100-199 1
Union St 100-199 2
Walnut Av 100-125 1
Walnut Av 132-199 2
Water St 100-149 2

20.39 DTSC Business Improvement District August 2023
Methodology Summary Report Page 9 of 12

20.40 DTSC Business Improvement District August 2023
Methodology Summary Report Page 10 of 12

20.41 DTSC Business Improvement District August 2023
Methodology Summary Report Page 11 of 12
SECTION D: PROPOSED BUDGET
The following table outlines the DTA budget for 2024.

FY 2023/24 FY 24/25
EXPENDITURES 1/2 YEAR FULL YEAR
Ambassador Program - Block by Block $190,000 $380,000
Marketing and Special Events $140,000 $280,000
Beautification $12,500 $25,000
Advocacy and Business Support $48,500 $97,000
Administration $35,000 $70,000
Total Expenditures $426,000 $852,000

REVENUES
DMC Contribution - Ambassador Services $168,500 $337,000 Events and Sponsorships $20,000 $40,000
Advertising & Other $27,500 $55,000
Assessment Revenues $210,000 $420,000
Total Revenues $426,000 $852,000
Budget Adjustment
Every year the budget and assessments are subject to an annual increase equal to the Consumer Price Index for the San Francisco area year over year.

20.42 DTSC Business Improvement District August 2023
Methodology Summary Report Page 12 of 12
SECTION E: ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
Methodology
Each business’s assessment is based upon three factors: building square footage, business type, and benefit zone. There are four business types and their respective percentages, as outlined below.

Business Type
Type 1: 100% Retail, Food, Lodging
Type 2: 75% Financial, Bars
Type 3: 60% Wholesale, Trade, Services, Professions, Auto Dealers Type 4: 40% Non-Profit, Theaters (capped at 10,000 SF)
As mentioned above there are two benefit zones based on the business address. The two zones are allocated as follows:

Benefit Zone Allocation
Zone 1 100%
Zone 2 60%
Assessment Calculation
Using the information from above and the building square footage, each business’s assessment is calculated using the following methodology.

20.43 Downtown Association:

Parking and Business
Improvement Area
Assessments for FY 2024
September 12, 2023

20.44 Assessment Approval Process
45 Day Public Notice
Public Notice and Official
Ballots mailed to all existing
BIA business owners
Resolution of
Intention to Levy
Assessment
First Council action to
approve updated DTA work
plan and adopt resolution of
intention to levy assessment
Notice of Public
Hearing
Public Notice published and
mailed to all business
owners notifying of public
hearing
Public Hearing
Adopting Resolution
Levying Assessment
Public Hearing to tabulate
ballots and if there is not a
majority of business owners
opposed, adopt the
resolution levying the
assessment
August 11, 2023 September 12, 2023 September 26, 2023

20.45 Downtown Association of Santa Cruz
Who DTA Serves: Over 500 Downtown Businesses
Board of Directors: Volunteer leaders elected by the
businesses in the Downtown Santa Cruz district
Staff:
● Executive Director, Jorian Wilkins
● Operations Director, Sonja Brunner
● Brand Director, Shiri Gradek
● 5 Ambassadors and 1 Membership Champion
Key Programs:
● Clean, Safe & Welcome Services = Ambassadors
● District Marketing
● Business Support & Advocacy

20.46 Increased Assessment Rates for current and expanded district properties
Proposed Changes to the Assessment
Expanded District Boundaries to include properties with frontage on Front and Cedar Streets
The formula for calculating BIA fees is:

Business Area Square Footage (SF) x Rate x Type % x Zone % + Parcel Fee No change is proposed to existing zones. The proposed increased rates and changes to type discounts are:

Rate: $0.47 → $0.54 per square foot
Parcel Fee: $50 → $100 annually
Type %:

20.47 Approve, or modify and approve, the updated plan prepared by the 1 Downtown Association for FY 2024.

Adopt the Resolution of Intention to levy a Downtown Parking and Business Improvement Assessment for FY 2024 and schedule a public hearing for September 26, 2023 on the levy of the assessments for FY 2024.
2 Adopt the first reading of an ordinance of the City of Santa Cruz confirming that Chapter

5.05 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code shall continue to apply to the Parking and Business Improvement and setting forth a new method and basis for levying assessments thereby resulting in an increased Assessment.
3 Recommendation

20.48 Questions?

20.49 City Council

AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 05/31/2023
AGENDA OF: 06/27/2023
DEPARTMENT: City Council
SUBJECT: Water Street Bridge Historical Marker (CN)
RECOMMENDATION: Receive an update from the Water Street Bridge Ad Hoc Committee, approve the plaque language, location, and installation of the historical marker, and provide feedback as needed.

BACKGROUND: On May 14, 2019, a motion was made by the City Council to request a recommendation from the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) for the placement of a historical plaque on Water Street Bridge, commemorating where two men, José Chamales and Francisco Arias, were lynched in 1877.

HPC had two meetings prior to the August 27, 2019 City Council meeting. It was decided to accept the Commission’s recommendation and have the Mayor appoint an ad hoc committee with demonstrated historical expertise in the field to develop an interpretive plaque or panel, acknowledging the incident in the context of early California history of discrimination in Santa Cruz.

On September 27, 2022, several community members spoke at the City Council meeting during Oral Communications, expressing their support of installing a community historical marker on the Water Street Bridge. As a result, the Water Street Bridge Ad Hoc Committee (Committee) was formed in November and included former Mayor Sonja Brunner; Councilmember Martine Watkins; Historical Preservation Commissioner Don Lauritson; City staff Emeline Nguyen and Ryan Bane; local historians Geoffrey Dunn, Martin Rizzo-Martinez, Pedro Castillo, Sandino Gomez; artists John Jota Leaños, Irene Juarez; and University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC) student Ray Diaz.

DISCUSSION: The Committee had nine meetings, one HPC meeting, two site visits, two community meetings (virtual and in person), and one Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) meeting. In the Committee meetings, there were discussions around the work plan, historical timeline, artwork samples, and engagement.

The draft language and plaque were presented and approved by HPC on May 17, 2023 with the recommendation to:

1. Find alternative terms for racial terrorism (alternate wording – vigilante justice) and deconstruct (alternate wording – eliminate);

2. Have the bronze plaque mounted on a boulder; and

21.1 3. Have the members visit the River/Water St. intersection and near the Santa Cruz County Courthouse to gauge foot traffic.

City staff confirmed that the two identified areas are in Parks jurisdiction, therefore, the location would have to be approved by the PRC. The River/Water St. was the Committee’s primary choice for installation, considering the foot traffic and landscape. The secondary option, an area near the Santa Cruz County Courthouse, is currently being considered within the San Lorenzo Park (SLP) Redesign Plan and identified as one of the primary park entrances.

The item was brought to the PRC on August 14, 2023 for the approval of the River/Water St. location. Although this location was denied, PCC recommended the following:

1. To not only install a plaque on a boulder but dedicate a memorial as a gathering place to recognize the event that took place near the Santa Cruz County Courthouse;

2. That it would be appropriate to have it as part of the SLP Redesign Plan;

3. Approved temporary signage until a permanent design and construction takes place.

If SLP is chosen, a temporary signage could be a solution for the short term (~3 years) until the Parks and Recreation Department identifies funding to implement and construct the park with consideration that the plaque location may slightly move to work within the redesigned park entryway at Water St.

Parks Commission Recommended Location
Near the Santa Cruz County Courthouse
Historic Preservation Commission and Ad Hoc Committee Recommended Plaque

21.2 Plaque on a boulder
Ad Hoc Committee Recommended Sign Language
**
Throughout the United States, the lynching of people of color was a form of racial terrorism intended to intimidate people and enforce racial hierarchy and segregation. In California, Indigenous people and Mexicans (Californios) were frequently the targets of this type of racial violence. On May 2, 1877, less than a week after the murder of the 62-year-old Henry de Forrest, two young men of mestizo (mixed Indigenous and Mexican) heritage who had only recently been released from prison, Francisco Arias and José Chamales, were arrested. On the night of their arrest, and before they could go to trial, 150 to 300 local residents broke into the local jail, demanded possession of the two men, and proceeded to hang them from the Water Street Bridge in Santa Cruz. A large crowd, which included children, gathered by the hanging bodies along the banks of the San Lorenzo River the next morning to pose for a photographer, one of the earliest photographs of what would become an American novelty – lynching photography. The photos were sold as souvenirs, along with segments of the rope. Francisco and José were the fifteenth and sixteenth victims of lynching in Santa Cruz County and Pajaro Township between 1851 and 1877.

This information is provided in hopes of learning from the past, remembering the victims and confronting racism within our Santa Cruz community. Only when we acknowledge our downfalls as a society can we move to right our wrongs and deconstruct the racial and cultural barriers that can lead to the loss of lives. The 14th amendment to the U.S. Constitution

21.3 established that everyone has the right to due process, and no one should fall victim at the hands of a mob motivated by racist vigilante justice. For more information, visit www.cityofsantacruz.com or scan the QR code below.
**
FISCAL IMPACT: The bronze plaque can be purchased through a City vendor, estimated at up to $5,000 to be mounted on a boulder, including tax and labor costs, from City Council’s FY 2024 operating budget.

Submitted By:

Sonja Brunner
Councilmember
Submitted By:

Martine Watkins
Councilmember
ATTACHMENTS:

None.

21.4 City Council

AGENDA REPORT
DATE: 08/23/2023
AGENDA OF: 09/12/2023
DEPARTMENT: Public Works/City Manager
SUBJECT: West Cliff Infrastructure and Transportation Update (PW/CM) RECOMMENDATION: Motion to:
1) Receive updates on West Cliff related capital projects including Bethany Curve culvert, rip-rap, and infill walls; transportation efforts including the study conducted on the oneway pilot; and infrastructure next steps including impacts for West Cliff given construction projects;
2) Direct staff to restore two-way traffic, remove the one-way pilot when the infill walls are complete, and include further traffic options in the 50-year vision project; 3) Adopt a resolution to approve a city traffic calming toolkit; and 4) Adopt a resolution to amend the FY 2024 budget to appropriate $1.7 million from GasTax, $1 million from General Fund Capital Investment Program (CIP), and $1 million from state earmark to the West Cliff Stabilization Project (c401501).

BACKGROUND: West Cliff Drive, between Columbia Road and David Way, was severely damaged by large swells during the January 2023 storms, causing portions of the roadway and path to fail, along with impacts to public access points, utility infrastructure, and the surrounding neighborhood. Initial work was focused on emergency protective measures geared toward safety and access. Additionally, community interest in support of accelerated decision-making regarding management of the West Cliff area was activated.

Post-disaster, the City of Santa Cruz (City) assembled an integrated, citywide team to holistically address the damage, existing in process work, and development of adjusted next steps as West Cliff is a cherished public amenity that should be accessible to all for a variety of uses. The extended team also included consulting and engineering partners, regulatory agencies, funders, the community, and community groups. A broad update of regulatory, visioning, and roadmap processes and next steps will be presented to Council on September 26, 2023.

Project related information, related sites to link to, and community outreach information can be found at: https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/city-manager/westcliff.

22.1 The team has made considerable progress on infrastructure and transportation elements. Due to construction scheduling and funding considerations, this update is being brought to Council in advance of the broader West Cliff update.

Infrastructure and transportation work progress made since the May 23, 2023 Council meeting:
- General: Shared comprehensive update to Council on May 23, 2023 - Infrastructure:
o Infill Walls
 Council Ratified Approval to bid and award and approved design services agreement with MME Engineers for design and construction phase support on June 26. 2023.
 Subsequently no bids were received. Staff transitioned to negotiated bidding method with interested local contractors. As of August 29, 2023, one bid is “in hand”, and two more are expected.
 Received funding approval for $5,000,000 from Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
 Received $1,000,000 in state funding for West Cliff through Senator Laird’s office.
 Current objective is to complete walls at 1016, 920, and 932 West Cliff Drive by end of December, weather and conditions permitting, and balance of work in spring 2024.
o Bethany Curve Culvert
 Completed initial geotechnical investigations and obtained 30% design package. Current design approach is to reconstruct walls on exterior of existing structure, elevate roadway, replace and increase height of railings, and restore drainage features.
 Council authorized bidding for bid for Bethany Curve culvert project at August 22, 2023 meeting as well as award of a professional service agreement to MME Engineers for design services. Design refinements continue, and bidding will commence in fall 2023, and upon receipt of funding award from FHWA.
 Current objective is complete repairs and reopen the Westcliff drive in summer 2024
o Shoreline Protection (rip-rap) at Various Sites:
 Scoping design service agreement
 Fulfilling ongoing data requests to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
 Estimated completion in summer 2024
- Transportation:
o Completed data collections and analysis of pre and post-storm travel patterns in the study area as part of the one-way pilot
o Implemented traffic calming on Alta, Delaware, Pelton, and Woodrow in consultation with neighbors
o Created a city traffic calming toolkit (Toolkit), with unanimous recommended approval to Council from the Transportation and Public Works Committee (August 21st TPWC meeting)
Outreach – “Community Conversations” since May 23, 2023:
- Neighborhood / “garage” meetings:
o June 1, 2023 pop-up engagement on West Cliff Drive

22.2 o June 13, 2023 pop-up engagement at the Wharf Summer Concert series o June 15, 2023 pop-up engagement on West Cliff Drive
o July 11, 2023 Pelton and Clark Neighbors meeting
o July 19, 2023 Delaware and Almar Neighbors meeting
DISCUSSION: The January 2023 storms caused substantial damage on West Cliff Drive. The integrated citywide team has been working diligently to advance urgent repairs to West Cliff Drive as well as develop a longer term vision.

Due to the urgent need to start repairs on West Cliff Drive in advance of the coming winter, this item for infrastructure and transportation is coming to Council in advance of the broader policy, regulatory, and visioning item for September 26, 2023.

Advancing the infrastructure projects on West Cliff Drive before this winter is critical. At this time, every working day is important to the ability to deliver the planned infill walls before the end of the year. Hand in hand, the construction needs of the project will require an adjustment to the current pilot and temporary traffic controls in the adjacent neighborhood.

Infrastructure
The general engineering team has been actively working with the design consultant on refining the construction plans for the planned infill walls at 928, 932, 1016, and 1030 West Cliff Drive.

Coastline protection is the primary objective before winter. Full roadway restoration, including paving, is to follow. Original construction plans that were approved by Council and bid in July were roughly at 30% level to try and expedite the construction. Unfortunately, no bids were received from contractors due to the level of design and constrained (urgent) schedule. With approval from the grant funding source, FHWA, staff proceeded with direct negotiations with contractors on the four infill walls.

Granite Construction (Granite) submitted a proposal for $8.7 million which is higher than the current FHWA approved amount of $5 million. Staff proceeded to select Granite as the contractor to construct the infill walls based on the high level of engagement on construction details that increased confidence that they will be able to construct the key protection components by the end of this year (weather dependent). In addition, staff has submitted revised Damage Assessment Forms and the Granite proposal to FHWA to request additional funding to cover the gap. Based on ongoing communications with Caltrans staff who administer the FHWA Emergency Opening program, it’s likely that FHWA will approve the revised funding amount.

Work that occurs on or before September 23, 2023 is eligible for 100% reimbursement. Work that occurs after that date will be reimbursed at 88.53%.

The City team has been actively engaged with California Coastal Commission (CCC) staff throughout the entire design and procurement process. CCC staff have given verbal approval to proceed with the infill walls. City staff will follow up with a consolidated Emergency Coastal Design Permit (ECDP).

Granite Construction is anticipated to mobilize the week of September 11, or sooner, and begin construction shortly thereafter. Based on current risk exposure, wall locations will be prioritized in the following order: 1016, 932, 928, and 1030 West Cliff Drive. In order to construct as much as possible before winter, Granite plans to work 6-days a week with 10-hour shifts. Additional

22.3 road closures and temporary traffic controls are anticipated for project staging and construction.

The City will work with Granite to expedite restoration of the roadway as infill walls are completed in order to reduce impacts in the neighborhood and restore West Cliff Drive between Columbia Street and Woodrow Avenue to pre-storm conditions. Access to properties adjacent to the work will be provided on a limited basis during work hours and the general public will experience detours off West Cliff Drive. Work that cannot be completed due to weather conditions will be completed in the spring-summer of next year.

Bethany Curve culvert project is at 30% level of design. Staff continues to work with the design consultant to refine the construction plans. Council authorized bidding; however, FHWA has yet to approve funding for this project. Bidding is anticipated to occur in the next 4-6 weeks as staff waits for funding approval. Currently, the project is estimated at $10 million. Construction is anticipated to start in spring 2024 and be complete by summer 2024. Staff will return to Council with an item to award the project and authorize execution of a construction agreement as well as provide an update of the status of the FHWA funding.

Areas that saw rip-rap displacement that are not covered by the four infill walls and Bethany Curve culvert fall under the Shoreline Protection (Rip-rap) project. This is anticipated to be funded by FEMA and estimated at $1.5 million. Staff is currently scoping the design services agreement. Construction is anticipated to occur in summer 2024.

Transportation
At the February 28, 2023 City Council meeting, staff was directed to pursue a one-way pilot project on West Cliff Drive between Columbia Road and David Way, collect data on the roadway and surrounding neighborhood, and develop a neighborhood traffic calming toolkit. To achieve this, the transportation team completed data collection and analysis from pre- and poststorm travel patterns in the study area. The base year selected for pre-storm data was 2019, reflecting the “normal” travel patterns prior to the global COVID-19 pandemic. These were compared to data collected in 2023.

In general, transportation volumes overall decreased in the study area between 2019 and present.

As the result of the roadway failures and the Bethany Curve culvert full closure, specific streets experienced higher volumes. These streets with increased volumes include eastbound Pelton Avenue, northbound Woodrow Avenue, bi-directionally on Oxford Way, bi-directionally Clark Avenue, and northbound Almar Avenue.

Staff focused the neighborhood outreach and traffic calming efforts in these areas. To manage the volumes, cul-de-sacs were installed on Oxford Way and Alta Avenue, and intersection improvements and striping changes were implemented on Woodrow Avenue at Pelton Avenue, Delaware Avenue at Almar Avenue. With input from the neighbors improvements for the Delaware corridor between Seaside and Almar were also developed and are anticipated to be installed in September. While the infill walls and return to two-way traffic will address the changed volumes on Pelton, the remaining impacted streets will continue to experience a higher volume of traffic until the Bethany Curve culvert reopens.

It is often assumed that traffic volumes remain constant during significant changes, like a conversion to one-way traffic, however that was not observed during the pilot. The conversion to

22.4 one-way westbound (towards Natural Bridges) resulted in an overall decrease of eastbound (towards the Wharf) traffic along the West Cliff outside the closure area. People’s transportation choices depend in-part on the network available to them, so when that changes, their choices will as well. That means people faced with a new network will choose to drive on another road, switch modes of travel (e.g. from driving to walking), change when they take their trip, or not take the trip at all. It’s difficult to fully quantify the change with only roadway counts, but we observed approximately 1,020 fewer daily westbound vehicles at the Lighthouse, a 35% reduction with the one-way pilot than what would be expected with a two-way roadway open.

The way people choose to travel through the West Cliff neighborhood can have their choices influenced by the transportation network provided.

Overall, the largest impacts from the one-way pilot were felt from the concentrated study area (Columbia Avenue to Woodrow Avenue) and the hard closure of Bethany Curve culvert. A larger study area would likely have diluted the traffic volumes over a larger area, lessening the concentrated impact on any one street. Additionally, the hard closure on Bethany Curve culvert forced all traffic to divert in to surrounding neighborhoods rather than enabling a continuous one-way flow. Until the culvert can be reopened, the impacts in the area surrounding the Bethany Curve culvert will continue to be felt even with a return to two-way traffic.

The shared-use-path within the pilot area saw 1,700 people in a typical weekday and 2,360 people on the weekend. With the pilot in place, people primarily walked on the multiuse path and people primarily biked on the roadway, except where there were pinch points around the cliff failures. People appreciated this separation as noted below in the public engagement.

The experience can also be measured with the “Shared-Use Path Level of Service” calculator developed by FHWA. The existing 10-foot-wide shared used path is a Level-of-Service E or F depending where and when volumes were collected. That score is consistent with the persistent complaints of vehicle-bike conflicts. To reduce those conflicts and improve the path to a levelof-service B, the trail width would have to be increased to at least 18 feet wide. The cheapest and quickest way to achieve that improvement is to convert the existing pathway to a sidewalk and reallocate an auto lane to a separated bikeway as was completed during the pilot.

Staff has completed extensive outreach to inform our work and next steps. This took two tracks:
direct neighbor engagement and general public engagement. For direct neighbor engagement, the Public Works Transportation team attended and facilitated numerous backyard and garage meetings with small neighborhood groups to discuss specific impacts and develop solutions that could be implemented quickly. The topics at these meetings generally focused on street specific traffic calming and consensus building.

To supplement the traffic data and direct neighbor meetings, staff also conducted general public outreach on West Cliff Drive and on the Wharf to ask users how they felt about the pilot and what their vision was for the transportation future on West Cliff. People were asked to choose a theoretical cross section, ranging from existing conditions before the storm to a full closure of the roadway and complete dedication to biking and walking. Overwhelmingly the preferred options gave-up either parking or auto lanes to improve the recreational experience. Of the 123 responses, only 11 people preferred the existing conditions (two-way traffic, parking, and a

22.5 shared-use path) compared to 88 people that preferred reallocating at least on travel lane to walking or biking. In practice, this is only achievable with a conversion of an auto lane to a cycle lane. In speaking to people walking and biking on West Cliff, the biggest feedback was that people love spending time on West Cliff Drive and would like to have cyclists and pedestrians separate from each other and from cars, and that this was worth the elimination of a lane of traffic. Currently, the focus is to restore the existing conditions above the infill walls however, reducing an auto lane to prioritize biking and walking should be investigated further in the 50-year visioning process.

Staff also utilized a “thumbs up/thumbs down” board to engage with drivers about their experience using the one-way pilot, the group expected to be most impacted by the reduction of a travel lane. Of the 136 vehicles staff engaged with, 36% liked the pilot, 25% disliked it, and 39% did not respond. The outreach in the pilot area showed it was overall favored by those surveyed.

To ensure the full community is involved, not just those who use West Cliff when we were surveying, additional outreach and polling should be conducted as part of the 50-year visioning process.

As part of the West Cliff 50-year Vision, the team will continue investigation about how our community values the allocation of space on West Cliff. Future transportation options should continue to evaluate all possible transportation scenarios.

The Traffic Calming Toolkit (Toolkit - attached) establishes a set of tools that can be used to implement a citywide traffic calming program. As part of this, the toolkit includes a rating form to evaluate traffic calming requests. The Transportation and Public Works Commission reviewed the Toolkit at their August 21, 2023 meeting and unanimously recommended Council approval.

In accordance with SCMC 10.16.010, this toolkit is recommended to be approved by resolution.

Funding
The Infill walls project will require additional city funding to complete. Currently, staff is waiting to hear from FHWA on approval of additional funds above the original approved amount. While staff anticipates approval from FHWA for additional funds, a budget adjustment of $1.7 million Gas-Tax, $1 million from General Fund CIP, and $1 million of state-earmark is currently needed to fully fund the infill walls project.

Conclusion
The Public Works and citywide team has been working diligently to advance the infrastructure projects in order to continue to protect West Cliff Drive in advance of the coming winter.

Continuing to move swiftly is imperative.

During the period of construction, Public Works engineering and transportation teams will continue to update the community and respond to emerging needs.

FISCAL IMPACT: Temporary traffic controls and contract for data collection, synthesis, and Traffic Calming Toolkit to date related to the one-way pilot were approximately $200,000 and were covered by the West Cliff Resiliency and Accessibility project which includes $700,000 General Fund stabilization reserve.

22.6 Infill walls project is funded by the West Cliff Drive Stabilization project. While staff anticipates approval from FHWA for additional funds, a budget adjustment of $1.7 million Gas-Tax, $1 million from General Fund CIP, and $1 million of state-earmark is currently needed to fully fund the infill walls project.

Prepared By:

Matt Starkey
Transportation Manager
Laura Schmidt
Assistant City Manager
Submitted By:

Nathan Nguyen, P.E.

Director of Public Works
Laura Schmidt
Assistant City Manager
Approved By:

Matt Huffaker
City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:

1. RESOLUTION

2. EXHIBIT A – TRAFFIC CALMING TOOLKIT

3. BUDGET ADJUSTMENT

4. WEST CLIFF TRANSPORTATION ASSESSMENT MEMO

22.7 RESOLUTION NO. NS-XX,XXX

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ ADOPTING

THE NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CALMING TOOLKIT
WHEREAS, the January 2023 storms severely damaged sections of West Cliff Drive between Columbia Road and David Way, causing large portions of the roadway and path to fail; and
WHEREAS, the January 2023 storm roadway failures led to the implementation of temporary traffic control measures to address emergency protection on West Cliff Drive; and WHEREAS, as the result of the January 2023 storms and neighborhood impacts related to detoured traffic, on February 28, 2023, Council directed staff to institute neighborhood traffic calming projects and to develop a citywide Neighborhood Traffic Calming Plan; and WHEREAS, on August 21, 2023 the Transportation and Public Works Commission reviewed the draft Neighborhood Traffic Calming Toolkit and unanimously approved the plan.

WHEREAS, on June 14, 2022, City Council included funding for a Pilot Traffic Calming Program in the FY2023 Capital Investment Program.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Cruz as follows:
 That the Council adopt the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Toolkit (Exhibit A).  That the Transportation Manager is authorized to establish a citywide traffic calming call for projects and implement neighborhood traffic calming in accordance with the elements included in the toolkit and Santa Cruz Municipal Code section 10.16.010.
 The Transportation and Public Works Commission may adopt revisions to the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Toolkit.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 12th day of September, 2023 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

DISQUALIFIED:

22.8 RESOLUTION NO. NS-XX,XXX
2 APPROVED: ______________________________
Fred Keeley, Mayor
ATTEST: _________________________________
Bonnie Bush, City Clerk Administrator

22.9 September 6, 2023
City of Santa Cruz
Neighborhood Traffic
Calming Toolkit

22.10 Managing safe and efficient streets is an ongoing concern within many communities. Traffic calming measures provide tools for agencies to implement physical measures that allow agencies to manage vehicle traffic on neighborhood streets. Traffic calming plans includes measures which plays crucial role in creating safer, more livable, and sustainable communities. By implementing appropriate traffic calming measures, the City can create more people-friendly spaces that prioritize the needs and safety of all road users. The aim is to create a safer and more pleasant environment for everyone in the community. The following toolkit will enable the city to be able to execute an appropriate “Neighborhood Traffic Calming Plan”.

The traffic calming toolkit includes eight physical traffic calming measures and is a resources that provides:
• A description of the identified traffic calming measures • Summary of key advantages and disadvantages
• Approximate construction cost
• Summary of relative effectiveness related to addressing speed, volume, and safety concerns As the state of the practice for traffic calming evolves, and institutions such as National Association of Transportation Officials (NACTO) and Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE) update design considerations and introduce new traffic calming measures; these should also be considered.

This neighborhood traffic calming plan, currently does not include potential threshold for implementation. We also recommend that the City consider a prioritization process for implementation of traffic calming measures.

Introduction

22.11 Traffic Circles
Traffic circles are raised islands, placed in intersections, around which traffic circulates. Stop signs or yield signs can be used as traffic controls at the approaches of the traffic circle. Circles prevent drivers from speeding through intersections by impeding the straight-through movement and forcing drivers to slow down to yield. Depending upon the size of the intersection and circle, trucks may be permitted to turn left in front of the circle, and the agency can use mountable curbs if turn radii are a concern for emergency vehicles and/or trucks.

Approximate Cost: $10,000 - $25,000
Measured Impacts
Speed Impacts Reduction in 85th
Percentile Speeds between
Slow Points
Medium
Volume Impacts Reduction in Vehicles per
Day
Low
Safety Impacts Reduction in Average
Annual Number of
Collisions
High
Notes:

Low: less than 10% change; Medium: 10% to 30% change, High: greater than 30% change Data Source: Traffic Calming: State of the Practice, 2000.

DISADVANTAGES
• If not designed properly,
difficult for emergency
vehicles or large trucks to
travel around
• Must be designed so
that the circulating traffic
does not encroach on
crosswalks
• Potential loss of on-street
parking

ADVANTAGES
• Very effective in
moderating speeds and
improving safety
• Can have positive
aesthetic value
Photo Source: U.S. Traffic Calming Manual By Reid Ewing and Steven J. Brown
Photo Source: https://www.restreets.org/case-studies/trafficcircles Photo Source: https://nacto.org/ Photo Source: https://pgadesign.com/projects/oakland-slowstreets/

22.12 Speed Humps
Speed humps are rounded raised areas placed across the road, but unlike speed lumps, they do not have cut-outs for large vehicles and bicycles. They are typically 3-3.5 inches high, typically parabolic in shape, and have a design speed of 15 to 20 MPH. A series of speed humps are often needed to retain slower speeds over a longer distance.

Speed humps are typically not used on transit routes due to their effect on transit operations and passenger comfort.

Approximate Cost: $3,000 - $5,000

DISADVANTAGES
• Considerations for
emergency vehicles
and buses
• Maintenance can be
challenging
• Increased noise
• More difficult for
bicyclists to cross

ADVANTAGES
Effective in reducing
speeds
Measured Impacts
Speed Impacts Reduction in 85th Percentile
Speeds between Slow Points
Medium
Volume Impacts Reduction in Vehicles per Day N/A
Safety Impacts Reduction in Average Annual
Number of Collisions
Medium
Notes:

Low: less than 10% change; Medium: 10% to 30% change, High: greater than 30% change Data Source: Traffic Calming: State of the Practice, 2000.

Photo Source: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/traffic/speedhump/ Photo Source: https://www.fresno.gov/publicworks/trafficengineering/ Photo Source: U.S. DOT -MUTCD

22.13 DISADVANTAGES
• Potentially limited to
one-way streets
• Less durable than
raised concrete islands
Slow Turn Wedges
Slow turn wedges use markings and flexible plastic posts to buffer pedestrians from traffic and shrink the area where they could get hit by a car.

Approximate Cost: $1,000 - $3,000

ADVANTAGES
• Effective in reducing
speeds and conflicts
with
pedestrians/bicyclists
• Discourages drivers
from cutting corners and
encourages following
the proper path when
making left turns
• Low cost
Measured Impacts
Speed Impacts Reduction in 85th Percentile
Speeds between Slow Points
Medium
Volume Impacts Reduction in Vehicles per Day N/A
Safety Impacts Reduction in Average Annual
Number of Collisions
N/A
Notes:

Low: less than 10% change; Medium: 10% to 30% change, High: greater than 30% change Data Source: Evaluation Report Left turn calming pilot project City of Portland 2020 Photo Source: https://www.barcoproducts.com/safe-right-turn-wedge-kit Photo Source: Left Turn Traffic Calming
mwcog.org

22.14 DISADVANTAGES
• Effectiveness is limited
by the absence of
deflection
• May slow right-turning
emergency vehicles
• Potential loss of onstreet parking
Bulb-Out/Curb Extension
Bulb-outs and curb extensions extend the sidewalk into the parking lane to narrow the roadway at intersections. Their effectiveness in calming traffic is limited by the absence of vertical or horizontal deflection, but they can still be beneficial. Bulbouts can make intersections more pedestrian friendly by shortening the crossing distance and decreasing the curb radii, thus reducing turning vehicle speeds. Both of these effects increase pedestrian comfort and safety at the intersection
Approximate Cost: $20,000 - $100,000

ADVANTAGES
• Reduces pedestrian
crossing distance and
exposure to vehicles
• Through and left-turn
movements are easily
negotiable by large
vehicles
• Creates protected onstreet parking bays
• Reduces speeds
(especially rightturning
vehicles)
Measured Impacts
Speed Impacts Reduction in 85th Percentile
Speeds between Slow Points
Medium
Volume Impacts Reduction in Vehicles per Day N/A
Safety Impacts Reduction in Average Annual
Number of Collisions
N/A
Notes:

22.15 DISADVANTAGES
• Effect on vehicle speeds
is limited by the absence
of vertical or horizontal
deflection
• May require bicyclists to
briefly merge with
vehicular traffic
• Loss of on-street
parking
• Build-up of debris in
gutter
Two Lane Pinchpoints
Pinchpoints are curb extensions at midblock that narrow a street.

Pinchpoints leave the street cross section with two lanes that are narrower than the normal cross section. Their effectiveness in calming traffic is limited by the absence of vertical or horizontal deflection, but they can still be beneficial.

Approximate Cost: $20,000 - $60,000 depending on the amount of drainage and grading work. Can be constructed without blocking existing gutter

ADVANTAGES
• Easily negotiable by
emergency vehicles and
buses
• Can have positive
aesthetic value
• Reduces speeds
Measured Impacts
Speed Impacts Reduction in 85th Percentile
Speeds between Slow Points
Low
Volume Impacts Reduction in Vehicles per Day Medium
Safety Impacts Reduction in Average Annual
Number of Collisions
N/A
Notes:

Low: less than 10% change; Medium: 10% to 30% change, High: greater than 30% change Data Source: Evaluation Report Left turn calming pilot project City of Portland 2020 Photo Source:
http://www.stocktonca.gov/government/departments/publicWorks/t CalmChoiceFull.html
Photo Source: https://nacto.org/ Photo Source: https://nacto.org/

22.16 DISADVANTAGES
• Effect on vehicle speeds
is limited by the absence
of vertical or horizontal
deflection
• Can increase potential
for fixed object collisions
• Potential loss of onstreet parking
Medians
Medians are raised islands placed in the middle of the roadway around which traffic circulates. Medians without horizontal deflection do not extend into the travel lane, maintaining a straight-line path for drivers.

They can act as pedestrian refuges, increasing pedestrian safety, and provide aesthetic benefits. Medians with horizontal deflection extend into the travel lane to eliminate the straight-line path and force drivers to slow down to navigate the curve.

Approximate Cost: $10,000 - $25,000

ADVANTAGES
• Where pedestrian
crossing activity is
expected, can provide twostage crossing
opportunities
• Can have positive
aesthetic value
• Reduces speeds
Measured Impacts
Speed Impacts Reduction in 85th Percentile
Speeds between Slow Points
Medium
Volume Impacts Reduction in Vehicles per Day N/A
Safety Impacts Reduction in Average Annual
Number of Collisions
N/A
Notes:

Low: less than 10% change; Medium: 10% to 30% change, High: greater than 30% change Data Source: Evaluation Report Left turn calming pilot project City of Portland 2020 Photo Source: https://nacto.org/
Median without horizontal deflection
Median with horizontal deflection
Median without horizontal deflection

22.17 DISADVANTAGES
• Causes circuitous
routes for residents
• May limit access to
businesses
• Drivers can bypass the
barrier
• Diverts traffic to
another street
Half Closure
Half closures (or partial street closures) are barriers that block travel in one direction for a short distance on otherwise two-way streets. Partial closures are often used in sets to make travel through neighborhoods with “gridded” streets circuitous rather than direct..

Approximate Cost: t: $10,000 - $200,000 depending on the materials used

ADVANTAGES
• Able to maintain twoway bicycle access
• Effective in reducing
traffic volumes
Measured Impacts
Speed Impacts Reduction in 85th Percentile
Speeds between Slow Points
Medium
Volume Impacts Reduction in Vehicles per Day High
Safety Impacts Reduction in Average Annual
Number of Collisions
N/A
Notes:

Low: less than 10% change; Medium: 10% to 30% change, High: greater than 30% change Data Source: Evaluation Report Left turn calming pilot project City of Portland 2020 Photo Source: U.S. Traffic Calming Manual By Reid Ewing and Steven J. Brown
Photo Source: https://nacto.org/
Photo Source: http://www.pedbikesafe.org/
Photo Sourcehttps://gettingaroundsac.blog/tag/stop-signs/

22.18 DISADVANTAGES
• Causes circuitous routes
for residents
• Diverts traffic to
another street
Full Closure/ Cul - de Sacs
Full street closures are barriers placed across a street to close the street completely to through traffic, usually leaving only sidewalks or bicycle paths open. The barriers may consist of landscaped islands, walls, gates, side-by-side bollards, or any other obstructions that leave an opening smaller than the width of a passenger car.

Emergency vehicles are accommodated via removable bollards or similar devices.

Approximate Cost: $10,000 - $300,000 depending on the
materials used.

ADVANTAGES
•Very effective in
reducing cut-through
traffic volumes
• Able to maintain
pedestrian and bicycle
connectivity
• Can be designed to
maintain access for
emergency vehicles
Measured Impacts
Speed Impacts Reduction in 85th Percentile
Speeds between Slow Points
N/A
Volume Impacts Reduction in Vehicles per Day High
Safety Impacts Reduction in Average Annual
Number of Collisions
N/A
Notes:

Low: less than 10% change; Medium: 10% to 30% change, High: greater than 30% change Data Source: Evaluation Report Left turn calming pilot project City of Portland 2020 Photo Source: https://nacto.org/
Photo Source: Santana Row, Santa Clara- Google Maps Photo Source: https://downtownventura.org/moves/ Photo Sourcehttps://www.metrosiliconvalley.com/endless-summer-winestroll-at-santana-row/

22.19 City of Santa Cruz Traffic Calming Toolkit: Ranking and Eligibility Issue Point Definitions Points
Travel Speeds 85th percentile speed for streets with pedestrian generators (ie schools, parks, senior and community centers, libraries, etc):
+1mph over adopted speed 1
+3mph over adopted speed 5
+5mph over adopted speed 10
85th percentile speed for streets without pedestrian generators:
+3mph over adopted speed 1
+5mph over adopted speed 5
+7mph over adopted speed 10
Traffic Volumes Fewer than 500 vehicles per day 0
500-1,500 vehicles per day 1
1,501-3,000 vehicles per day 3
Greater than 3,000 vehicles per day 5
Reported Collisions in prior 5-year
period
Pedestrian or Bicyclist 5 per collision
Automobile 1 per collision
Sidewalk Network Complete 0
Incomplete 3
Inclusion in Planning Document Active Transportation Plan Local Roadway Safety Plan
Other Council approved document.
3 Note: achieving any score does not mandate that measures will be initiated

22.20 Traffic Calming Feature Eligibility
Local Road Collector Arterial
Traffic Circles or Roundabouts Y Y Y
Speed Humps, Speed Cushions, or similar Y Y* N
Turn Wedges or Turn Hardening Y Y Y
Pinchpoint Y Y* Y*
Roadway Closures
(Single or Both Directions)
Y*1 N N
Daylighting, Curb Extensions, Bulbouts Y Y Y
Median Y Y Y
NACTO and ITE Adopted Features Transportation Manager Approval Notes: In every case, engineering discretion is reserved. *These treatments require additional consideration and review, including Engineering discretion, consultation with emergency response and transit
1 Full or single direction closures require a larger network analysis of neighborhood impacts

22.21 City of Santa Cruz

BUDGET ADJUSTMENT REQUEST
$GPLQLVWUDWLYH$SSURYDO
)LVFDO<HDU

ACCOUNT 352-(&71$0(
LIDSSOLFDEOH
255(9(18($&&28177,7/(
ACCOUNT 352-(&71$0(
LIDSSOLFDEOH
25EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT TITLE
NET: $

REQUESTED BY DEPARTMENT HEAD

APPROVAL

BUDGET/ACCOUNTING
5(9,(:('

FINANCE DIRECTOR

APPROVAL

CITYMANAGER

APPROVAL
5HVR

352-(&7
352-(&7
$02817
$02817
&RXQFLO$SSURYDO

TOTAL EXPENDITURE

TOTALREVENUE
'DWH

1VSQPTF
3FWJTFE/PWFNCFS
Clear Form
2024
07/06/2023
In order to fully fund emergency repairs on West Cliff Drive, which includes 4 infill walls at 928, 932, 1016, and 1030 West Cliff, funds from Gas-Tax ($1.7M), General Fund CIP ($1M), and state earmark ($1M) are required to be added to the West Cliff Drive Stabilization project (c401501)
0 See Attached
0 0
Nathan
Nguyen
Digitally signed by
Nathan Nguyen
Date: 2023.09.06
15:14:48 -07'00'
Nathan
Nguyen
Digitally signed by
Nathan Nguyen
Date: 2023.09.06
15:14:56 -07'00'
Nicholas
Gong
Digitally signed by
Nicholas Gong
Date: 2023.09.06
14:15:39 -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: 2023.09.06 14:27:06 -07'00'

22.22 Account Project Project Name or Revenue Account Title Amount 311‐00‐00‐0000‐49130 c401501‐935‐0‐0 From Gas Tax Fund 1,716,822.00 350‐00‐00‐0000‐49101 NA From General Fund 1,000,000.00
311‐40‐64‐9330‐43250 c401501‐216‐0‐0 State Capital Grant 1,000,000.00 317‐00‐00‐0000‐49101 NA From General Fund (1,000,000.00) 311‐00‐00‐0000‐49180 c401501‐963‐0‐0 From General Fund CIP Reserve 1,000,000.00 3,716,822.00
Account Project Project Name or Expenditure Account Title Amount 311‐40‐62‐9330‐57307 c401501‐100‐2020‐0 West Cliff Infill Project 3,716,822.00 221‐00‐00‐0000‐59103 NA Transfer to General CIP 1,716,822.00 350‐00‐00‐0000‐59103 NA Transfer to General CIP 1,000,000.00 101‐00‐00‐0000‐59175 NA Transfer to General Fund CIP Reserve Fund 1,000,000.00 101‐00‐00‐0000‐59123 NA Transfer to CIP‐Street Maint & Rehab Fund (1,000,000.00) 221‐40‐64‐9341‐57304 c402211‐100‐2020‐0 Branciforte Drive Retaining Wall Project (675,000.00) 221‐40‐64‐9370‐57310 m401302‐100‐2020‐0 Bridge Maintenance (20,000.00) 221‐40‐64‐9341‐57304 c402303‐100‐2020‐0 Calcita Drive Retaining Wall Project (200,000.00) 221‐40‐64‐9311‐57304 c401003‐100‐2020‐0 Soquel/at Frederick Minor Widening (321,822.00) 221‐40‐64‐9370‐57310 c401402‐100‐2020‐0 State Route 1 Bridge Replacement (500,000.00) 4,716,822.00
Net (1,000,000.00)

22.23 60 S. Market Street | Suite 700 | San José, CA 95113 | (408) 278-1700 | Fax (408) 278-1717 www.fehrandpeers.com
Memorandum
Date: September 6, 2023
To: Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly, City of Santa Cruz From: Huimei Jiang, Elynor Zhou and Franziska Church, Fehr & Peers Subject: West Cliff Drive Transportation Assessment
SJ23-2219
West Cliff Drive is a scenic, three-mile ocean front road and recreational transportation corridor connecting Natural Bridges State Beach in the west to Cowell Beach in the east. West Cliff Drive consists of two lanes of traffic, one in each direction, and the West Cliff Drive Recreational Trail, a popular and heavily used multi-use biking and walking trail. The severe winter storms at the beginning of 2023 resulted in numerous failures on West Cliff Drive and led to emergency changes to transportation access and control. Most notable is the closure of West Cliff Drive to vehicle access between Woodrow Avenue and David Way, where access is only maintained for walking and biking. Vehicle access was reduced to one-way access westbound between Woodrow Avenue and Columbia Street and local-only access between David Way and Almar Avenue. The image below summarizes the temporary traffic control plan on West Cliff Drive.

Source: City of Santa Cruz

22.24 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 2 of 32 ends

The road closure and partial one-way circulation includes detour plans that divert vehicle traffic to collector and local streets in the surrounding neighborhoods. The primary goal of this study is to provide insights on the traffic patterns in the West Cliff Drive area in the pre-storm and poststorm periods. The evaluation is based on field traffic data collection and Big Data sources including StreetLight, Verizon, and Near data. The data sources cover different time periods where traffic patterns differ: 2019 (pre-COVID), 2022 (post-COVID, pre-storm), and 2023 (post-storm).

Summary of Findings
In this study, several data sources are used to investigate travel patterns within the study area during three distinct periods: pre-COVID, pre-storm, and post-storm. The one-way pilot program and closure of short sections of West Cliff Drive to vehicle access demonstrates that the pilot program is able maintain its character as a recreational transportation corridor and is a potential viable long-term option. Overall usability of West Cliff Drive has remained high during the poststorm conditions, since the decrease in vehicle volumes is offset by increases in active mode users (mainly pedestrians and bicyclists).

The key findings on travel characteristics are summarized below:
• Demographics: Demographics for those that use West Cliff Drive, the majority are between 18 to 55 years old (nearly 55%), attained an education level of some college and below (about 60%), earn a salary of less than $100,000 (close to 65%), and are of white ethnicity (nearly 60%).
• Trip Purpose: Home to work trips decrease from 2019 (pre-storm, pre-COVID) to 2022 (pre-storm, post-COVID) and non-home-based trips increase during the period; largely do to changes in travel pattern due to the pandemic.
• Origin/Destination: Most trips going inbound and outbound of focus area along West Cliff Drive are local, with both the origin and destination of trips from West Cliff Drive being from/to within Santa Cruz. This is true for all three study periods of pre-COVID, pre-storm, and post-storm.
• Detour Vehicle Volumes: Closure of eastbound traffic on West Cliff Drive between Woodrow Avenue and Columbia Street results in detour traffic onto northbound Almar Avenue and eastbound onto Oxford Way, Pelton Avenue, and Clark Avenue. Compared to Pre-Storm/Pre-COVID, eastbound traffic in the focus area that detours to adjacent streets increase northbound traffic on Almar by 65%, due to the roadway closure and overall decrease in volumes on West Cliff Drive.
• Pre-Storm/Pre-COVID to Post-Strom Vehicle Volumes: Overall vehicular traffic decreases by 12% from 2019 (pre-storm, pre-COVID) to 2023 (post-storm, post-COVID) on West Cliff Drive.

22.25 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 3 of 32 ends

• Directional Patterns: In 2019, traffic volume along West Cliff Drive drops gradually from east near Monterey Street to west at Natural Bridges State Beach. Weekday traffic volumes decreased about 70% from east to west, and weekend traffic volume decreased about 65%.
• Pre-Storm/Pre-COVID to Post-Strom Pedestrian/Bicycle Volumes: Pedestrian and bicycle volumes on West Cliff Drive in 2023 remains at the same or slightly higher level from 2019. The weekend pedestrian and bicycle volumes are about 38% higher than the weekday volume.
• Seasonal Variation: On West Cliff Drive, summer months have higher traffic and late fall and winter months have lower traffic volumes. Weekends experience higher traffic compared to weekdays.

Methodology and Data Sources
The study uses four different data sources, including:
• Field traffic counts: vehicle and active mobility modes (bike, pedestrian, e-scooter, skateboard) volume counts that were collected via standard count equipment. • StreetLight data: location-based service data that provides vehicle volumes on roadways and user-defined zones
• Verizon data: smart cities technology that uses camera to collect turning movement counts and parking lot space use
• Near data: location-based service data that provides activities in user-defined zones and demographics of visitors to the zones
Data was collected for three distinct time periods to obtain multimodal traffic volumes and visitor attributes within the study areas:
• 2019 (pre-COVID): field traffic counts were collected in July and September, and StreetLight and Verizon data were pulled for the entire year. • 2022 (post-COVID, pre-storm): StreetLight data was pulled for January through April, Verizon data was pulled for January through September, and Near data was pulled for April.
• 2023 (post-storm): field traffic counts were collected in February and May, and Near data was pulled for April.

Figure 1 shows locations, time, and sources of the data used in the study. StreetLight data pull locations are shown separately on Figure 2. The study area is divided into two subgroups: a small focus area in the immediate vicinity of the West Cliff closure and a larger traffic impact area.

22.26 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 4 of 32 ends

The overview and specifications of the four data sources are discussed on the following pages.

The findings from the multiple data sources are presented in the Findings from Data section.

22.27 Beach St
Baldwin St
ModestoAve
Delaware Ave
Berkshire Ave
Palm St
hS elter Lagoon Dr
WCliīDr
Western Dr
2nd St
Laurel St Extension
Grandview St
W
Bay St
Rankin St
Mission St
Delaware Ave
McMillan D
Front St ConƟnentalSt
Mission St
Graham Ave
Cowell St
Trescony St
Eucalyptus Ave
W Ave
EscalonaDr
Ca
Echo St
Main St
Toledo St
cenic St
Jenne St
Younger Way
1st St
Cedar St
PalmeƩaSt
Southview Terrace
Redwood St
ClarkAve
WoodlandWay
Arroyo Seco
Handley St
De la Costa Ave
Cascade
Acadia Ave
Hebard St
Anderson St
Naglee Ave
Ingalls St
Lennox St
Liberty St
Mason St
Anita St
Wa vecrestAve
Seaside St
LaderaDr
MiramarDr
Laguna St
Sunset Ave
SetonW
Wanzer St
Jeter St
Merced Ave
Heath St
Spruce St
Chico Ave
Chace St
Kenn
Beachview Ave
Stockton Ave
AuburnAve
MunicipalWharf
Nevada St
Surfside Ave
Bellevue St
Myrtle St
Anthony St
Laurel St
Oregon St
Chestnut St
3rd St
Younglove Ave
Natural Bridges Dr
evA omalA
Bay St
Getchell St
SwantonBlvd
Fair Ave
VanNessAve
John St
Walk Circ el
Woodrow Ave Laurent St
Pelton Ave
Centennial St
Lighthouse Ave
Santa Cruz St
Wilkes Circle
AltaVistaDr
Columbia St
Gharkey St
Oxford Way
Alta Ave
Plateau Ave
King St
Almar Ave
Dufour St
0 0. 25 0. 5
M i les
\\fpainc.local\Dfs-ent-data\San Jose N Drive\Projects\_SJ23_Projects\SJ23_2219_West_Cliff_Traffic_Calming\Graphics\ADOBE\Fig01_ADTTMC.ai Focus Area
Traffic Impact Area
West Cliff Drive
On-Street Parking
Along West Cliff Drive
Parking Not Accessible
with West Cliff Closure
Parking Lots
Data Collection Location
TMC：Turning Movement Counts ADT：Average Daily Traffic
ADT Feb 2023
ADT May 2023
TMC July 2019
TMC Sept 2019
TMC Feb 2023
TMC May 2023
Verizon Data
Data Map
Figure 1

22.28 W Cliff Dr Modesto Ave
Delaware Ave
Palm St
W Cliff Dr
Miramar Dr
Bay St
Western Dr Mission St
Con�nental St
Mission St
Center St
Main St
Palme�a St
Clark Ave
Beach St
Naglee Ave
Delaware Ave
Chico Ave
3rd St
California St
Auburn Ave
Nevada St
Surfside Ave
Oregon St
Monterey St
Natural Bridges Dr
Fair Ave
Swanton Blvd
Woodrow Ave
Escalona Dr
Municipal Wharf
Pelton Ave
Lighthouse Ave
Santa Cruz St
Oxford Way
Alta Ave
Plateau Ave
Almar Ave
\\fpainc.local\Dfs-ent-data\San Jose N Drive\Projects\_SJ23_Projects\SJ23_2219_West_Cliff_Traffic_Calming\Graphics\ADOBE\Fig02_StreetLightDataPullLocations_v2.ai StreetLight Data Pull Locations
Figure 2
Focus Area
West Cli Road
StreetLight Data Pull Locations

22.29 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 7 of 32 ends

Field Traffic Data Collection
The first type of data used in the study is field traffic data collected from different time periods.

Table 1 summarizes the field data including average daily traffic (ADT) and turning movement count (TMC) for various modes of transportation, both vehicles and active mobility modes (pedestrians, bicycles, e-scooters, and skateboarders). Details on specific time and location of each data type are consolidated in the table below.

Table 1: Field Count Data Summary
Time
(Analysis
Period)
Mode Location Extent
ADT
February 2023
(Post-Storm)
Vehicle Almar Avenue Between Oxford Way and Sunset Avenue Vehicle Delaware Avenue Between Surfside Avenue and Bethany Curve Vehicle Plateau Avenue Between Bethany Curve and Woodrow Avenue Vehicle Alta Avenue Between Bethany Curve and Woodrow Avenue Vehicle Oxford Way Between Bethany Curve and Woodrow Avenue Vehicle Woodrow Avenue Between Oxford Way and Pelton Avenue May 20231
(Post-Storm)
Vehicle and
Active Mobility West Cliff Drive West of Lighthouse
Active Mobility West Cliff Drive Between Columbia Street & Woodrow Avenue Vehicle and
Active Mobility West Cliff Drive East of Swift Street
Vehicle and
Active Mobility West Cliff Drive South of Monterey Street TMC
July 2019
(Pre-COVID)
Vehicle and
Active Mobility Lighthouse parking lot Driveway & West Cliff Drive Vehicle and
Active Mobility Swift Street & West Cliff Drive
September 2019
(Pre-COVID)
Vehicle and
Active Mobility Swanton Boulevard & West Cliff Drive
Vehicle and
Active Mobility Bay Street & West Cliff Drive
February 2023
(Post-Storm)
Vehicle and
Active Mobility Clark Avenue & Pelton Avenue
Vehicle and
Active Mobility Woodrow Avenue & West Cliff Drive

22.30 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 8 of 32 ends

May 20232
(Post-Storm)
Vehicle and
Active Mobility Woodrow Avenue & Pelton Avenue
Notes:

1. Data was collected mid-May while schools were still in session (May 16 to 17, 2023) and late May for Memorial weekend (May 28 to 29, 2023).

2. Data was collected mid-May while schools were still in session (May 16, 2023) and late May for Memorial weekend (May 28, 2023).

Source: Fehr & Peers, August 2023.

StreetLight
The second type of data used is StreetLight data. StreetLight is a big data source that uses location-based data (LBS) to show traffic volumes on the roadway network. StreetLight data is available from January 2016 to April 2022. The study utilizes StreetLight for various analyses in 2019 (pre-COVID) or 2022 (post-COVID, pre-storm) to understand travel patterns in the study area. These analyses included the following:
• Origin-Destination (OD): OD analysis examines traffic moving from one group of locations to another.
• Top Routes for Zones: Top routes analysis shows how traffic flows to and from a particular area or road segment.
• Trips to or from Pre-set Geography: The study looks at specific trips that originate or terminate within the selected zone and connect to industry-standard areas such as census block groups.
• Origin-Destination through Middle Filters: This analysis is the OD analysis but with trips passing through designated locations (middle filters).
• ADT: The average daily vehicle trips for the roadway segments In the study area.

Verizon
The third type of data used is Verizon data. Verizon data is collected using a smart city sensor installed at the Cowell’s Overview Parking Lot and Pelton Avenue / West Cliff Drive intersection.

The sensor uses stereoscopic camera to track real-time movements of different classes of vehicles, bikes, and pedestrians, and generates traffic data from images that are processed and transmitted to the Verizon Secure Data Center. The types of data include parking space usage, duration of stay (dwell time), and multimodal traffic volumes by movement. The City installed the Verizon sensor in 2018, and traffic data was collected at Cowells’ Overview Lot from September 2018 to September 2022 and at Pelton Avenue from April 2021 to September 2022 (18 months).

Near
The fourth type of data used is Near data. Near data also uses location-based data to show vitiation trips in a study area. The types of data from Near include trip density, trip distance, visitor

22.31 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 9 of 32 ends

demographics, visitation time of day, and pathing. Two periods—April 2022 (pre-storm) and April 2023 (post-storm)—are used to show visitation trends and demographics.

Findings from Data
The following sections describe findings from the traffic data, organized into two parts: users of West Cliff Drive, and changes in multimodal traffic volumes over time.

Users of West Cliff Drive
West Cliff Drive, known for its picturesque views and scenic pathways, attracts a wide range of users traveling with different modes of transportation, including vehicle and active mobility modes. To better understand the travel patterns of West Cliff users, this section explores the demographics and trip purposes within the area.

Visitor Demographics
Figure 3 through Figure 6 compare visitor demographics to the focus area in April 2022 and April 2023, utilizing Near data to highlight key factors such as age, education, income, and ethnicity. According to the data, in April 2022 the median household income is around $82,000, while in April 2023 the median household income is around $86,000. The main findings from the figures are as follows:
• Most visitors are between 18 to 55 years old, and the share of each age level shows minor variations between the two time periods.
• Just under 60% of visitors have completed some college or lower level of education.

However, the share of visitors with a bachelor’s degree or higher increased about 3% between April 2022 and April 2023.
• Just under 40% of the visitors earn a salary of more than $100,000 in April 2022, while in April 2023, there was a 3% increase for the share of visitors who earn a salary more than $100,000.
• Most of the visitors are of white ethnicity (about 60%) in both time periods, while Hispanic being the second largest group represented (about 23%).

22.32 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 10 of 32 ends

Figure 3: Visitor Age
Figure 4: Visitor Education
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
>55
18-55
<18
April 2023 April 2022
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Some college and below
Bachelor and above
April 2023 April 2022

22.33 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 11 of 32 ends

Figure 5: Visitor Income
Figure 6: Visitor Ethnicity
Trip Purpose
Figure 7 to Figure 8 provide a comparison of the trip purposes of visitors traveling to focus area for weekday and weekend travel, respectively. The travel is categorized as home to work, home to other, or non-home-based trips, for the years 2019 and 2022. Notably, there was a significant decline in home to work trips from 2019 (pre-COVID) to 2022 (post-COVID), both on weekdays 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
100K+
Under 100K
April 2023 April 2022
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
African American
Asian
Hispanic
Other or Mixed
White
April 2023 April 2022

22.34 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 12 of 32 ends

and weekends. This reduction can be attributed to more people working from home during the pandemic.

Moreover, the data shows an increase in the share of non-home-based trips in 2022 compared to 2019. This could be a result of various factors, such as changes in travel behavior, increased recreational outings, or other trends influenced by the pandemic. Similar patterns are discovered for outbound trips traveling from focus area as well.

Figure 7: Trip Purpose of Weekday Inbound Trips to Focus Area 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
2019
2022
Home to Work Home to Other Non-Home Based Trip

22.35 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 13 of 32 ends

Figure 8: Trip Purpose of Weekend Inbound Trips to Focus Area Changes in Volume and Travel Pattern
This section evaluates how vehicular and active mobility travel volume and travel patterns within the study area have changed during specific time periods of pre-COVID (2019), pre-storm (2022), and post-storm (2023).

Roadway Usage in the Area
Figure 9 and Figure 10 display the results of the top route analysis conducted using StreetLight.

The line thickness in these figures is proportional to the frequency at which the vehicle traffic utilizes specific routes to or from the study area. By comparing the two maps, the most popular routes that visitors take to reach focus area and the daily number of trips are different in 2019 and 2022. The thicker lines in 2019 map means that the overall magnitude of trip counts on the routes is higher in 2019 than in 2022.

In 2022, there are fewer trips going southbound on Woodrow Avenue, westbound on Delaware Avenue, eastbound on Oxford Way, southbound on National Street, and southbound on Columbia Street to Focus Area compared to 2019.

Figure 11 and Figure 12 display inbound and outbound trips to and from the study area in 2019.

The data indicates that most trips are local, with both the origin and destination being within Santa Cruz. A similar pattern is observed in 2022 as well. 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
2019
2022
Home to Work Home to Other Non-Home Based Trip

22.36 3101
3101
·114
·262
·156
·238
·152
·183
·129
·237
·236
·130
·9
·35
·87
·17
·82
·1
·92
·84
·85
&%&%680
880
&%280
Alameda
County
San Mateo
County
Santa Clara
County
Santa Cruz
County
Monterey
County
Cupertino
Fremont
Milpitas
San Jose
Santa Cruz
Sunnyvale
High St Chestnut St Extension
CliffDr
Center
St
River St
Soquel Ave
Ocean St
Pacific Ave
Coolidge Dr
Delaware Ave
Laurel St
Water St
Mission St
Storey St
Laguna St
Front St
Natural Bridges Dr
Bay St
Broadway
Ba y
Dr
·17
·9
·1
\\fpgisdevapp01\DevGISLibrary\ServiceMXDs\SJ\SJ232219_West_Cliff_Traffic_Calming\West_Cliff_TR\TR\West_Cliff_TR_GIS.aprx 2019 Weekday Inbound Trip Routes to Focus Area
Figure 9
Average Daily Trips
1 500
Focus Area
0 5 10
Miles
0 0.5 1
Miles

22.37 3101
3101
·114
·262
·156
·238
·152
·183
·129
·237
·236
·130
·9
·35
·87
·17
·82
·1
·92
·84
·85
&%&%680
880
&%280
Alameda
County
San Mateo
County
Santa Clara
County
Santa Cruz
County
Monterey
County
Cupertino
Fremont
San Jose
Santa Cruz
High St Chestnut St Extension
CliffDr
Center
St
River St
Soquel Ave
Ocean St
Pacific Ave
Coolidge Dr
Delaware Ave
Laurel St
Water St
Mission St
Storey St
Laguna St
Front St
Natural Bridges Dr
Bay St
Broadway
Ba y
Dr
·17 ·9
·1
\\fpgisdevapp01\DevGISLibrary\ServiceMXDs\SJ\SJ232219_West_Cliff_Traffic_Calming\West_Cliff_TR\TR\West_Cliff_TR_GIS.aprx 2022 Weekday Inbound Trip Routes to Focus Area
Figure 10
Focus Area
0 5 10
Miles
0 0.5 1
Miles
Average Daily Trips
1 500

22.38 3101
3101
·114
·262
·156
·238
·152
·183
·129
·237
·236
·130
·9
·35
·87
·17
·82
·1
·92
·84
·85
&%&%680
880
&%280
Alameda
County
San Mateo
County
Santa Clara
County
Santa Cruz
County
Monterey
County
Cupertino
Fremont
Milpitas
San Jose
Santa Cruz
Sunnyvale
High St Chestnut St Extension
CliffDr
Center
St
River St
Soquel Ave
Ocean St
Pacific Ave
Coolidge Dr
Delaware Ave
Laurel St
Water St
Mission St
Storey St
Laguna St
Front St
Natural Bridges Dr
Bay St
Broadway
Ba y
Dr
·17 ·9
·1
\\fpgisdevapp01\DevGISLibrary\ServiceMXDs\SJ\SJ232219_West_Cliff_Traffic_Calming\West_Cliff_TR\TR\West_Cliff_TR_GIS.aprx 2019 Weekday Inbound Trips from Pre-set Geography to Focus Area Figure 11
Average Daily Trips
Focus Area
0 5 10
Miles
0 0.5 1
Miles
1 - 10 11 - 20 21 - 50 51 - 100 101 - 200

22.39 3101
3101
·114
·262
·156
·238
·152
·183
·129
·237
·236
·130
·9
·35
·17 ·87
·82
·1
·92
·84
·85
&%&%680
880
&%280
Alameda
County
San Mateo
County
Santa Clara
County
Santa Cruz
County
Monterey
County
Cupertino
Fremont
San Jose
Santa Cruz
High St Chestnut St Extension
CliffDr
Center
St
River St
Soquel Ave
Ocean St
Pacific Ave
Coolidge Dr
Delaware Ave
Laurel St
Water St
Mission St
Storey St
Laguna St
Front St
Natural Bridges Dr
Bay St
Broadway
Ba y
Dr
·17
·9
·1
\\fpgisdevapp01\DevGISLibrary\ServiceMXDs\SJ\SJ232219_West_Cliff_Traffic_Calming\West_Cliff_TR\TR\West_Cliff_TR_GIS.aprx 2019 Weekday Outbound Trips from Focus Area to Pre-set Geography Figure 12
Average Daily Trips
Focus Area
0 5 10
Miles
0 0.5 1
Miles
1 - 10 11 - 20 21 - 50 51 - 100 101 - 200

22.40 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 18 of 32 ends

Vehicle Trip Volume Comparison
This section describes the vehicle volumes comparisons withing the focus area, including parallel neighborhood street, and travel trends along West Cliff Drive.

Focus Area
Figure 13 through Figure 15 display the vehicular volumes for the years 2019 (pre-COVID) and 2023 (post-storm). These figures illustrate the changes in volume between the two periods within the focus area.

After the storm, the closure of eastbound vehicular traffic on West Cliff Drive between Woodrow Avenue and Columbia Street results in a rerouting of eastbound traffic onto northbound Almar Avenue (approximately 65% increase in 2023) and eastbound Oxford Way, Pelton Avenue, and Clark Avenue. However, westbound traffic experienced a modest change with a 9% decrease in 2023 compared to 2019.

The closure of eastbound vehicular traffic on West Cliff Drive had an impact on southbound traffic on Woodrow Avenue, which experienced a notable decrease of 39% in 2023 due to the absence of southbound-left traffic. Additionally, more westbound traffic started using Oxford Avenue as a cut-through from northbound Woodrow Avenue.

Travel pattern changes in the wider area of West Cliff Drive are discussed on the following section.

22.41 3,270
3,240
W Cliī Dr
W Cliī Dr
Bridge closed
to all vehicles
Delaware Ave
GrahamAve
Delaware Ave
Chace St
Laguna St
PalmeƩaSt
ClarkAve
Liberty St
De la Costa Ave
NagleeAve
Liberty St
e
Sunset Ave
Delaware Ave
Pelton Ave
Oregon St
Nevada St
Pelton Ave
Santa Cruz St
Su
Seaside St
Fair Ave
WalkC
Dufour St
Fair Ave
Getchell St
Woodrow Ave
Centennial St
Columbia St
A ml ar Ave
Oxford Way
Alta Ave
Plateau Ave
Columbia St
1,540
1,970
270
1,290
3,340
4,220
750
240
450
450
210
450
0 0.25 0.5
Miles
1,000
970
240
240
2019 Roadway Volume
Figure 13
\\fpainc.local\Dfs-ent-data\San Jose N Drive\Projects\_SJ23_Projects\SJ23_2219_West_Cliff_Traffic_Calming\Graphics\ADOBE\Fig13_2019RoadWay.ai Focus Area
One way vehicle traffic westbound
Traffic Impact Area South/West Bound North/East Bound
5000 1000 500 0 500 1000 5000

22.42 2,960
0 W Cliī Dr
Bridge closed
to all vehicles
Delaware Ave
GrahamAve
Delaware Ave
Chace St
Laguna St
PalmeƩaSt
Clark Ave
Liberty St
De la Costa Ave
NagleeAve
Liberty St
e
Sunset Ave
Delaware Ave
Pelton Ave
Oregon St
Nevada St
Pelton Ave
Santa Cruz St
Su
Seaside St
Fair Ave
WalkC
Dufour St
Fair Ave
Getchell St
Woodrow Ave
Centennial St
Columbia St
A ml ar Ave
Oxford Way
Alta Ave
Plateau Ave
Columbia St
W Cliī Dr
2,540
1,210
150
420
3,330
3,610
1,730
150
990
1,090
570
110
1,600
830
140
200
0 0.25 0.5
Miles
Figure 14
2023 Roadway Volume
\\fpainc.local\Dfs-ent-data\San Jose N Drive\Projects\_SJ23_Projects\SJ23_2219_West_Cliff_Traffic_Calming\Graphics\ADOBE\Fig14_2023RoadWay.ai Focus Area
One way vehicle traffic westbound
Traffic Impact Area South/West Bound North/East Bound
5000 1000 500 0 500 1000 5000

22.43 -310
-3,240 Bridge closed
to all vehicles
Delaware Ave
GrahamAve
Delaware Ave
Chace St
Laguna St
PalmeƩaSt
ClarkAve
Liberty St
De la Costa Ave
NagleeAve
Liberty St
e
Sunset Ave
Delaware Ave
Pelton Ave
Oregon St
Nevada St
Pelton Ave
Santa Cruz St
Su
Seaside St
Fair Ave
WalkC
Dufour St
Fair Ave
Getchell St
Woodrow Ave
Centennial St
Columbia St
A ml ar Ave
Oxford Way
Alta Ave
Plateau Ave
W Cliī Dr
W Cliī Dr
Columbia St
1,000
-770
-120
-870
-10
-620
980
-90
540
630
360
-340
-160
630
-40
-110
0 0.25 0.5
Miles
Volume Comparison Map between 2019 and 2023 by Roadway
Figure 15
\\fpainc.local\Dfs-ent-data\San Jose N Drive\Projects\_SJ23_Projects\SJ23_2219_West_Cliff_Traffic_Calming\Graphics\ADOBE\Fig15_Volume Comparison Map.ai Focus Area
One way vehicle traffic westbound
Traffic Impact Area
Volume Decreased Volume Increased
-5000 -1000 -500 0 500 1000 5000

22.44 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 22 of 32 ends

Figure 16 provides a comparison of the daily vehicle volume on weekdays for three different periods: pre-COVID (2019), pre-storm (2022), and post-storm (2023) along major roads in the focus area, including West Cliff Drive, Pelton Avenue, Woodrow Avenue, Delaware Avenue, and Almar Avenue. The figure shows that during the pre-storm period, the vehicle volume was at its lowest, due to the impact of the pandemic when people traveled less. When comparing the poststorm scenario to the pre-COVID scenario in February, the post-storm scenario has slightly lower daily vehicle volume than the pre-COVID scenario. Therefore, even though the storm may have caused some changes in traffic patterns and road closures, the vehicle volume is not as high as it was before the pandemic, indicating that travel behavior may still be influenced by the pandemic’s lasting effects.

Figure 16: Weekday Daily Vehicle Volume Comparison
West Cliff Drive
In Figure 17, a comparison is made between the daily vehicle volume on West Cliff Drive south of Monterey Street during two periods: pre-COVID in May 2019 and post-storm in May 2023. The data shows that in May 2023, there is a decrease (approximately 23%) in northbound traffic compared to 2019, while the southbound traffic remains relatively unchanged (decreases by approximately 1%). The total daily vehicle volume decreases by 12%. The decrease in northbound traffic can be attributed to the road closure for eastbound traffic, which occurred farther west between Woodrow Avenue and Columbia Street. The 2019 data is from Verizon, and the 2023 data is from field data collection.
0 2,000
4,000
6,000
8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
20,000
22,000
24,000
Pre Pandemic
2019 Full Year
Pre Pandemic
02/2019
Pre Storm
02/2022
Post Storm
02/2023
Daily Vehicle Volume
Scenario
West Cliff East of Woodrow
Pelton
Woodrow South
Delaware
Almar South

22.45 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 23 of 32 ends

The vehicular volume for a loop trip on West Cliff Drive, starting from Lighthouse Parking Driveway, going westbound to Natural Bridges, and returning eastbound, was obtained from StreetLight. However, the collected data for this particular loop trip does not offer substantial information that can be used for meaningful analysis purposes.

Figure 17: Daily Vehicle Volume Comparison on West Cliff Drive South of Monterey Street Figure 18 illustrates the daily traffic volume along West Cliff Drive, covering the stretch from Bay Street to Natural Bridges. The bandwidth in the figure reveals that the traffic is notably higher on the east side of West Cliff Drive, and as one moves from Bay Street to Natural Bridges, the traffic gradually decreases. Specifically, from east (south of Monterey Street) to west (east of Swanton Boulevard) on West Cliff Drive, the traffic volume decreases by 71% during weekdays, declining from 7,246 vehicles to 2,115 vehicles. Similarly, during weekends, the traffic volume decreases by 65%, declining from 9,870 vehicles to 3,422 vehicles. The data is obtained through StreetLight.

Summary
Overall, the one-way pilot program and closure of short sections of West Cliff Drive to vehicle access has resulted in some shift of vehicle volumes to parallel local streets between Almar and Woodrow avenues. However, the total vehicle volumes in the study area have decreased poststorm when compared to pre-storm/pre-COVID conditions. Most notably are the volume changes on West Cliff Drive east of Delaware Avenue, which maintains the two-way circulation of the roadway. Both at Monterey Street (as shown in Figure 18) and the Lighthouse approximately 1,000 fewer daily westbound vehicles were observed, which represents about a 15% and 35% reduction in vehicle volumes, respectively, with the one-way pilot than what would be expected with a two-way roadway open.
0 1,000
2,000
3,000
4,000
5,000
6,000
7,000
8,000
9,000
May of 2019 May of 2023
Southbound
Northbound

22.46 W Cliff Dr
Modesto Ave
Delaware Ave
Palm St
W Cliff Dr
Miramar Dr
Bay St
Western Dr Mission St
Con�nental St
Mission St
Center St
Main St
Palme�a St
Clark Ave
Beach St
Naglee Ave
Delaware Ave
Chico Ave
3rd St
California St
Auburn Ave
Nevada St
Surfside Ave
Oregon St
Monterey St
Natural Bridges Dr
Fair Ave
Swanton Blvd
Woodrow Ave
Escalona Dr
Municipal Wharf
Pelton Ave
Lighthouse Ave
Santa Cruz St
Oxford Way
Alta Ave
Plateau Ave
Almar Ave
·1
West Cli west of Almar
Weekday: 4,728
Weekend: 6,593
West Cli west of Lighthouse
Weekday: 5,344
Weekend: 7,319
West Cli
Weekday: 4,965
Weekend: 7,124
West Cli South of Monterey
Weekday: 7,246
Weekend: 9,870
West Cli South of Pelton
Weekday: 6,046
Weekend: 8,437
Light House Parking Lot
Weekday: 5,319
Weekend: 7,327
West Cli Swanton
Weekday: 2,115
Weekend: 3,422
West Cli West of Swi

Weekday: 3,658
Weekend: 3,967
West Cli East of Swi

Weekday: 4,492
Weekend: 4,634
\\fpainc.local\Dfs-ent-data\San Jose N Drive\Projects\_SJ23_Projects\SJ23_2219_West_Cliff_Traffic_Calming\Graphics\ADOBE\Fig18_2019DailyTrafficVolume_WestCliffDr_v3.ai 2019 Daily Traffic Volume along West Cliff Drive
Focus Area
West Cli Road
2019 Daily Traic Volume
Weekday
Weekend
2,000 4,000 6,000 8,000 10,000
Figure 18

22.47 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 25 of 32 ends

Active Mobility Volume
Figure 19 displays the daily active mobility volume at three different locations along West Cliff Drive (Cowells, west of Lighthouse, and between Columbia and Woodrow). Active mobility refers to the mode of transportation that involves physical activity and human effort to move from one place to another. The trail along West Cliff Drive serves as a vital pathway accessible to a diverse range of users, promoting the use of active mobility and offering inclusive transportation options for individuals of all ages and abilities. Volumes from both West Cliff Drive travel lanes and trails are included. The data compares the volume of active mobility traffic, including pedestrians, bicycles, e-scooters, and skateboarders, on weekdays versus weekends during May 2019 (preCOVID) and May 2023 (post-storm). The 2019 data is from Verizon, and the 2023 data is from field data collection.

Overall, the ratio between weekday and weekend active mobility volume was consistent from 2019 to 2023. The active mobility volume on West Cliff Drive between Columbia and Woodrow is about the same level as the 2019 level at Cowells. The trails west of Lighthouse have higher volumes.

Figure 19: Daily Active Mobility Volume
Additionally, Figure 20, and Figure 21 present the breakdown of active mobility transportation volumes to pedestrians and bicycles on weekdays and weekends at the same three locations and two different periods, highlighting the changes and trends in active mobility over time. The 2019 volume at Cowells and 2023 volume between Columbia and Woodrow are similar in magnitude and the share of pedestrian versus bicycles, whereas in 2023 the share of pedestrians is significantly higher at trails west of the Lighthouse.
0 500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
May of 2019 (Cowells) May of 2023 (West of
Lighthouse)
May of 2023 (Between
Columbia & Woodrow)
Weekday
Weekend

22.48 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 26 of 32 ends

Figure 20: Weekday Daily Active Mobility Volume
Figure 21: Weekend Daily Active Mobility Volume
0 500
1000
1500
2000
2500
Pedestrians Bicycles
May of 2019 (Cowells) May of 2023 (West of Lighthouse) May of 2023 (Between Columbia & Woodrow) 0 500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
Pedestrians Bicycles
May of 2019 (Cowells) May of 2023 (West of Lighthouse) May of 2023 (Between Columbia & Woodrow)

22.49 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 27 of 32 ends

Active Mobility User Experience
The City used the “Shared-Use Path Level of Service (LOS)” calculator developed by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to estimate how well the existing 10-foot path serves the current pedestrian and bicycle volumes. The tool incorporates five user groups (adult bicyclists, pedestrians, runners, in-line skaters, and child bicyclists) as input to evaluate path LOS for bicycle mobility. Six levels are defined for LOS, from LOS A, where the trail has optimum conditions for individual bicycle and has able space for more users, to LOS F, where the trail significantly diminishes the experience for at least one, if not all user groups. Based on the City’s calculations with the data provided in this report, the existing 10-feet wide shared-use path operates at LOS E or F. To improve the shared-use path to LOS B and reduce pedestrian-bike conflicts, the trail width would have to be increased to at least 18-feet wide. One way to achieve it is converting the existing pathway to a sidewalk and providing a separate bike lane.

The width of West Cliff Drive varies and providing a separated bike facility to improve active mobility user experience could be accommodated as follows based on existing constraints:
• Bay Street to Columbia Street: Implement one-way travel on West Cliff Drive and reallocate second travel lane to add a separated bike lane on each side of the road or a two-way cycle track on one side.
• Columbia Street to Almar Avenue: Maintain two-way vehicle circulation and eliminate onstreet parking OR implement one-way travel on West Cliff Drive and maintain on-street parking to provide a separated bike lane on each side of the road or a two-way cycle track on one side.
• Almar Avenue to Swanton Boulevard: Implement one-way travel on West Cliff Drive and reallocate second travel lane to add a separated bike lane on each side of the road or a two-way cycle track on one side.

Vehicle Trip Spatial and Temporal Distribution
Figure 22 and Figure 24 are from Near data representing the percentage of visitation times to the study area by the day of week in April 2022 (pre-storm) and April 2023 (post-storm), respectively. During the pre-storm period, most visits occur from Thursday to Sunday, while during the post-storm period, most visits occur during weekends and Monday. Tuesday experiences the lowest percentage of visits to the study area in both periods.

22.50 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 28 of 32 ends

Figure 22: April 2022 Visitation Times by Day of Week
Figure 23: April 2022 Visitation Times by Time of Day
Figure 23 and Figure 25 illustrate the distribution of visits throughout different times of the day in April 2022 (pre-storm) and April 2023 (post-storm), respectively. During the pre-storm period, a significant portion of visits occur in the morning between 8 AM to 10 AM. The number of visits then drops at noon but experiences a peak at 1 PM, and the visitation remains high until 4 PM. In contrast, during the post-storm period, the highest percentage of visits to the study area occurs in the afternoon and evening, particularly between 1 PM and 8 PM.

22.51 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 29 of 32 ends

Figure 24: April 2023 Visitation Times by Day of Week
Figure 25: April 2023 Visitation Times by Time of Day
Figure 26 through Figure 28 depict the annual monthly variation of vehicle volumes on West Cliff Drive east of Woodrow Avenue in 2019. For eastbound traffic, July has the highest traffic volume in the year, while November and December show the lowest traffic volumes. For westbound traffic, January has the highest weekend volume, and August and September have the highest weekday volume. October to December experiences lower traffic. In terms of total traffic, July and August have the highest volume, while November and December have the lowest volume.

These observations indicate clear variations in vehicle volumes on West Cliff Drive throughout different months of the year, with summer months showing higher traffic, and late fall and winter months experiencing lower traffic volumes. Weekends consistently exhibit higher traffic compared to weekdays.

22.52 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 30 of 32 ends

Figure 26: 2019 Annual Monthly Variation of Eastbound Vehicle Volumes on West Cliff Drive Figure 27: 2019 Annual Monthly Variation of Westbound Vehicle Volumes on West Cliff Drive 0 500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
Jan-19
Feb-19
Mar-19
Apr-19
May-19
Jun-19
Jul-19
Aug-19
Sep-19
Oct-19
Nov-19
Dec-19
ADT
Month
Weekday Weekend
0 500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
Jan-19
Feb-19
Mar-19
Apr-19
May-19
Jun-19
Jul-19
Aug-19
Sep-19
Oct-19
Nov-19
Dec-19
ADT
Month
Weekday Weekend

22.53 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 31 of 32 ends

Figure 28: 2019 Annual Monthly Variation of Total Vehicle Volumes on West Cliff Drive Conclusion
Overall, the one-way pilot program and closure of short sections of West Cliff Drive to vehicle access has resulted in some shift of vehicle volumes to parallel local streets between Almar and Woodrow avenues. However, the total vehicle volumes in the study area have decreased poststorm when compared to pre-storm/pre-COVID conditions. At the same time the temporary oneway circulation on West Cliff Drive resulted in similar or slightly improved mobility for active users, which demonstrates that the pilot program is able maintain its character as a recreational transportation corridor and is a potential viable long-term option.

The current pedestrian and bicycle volumes, illustrate the need to reduce pedestrian-bicycle conflicts by either providing a:
• Much wider mixed-use path, or
• separate pedestrian and bicycle facilities
Given the right-of-way constraints on West Cliff Drive, enhanced pedestrian/bicycle facilities could be accommodated in certain sections with the reduction of vehicle travel lanes (i.e., one-way circulation) or in certain sections with the removal of on-street parking spaces. 0 1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
Jan-19
Feb-19
Mar-19
Apr-19
May-19
Jun-19
Jul-19
Aug-19
Sep-19
Oct-19
Nov-19
Dec-19
ADT
Month
Weekday Weekend

22.54 Matt Starkey and Claire Gallogly
September 6, 2023

Page 32 of 32 ends

Given the viability of one-way pilot program and need to improve bicycle and pedestrian access, the City could consider evaluating additional one-way pilot studies, such as west of the Bethany Curve Bridge.

22.55 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Michele Jaeger <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 09, 2023 3:01 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Support for 2-Way Bike Path on West Cliff
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I walk on West Cliff Drive probably at least once a day (I live on Delaware Ave close to Woodrow) and maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car. To me, West Cliff feels like our neighborhood park. I would happily take more traffic on the street on which I live (Delaware) if it means I can more fully enjoy West Cliff as a pedestrian, jogger, or cyclist (or even driver ‐ making it one way would be a much better driving experience, in my opinion). Of course, I am also very supportive of traffic calming through the neighborhoods.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community. Part of the reason I love where I live is because I have amazing bike access to anywhere in town, and frequently use West Cliff as my bike route to run errands to downtown/the east side. I always feel extremely guilty as a cyclist when I bike on the path on West Cliff, as it feels I am infringing too much on the pedestrian's space. However, I often get nervous for my physical safety when I bike on the road with cars that are often driving too fast, especially around some of the tighter turns.

As we plan for the next 50 years, please prioritize space for people over space for cars. Rather than a return to two‐way car traffic, please consider a vision that allows everyone to enjoy this tremendous community resource, regardless of how they get around.

Sincerely,
Michele Jaeger

22.56 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Jasmyn Miller <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:08 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff MAKE SPACE FOR WALKING AND BIKING
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive because it reminds me to take time to be grateful for the outdoors and the beauty we get to live near and maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

As we plan for the next 50 years, please prioritize space for people over space for cars. Rather than a return to two-way car traffic, please consider a vision that allows everyone to enjoy this tremendous community resource, regardless of how they get around.

Thank you,
Jasmyn Miller

22.57 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: lisa ekström <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:27 PM
To: City Council; Fred Keeley; Sandy Brown; Sonja Brunner; Renee Golder; Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson; Scott Newsome; Martine Watkins
Subject: A Safer West Cliff Drive
Dear Councilmembers,
Overwhelming public feedback on plans for repairing West Cliff asked for separation between bicyclists and pedestrians. The increased presence of e-bikes is only exacerbating already-unsafe conditions of bicyclists and pedestrians attempting to share a narrow space. This would mean lessening the space devoted to cars.

Considering that the damage to West Cliff was a result of the effects of climate change that we're only beginning to experience more and more, it seems only appropriate that we find ways to de-prioritize cars in Santa Cruz.

For this reason, I don't support City Staff's proposal to restore 2-way traffic in the repair plans. Please ask City Staff to instead provide a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies as well as supporting the Climate Action Plan.

Thanks so much,
Lisa Ekström

22.58 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Mike Fraguglia <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:28 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Please support one-way car traffic on West Cliff Hi, I live in the West Side and I think that the reduced car traffic on West cliff has been one of the best things to happen to this city in a long time. Please do not vote to restore two‐way traffic to West cliff. Follow the shining example of East Cliff ‐ which is a FAR more enjoyable place to be a pedestrian or cyclist.

Thanks!
‐Mike
***This e‐mail message is intended only for individual(s) to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is privileged, confidential, proprietary, or otherwise exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you believe you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by return e‐mail and delete it from your mailbox.***

22.59 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Matt Miller <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:28 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Support for two way bike path on West Cliff Drive Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to respond and move forward with an adapted West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, wheelchairing, or driving AND provides a buffer from increasing storm intensity, sea level rise, and inevitable future infrastructure damage. Gary Griggs has suggested for years that it may be time to look at a graceful retreat from the coast.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive. It's a stunning space where ocean and land meet, and a community resource for all ages and abilities. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car. With the rapidly growing segment of e‐bike users, the need for not just more space but dedicated and separated space to accommodate higher speed e‐bikes is a safety necessity. The City of Santa Cruz police chief acknowledges this is current issue.

Creating more space for biking and active transportation on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals.

The City of Santa Cruz has invested in a Climate Adaption Plan and has looked at West Cliff Drive in particular. Restoring two car traffic is pushing the status quo forward when it is overwhelmingly past due for us to challenge the status quo and do things differently.

As we plan for the next 50 years, please prioritize space for people over space for cars. Rather than a return to two‐way car traffic. Please face the current challenge with leadership and make the difficult and necessary action to put forth a vision that allows 1) more space for active transportation and recreation and 2) acknowledges the need for the coastline to be made more resilient and adapted for a changing climate and world.

Sincerely,
‐‐
Matt Miller
[email protected]
916.849.6220

22.60 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Adam Lazor <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:11 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Support for more space for walking and biking on West Cliff Drive To whom this may concern,
My name is Adam Lazor and I am a resident of Santa Cruz. I'm writing to voice my support for more space for walking and biking along West Cliff Drive. As an avid cyclist and bike commuter, I ride West Cliff every single day to get to work which is on Shaffer Road. It is my safest option as Delaware is very dangerous (I've been hit twice by cars since moving here in 2019) and the recent rail trail has also introduced danger as cars do not stop to let pedestrians and cyclists go effectively and safely.

Unfortunately though, West Cliff does not provide substantial room for those not in cars which leaves me and many other people riding in the road. Since the alternative traffic situation has been in place, I've felt more safe, seen more people out walking and enjoying one of the best roads in Santa Cruz, and most importantly eliminated car traffic. I firmly believe West Cliff should echo East Cliff and be one way, with more priority for foot and bicycle traffic. Our town will be better for it and it would also help get rid of those who wish to drive intoxicated (which they often do) on the road.

Support a better Santa Cruz that prioritized alternative transportation, healthier living and a more enjoyable West Cliff.

If we got back to the same two lane way, we're going back to the past. It's time to look to the future.

Thank you,
Adam Lazor
Adam Lazor
Digital Marketing
[email protected]
www.onewheel.com

22.61 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: W B <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:12 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Protected Bike path on west cliff dr.

Dear council members,
Establishing and prioritizing bicycle (and other wheeled transportation) will be a betterment for our community. World class west cliff drive will be a magnet for tourists, local residents and commuters to enjoy by bicycle in a safe and welcoming protected land transportation space.

I have been hit from behind by an aggressive motorist on west cliff near woodrow. I am lucky to be alive.

A protected bike lane separate from the pedestrian path and adjacent to one way vehicular traffic will create ripples of positive change in our community and transportation network.

Thank you and be well,
William E. Bachar
536 Frederick St.

Santa Cruz, CA 95062

22.62 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Dan Nowacki <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:18 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Support for one-way vehicle traffic and dedicated bike space on West Cliff Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive.

Right we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I regularly walk and bike West Cliff Drive, both to commute from my home to my job and also for recreation. Maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for bikes sends a message that people using bicycles for transportation are valued just as much as those who choose to burn fossil fuels on their commute. Right now we have a chance to do the right thing on West Cliff. Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

As we plan for the next 50 years, please prioritize space for people over space for cars.

Rather than a return to two-way car traffic, please consider a vision that allows everyone to enjoy this tremendous community resource, regardless of how they get around.

Sincerely,
Daniel Nowacki
Santa Cruz resident

22.63 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Tim Brattan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:18 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members,
Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan.

The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of e‐bikes and micro e‐mobility.

Please make the entirety of West Cliff Drive one way for cars.

Thank you,
Tim Brattan
Suzi Mahler
City of Santa Cruz residents

22.64 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Suzanne Lipton <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:19 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members,
Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes.

I support one‐way (or no) cars, 2 way bikes, and a pedestrian lane for climate adaptation and safety.

Thank you,
Suzanne Lipton

22.65 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Ryan Meckel <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:23 PM
To: City Council
Subject: 9/12 Item #22 West Cliff Infrastructure and Transportation Update Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking, walking, and rolling on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our health and climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community. I have personally found myself visiting West Cliff more often with the additional space as it is more comfortable to navigate and more relaxing to spend time by with fewer loud vehicles passing through.

Sincerely,
Ryan Meckel

22.66 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Hemant Vaidya <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 08, 2023 9:55 PM
To: City Council
Cc: Hemant Sheila Vaidya
Subject: West Cliff Drive reopening
I understand that the upcoming city council meeting on Tuesday September 12th will review a recommendation to reopen West Cliff Drive as soon as various repairs are done As a resident living at the corner of Woodrow and Pelton, I have been adversely impacted by all the traffic rerouting since the big storm.

Hence I request your clear support to reopen each subsection and direction of WCD at the earliest possible date as the repair work proceeds in stages.

Various traffic control measures have been put into place over the past few months.

It is important to keep them in place well after WCD is fully open and to canvas the local residents before they are reversed if at all ( we need to make sure traffic pattern has gone back to prestorm days) Thanks
Hemant Vaidya
102 Woodrow Avenue

22.67 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Garrett <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2023 8:42 AM
To: City Council
Subject: 9.12.23 Agenda Item #22 Traffic Update

9.12.23 Agenda Item #22 Traffic Update
While I can appreciate your desire to get information on traffic changes due to road closures on West Cliff, my take is you (read taxpayers) did not get your (their) monies worth on this yet again probably expensive study.

My continuous take is the city has long decided it really wanted to make West Cliff one way in more ways than I care to enumerate here (whether the people want it or not). It became clearer (to me) over time most people don't want this, and want West Cliff back the way it was. Attempts to use expensive consultant data to justify something the city wants (whether the people want it or not) is a particular sore point to me on a great many city adventures in citizen control .

My continuous take is the city has long decided it wants to move toward removing peoples freedom to drive cars and wants them on foot and non-car transportation modes. My take is this is just another expensive study trying to justify that kind of restrictive authoritarian citizen control.

My take is demographic data of travelers on West Cliff is both irrelevant to traffic control and uses, and don't believe it is accurate given the sources cited. Why is that data even presented? Viewing the charts on 2019 vs 2023 indicating traffic on Delaware has DECREASED seems totally false as my daily lived experience living on Plateau in the effected area would indicate the opposite. Wait times have increased considerably trying to cross Delaware as a Ped waiting for traffic to clear, and the 4 way stop intersections in the effected area are now almost never not backed up moreso. i.e. Page 21
This is another example of how consultants provide whatever conclusions they are paid to produce (i.e. how can we justify a one-way West Cliff and get more people on bikes?).

In this respect you got what you paid for once again.

The money would have been better spend putting West Cliff back the way it was sooner than what I fear will be later.

Garrett Philipp - Plateau resident

22.68 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Bruce <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2023 10:36 AM
To: City Council
Subject: 9/12/23 City Council Meeting, item 22 - Please support West Cliff Dr repair funding and two-way traffic
Dear Mayor Fred Keeley and City Council Members,
Please support City staff recommendaƟons to fund the West Cliff StabilizaƟon Project and restore two‐way traffic when the infill walls are complete.

Traffic, noise and safety have been preƩy bad on Pelton Ave where I live with many cars and motorcycles racing along Pelton Ave to get back onto West Cliff Dr. Driving and cycling along Woodrow Ave is challenging as cars from many side streets oŌen don’t really stop. I think it’s preƩy clear from current driving behavior and past surveys that people want to drive to and along West Cliff Dr.

I appreciate the City staff’s efforts to implement traffic calming measures while working hard to secure funding and vendors to make the needed repairs on West Cliff.

Thank you for your service on City Council.

Best,
Bruce Dykaar
831 Pelton Ave
Santa Cruz

22.69 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Megan Dawson <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2023 3:11 PM
To: City Council; TPWC; dl_CityPW; Matt Starkey; Claire Gallogly; Matt Huffaker Subject: Wild Wild Woodrow Traffic
Dear City Council, TPW Commission and Staff,
Many Westsiders are glad to hear that the Columbia/Woodrow segment of West Cliff will soon reopen to two way traffic.

We all look forward to the full restoration of West Cliff Drive, and a successful long-term plan for the coast.

In the short term, however, Woodrow residents are bracing themselves for the increased traffic volumes, speeds and noise which will result when Woodrow is fully reopened at West Cliff; Woodrow will carry more local and visitor traffic than ever before. As stated in your own staff report (see p. 22.4- 5), "... remaining impacted streets will continue to
experience a higher volume of traffic until the
Bethany Culvert is reopened."
We appreciate the traffic calming measures that were recently installed - they have been somewhat effective. However, half the vehicles just blow through the stop signs. Loud modified trucks and clusters of extremely loud motorcycles roar down our streets at high speeds. The current situation is unpleasant and life threatening.

Woodrow is not a speedway! We need the City's help!
authorize additional SCPD monitoring and ticketing at the Woodrow/WCD and Woodrow/Pelton intersections
 refresh/augment all bike lanes and crosswalk paint on Woodrow and paint the bike lanes green
 Lower the speed limit on Woodrow to 15 miles per hour

22.70 2
 install the speed bumps we have requested on northbound Woodrow and eastbound Pelton, just beyond the
Woodrow/Pelton stops, to overcome the incessant roar from speeders who use that intersection as a launching pad to race up Woodrow or down Pelton
Please immediately empower City staff to implement all possible traffic safety measures on Woodrow Avenue.

Thanks to you all for your efforts to keep our streets safe.

Megan and Jim Dawson, 204 Woodrow Avenue

22.71 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Emma Kelsey <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2023 4:15 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Prioritizing community over cars on West Cliff Drive Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my strong support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, and does not prioritize driving over walking, running, and biking.

I use West Cliff Drive for my bike commute to work and have been doing so since I moved to Santa Cruz a decade ago. Maintaining ample space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, commute, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

I also often run along West Cliff by myself and with my local running team. I would also love to ride with my young sons along West Cliff as they learn to ride bikes, and having a better dedicated space for bikers would make this possible without fear that they will be in the way or in danger as they learn.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Sincerely,
Emma Kelsey

22.72 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Joe De Meo <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 10, 2023 7:52 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Westcliff
Dear council, I own a house on Delaware and is the increase in traffic since westcliff one way. I ask you to please restore it to two lanes as it was before the winter storms. If it wasn't damaged last winter this would be a non issue.

Regards Joe De Meo

22.73 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Tyler Newell <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 7:12 AM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff two lane repairs
Hello City Council,
I’m writing this morning to show support for the current usage of the west cliff drive one way section and the “closed” section. As a city resident, cyclist and parent in Santa Cruz City I really enjoy the safety my family feels when walking or riding along west cliff since last winter. The increased amount of space for people moving about is awesome, bikes, walkers, animals all can move and enjoy what west cliff has to offer without the fear of being ran over by a car.

I feel for the residents that have more cars on their streets, I get it, l live on a street that is used to “beat” traffic on 1 and it can feel like a freeway during rush hour but I deal with it. The landscape and coastline are changing rapidly and that’s hard to deal with because it brings lots of change, everyone is going to have to deal with it. No one guaranteed residential streets around west cliff would never be busy. I’m all for keeping west cliff as is and if improvements are to be made then I would be for keeping it one way with plenty of room for walkers, bikers and people to enjoy out of their car rather than in their car, especially if it more fiscally responsible for the City.

Humbly,
Tyler Newell
City of Santa Cruz Resident
Sent from my iPhone

22.74 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Haven Livingston <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 7:12 AM
To: City Council
Subject: More space for people and bikes on Westcliff
I support a one way street on West Cliff and increased space for pedestrians and bikes. Please put people over cars in this scenic setting!!
Haven Livingston

22.75 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Curt Simmons <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 7:31 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Repairs to West Cliff Dr
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive. I have loved it more since the winter storms because of temporary improvements in space for people moving outside of cars. Maintaining this space is very important to me. The historical path is not sufficiently wide enough for all users. We have walkers, runners, bikers, skateboarders, roller skaters, families with strollers, dog walkers, beach goers, surfers and sitters. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for all users to share the path safely. Future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car. This should include a dedicated space for biking separate from other users, which would improve the ability for all users to enjoy West Cliff in a more relaxed manner.

Sincerely,
Curt Simmons

22.76 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Jonathan Evans <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 7:32 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Bikes need space on West Cliff
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I support dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive and maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me.

Please prioritize space for people over space for cars. Rather than a return to two-way car traffic, please consider a vision that allows everyone to enjoy this tremendous community resource, regardless of how they get around.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Evans
Santa Cruz, 95062

22.77 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Elana Sifry <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 7:17 AM
To: City Council
Subject: biking space on Westcliff
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive for my mental health and to commute to work on bike in a safe way and maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Sincerely,
Elana Sifry

22.78 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Patrick Batten <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 7:38 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Increase pedestrian and cycling safety on Westcliff Hello,
Having lived in Santa Cruz for some time I really appreciate the ocean view access available on Westcliff. Since the storm damaged the road it has become much safer due to reduced auto traffic and less congestion on the sidewalk. Please keep Westcliff a one way street and maintain the wide separated lanes for bikes and pedestrians. It is much better than the two way street.

Thank you,
Patrick Batten
541 6th Ave

22.79 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Michael Fraguglia <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 7:42 AM
To: City Council
Subject: PLEASE - One-way car traffic on west cliff!
This is an rare opportunity to make west cliff a better place to be a human. Please do not vote to return west cliff to two way traffic!
Thank you!

22.80 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Pauline Seales <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 7:44 AM
To: City Council
Cc: SC CAN discussion; Tiffany Wise-West; Amelia Conlen Subject: West Cliff Repairs
Dear Mayor Keeley and Council
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. I live on lower West Side and the current emergency one‐way system has NOT been a big problem when driving. In fact the lack of cars on the damaged section has made walking and biking both more pleasant.

The previous walking and biking path was often so busy that it was difficult to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

On a visit to Vancouver I was very impressed with the excellent people paths around the waterfront. The walking path was closest to the bay, with a safe bike path slightly inland ‐ all well used for healthy exercise.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Pauline Seales

22.81 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Matthew Araujo <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 7:47 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Two way traffic on west cliff is the worst!
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive because I pay exorbitantly high rent in this god forsaken state and maintaining space for walking and biking is least you could do instead of catering to vacation, second and out of state home owners. If I wanted to drive exclusively I’d live in LA. But I chose Santa Cruz. And I’ll continue to choose Santa Cruz as long as it chooses me. But since you don’t want to truly solve homelessness, the least you can do is ensure there is a place for locals to enjoy. The existing walking and biking path is often too busy for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community. West cliff is not a thoroughfare, if you need to get somewhere there are many other options to get accross the westside that are specifically designed for cars.

As we plan for the next 50 years, please realize that cars are a relic of a greedier time. Rather than a return to two-way car traffic, please consider a vision that allows everyone to enjoy this tremendous community resource, regardless of how they get around.

Sincerely,
Matthew Araujo
408‐761‐8899
[email protected]

22.82 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Bruce Dau <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 7:52 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Bikes on West Cliff
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive. It is one of the reasons I moved to Santa Cruz 45. Years ago.

Maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Sincerely,
Bruce Dau

22.83 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Marisa Gomez <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 7:54 AM
To: City Council
Subject: September 12 action item: West Cliff Drive
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. It is essential that our community take indefinite action to support better bike infrastructure for the future health and resilience of this wonderful place. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive because it makes me feel connected to nature and to my community. West Cliff can be both a social and a peaceful space, and maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Sincerely,
Marisa Gomez
Santa Cruz City Resident
Community Builder in the Non-Profit Sector

22.84 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Kristal C <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 7:58 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Biking on West Cliff
Hi,
I love biking along West Cliff, but the recent storms have made West Cliff unsafe for everyone. I am excited to see a bike and pedestrian pathway on to protect Santa Cruz’s coastline and enjoyment for future generations.

Thanks,
Kristal C
Sent from my iPhone

22.85 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Geraldine Lieby <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 7:59 AM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Repair
Hello,
Please think to the future when making plans for West Cliff. Ever more people are turning to biking as the way to curb the disastrous impacts of car travel. Widen the bike and pedestrian paths. So many of the homes on West Cliff are unoccupied vacation homes while the bikers and walkers are daily users.

Sent from my iPhone

22.86 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: r ortiz <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 8:05 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Progress is: walking and biking west cliff
Dearest City Council,
Please please make space for biking and walking on west cliff. I am a Pelton street neighbor, but I understand that nimby‐ism kills progress. We don’t need two way traffic on west cliff! We need space for families and athletes and visitors and disabled people and drifters and old people and sad people and joyful people and students and idiots and preachers and atheists to ride bikes, walk and be alive! Climate change is here. Let’s not continue to bow at the alter of the car.

Cars have taken our climate and ocean health. May they drive elsewhere.

Leave west cliff in peace.
ᨱᨲᨳᨴᨵᨶ
Thank you
Lisa Allen Ortiz
Laguna street, Santa Cruz
Sent from my iPhone

22.87 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Doug Engfer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 8:09 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Council meeting 12 Sep 23: Item 22 - W Cliff Drive Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my family’s support for dedicated space for people walking, biking and otherwise moving their bodies on West Cliff Drive. As a result of recent winter-storm impacts, we have an opportunity to both envision and realize a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

We walk or bike on West Cliff many times every week. As should be clear to anyone who enjoys that coastline, the existing multi-use path is inadequate and, as a result, unsafe. It’s just too narrow to accommodate walkers, runners, strollers, cyclists, surfers, kids, older folks, etc. The street is not wide enough to accommodate bikes and cars together. Experiencing the expansive area in the closed section of W Cliff over the past several months has been a revelation: we can do better!
In place of Staff’s recommendation, I would suggest that the Council adopt a long-term vision with the following goals and attributes:
 Separate two-way paths for wheeled and non-wheeled active recreation and transportation (that is, separate two-way “walking” a “cycling” paths).
 One-way motor vehicle traffic, separated from the active transportation infrastructure (using Delaware for other direction).
 Appropriate restrictions on through-traffic into neighboring side streets.

I would observe that this general approach seems to work Just Fine on East Cliff Drive near Pleasure Point, despite more-constraining space issues. On West Cliff we have the space to do this right. Surely Santa Cruz can make this work.

In my opinion, every capital-expenditure decision we make must account for the climate impacts of the paths we choose, cognizant of Scope 3 emissions. I have applied this perspective in my role as Water Commissioner, and urge Council to do the same. Through that lens, as regards our streets, it’s clear that we must choose to invest more in active, non-motorized transportation, and less in car-first infrastructure. On West Cliff Drive we have an opportunity to embrace a responsible path that reduces climate-change impacts - please do so!
I stand with Ukraine and democracy,
Doug Engfer

22.88 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Melissa Cline <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 8:12 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Please make West Cliff Drive one way
Dear City Council,
Soon, you will be voting on how to address the repairs on West Cliff Drive: whether to make it a two‐way road, as before, or to make it one‐way to automobile traffic with more protected space for non‐motorized users. As a Santa Cruz resident, I want to urge you to accept teh second option. The multi‐use path on West Cliff Drive is almost too popular:
on a typical Saturday or Sunday, you cannot bike on this path because there is so much traffic. But buking on West Cliff Drive itself is also difficult because there's no bike lane in many sections. Please make West Cliff Drive one way, to support safe and enjoyable access for everyone!
Cheers,
Melissa Cline
160 Belmont St, Apt D
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

22.89 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Carolyn <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 8:12 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Let’s bike on west cliff !
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive because…. and maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community. Say more about why you want to see dedicated space for bikes on West Cliff.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Patten

22.90 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Kyle Parker <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 8:17 AM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Drive - 1 lane!
I am writing to share my support of turning West Cliff Drive into a single lane for cars and expanding the pedestrian and cycling path.

As a cyclist that really enjoys riding along our coast, I find the typical bike lane to be dangerous and much less enjoyable.

Many tourist drivers are distracted by the beautiful views. The ability to easily drive along there also encerases the amount of traffic as well. Reducing car traffic there will make the whole area safer and much more enjoyable on foot and bike.

Thank You,
‐‐ Kyle Parker Producer/Editor ☏ 510.205.7986ᗒᗓᗔᗕᗖᗗᗘ[email protected]

22.91 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Regina Slater <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 8:18 AM
To: City Council
Subject: West cliff drive plans
Dear City Council members:

I urge you to support a separate path for bikers on West Cliff drive. Safety is the biggest concern as there is often dangerous congestion between pedestrians and cyclists.

I also hope you will support the one way only directionals on west cliff which allows for less congestion and more safety.

It has truly been a joy to bike on west cliff during these past few months and I believe it contributes to the goal of getting more folks out of their cars and on to their bikes.

Climate change and rising sea levels will not make this problem go away.

In this plan, care must be given to residences off west cliff whom this impacts.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Deana Slater
Sent from my iPhone

22.92 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Nathan Chesser <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 8:25 AM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff One-Way Traffic
Good morning Santa Cruz City council members.

I am a resident of the West Side and have greatly enjoyed the expanded space on West Cliff drive for pedestrian and bike traffic this year. As our town becomes more of a popular tourist destination West Cliff has become very crowded at times. Please vote to keep West Cliff drive one way for vehicle traffic and invest in infrastructure for pedestrians and bicyclists to safely enjoy our beautiful coastline.

Thank you for your time
Nathan Chesser
707 Pelton Ave
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

22.93 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Julie Blau <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 8:25 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Space for Walking and Bikes on West Cliff Drive Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people walking and biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive. I regularly meet with friends to take in the beauty of our town, catch up, get fresh air, and exercise. Maintaining a safe and comfortable space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

East Cliff works beautifully for one‐way car traffic, bikes, and pedestrians. Why not West Cliff? Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community. Rebuilding for two‐way car traffic requires more space that may soon become obsolete as our coastline changes rapidly. Allocating the existing space to bikes and pedestrians is more efficient, cheaper, and overall a better long‐term vision.

Sincerely,
Julie Blau

22.94 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: David Lieby <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 8:31 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Paths on West Cliff Drive
Dear Mayor Keeley and Council members,
Please consider separate bicycle pedestrian paths on West Cliff Drive. Presently riding a bicycle on West Cliff is difficult and is getting more so with the addition of rental e-bikes piloted by inexperienced cyclists. Bicycling on the roadway is presently very dangerous and when the road is reopened it would be nice to be able to be separated from the larger vehicles trying to commute using this corridor.

Sincerely,
David Lieby
310 Everson Dr.

Santa Cruz, CA 95060

22.95 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Wendy King <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 8:38 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Westcliff for the People!
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive, and to urge you to support planning for pedestrians and bicyclists on West Cliff.

As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive and maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Thank you for your support,
Wendy King
Masons Street

22.96 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Carrie Swain <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 8:43 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Dedicated Space for Bikes
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive because I commute via bike and maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community. West Cliff drive is such an integral part of the Santa Cruz experience, when people come to visit it is often one of the first places they go to. It's also such a community spot. I have had so many special moments on that path, watching the sunset, the rise of the super moon, watching whales with total strangers. Opening up the path to allow for more pedestrian safety and making West Cliff a one way road can only benefit our community. Plus, look at all the other cities that have received praise for reclaiming pedestrian spaces, Santa Cruz has the opportunity to be that city.

Sincerely,
You!

22.97 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Rita Hester <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 8:52 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Dedicated bike/pedestrian lane on West Cliff
Dear Council members of Santa Cruz,
West Cliff drive should not be the dominated by a few homeowners desires and cars passing through the scenery. The best possible experience of the natural coastline is walking and biking. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community. The congestion on the current bike/pedestrian lane make is impossible to bike safely on the path. I often have to risk being on the street with cars, with little room for them to pass by, especially with cars parked on the road.

As we plan for the next 50 years, please prioritize space for people over space for cars. Rather than a return to two-way car traffic, please consider a vision of a one way road, with a large dedicated walk/bike path that allows everyone to enjoy this tremendous community resource, regardless of how they get around.

Sincerely,
Rita Hester
124 DImond Street
Santa Cruz, CA
Three things in human life are important: The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. The third is to be kind.
~Henry James (1843-1916)

22.98 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: John Caletti <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 8:55 AM
To: City Council
Subject: null
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive.

Please prioritize human powered transportation and recreation and de-prioritize car use.

Sincerely,
John Caletti
Caletti Cycles
Custom bicycles handcrafted in Santa Cruz, CA
caletticycles.com 831-426-0575
Instagram: @caletticycles
Member: 1% For The Planet - We give 1% of sales to nonprofits working to protect and restore the environment.

22.99 1
Rosemary Balsley
From: Sara Wainer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 8:56 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Creating Safe Space for Everyone on West Cliff Dr.

Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,

I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to create a West Cliff Drive that’s safe for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

My family and I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive and maintaining space for both is very important to me. The existing path is often so busy that it’s difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely.

It’s been nice to have the extra, safe space while the road has been closed to cars. Future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the city achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Sincerely,
Sara Wainer

22.100
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Sally Arnold <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 8:59 AM
To: City Council
Subject: WestCliff- this is an opportunity to separate different users Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I support rebuilding West Cliff in such a way as to separate the walkers from the cyclists from the cars.

As awful as those winters storms were, they have left us with an opportunity to build back better.

West Cliff is a beautiful resource for our whole community, not just the people who own houses there.

The disproportionate division of space between modes of travel has been a problem for years. The pedestrian path is very busy. The space for cars is moderately busy. And there has been no dedicated space for cyclists. People on bikes either have to dodge (and endanger) pedestrians on the foot path or take their chances with the cars on the road (where impatient drivers swerve close to pass the cyclists)
This is our chance to build dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. Future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to build a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving. Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Sincerely,
Sally Arnold

22.101
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Paige Roberts <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 9:00 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Biking and Walking on West Cliff Drive
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for walkers and bikers on West Cliff Drive.

Because of the impact of climate change on our coastline, we have a unique opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive because it allows me to slow down on a busy day to appreciate the beauty of Santa Cruz. Isn’t this why we all live here? Creating and maintaining space for walking and biking across Santa Cruz county, but especially on West Cliff Drive, is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community. There are so many places in Santa Cruz where it is unsafe to be a biker due to the car-centric design. We have an opportunity to make West Cliff a safe haven for walkers, bikers, and cars by providing each their own dedicated space. This will create more unity between these groups who are often at odds with each other! We all deserve to enjoy the beautiful coastline safely with our friends and community members.

Sincerely,
Paige Roberts
Santa Cruz resident for 7 years

22.102
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Ankit Patel <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 9:06 AM
To: City Council
Subject: BIKES ON WEST CLIFF
Hello
Current Santa Cruz resident here, and I'm reaching out to show support for MORE BIKE/WALK/RUN access on Westcliff drive. IMO it should be car free, or possibly only single direction car traffic while having more dedicated space for cyclists and then for walkers/runners. Thank you very much !
Ankit

22.103
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Susan Rosenthal <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 9:11 AM
To: City Council
Subject: I support dedicated space for biking and walking and West Cliff Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

We can be WORLD CLASS in providing dedicated space for everyone. It is healthier, it creates a blue zone, it enables community.

As we plan for the next 50 years, please prioritize space for people over space for cars.

Rather than a return to two-way car traffic, please consider a vision that allows everyone to enjoy this tremendous community resource, regardless of how they get around.

Sincerely,
Susan Rosenthal

22.104
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Suz Ordway <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 9:13 AM
To: City Council
Subject: West side family prefers ONE-WAY car traffic on west cliff with priority for bikes/peds Good morning,
I’m writing as a 34‐year‐old mother of one, soon to be two, raising her family in Santa Cruz. We’ve lived all over town and are now settled on the west side. We walk nearly daily down Bethany Curve to West Cliff, and are avid cyclists (including bike commuting). We choose Santa Cruz and specifically the west side to live because of its accessibility as pedestrians and by bike.

I want to advocate for myself and on behalf of my family for ONE‐WAY car traffic on West Cliff. There are a few reasons we feel this is so critical:

1. We need safer routes for bikes and pedestrians, in general.

2. The current pedestrian/bike path that was wrecked in the storms early this year feels very unsafe and tentative to walk or bike on, at this point. Personally, I don’t trust walking along that edge anymore, at all.

Moving/expanding the path in, onto firmer land, makes more sense than spending what I assume would be an excessive amount of money to engineer and re‐construct the spans that hang over the cliff/ocean.

3. One‐way traffic will inevitably slow and control vehicles much better throughout the west side, especially visitor vehicles. Though we live a few blocks from West Cliff, we experience daily the excessive speed and lack of respect to stop signs in our residential streets. Sure, one way traffic means drivers need to put a bit more attention, time, and thought into driving the west side—but this is needed for public safety regardless.

Please consider putting our money and efforts into safer bike and pedestrian routes, better signage, and better maintenance of our streets and neighborhoods. Please do not let those who do not live here full‐time, or those whose voices are amplified by their privilege, be heard more loudly than the very, very many of us who rely on safe ways to get around our hometown by bike or foot.

Specifically, I’d like to reiterate that West Cliff should be re‐assessed as one‐way car traffic only (like East Cliff) and more safe access/priority for bikes and pedestrians.

Thank you,
Suzzanne Ordway
West Side homeowner, full‐time resident, and parent

22.105
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: kayla souza <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 9:21 AM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Drive
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive because it adds valuable recreation space to a dense urban area and maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Kayla Souza

22.106
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Nairi Azaryan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 9:22 AM
To: City Council
Subject: No to two-way traffic on Westcliff
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. We have an incredible opportunity to transform Westcliff into a world class, people-centered promenade and should not go back to the status quo!
As a neighbor in the circles, I walk and bike down West Cliff Drive almost every day. When biking, I continuously have to choose between weaving through pedestrians on the narrow pathway, or dealing with high speeds and angry drivers with no protection or dedicated bike lanes on the street.

When walking, we deal with noise and air pollution as well as safety issues from cars speeding down Westcliff. I think there is room for us all, and this is a moment for the city of Santa Cruz to make an awesome decision that will affect generations of people to come.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community. Encouraging more active transportation to Westcliff can also transform how tourists and other car drivers move around our city, such as encouraging use of the summer beach shuttles and bike share. Santa Cruz can become a shining example of the benefits of prioritizing people over private vehicles.

Sincerely,
Nairi Azaryan

22.107
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 9:27 AM
To: [email protected]
Cc: City Council; SC CAN discussion; Tiffany Wise-West; Amelia Conlen Subject: Re: [SCCAN] West Cliff Repairs
Yes,Mayor Fred Keeley, SC City Council & citizens--
It has long been clear that elders have not been safe on the W. Cliff path. One-way cars, 2 way bikes, and a pedestrian/baby stroller path gives everyone a safe space to enjoy the kelp & otters, waves & surfers. Thanks, Pauline.

Cappy Israel, S.Cruz
On 2023-09-11 07:43, Pauline Seales wrote:

Dear Mayor Keeley and Council
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. I live on lower West Side and the current emergency one-way system has NOT been a big problem when driving.

In fact the lack of cars on the damaged section has made walking and biking both more pleasant.

On a visit to Vancouver I was very impressed with the excellent people paths around the waterfront. The walking path was closest to the bay, with a safe bike path slightly inland - all well used for healthy exercise.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Pauline Seales
You're subscribed to the riseup list [email protected].

To unsubscribe from the list, send a message to [email protected].

22.108
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Lauren Boltz <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 9:28 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Keep West Cliff one-way
Hello,
I am emailing to advocate that the City Council vote against reopening West Cliff to two‐way traffic. I enjoy the path almost every day and really appreciate the feeling of safety and freedom that the current extra space allows. There is more space for bikes, runners, and pedestrians, and that is incredibly important for residents and tourists alike.

Please keep the street one‐way and safe for everyone to enjoy the ocean and natural beauty of our town.

All the best,
Lauren

22.109
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Sara Wainer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 8:56 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Creating Safe Space for Everyone on West Cliff Dr.

Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the city achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Sincerely,
Sara Wainer

22.110
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: paul <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 9:33 AM
To: City Council
Subject: west cliff drive
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,

I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

The road collapsing into the ocean this past winter was a wake up call to the reality that is our future.

Now is the time to plan for that future.

I've been bike riding on West Cliff Drive for 40 years, but since I retired in 2017 I only ride out there during the week, since the volume of cars, walkers, skateboarders, bike riders and most recently ebikers that weave in and out of all means of traffic make a bike ride out on West Cliff a very unpleasant experience.

My vision is to see one way car traffic heading from the lighthouse to Natural Bridges. This would cut down tremendously on cars cruising back and forth on West Cliff. Expanded parking at the lighthouse would encourage people to park and walk or ride their bikes along West Cliff. It would also minimize traffic and parking in the surrounding neighborhoods.

Rather than a return to two-way car traffic, please consider a vision that allows everyone to enjoy this tremendous community resource, regardless of how they get around.

Paul Dionne
[email protected]

www.pauldionnephotography.com

22.111
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Amy Vincent <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 9:42 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Westcliff bike path
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive because its a gorgeous, unique place in Santa Cruz and maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Sincerely,
Amy Vincent

22.112
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Desiree Sugnet <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 9:47 AM
To: City Council
Subject: West cliff - two way vs one way
Hi there,
I am a Santa Cruz city resident and would like to voice my opinion that I would like to keep West Cliff open as a two‐way vehicle road, and not make it a one‐way vehicle road.

Thank you,
Desiree Sugnet

22.113
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Joe Karpinksi <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 9:48 AM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Drive modifications
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Sincerely,
Joe Karpinski

22.114
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Sam Shaffer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 9:49 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Support for bike infrastructure on West Cliff Drive Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive because it is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Santa Cruz and maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Sincerely,
Sam Shaffer

22.115
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 9:53 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members,
Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. I love to bike AND walk West Cliff, but the two don't mix well with kids, strollers, dogs and pedestrians, which are obstacles to bikes and vice‐versa.

This separation of bike and foot traffic would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes. For safety's sake, please consider this.

Thank you,
Patricia Damron
Santa Cruz

22.116
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Austin Robey <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 9:53 AM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Drive Improvements
Dear Mayor Keeley and Council members,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive for the scenic views, chances to interact with neighbors, and the ability to get across town efficiently via bicycle. Maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely. Future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community. Improved cycling infrastructure entices more people to exercise, commute, or run errands emission‐free. It connects people to each other and their community far more than when sitting in vehicle traffic.

Sincerely,
Austin Robey
[email protected]

22.117
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Linda Werner <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 9:55 AM
To: City Council
Subject: support for 2-way bike lane and 1-way car lane on West Cliff Drive Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I'm writing this in support of MORE ROOM FOR PEDESTRIANS AND BIKES on West Cliff Drive For many years I've thought that Santa Cruz needs to reduce the dangers of travel for EVERYONE on West Cliff Drive by

1. making vehicle traffic flow in only one direction for the length of West Cliff from Bay Street to Swanton Blvd. If needed the direction can be split in the middle at perhaps Almar or Swift.

Vehicle traffic should be directed to Swanton Blvd and then Delaware or Natural Bridges Dr or to Bay Street or the Boardwalk area.

2. provide for SAFE traveling for PEDESTRIANS and BICYCLISTS since walking and biking in this area is desirable to give people quieter and calmer ways to enjoy the beauty of our city and to take advantage of all that these activities provide.
a. Because of the increase in the number of eBikes, pedestrians need their own dedicated path.

I regularly bike along West Cliff and SLOW down when pedestrians are present. I use my voice to indicate where I'm approaching from, stop if necessary, use my bell, and thank people when I pass them. Most bicyclists don't do this and I've seen numerous threatening situations when the paths are crowded. When the path is crowded, I enter the vehicle traffic lane WITH THE CARS.

I have to be extra vigilant because not all drivers know how to drive with bikes present. I wear a rear‐view mirror and will even stop and pull my bike over to the right, to let vehicles that are driving dangerously to pass me safely.
b. If pedestrians have their own dedicated path, then we need to provide for 2‐way lanes for bikes and eBikes with a MAXIMUM speed of 20 MPH. These lanes need to be protected from the vehicle lane. c. For those eBikers who travel faster than 20MPH ‐ especially the throttle style eBike, make riders be required to get a license and drive with the cars or give them tickets.

I believe my suggestions if implemented can help Santa Cruz achieve our climate‐action plans.

Sincerely,
Linda Werner, Ph.D.

Adjunct Professor, Computer Science and Engineering
UCSC
[email protected]

22.118
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Richard Montgomery <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 9:59 AM
To: City Council
Subject: W. Cliff. bike lanes. today's meeting
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I write regarding your meeting coming up today in order to express my support for dedicated separate lanes for bicycling and walking on West Cliff Drive. My wife and I walk there fairly often. Often she does not feel safe walking there because the occassional bicyclist will be going too fast, travelling aggressively with little regard for pedestrians. By separating these two traffic streams she would feel safer, and I warrant so would most pedestrians and bicyclists.

As far as car traffic, it seems like the optimal would be to block it off from through flow, having many dead ends coming in to a walk‐and‐bicycle west cliff, but my main concern is making W.

Cliff more friendly for pedestrians.

A third alternative ‐ perhaps the cheapest and best ‐
would be to simply close off W. Lake to bicycles
(and scooters and one‐wheels). I am an avid bicylist and have been for the 33 years I've lived in Santa Cruz. I almost never bicycle on West Cliff because it is both much slower and less safe than alternatives such as Delaware for crossing from downtown or anywhere along the San Lorenzo River to the Swift Street area.

‐sincerely  Richard Montgomery
223 Dickens Way
Santa Cruz, CA 95064
‐‐
Richard Montgomery
Professor, Emeritus,   Mathematics, UC Santa Cruz
Zoom:  Meeting ID: 953 4702 1205. Passcode: 916980
web: https://people.ucsc.edu/~rmont/
[email protected]

22.119
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 10:04 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members,
Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan.

The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes.

Thank you,
Nicolette Czarrunchick

22.120
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Charlie Mcdowell <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 10:17 AM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Drive
Even before the growth in ebikes, I was supportive of modifying West Cliff to accommodate separate bike and pedestrian paths. Now with the growing number of ebikes it is imperative that bicycles be separated from pedestrians.

There simply isn't room for regular (slow) bikes, fast ebikes, and pedestrians on the current path.

Possibly allow bikes limited to 5 mph on the pedestrian portion to allow for families with children and others that wish to go slow and enjoy the view.

The damage caused by the recent storms should be viewed as an opportunity to now get this done.

I regularly bike along West Cliff on the road. I also regularly walk along West Cliff with an elderly friend (over 80). I worry a lot about us getting hit by a bike.

Charlie McDowell

22.121
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Santa Cruz Cycle Sport Sales <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 10:21 AM
To: City Council
Subject: In support of space for bikes on West Cliff Drive Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

Sincerely,
The staff of Santa Cruz Cycle Sport
‐‐
Santa Cruz Cycle Sport
914 41st. Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
cyclesport.com
831‐475‐3883

22.122
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Jeff Meyer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 10:28 AM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Bike Path
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive, it’s a classic way to enjoy Santa Cruz’s unique setting. Bicycle and pedestrian safety is important so that people can connect with their natural environment. The more they connect, the healthier they and the environment become. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Sincerely,
Jeff Meyer
Engineer at Specialized Bikes

22.123
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Dan Friedman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 10:30 AM
To: City Council
Subject: west cliff traffic
Dear Mayor Keeley and Council members‐‐
I want to add my voice to those who favor more room for bikes and pedestrians along West Cliff Drive. The last several months of restriction to one‐way auto traffic have worked well for many of us, and I hope they continue indefinitely.

Sincerely,
Dan Friedman,
Distinguished Professor of Economics Emeritus, UCSC

22.124
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Deborah Wine <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 10:31 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members,
Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes.

Thank you,
Sent from my iPad

22.125
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Dylan Bothman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 10:31 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Bikes on West Cliff Drive
Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for creating dedicated bike space along West Cliff Drive. As a life long resident of the County and now a 4 year resident of the West Side, I have enjoyed the West Cliff Drive corridor to soak in sunsets, watch wildlife, and entertain folks from out of town. As we all know, this corridor is an extremely valuable resource. With the re‐introduction of bike sharing and the continued development of the rail trail, Santa Cruz is shaping up to be a truly multi‐modal transportation friendly area. I would urge the Council to continue to support initiatives that give citizens the freedom to choose modes of transportation besides cars.

With a precious natural resource like West Cliff that already draws so many people every day of the week, we should encourage transportation along the corridor that can more effectively accommodate people.

As an avid bike rider for most of my trips around town, I have seen first hand the danger presented on West Cliff drive without dedicated bicycle infrastructure. Bikes don’t have a place on the current walking path that is safe for the many pedestrians and dog walkers. Similarly, bikes lack safe passage when riding in the lane. I have personally experienced cars trying to pass me at high speed, on corners, or tailgating along long stretches of the street. I urge the council to reframe the view of West Cliff from a thoroughfare to a street that exists to highlight West Cliff as a natural resource, tourist attraction, and safe space to exercise.

My household supports a two way bike path on West Cliff Drive that is desperate from the pedestrian path and protected from vehicle traffic. I also support making vehicle traffic one way. This design will increase safety and usability for all, simply by creating space for all.

Thank you for the work you do to make Santa Cruz a strong, resilient, and unique place to live.

Sincerely,
Dylan Bothman
831.234.4621
[email protected]

22.126
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: SeanPaul LaSelle <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 10:33 AM
To: City Council
Subject: In support of retaining one-way traffic on West Cliff Dear Vice Mayor Golden, Mayor Keeley, and Councilmembers, I am writing to support the continuation of one‐way traffic measures that were implemented on West Cliff Drive after the 2023 storms. As a resident of the Garfield Circles (district 6) that frequently bikes, walks, and drives on Westcliff and surrounding streets, the effectively wider sidewalk in areas of one‐way (or full closure) vehicle traffic have been much safer and enjoyable to use.

The city recognizes that climate change is accelerating impacts to infrastructure on West Cliff. The new roadmap for Westcliff published by the city states, "Transportation and mobility are about moving people, not about moving cars." Dedicated spaces for cyclists and pedestrians is much more in line with the city's vision for Westcliff than reopening two‐ way vehicle traffic on roads that were damaged in January and that are increasingly likely to be damaged again this winter and into the future.

I understand that some residents on streets parallel to Westcliff were frustrated with the increase in traffic volume, but the new cul‐de sacs at the Bethany curve path intersections anecdotally appear to be quite effective. Currently, Google Maps routes drivers traveling from Natural Bridges to the lighthouse around the Bethany culvert closure onto Oxford Way. I assume many of the cars I see turning around at the cul‐de sac on Oxford are simply following those erroneous directions and ignoring the existing signage at either end of Oxford Way. Better signage and ultimately, updated online maps will hopefully reroute traffic to Delaware Ave, where the impact of increased traffic would be minimized.

Again, please vote to improve cycling and pedestrian infrastructure on Westcliff, starting with a vote to retain one‐way traffic measures at this Tuesday's (9/12/23) city council meeting.

Sincerely,
SeanPaul La Selle

22.127
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Brian Tinger <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 10:37 AM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Drive - Keep One Way For Bikes and Peds Dear City Council Members,
I am a resident of Santa Cruz city and speaking for my family of four, I want to share our support to repair West Cliff Drive in a way that keeps additional space for bike and pedestrian traffic, maintaining car traffic to a single direction (one‐way).

I acknowledge the inconvenience this adds to property owners looking to drive cars along that street. That said, Santa Cruz is a beacon of non‐car traffic (walking, biking, skateboarding, scootering, etc.) and looking at the number of people using West Cliff Drive in a non‐car manner shows that there is demand to provide a sidewalk for pedestrians, a separate parallel bike path, and a single lane of car traffic.

Thank you for considering my opinion on the matter ahead of this evening's discussion.

Best,
Brian Tinger

22.128
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Mike Ahern <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 10:43 AM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Drive - In favor of 1 way car roadway, more room for peds, bikes Dear Mayor Keeley and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to express strong support for a dedicated two‐way bike way, separated from the pedestrian path on W. Cliff Drive. This will be safer for all involved and increase the longer‐term sustainability of our city. It will encourage more active transportation at a time when we must support less fossil fuel use.

We live just one block north of Delaware.

We know that the shoreline will erode steadily every year and throwing more money into trying to keep a two‐way car roadway is a lost cause.

We are hopeful that this is one of the many times our city leaders will have the longer‐term vision for a more sustainable city.

Sincerely,
Mike Ahern

22.129
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: KIM STONER <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 10:53 AM
To: City Council
Subject: 1997-98 West Cliff Drive Task Force info.

Attachments: West Cliff Drive Task Force 1997-98 letter to City Council by Kim.pdf; WCDTF Recomendations to Council FINAL 1-13-1998 s.pdf; WCDTF Use Survey - BLANK.pdf Honorable Mayor and City Council members,

I am very concerned about the current limited study and observations regarding West Cliff traffic and multi use path results which will be presented to you on Tuesday, 9‐12‐2023.

I am completely against the Save West Cliff 1‐way street proposal. and... I am also presently a member of this Save West Cliff group, and also live in the adjacent neighborhood.

I am for restoring and keeping West Cliff traffic 2‐way once repairs are completed.

Please take the time to read the 3 attachments I am emailing to you, as they contain previous studies and facts from 25 years ago, which some of you are probably unaware of.

Respectfully,
Kim Stoner

22.130
Honorable Mayor and City Council members, Dated: 9-10-2023 25 years ago, I was appointed in 1997 by the Mayor and City Council to the West Cliff Drive Task Force group which was comprised of 5 citizens, 3 members of the City Parks and Recreation Commission, and 3 members from the City Transportation Commission. We were tasked with determining whether the designated bike way path should become a multi-use path, and whether West Cliff Dr. should be made 1-way, with part of the existing road (one lane) turned into a separate bike path. We took 95 different 15 minute surveys and counts of users of the road and existing bike path… at different hours of the day, different days of the week, at different locations along West Cliff Dr., during the three months of May, June, and July of 1997. We had to get an extension of our Task Force, from the City Council, for another 6 months, to finish our volume of volunteer work.

We had to tally a total of 22 different types of users on our survey sheets (BLANK Form attached) from automobiles to skateboarders. Each volunteer reported that the number of cars passing the survey location were in most cases, undercounted, because during busy times, it was difficult for a surveyor to both count and record. On the low counts of use, such as horseback riders, we did not include in our reports. The highest overall % of usage was 74% by automobiles, whether from local homeowner traffic, surfers, or folks just enjoying the drive along the cliffs to view the ocean. We did not count how many passengers were in each vehicle. The 2nd largest use was 17% by walkers. The 3rd largest group use was 10% bicycles. At the time of our surveys, West Cliff Drive and the path were fully open.

Since West Cliff Drive is a major arterial street which connects the lower west side with the beach area and downtown, detouring traffic into the surrounding neighborhood streets would create more traffic and upset neighbors, of which, those neighbors let us know of their concerns at each of our publicly held monthly meetings.

A history lesson…
(History documents that West Cliff Drive was dedicated December 23, 1924 by the Santa Cruz City Mayor, John B. Maher, at the Woodside Hotel in Capitola, as a Select Federal Highway of 3.37 miles in length.) At the time of this dedication, only the Mission St/Bay St. connector roads were the other arterial streets. Delaware Ave. was the Ocean Shore Railroad line right of way, which was operational, and is the reason it is so straight. The city took the right of way over through abandonment after the Ocean Shore RR filed for bankruptcy.

Presently, the other 2 arterial streets similar to West Cliff Drive are Delaware Ave., and also the Mission St/Bay St. connector arterials which are available as options to handle the increased traffic if West Cliff Dr. were to be made 1-way. Our West Cliff Drive Task Force conclusions were unanimous to keep West Cliff Dr. as a 2-way connector street, make the existing bike path a multi-use path with some other mentioned improvement recommendations such as widening the path where necessary footage is available, and with striping and signage for safety. This is mentioned in our final report submitted to the City Council.

See the attached report to City Council of the Task Force recommendations which were later accepted by Council and approved on January 13, 1998.

Respectfully,
Kim Stoner

22.131

22.132

22.133

22.134

22.135

22.136

22.137

22.138

22.139
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Philip Wiese <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 10:54 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Please make West Cliff safe for people with two way path and one way traffic Local resident here hoping you vote to to make all of West Cliff one way and prioritize people over cars. Really it should be car free, so we can compromise with one lane for cars.

Thank you
Philip

22.140
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Andy Carman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:01 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Prioritize bike transportation and pedestrian safety on West Cliff Drive Dear Council Members,
Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes and further coastal erosion.

Thank you,
Andy Carman

22.141
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Benjamin Norris <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:04 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Bike path along W Cliff Drive
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. With the recent closures of part of West Cliff Drive due to winter storm damage, it seems that the city has a unique opportunity to re-envision the use of space along the coast. I have personally been enjoying the car-free space along West Cliff Drive; I love riding my bike home along West Cliff when I commute from work, I ride my skateboard and go for walks there with my wife when we want to get some fresh air. Please note that the existing walking path along the coast is too narrow for walkers and bikers to co-exist comfortably. The space that is taken up by the road could easily be turned into a wider path to enable people to exercise and enjoy the coast at the same time.

I see West Cliff as an incredible community resource, as evidenced by the fact that many people turn up to enjoy walking along the coast whenever West Cliff is shut down to auto traffic. I can envision a future for West Cliff that's similar to East Cliff, where pedestrian access is prioritized and auto traffic is limited to one-way travel at low speed. Please consider this vision to make West Cliff a better community space! Sincerely,
Ben Norris
Benjamin K. Norris, Ph.D.

Assistant Project Scientist
University of California, Santa Cruz
https://coastalresilience.ucsc.edu/ To help pr
privacy, M
prevented
download
from the In

22.142
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Teresa Fukuda <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:04 AM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Bike Space
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive because it's such a special place to experience the natural beauty of our city, and maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is very difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community. It does not eliminate cars, but instead encourages alternative forms of transportation that also help people slow down and enjoy West Cliff.

Sincerely,
Teresa Fukuda

22.143
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Casey KirkHart <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:12 AM
To: City Council
Cc: April KirkHart
Subject: Preserve West Cliff Drive for people, not cars Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express our support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. With the unfortunate impact of extreme weather on our coastline, we now have the opportunity to introduce BEST PRACTICES that enable people of all abilities and modes of transit to enjoy the natural beauty of West Cliff Drive.

We ask that you maintain dedicated biking space, separated from walkers, dogs, and cars, along the entire length of West Cliff Drive.

Our family, including our dog Lucy and extended family from out of town, enjoy walking, jogging, and biking on West Cliff, and to have the dedicated space has felt welcoming, freeing, and SAFE.

Change is hard, but necessary. We ALL agree that reducing space for cars and increasing space for human‐ powered transit and recreation are what the people want and what is needed to build our community.

Thank you!
Casey & April KirkHart
Santa Cruz, CA
‐‐
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Casey KirkHart, D.O. (he/him/his)
email: [email protected]
cell: 516.984.4102
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

22.144
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Zach Joseph <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:15 AM
To: City Council
Subject: support space for bikes on west cliff
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

Regards,
Zach Joseph, Santa Cruz, CA

22.145
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Susan D <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:15 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members,
Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes. I frequently walk and cycle on West Cliff and would love to see a safer option such as the bicycle/pedestrian paths in Pacific Grove.

Thank you,
Susan Dahlgren

22.146
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Chris Zegers <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:15 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members, Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes. Additionally, cars drive way too fast and need to be eliminated from West Cliff. It is a scenic by-way, not a hi-way for cars. Thank you, Chris Zegers

22.147
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Susan Cavalieri <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:29 AM
To: [email protected]
Cc: City Council; SC CAN discussion; Tiffany Wise-West; Amelia Conlen Subject: Re: [SCCAN] West Cliff Repairs
Dear Mayor Keeley, Santa Cruz City Councilmembers and Tiffany, I agree with Pauline on the need to have dedicated bike and walking paths for West Cliff Drive. As a bike rider I have avoided West Cliff because I feel uncomfortable trying to be safe, both for myself and the many walkers. As the earth rapidly heats the City Council should prioritize policies which promote city climate goals.

Please keep in mind the latest UN statement: "Clim ate Change is the defining issue of our tim e and w e are at a defining m om ent."
Thank you,
Susan Cavalieri
On Mon, Sep 11, 2023 at 7:44 AM Pauline Seales <scruz‐[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Mayor Keeley and Council
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. I live on lower West Side and the current emergency one‐way system has NOT been a big problem when driving. In fact the lack of cars on the damaged section has made walking and biking both more pleasant.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Pauline Seales
You're subscribed to the riseup list SCruz‐[email protected].

To unsubscribe from the list, send a message to scruz‐can‐[email protected].

22.148
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Steve Pleich <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:31 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members,
Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes.

Thank you,
Steve Pleich
1105 Delaware Avenue
Santa Cruz

22.149
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Marilyn Rigler <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:36 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members,
l am distressed. I am a 97year woman who would enjoy walking on West Cliff with a walker but I cannot because bikes, strollers ,pedestrians continue to proliferate. It is not safe for anyone at this time.Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians.

Thank you, Marilyn Rigler, 622 Western Drive, SC 95060

22.150
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Janneke Strause <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:36 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Two-way Bike Path on West Cliff Dr.

Dear Santa Cruz City Council,
Please support a two-way bike path on West Cliff Drive! West Cliff Drive is a unique and special place that should be accessible to everyone, not just those who live on the Westside of Santa Cruz. More and more cyclists from across Santa Cruz County will visit West Cliff once the Coastal Rail Trail is complete. A two‐way bike path is essential to ensure the safety and comfort of cyclists and pedestrians alike.

When making decisions that either commit to the status quo or make lasting societal shifts, we must consider the future generations of young people and kids who are committed to living sustainably and choose to bicycle for transportation. Mode shift cannot happen without adequate facilities.

Please plan for the future and support a two-way bike path on West Cliff Drive. ‐‐
Janneke Strause

22.151
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Adam M <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:39 AM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Drive - please support one-way traffic Dear Council Members,
It was with disappointment that I heard about the staff recommendation to restore two-way traffic on most of West Cliff Drive.

West Cliff has long been a hazardous and stressful place to walk. The large number of pedestrians – more than 3000 a day at the lighthouse, many of whom are walking dogs – and bicycles sharing a narrow path has made it hard to enjoy the natural beauty of the Santa Cruz coast. The new, temporary, design has been a revelation - finally, there is enough space for all the people who want to stroll or bike along the coast. And I have never had a problem finding parking within a block of West Cliff.

The staff report shows that the existing shared used path is a Level-of-Service E or F for pedestrians and cyclists. In other words, unacceptable! There simply isn't enough space for two-way traffic, while having a safe space for walking and cycling.

As a resident of Santa Cruz, I urge you to retain the one-way alternative. The consultant report shows that this is the best way to create space for walking along the shore.

Adam Millard-Ball
Ranch View Rd, Santa Cruz

22.152
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Linda Hansen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:41 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Bike safety on West cliff
I hope you take bike safety into consideration when redoing the road on west cliff dr. We bike riders need a safe place to ride without walkers and to not impede cars. Thank you! Linda Hansen
2395 delaware ave spc 123.

Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

22.153
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:44 AM
To: City Council
Subject: A better way for all on West Cliff Drive
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

Frank Loversky & Cathi Davis
117 David Way

22.154
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Devi Tong <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:44 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members, Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes. Thank you, Devi Tong RN

22.155
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Sarah K. Michael <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:48 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Dedicated cycling space on West Cliff Drive
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated cycling space on West Cliff Drive. The current opportunities available in the allocation of space on West Cliff represent a way to create greater accessibility for alternate forms of transportation, while continuing to include an option for car travel.

My family and I love cycling and walking on West Cliff Drive, as it is a unique and entirely special characteristic of Santa Cruz's topography. It is a valuable resource for exercise, commuting, and recreation. The current bike + walking path is not a safe or viable option for either cyclists or pedestrians, as it is currently too narrow to permit for a variety of uses. Cycle commuting on the current West Cliff pathway is neither safe nor realistic. A dedicated, two‐lane cycling‐ only lane would separate cycling traffic from slower pedestrian traffic. And both cycling and pedestrian traffic allow residents and visitors a way to enjoy our special community without traveling via automobile, which will only continue to be more and more necessary as time passes and climate change worsens.

Sincerely,
Sarah Michael
Downtown Santa Cruz resident
‐‐
Sarah K. Michael
she/her
www.sarahkmichael.com
Upcoming project:

The Thin Place
Oct 13‐31, 2023
Santa Cruz Actors' Theatre, Santa Cruz CA

22.156
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: martha handley <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 11:51 AM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members,
Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes.

Thank you,
Martha Handley

22.157
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Kevin Johnson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 12:03 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff repairs and biking
Hello,
I've heard that the city is proposing that West Cliff return to two‐way car traffic. This would be a mistake. West Cliff should keep the existing pedestrian path and add a dedicated two‐way bike path, with one‐way car traffic. This would significantly improve the experience of pedestrians and bikers who use West Cliff daily. Confining pedestrians and bikers to the same mixed‐use path currently in place can be dangerous at times and causes unneeded congestion. The City of Santa Cruz should prioritize and support safe transportation options that do not prioritize cars, especially along a scenic drive.

Please no two‐way car traffic on West Cliff!
Best,
Kevin Johnson

22.158
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Roland Saher <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 12:06 PM
To: City Council
Subject: bicycling on Westcliff Drive
Dear council members, I strongly urge you to be firm on the new Westcliff Drive providing space primarily for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Please pay attention to the survey showing overwhelming support for a two way bike path and other measures that slow down car traffic.

Respectfully, Roland Saher

22.159
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Mark FM <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 12:08 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Please reverse decision on West Cliff
Dear City Council members,
I was disappointed to learn that council staff have recommended a return to two‐way traffic on most parts of West Cliff Drive. The one‐way car design and two‐way bike/pedestrian design since January 2023 has felt much safer for me as a driver, pedestrian, and cyclist than at any other time during my 15 years living in Santa Cruz. There's not enough space for two‐way car traffic, bicycles, and pedestrians. In fact, the staff report unsurprisingly gave West Cliff's bike/pedestrian shared path an "F" or unacceptable rating for safety. I hope you will retain the one‐way car plan. While it may slow down some vehicles, this is a good thing, and it is the best alternative for Santa Cruz.

Dr. Mark Massoud
Merrill FS / 1156 High St.

Santa Cruz, CA 95064

22.160
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Kathleen Tyger Wright <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 12:18 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members,
Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes.

Thank you,

22.161
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Debbie Bulger <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 12:36 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members,
Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes.

Thank you,
Sent from my iPhone

22.162
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Jon Silver <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 12:53 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Drive
Hello Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
As a resident of Santa Cruz I am writing to add my voice in support of not continuing with two-way car traffic on West Cliff Drive and for creating a dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive separated from pedestrians. West Cliff Drive is a treasure for the whole community and visitors, and with limited space available for safe pedestrian and cyclist usage, I hope you will expand the path for walkers and bicyclists, by not resuming or continuing with two-way car traffic on West Cliff Drive. One of the lanes that has been used by cars should, in my opinion, be used as a separated bike lane. For years, having bicycles and pedestrians sharing the walk-way has made it very crowded and fraught with many near bike-pedestrian accidents. Expanding the bike lane and eliminating one lane of car traffic will not only make West Cliff safer and more enjoyable, it will align with our community goals of addressing climate change by reducing the number of cars traveling the road and encouraging more folks to ride and walk along our beautiful coast.

Thanks for considering this.

Sincerely,
Jon Silver
Peyton Street

22.163
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Lila Steiner <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 12:54 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West cliff
Attention: mayor and city council
Rhank you for your decisions to create more space for pedestrians cyclists in West Cliff Dr.

Lila Steiner
Resident

22.164
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Pamela Edwards <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 12:54 PM
To: City Council
Subject: PLEASE separate bikes from the pedestrian sidewalk on West Cliff Drive Dear City Council Members,
I have been walking on West Cliff Drive since I moved to Santa Cruz in 1979. Locals and tourists love the beauty and sights that West Cliff has to offer of the bay. However, the number of people using the limited space along the sideway has increased as has the population significantly over the years to where I no longer feel safe sharing the sidewalk with fellow pedestrians, bikes and scooters.

As plans are developed to repair sections of West Cliff, PLEASE consider creating a bike lane to make the sidewalk safer for all pedestrians. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Pamela Edwards
‐‐
One people
One planet

22.165
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Eva Nardell <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:03 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff repair
I understand you'll be voting soon on how to proceed with the rebuild of the West side damaged street along the coast. I am sad that there has been damage to the area, but honestly, I've been loving the increased pedestrian & bicycle‐friendliness of the area since the damage. Please consider a two-way bike path on West Cliff Drive that is separate from the pedestrian path and protected from the vehicle lane, and for motor vehicle traffic to be one-way for the full length of the street
Thank you so much, Eva Nardell

22.166
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Nina Donna <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:04 PM
To: City Council
Subject: affecting us all
I’m a cyclist (& driver when I have to) and conservationist, hoping to continue riding OFF THE WALKING PATH during the repair work.

As more folks take on healthy lifestyles (NOT driving), I cycle on the road, away from them; the dog walkers, families with strollers, runners & others enjoying the view.

Let’s not promote autos, rather lifestyles the PROTECT our environment.

Ms Donna ⭨⭩⭪׆ׇ
Sent from my iPhone

22.167
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: brynne hoberg <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:09 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Item #22
Dear Council members,
As a fifty year resident on Oxford way, I IMPLORE you to PLEASE begin repairs on West Cliff Drive and the bike path immediately in order to defend against more damage which could possibly occur this winter! In addition, West Cliff Drive must accommodate two-way traffic as soon as possible in order to relieve unsafe traffic problems which are ongoing on neighborhood streets!
Thank you
Brynne Hoberg

22.168
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Brooke Secor <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:10 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Include in City Council Agenda 9/12- Item #22 West Cliff Infrastructure and Transportation Update Hello,
Please include the following points for review/comment at tomorrow's meeting;  There have been many special event races taking place in the lower west side neighborhood that historically utilized West Cliff as a route between Natural Bridges to Bay. Due to the necessary closure of West Cliff at the Bethany Curve Bridge, these routes have been diverted into the neighborhood and onto our only existing arterial road, Delaware. When are the appropriate city departments meeting to address the future of these special events and how can we update the approval process for getting routes finalized? If races and events continue to be held, cutting off access to the neighborhood and holding residents hostage, then each race that utilizes a different neighborhood road should be adding a small fee to the participants' ticket price to exclusively go towards rehabilitating West Cliff. Really, all the races even on West Cliff once restored should add a Coastal Erosion Offset fee so the participants can enjoy the beauty of our coast at their special event and contribute to preserving its legacy.
 The lower west side neighborhood now has three East‐West streets closed to traffic, rather than one, compounding the issue of West Cliff's closure and seriously impacting the neighborhood's connectivity and safety by forcing motorists onto Delaware which is a designated bike route and the Safe Routes to Schools route for Bayview Elementary. Vision Zero, Measure D, and Ecology Action’s work with the city to establish and spend 100s of thousands improving the route along Delaware for Bayview students, and the neighborhood is directly and adversely impacted by these traffic changes. By funneling an influx of motor vehicle traffic along the same stretch additional safety hazards are created for children and their families both en route to school and play at the nearby and newly renovated Garfield Park and accessing the Safeway and Westside retailers on the south side of Mission. The City should reopen Alta and Oxford to reduce safety issues for people walking and biking.

Future traffic calming measures must consider the impact to bicyclists and pedestrians first because they are the most vulnerable road users rather than diverting one street's traffic onto another. Future West Cliff closures and detours (which are likely given climate change and sea level rise) should be planned to minimize ALL impacts to the greater neighborhood and keep traffic as close to the original route as possible and follow the City’s Climate Action Plan.

Thanks,
Brooke Secor

22.169
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Daniel Greene <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:13 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Supporting Bike Santa Cruz County position on West Cliff Drive rebuild Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
My name is Daniel Greene; I'm a Santa Cruz resident living half a mile from West Cliff Drive. I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely. I'm going to have a daughter soon and I would like it to be safe for her. Future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Sincerely,
Daniel Greene

22.170
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Leslie Crowell <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:15 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff
Thank You! for approving fixing West Cliff Drive!
Motor cycles(including one group of 20 in double formation) and even a red SUV have been entering, riding, and speeding in the pedestrian/ bike side of West Cliff Drive between Columbia, Woodrow, and Almar. They have figured out that they could ride over the barrier poles and between the larger barricades, endangering everyone. This is a lawsuit against the city waiting to happen.

Thank you for approval of repairing West Cliff Drive and making it safer for everyone! With Appreciation,
Leslie Ingram

22.171
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Sienna Forest <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:16 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Bike lane on west cliff
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive because it is right near my house and helps me calm my mental state on long work days, and maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car. I often bike on the street instead of the path because of all the people, but cars frequently drive so close to me that I feel unsafe.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community. Santa Cruz prides itself on being "eco friendly", yet there is a dearth of safe and accessible bike paths in this town.

As we plan for the next 50 years, please prioritize space for people over space for cars.

Rather than a return to two-way car traffic, please consider a vision that allows everyone to enjoy this tremendous community resource, regardless of how they get around.

Sincerely,
Sienna Forest, community member

22.172
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:17 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Bicycle path on WestCliff
Dear Council Members,
It has come to our attention that plans for WestCliff continue to prioritize car traffic at the expense of safety for pedestrians.

We strongly believe that a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff should be a priority.

The current situation is dangerous for both and made more dangerous with the proliferation of fast ebikes, often in the hands of young and/or inexperienced riders.

A separate path for pedestrians and bicycles would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan.

Thank you for your consideration,
Marie-Françoise Chesselet and Terry Reisine,
116 Storeys St
Santa Cruz CA95060

22.173
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Jennie Dusheck <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:17 PM
To: City Council
Cc: [email protected]; Tiffany Wise-West Subject: West Cliff Drive
Dear Mayor Keeley and City Council Members,
Please ask staff to propose a plan that separates bicycle and pedestrian traffic on West Cliff Drive. That would be the safer, healthier, and more climate friendly alternative by far.

I personally used to love walking on West Cliff Drive, but have begun turning down friends who want to walk there because of fast moving cyclists. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes.

Bikes deserve their own lane and so do pedestrians.

Santa Cruz isn’t just for cars.

Jennie Dusheck
Health & Climate, Writing & Editing
Ph: 831•427•1391
[email protected]

22.174
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:17 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Yes to Bicycles on West Cliff
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I support dedicated space for bicycling on West Cliff Drive. We have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether walking, biking, or driving.

I love biking and walking on West Cliff Drive; space for walking and biking is very important to me.

The existing path is often so busy that it's difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline -- without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff encourages bicycle commuting, exercise/health and appropriate tourism; providing space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Sincerely,
Karsten Mueller MS, PhD

22.175
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Joey Kochlacs <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:29 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West cliff bike lane/1 way for cars
Hello,
This is Joey Kochlacs, local business owner, cyclist and home owner on the same block as West Cliff.

I must say that even though having a one way lane on West Cliff would make my car commute home less convenient at times, I still support it. I live on Fair Ave on the same block as West Cliff so I’m fully aware how this would impact driving.

Every week at some point I come down W Cliff via bike and it’s packed with cars trying to park or speeding while trying to simultaneously enjoy the view or smoke pot. Let me tell you, this is a dangerous situation for bikes coming along. I have a friend who broke his collarbone because someone opened their car door while parked along the path where there is no parking allowed. The ocean views turn people’s brains right off.

The “bike path” along the cliff is no solution as it is filled with pedestrians. I intentionally do not ride on the path because it creates a situation that’s dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists alike. Pedestrians, myself included, often zig zag around the path (often the result of a leashed dog who needs to sniff a certain way) without looking to see if a bike (or faster pedestrian) is coming from behind. Such is the nature of a mostly pedestrian bike path.

I think leaving one lane open is very adequate for people getting to their house, as there are plenty of perpendicular streets teeing into West Cliff. This would slow down tourist car use on W Cliff and make it safer for everyone, and possibly in so doing increase bike traffic which is good for the environment.

Thank you for reading and I hope we can make this happen. ‐Joey

22.176
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: allaminadia <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:29 PM
To: City Council
Subject: #22 West Cliff Infrastructure and Transportation Update Dear Santa Cruz City Council Members,
I live on the corner of Delaware and Almar Avenue and am concerned about the safety of my children and residents on Delaware and Almar. Please see the below points:

The closures of Oxford and Alta were poor decisions that decreased safety in the overall lower west side neighborhood for the following reasons:
oThe closures forced more traffic on Delaware Avenue which is a designated bike route and on the Safe Routes to Schools for Bayview Elementary. The section of Delaware between Almar and Surfside loses the dedicated bike lane, forcing bicyclists to merge with vehicles. Putting more cars on this route decreases safety for cyclists and kids going to school. oThe closures forced more vehicles onto Almar Avenue, which has sidewalk gaps on both sides of the street between Plateau and Delaware, forcing people to walk in the street next to speeding vehicles.

Almar is highly popular with people walking and biking to get to/from the beach, Garfield Park, and the Safeway shopping center. In contrast, both Oxford and Alta have continuous sidewalks. oThe closures were based on one street's petition, and were done without a holistic analysis of traffic impacts to the neighborhood or consultation with any of the surrounding streets that would be impacted by the closure.
oThe closures forced more vehicles further into the neighborhood away from people's intended route on West Cliff, thereby increasing the overall noise, safety, and traffic impacts to the whole neighborhood. Had the city made the detour onto Oxford Way and David Way, only 32 homes would have been impacted and the detour route would have had continuous sidewalks. The current detour route directs traffic past 94 homes, along a bike/school route, and past sidewalk gaps.  Based on the City's own new Traffic Calming Toolkit metrics, neither Oxford or Alta would meet the criteria for closure. Further, the traffic data in the City Council presentation does not show an increase in traffic on Alta, so there's no evidence to justify that closure whatsoever.  The lower west side neighborhood now has three East‐West streets closed to traffic, rather than one, compounding the issue and seriously impacting the neighborhood's connectivity.  We appreciate City staff meeting with Delaware/Almar neighbors to discuss traffic calming measures, and the installed improvements are a good start, but the City needs to prioritize speed‐reducing measures on Delaware and Almar, especially the promised traffic circles at the intersections of Almar and Plateau/Alta to slow dangerous, speeding vehicles. The City should consider other measures such as speed humps to further slow traffic.
 The City should reopen Alta and Oxford immediately to reduce safety issues for people walking and biking.  At a minimum, the City must commit to reopening Oxford and Alta as soon as the Bethany Curve culvert is repaired.
 Future traffic calming measures must consider the impact to bicyclists and pedestrians first because they are the most vulnerable road users. They must also involve the entire impacted neighborhood and look at traffic and safety issues holistically rather than diverting one street's traffic onto another.  Future West Cliff closures and detours (which are likely given climate change and sea level rise) should be planned to minimize traffic impacts to the greater neighborhood and keep traffic as close to the original route as possible.

22.177
2 Thank you,
Nadia Al‐Lami
1619 Delaware Ave.

22.178
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: AnneMarie Hallal <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:31 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Drive's future
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

As a 15-year Westside resident and bicycle commuter, I've been consistently frustrated with how poorly West Cliff functions - frankly, I currently avoid the area as much as possible, which is a shame.

It has long been dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists but now, thanks to Mother Nature, we have a chance to make this the safe, sustainable, and thriving neighborhood amenity it should be.

I would be thrilled to see future plans for West Cliff that include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

As we plan for the next 50 years, please prioritize space for people over space for cars. Rather than a return to two-way car traffic, let's consider a vision that allows everyone to enjoy this tremendous community resource, regardless of how they get around. Making West Cliff Drive one-way for automobiles with expanded space for cyclists and pedestrians is a common-sense solution that is financially smart, ecologically responsible, and community-wide responsive.

Sincerely,
Anne Marie Hallal

22.179
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: AnneMarie Hallal <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:31 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Drive's future
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I would be thrilled to see future plans for West Cliff that include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Sincerely,
Anne Marie Hallal

22.180
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Danielle Lewis <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:34 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Two-way Bike on Path on West Cliff
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving. We need to think about the future! I love walking, running and biking on West Cliff Drive because of the beautiful scenery and the proximity to both my home and the Monterey Bay! Maintaining space for walking, running and biking is extremely important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers/runners and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community. Last night when we spoke about this at dinner, my kids were both so excited to hear about this possibility. They said, "oh it will be like Open Streets all the time? That's amazing! We can't wait!" Honestly, we need to be thinking about the future as they are the ones who will be here much longer than we will! This is a chance to make something great for our community, consider this an opportunity to do something for the future.

Sincerely,
Danielle Lewis
West Cliff Neighbor, Parent & Bicycle Advocate

22.181
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: joyce banzhaf <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:38 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Space for more
walking and biking on WestCliff. Joyce Banzhaf 112 Anita St , 95060

22.182
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Katayun Salehi <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:43 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Please Prioritize Bicyclists & Pedestrians on West Cliff Dr Dear City Council Members,
According to the City's staff report, the "overwhelming" feedback on repair plans for West Cliff called for separating bicyclists and pedestrians, which would require taking space devoted to cars.

Nevertheless, City staff are proposing restoring 2-way traffic in the plans for repair. The issue of diverted traffic on nearby streets can be further addressed.

I can't help thinking that this issue is a metaphor for our current predicament: In the light of sea level rise which will exacerbate erosion of our coasts, we continue to prioritize auto traffic.

With gratitude,
Katayun Salehi

22.183
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: eduardo izquierdo <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:44 PM
To: City Council
Subject: more walking and biking space
what cliff should should be 1 lane one way

22.184
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Mara Valcarcel <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:47 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Bikes and people for west cliff
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive.

I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive and we have the opportunity to make it a safer more enjoyable space. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely and cyclists are often pushed into the street to navigate crowds. The future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Sincerely,
Mara Valcarcel
Sent from my iPhone

22.185
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Karl Forest <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:47 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Drive Design Considerations
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking and one-way traffic on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

Maintaining space for walking and biking is very important for continued safety along West Cliff. I would advocate for future plans to include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff also helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in
our community.

Sincerely,
Karl Forest
516 Oak Drive
Capitola

22.186
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Paul Hempstead <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 1:55 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Keep West Cliff bike (and walking) friendly!
Dear Mayor Keeley,
I assume you've used the East Cliff walkway between the point market and 41st. How nice! My daughter just the other day was learning to walk along those bluffs.

This was only possible because enough space was dedicated to biking and walking along that area, and because cars were relegated to a single direction (which is easier to navigate distractedly even as a motorist).

Please don't let vocal homeowners degrade our public waterfront just because they don't want vehicle traffic in front of their houses.

West Cliff is not a transportation throughfare, it is a place for the public to connect with the ocean. This connection is much better facilitated by bike or on foot. A car is no place for connection of this kind.

All best,
Paul

22.187
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Lizann Keyes <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 2:00 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members,
Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes. As a senior citizen and daily walker, I am continually watchful for speeding bikes and scooters so as not to be knocked down.

Please do not make 2‐way traffic a priority for West Cliff. Heavy vehicles continue to do damage to that roadway.

Prioritize a long‐term vision of pedestrians and bikers on separate lanes. De‐prioritize cars that inevitably cause damage and erosion.

Thank you,
Lizann Keyes
Santa Cruz 95062

22.188
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Natalie Dean <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 2:07 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff one way
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to ask for your support of dedicated space for pedestrians and bicyclists on West Cliff. I am a lifelong Santa Cruz resident who has enjoyed West Cliff as a destination for visiting family, an after‐work sunset viewing, a meeting place for friends. During Open Streets, and while walking or biking East Cliff, I've seen how much safer and more pleasant the coast is with reduced car traffic and separation between bikes and pedestrians.

Please consider the demands of climate change, safety for all road users, and the immense value of public space in the 50 year planning effort for West Cliff. It's not just any other road, it's a valuable and unique public space and international destination. The concerns of a vocal few neighbors should be weighed with these demands, and with the input from a wide cross section of West Cliff users.

To me, a West Cliff for all would be a wide promenade with plenty of room for people, not a thoroughfare for cars with the vast majority of people squeezed into the margins. Instead of reopening both car lanes, please make West Cliff one‐ way permanently or completely car‐free, if for no other reason than to allow couples to hold hands instead of walking in single file, to let parents with strollers and dogs stroll or cross the street without worry of being hit by a bike or a car, so bicyclists can have a better choice than dodging pedestrians or riding in the lane shoulder. I hope you share this vision and see West Cliff for what it could be.

Thank you,
Natalie Dean

22.189
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Mindy Lawrence <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 2:24 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Traffic Plan
Dear Mayor Keeley and City Council Members,
I am writing to express my support of a safe and dedicated space for bicycles and pedestrians on West Cliff Drive. I live on the West Side and enjoy daily walks and bike rides on West Cliff. I see first hand the eroding shoreline and the traffic issues. I suggest that we use this opportunity to plan for a safer and better alternative for cars and people on West Cliff.

I would hope to see a plan that gives bicycles, strollers, wheelchairs and pedestrians a dedicated space which will encourage more people to recreate.

Returning to two way traffic seems to miss an opportunity to move forward in addressing the issues that are likely to worsen in the coming years. Issues which include a change in sea levels and worsening traffic congestion.

Thank you for your time,
Malinda Lawrence
404 Modesto Ave
Santa Cruz CALL ME

22.190
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Kira Maritano <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 2:29 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West cliff plans
Hello,
I’m a Santa Cruz county resident and support west cliff being one‐way for car traffic, allowing for more cyclist and pedestrian access.

Thanks!
Kira Maritano

22.191
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Sarah Ringler <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 2:37 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Please reserve space for bikers/walkers!
To whom it may concern:

Please ensure that the voice of the citizens is heard and incorporate space for bikers and walkers on West Cliff!
Resident of Soquel,
Sarah Ringler

22.192
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Toby Ferguson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 2:41 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West cliff drive - people over cars!
I’m writing to say how much I’ve enjoyed the quieter West Cliff drive since the road was closed. I think it’d be great if a mechanism could be found to continue the quiet streets while providing some access to residents for their cars.

However I think the greater emphasis should be on making it safe and enjoyable for walkers and cyclists, with cars a distant third.

Toby Ferguson
Santa Cruz Resident

22.193
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: joanne katzen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 2:44 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members,
Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes. As a nearby resident of West Cliff, and a concerned citizen of this planet, I would encourage the City Council to make safe, affordable transportation one of their highest priorities.

Thank you,
Joanne Katzen

22.194
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Aron Altmark <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 2:47 PM
To: City Council
Subject: One Way West Cliff
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive, specifically to make west cliff a ONE WAY route for cars. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

My family includes a 4yo, a baby on the way, a dog and two adults who are avid cyclists. We live and work within walking and biking distance of west cliff, and use it daily for our leisure and commuting. I grew up in Alabama where I was always reliant on a vehicle but always dreamed of a walkable and bike able home where I wouldn't have to worry about my kids being in the path of cars all the time.

Santa Cruz is a place defined both by its natural beauty and two wheeled transportation, both things that we want to instill as core values in our kids as a less car-centric lifestyle is absolutely the best way to enjoy this town -- in addition to being the best way forward for our world.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community. Dedicated space for biking also allows multiple levels of enjoyment without worrying about cyclists (especially children) having run-ins with motorized vehicles or pedestrians.

Look at this West Cliff project as a marker for where we want our intentions to be for the next generation or three. Please prioritize space for people over space for cars. Rather than a return to two-way car traffic, please consider a vision that allows everyone to enjoy this tremendous community resource, regardless of how they get around.

Sincerely,
Aron Altmark

22.195
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Gerardo van den Hoek <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 2:52 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Westcliff biking
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving. I love walking and biking on West Cliff Drive because it brings back memories I am very fond off, the views are what made me move to Santa Cruz in the first place and maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car. Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community. Say more about why you want to see dedicated space for bikes on West Cliff. As we plan for the next 50 years, please prioritize space for people over space for cars. Rather than a return to two‐way car traffic, please consider a vision that allows everyone to enjoy this tremendous community resource, regardless of how they get around. Sincerely, You!

22.196
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Ren Tawil <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 2:56 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members,
Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes.

Thank you,

22.197
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Katie Teschler <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 3:01 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Drive Repairs
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my whole-hearted support for long-term dedicated space for people walking and biking on West Cliff Drive. I own a home two blocks away, and have watched as the cliffs, sidewalk, and road have all been falling into the ocean over time. I walk on West Cliff Drive every single morning, and maintaining a safe and wide space for walking and biking is very important to me. I have a medical alert service dog, and when the sidewalk is busy on most weekends and holidays, it is very difficult for us to maintain a safe distance from other users. It is imperative to create accessible and safe spaces for people with disabilities like myself.

Future plans for West Cliff should without a doubt include expanded space for people to exercise and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone. The issue of erosion is only going to get worse over time, and short term fixes to recreate the old 2-way car road is frankly unsustainable for everyone.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Sincerely,
Katie

22.198
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Indiana Reid-Shaw <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 3:07 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety & Climate adaptation on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members,
Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. I support one‐ way (or no) cars, 2 way bikes, and a pedestrian lane.

This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan.

Thank you,
Indiana Reid‐Shaw
Almar Ave, Santa CRuz Resident and Environmental Studies PhD Candidate, UCSC

22.199
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Avatar Joshi <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 3:14 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Drive
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my whole‐hearted support for long‐term dedicated space for people walking and biking on West Cliff Drive. I own a home two blocks away, and have watched as the cliffs, sidewalk, and road have all been falling into the ocean over time. I walk on West Cliff Drive every single morning, and maintaining a safe and wide space for walking and biking is very important to me.

Future plans for West Cliff should without a doubt include expanded space for people to exercise and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone. The issue of erosion is only going to get worse over time, and short term fixes to recreate the old 2‐way car road is frankly unsustainable for everyone.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Sincerely,
Avatar

22.200
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Justin Tucker <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 3:31 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff Drive expanded pedestrian, bike, and limited mobility accessability Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I walk, run, bike, or drive on westcliff nearly every single day of the year, often multiple times a day using different modes of transport. Maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers, people using a walker and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

I am fortunate to enjoy full mobility but many people I want to enjoy westcliff with require slightly more assistance.

Walking with elderly relatives and friends with small children the needs are slightly different but the ideal infrastructure is very much the same. They require a car to get to Westcliff but once they are at Westcliff they need more space and a safer place to walk without fear of getting knocked into the street. I am frequently concerned for the safety of both pedestrians and cyclists as they frequently are forced into the street to avoid congestion or the random dog on a retractable leash that sees a bird. This is terrifying for all parties involved including drivers. One way traffic and parking, especially handicap parking is essential to support those with mobility issues.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Sincerely,
Justin Tucker
Delaware Avenue resident that is happy to see more traffic on my street if it means a better westcliff experience

22.201
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Lauren Casterson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 3:32 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Support of Biking Path on West Cliff
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

I love taking in the scenery walking and biking on West Cliff Drive with my children and maintaining space for walking and biking is very important to me. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Dedicated space for biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community.

Sincerely,
Lauren Casterson

22.202
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Jonathan Kaufman Scher <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 3:40 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Keep West Cliff One Lane for Cars
Dear Mayor Keeley and Council Members,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Scher
220 Swift St
Santa Cruz CA 95060
(sent from my phone)

22.203
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Richard Marlais <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 3:53 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members, Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes. Thank you,

22.204
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Ramon Mentor <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 3:50 PM
To: City Council
Subject: RE: Safety on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members,
I’m a resident on Western Dr who frequently both walks & bikes West Cliff Dr.

Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes.

Thank you,
Ramon Mentor
814 Western Dr
Santa Cruz CA 95060

[email protected]
Sent from my iPhone

22.205
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Stephen Svete <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 3:53 PM
To: City Council; Fred Keeley
Subject: Haste makes Waste
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for maintaining the dedicated space for people walking and biking on West Cliff Drive, and not rushing to return the segment east of Woodrow to a two-way road just yet.

Santa Cruz has made much progress in transforming our transportation infrastructure toward a more balanced and climate change-responsive system. Over the last five years, we have seen the implementation of a Class 1 buffered striping bikeway on Water Street, a new bridge for bikes and peds spanning Branciforte Creek, a new cantilevered bikeway across the San Lorenzo River trestle bridge, and of course the immensely popular Rail Trail on the Westside - with a new segment to the Wharf under construction now. As well, we have just experienced the commendable launch of bikeshare 2.0 via the new and improved BCycle program. These are admirable achievements, and are really only a start.

Multiple city policy documents, produced with countless hours and dollars over many years, direct our government to address the climate crisis (Climate Action Plan 2030, Santa Cruz City Schools Complete Streets Master Plan, 2030 General Plan, Resilient Coast Santa Cruz, and others). Every transportation project that helps balance our mobility system away from cars and toward active transportation systems does exactly that, and provides a means for individuals to actively take part in reducing their personal carbon footprint.

I was pleased to see that the staff report for this agenda item presents information demonstrating the success of the one-way and separated active modes temporary fix. According to the report, a notable majority of users surveyed like the temporary design between the Lighthouse and Woodrow. Survey data shows that over 3,000 walkers and riders use the new facility daily, and that the overall volume of car use has dropped. This is fantastic news for West Cliff, a world-class parkway overlooking the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary The idea of abruptly ending this well-designed temporarily-modified corridor before there is a new bridge design for Bethany Curve seems hasty - and inefficient. It also begs the question of how peds and cyclists will maneuver when now facing oncoming eastbound vehicles - since the pathway they had used remains destroyed by last winter's storm.

Haste makes waste, and I would ask you to hold tight on returning two-way vehicle traffic to this limited section until a more forward-thinking plan for the entire corridor is devised.

Thank you,
Stephen Svete
Lower Westside Resident
Board Member, Bike Santa Cruz County

22.206
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Maddie Ortenblad <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 3:56 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff One Way Car Traffic
Hi there,
My name is Maddie Ortenblad and I've been a resident of Santa Cruz City since 1997.

I'm also an avid cyclist and want to voice my support for moving West Cliff to single lane car traffic. There is not enough space to safely ride on the "multi‐use" path with pedestrians. We deserve safe access to this part of the coast.

Additionally, we need bike infrastructure so people feel safe and opt to commute via bicycle. The climate crisis isn't slowing down. Getting more folks on bikes and out of single occupancy vehicles is more important than ever! Thank you!
Maddie Ortenblad
831‐325‐8372

22.207
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Robert Vorce <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 3:58 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Separate bike lanes Westcliff
Safety, neighborhood congestion and recreation.

All achieved by making Westcliff one way
Bobv

22.208
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Dusten Dennis <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 3:59 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Please Support Bike Path and ONE WAY CARS on West Cliff Drive Dear City Council,
The pending road work on West Cliff Drive is an opportunity to consider our future. Please consider the eventual incredibly positive outcome of having a 2‐way bike boulevard and one way car traffic. This would be amazing for our city!
Thanks,
Dusten Dennis
920 Cayuga St.

Santa Cruz CA 95062

22.209
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: amelia conlen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:00 PM
To: City Council
Cc: board
Subject: Item #22 on 9/12 Council agenda
Attachments: 9.11.23 BikeSantaCruzCounty_West Cliff (1).pdf Hello Mayor Keeley and Council members,
Please see attached for a letter from Bike Santa Cruz County on Item #22 on tomorrow's agenda.

Thank you for your consideration,
Amelia Conlen
Board Chair

22.210
September 11th, 2023
Dear Mayor Keeley and Council members,
We appreciate the work of staff to adapt to the storm damage on West Cliff Drive and to lead a community process around next steps. As you consider next steps for West Cliff, we urge you to prioritize creating space for people on bikes that is separate from the vehicle lane and from the pedestrian path. This could be accomplished through a pilot of one-way car traffic for the length of West Cliff Drive.

We see many benefits to this design:
● Increased comfort and safety for everyone on West Cliff, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.
● By converting all of West Cliff to one-way, car traffic would be funneled to Natural Bridges Drive and Mission Street instead of the small neighborhood streets. We’ve heard the concerns from neighbors and would advocate for a one-way to be accompanied by traffic calming on Delaware Ave and other neighborhood streets. ● Visitors to Santa Cruz County will always flock to West Cliff, and we have an opportunity to manage that traffic and encourage more bicycle trips. Adding options for visitors to park and rent a bike instead of driving West Cliff could be part of a long-term strategy.

The rise of e-bikes and BCycle bike share makes this an option for many more people. ● We believe that creating space for bikes is the most fiscally responsible option long-term.

Future storms are going to continue to wash out sections of West Cliff, and repairs are incredibly costly and may not be durable as coastal erosion continues.

Bike Santa Cruz County puts on Open Streets events on West Cliff, and we see the tremendous joy that community members feel when the road is open for people to walk, bike, meet their neighbors, and enjoy the exceptional beauty of West Cliff without worrying about cars. After every event, we hear from people who wish it could happen every Sunday. Based on the survey data collected by the City, 72% of respondents supported converting a travel lane to space for walking and biking. We urge you to heed this input and prioritize space for people over space for cars as we think about next steps for West Cliff Drive.

Sincerely,
Amelia Conlen
Bike Santa Cruz County Board Chair

22.211
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Robert Vorce <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:00 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West Cliff One Way
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

Sincerely,
Robert Vorce
Bobv

22.212
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Kevin Lockwood <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:01 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Please Prioritize Pedestrians and Bikes on West Cliff Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

Sincerely,
Westside Resident Kevin Lockwood

22.213
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Nicholas Paul <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:02 PM
To: City Council
Subject: More Bike Space on West Cliff
Hi there,
I believe West Cliff is one of the best roads in Santa Cruz to ride a bike while also being the single most dangerous place to ride. Unfortunately I find myself more often than not being confronted by a motorist driving aggressively on West Cliff. After moving here only two years ago, it baffles me how and why this road is a dual lane windy road with tourist parking lots and loads of pedestrians while not having proper infrastructure to simultaneously enjoy the space and feel protected by it.

Even now with the orange barricades, it’s still dangerous. Before it was impatient motorists and now it’s dog walkers or mindless pedestrians being funneled into the same space as bicycles at the bottom of an incline both directions.

Please do better with the next iteration. I think it’s one of the Crown Jewels of Santa Cruz’s views and does not need to be a thoroughfare for motorists to speed and injure people. That’s what Mission is for.

Thanks for your time,
Nick Paul

22.214
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: trynt young <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:31 PM
To: Matt Huffaker; City Council; Renee Golder; Matt Starkey Cc: Roger Bernstein
Subject: Comments to be entered into record Council meeting 9/12/2023 regarding traffic Pelton/Clark/Columbia
Hello
My name is Tryntje Young. I live on Pelton Avenue across from Clark Ave. Our neighborhood has met with the city a few times over the last months to voice our concerns and issues with the West Cliff detour. While I do want to thank the council members for the well intentioned support we’ve received; I also feel that as Claire and Matt stated "there will be winners and losers" and I feel that we on Pelton/Clark/Columbia are definitely on the losing end of the traffic mitigation measures. The current detour on Woodrow is funneling most of the traffic into our "triangle". It is unfortunate that the traffic calming we had planned for Pelton Avenue has been cancelled. I hope that the funds that would have been spent for the traffic calming will be used to offset the costs of the infill walls and for the better good of the community.

However-the next 4 months or so, until West Cliff is re-opened, are going to be even more dangerous and more challenging than the previous 9 months. Because West Cliff will be closed in both directions, Pelton Avenue will experience even more traffic than before, with more speeding and even more rude and dangerous drivers. The neighborhood is asking for just a bit more support during the construction period. In particular, we are seeking relief from the incessant speeding with the placement of a full-time speeding monitor on the east-bound 1000 block of Pelton Avenue. We are also asking if the city could re-provision some of the orange barriers from West Cliff over to the south side of Pelton Avenue to create a safe zone for bicyclists, pedestrians and dog-walkers. We don’t need a long line of orange barriers, but just enough barriers spaced out to allow residents to still park their cars in front of their house and yet create a safe lane for bikes and pedestrians that have to go around West Cliff during the closure. In addition, we need more temporary speed bumps to slow the incessant flow of speeding vehicles down to a safer speed.

We hope you will give these requests serious consideration.

Thank you,
Tryntje Young

22.215
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Drew Perkins <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:31 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Bikes and people first on west cliff
Just wanted to say I support plans to prioritize bicycle and pedestrian traffic over cars on west cliff. I don't think cars should be excluded but biking and walking should be prioritized, even if it means sections are just 1 way. This is a common resource for our community, I understand the traffic changes can be a little frustrating for some of the folks that live nearby, but not all of us can afford to live close to the beach but we can all enjoy it on west cliff. More space for biking/walking makes it safer for the whole community. Generally I feel like we should make driving in this town less convenient and walking and biking more if we want to meet our climate goals. It also makes it just a better place to live when people are outside of their car bubbles!

22.216
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Julie Raudebaugh Aguiar <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:36 PM
To: City Council
Subject: More space for walking and biking on West cliff Please
I live in the city
Julie Aguiar
133 Baldwin Street
Santa Cruz ca 95060
Sent from my iPhone

22.217
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Andrea Lee <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:44 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Support for return of 2-way car traffic on West Cliff Drive Dear Councilmembers:

When I bicycle along West Cliff Drive I am primarily riding *on the street* to keep a higher rate of speed separate from pedestrians and dog walkers on the ped/type‐2 bike path. This is usually inconveniencing the least amount of other people along this route.

IF there was space for dedicated bike lanes along West Cliff it would be best for all ‐ pedestrians, dog walkers, bicycles, ebikes and cars.

This should not come as a detriment to emergency or other vehicle access.

As we plan for the next 50 years, please prioritize space for people over parking for cars. Intermediate one‐ way vehicle traffic just confuses tourists and navigation systems, I still get turned around on Pacific Ave sometimes. Careful civic engineering is needed to balance carbon emissions with a crumbling tourist heavy coastline.

Thank you,
Andrea Lee

22.218
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Bob Goldbeck <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:44 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Comments for Item #22 West Cliff Infrastructure and Transportation Update Dear City Councilmembers:

We are writing to urge the full reopening of West Cliff Drive to two‐way traffic when the January storm repairs in the West Cliff Stabilization Project (c401501) and the West Cliff Drive Bethany Curve Culvert (c402402) project are completed, which is hoped to be as soon as next summer. We are opposed to a permanent reduction to one‐way traffic, let alone closure to vehicular traffic altogether. We also support keeping the Oxford Way and Alta Avenue temporary cul‐de‐sacs in place during those repairs.

We’ve lived at the corner of Woodrow Avenue and Oxford Way for 38 years. A block up from the Bethany Culvert closure, we’ve seen at close hand the overwhelming impact that traffic restrictions on West Cliff Drive have on the surrounding neighborhoods. When the Bethany bridge/culvert closed, most of the thousands of vehicle trips taken daily on West Cliff were suddenly diverted to Oxford Way because, being the closest side street, it was more convenient than the officially designated detour another 3 blocks away on the nearest east‐west arterial, Delaware Avenue. We also received the many eastbound drivers who ignored road closed and local traffic only signs placed at Almar and West Cliff, staying on West Cliff as long as possible until barriers at David Way forced them onto Oxford. The result was way too many impatient drivers running stop signs and trying to cram through neighborhood intersections like Woodrow and Oxford that weren’t designed to handle anything like this volume, not to mention that it had shortcutters traveling crosswise to and so impeding the official route. We were grateful when at the end of May, after 5 months of dangerous chaos, the city installed physical barriers to block Oxford Way (and later Alta Avenue) and put most drivers back onto the official detour route. That route uses generally wider arterials and intersections properly equipped with four‐way stops and left turn lanes.

This experience underscores the overwhelming traffic chaos that is created in surrounding neighborhoods by impeding the arterial function of West Cliff Drive. Not only is West Cliff an iconic draw for sightseers and beach visitors, it’s also an important arterial for commuters crossing the west side for work, as well as for daylong service and errand goer traffic. (Indeed, West Cliff Drive was originally intended as part of the Pacific Coast Highway.) The dangerous congestion, speeding, lack of traffic sign compliance and excessive noise created is intolerable.

The chaos was tempered in our case only by the introduction of physical barriers. However, those are only temporary measures slated to go away once the Bethany bridge is reopened. Reopening the bridge while keeping traffic restrictions in place, either one‐way or both ways, is thus an

22.219
2 unacceptable scenario for neighborhood traffic flow. Visitors understandably like the idea of taking away a traffic lane to dramatically increase the width of the bicycle/pedestrian pathway.

But accommodating tourism needs to be balanced against protecting the safety and quality of life of the neighborhood. There is no physical reason that the repaired roadway and revetments won’t be able to accommodate both two‐way vehicular traffic and a recreational pathway.

If the roadway were to be made permanently one way (presumably west bound), where would the return traffic go? Into neighborhood side streets we’ve learned, because drivers would rather shortcut through neighborhoods than drive further to arterials, in this case Delaware Avenue. It seems an extensive system of permanent physical barriers would be needed to keep the arterial commute, service and visitor traffic previously carried by West Cliff Drive from overwhelming neighborhood side streets. If successful in doing so, that would of course put the return traffic on Delaware Avenue. Local media report that residents on Delaware are already unhappy with the increased traffic that they’re now seeing due to the recent increase in compliance with the city sanctioned storm damage detour. Making a repaired West Cliff Drive one way would seem to make this unhappy situation permanent.

We urge you to please preserve both the safety and quality of life of our neighborhoods and the indispensable arterial function of West Cliff Drive by returning it to two‐way traffic as soon as possible. Until then, we support continuing the neighborhood traffic calming measures, including the Oxford and Alta cul‐de‐sacs, that have been implemented by public works.

Bob and Jennifer Goldbeck
303 Woodrow Avenue

22.220
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Piet Canin <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:45 PM
To: City Council; Fred Keeley; Sandy Brown; Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson; Sonja Brunner; Renee Golder; Scott Newsome
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Ecology Action supports Climate Solution Mobility for W Cliff Drive Attachments: EA on W Cliff letter9-23.pdf
Dear Mayor Keeley & Council Members,
Please find Ecology AcƟon’s leƩer of support for a West Cliff Drive soluƟon that provides a safe and comfortable place for those on foot, bike, scooter, etc. that is protected from automobile traffic. This leƩer pertains to the W Cliff Drive item on your September 12th agenda.

Thank you.

Piet Canin
Strategic Development Director
Mobile (831)227-8987
Web https://ecoact.org/ Email [email protected]
Address 877 Cedar St. Suite 240 Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Pronouns (he, him, his)

22.221
September 11, 2023
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
Ecology Action views West Cliff Drive through the lens of the climate crisis as this ionic people place is under direct threat from sea level rise, extreme storms and other natural occurrences. West Cliff Drive is a place of breathtaking natural wonder that locals, residents throughout the county and tourist visit for mental, spiritual and physical well-being. The daily crowding of the West Cliff path with walkers, those with baby strollers and dogs, skateboarders, scooters, and bikes demonstrate how this public and scenic promenade struggles to accommodate all users as currently designed, eroding some of its benefits.

Ecology Action supports increasing safe and comfortable spaces for walking, biking, scootering, strolling, running, and wheel chairing that is separate and protected from automobile traffic. Bike Santa Cruz County’s vision of a two-way protected bike lane provides a safe place for the most vulnerable road users while actively encouraging sustainable transportation and movement.

Thank you for considering solutions that reduce our dependence and use of fossil fuels while creating a more vibrant city.

Sincerely,
Piet Canin
Strategic Development Director

22.222
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Roger Bernstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:49 PM
To: Matt Huffaker; City Council; Renee Golder; Matt Starkey Subject: Comments to be entered into record Council meeting 9/12/2023 regarding traffic Pelton/Clark/Columbia
My name is Roger Bernstein and I live on Pelton Avenue across from Clark Ave. Our neighborhood has met with the city a few times over the last months to voice our concerns and issues with the West Cliff detour.

While I do want to thank the council members for the well‐intentioned support we’ve received, as Claire and Matt stated, "there will be winners and losers" and I feel that we, on Pelton & Clark are definitely on the losing end of the traffic mitigation measures. The current detour on Woodrow is funneling most of the traffic onto our streets and it’s becoming extremely dangerous & noisy. It is very unfortunate that the traffic calming the City had planned for Pelton Avenue has been cancelled.

The next four months or so, until West Cliff is re‐opened, are going to be even more dangerous and more challenging than the previous 9 months. Because West Cliff will be closed in both directions, Pelton Avenue will experience even more traffic than before, with more speeding and even more rude and dangerous drivers.

Our neighborhood is asking for a bit more support during the construction period. In particular, we are seeking relief from the incessant speeding with the placement of a full‐time speeding monitor on the east‐ bound 1000 block of Pelton Avenue. We are also requesting that the city re‐provision some of the orange barriers from West Cliff over to the south side of Pelton Avenue to create a safe zone for bicyclists, pedestrians and dog‐walkers. We don’t need a long line of orange barriers, but just enough barriers spaced out to allow residents to still park their cars in front of their house and yet create a safe lane for bikes and pedestrians that have to go around West Cliff during the closure. This will also, potentially have the added effect of narrowing Pelton Ave in this area which may assist with vehicle speed mitigation. In addition, we request that temporary speed bumps be added on Pelton Ave and Clark between Woodrow and Columbia in close enough intervals to slow the incessant flow of speeding vehicles down to a safer speed.

We hope you will give these requests serious consideration.

Thank you,
Roger Bernstein
[email protected]
M: 760-419-8032

22.223
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Ila Palmquist <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:50 PM
To: City Council
Subject: West cliff drive
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. The existing walking and biking path is often so busy that it is difficult for both walkers and cyclists to share the path safely, and future plans for West Cliff should include expanded space for people to exercise, see their neighbors, and enjoy our beautiful coastline without using a car.

Prioritizing biking on West Cliff helps the City achieve our climate action goals and provides space that is accessible to everyone in our community. Dedicated spaces for cyclists and pedestrians is much more in line with the city's vision for Westcliff than reopening two-way vehicle traffic on roads that were damaged in January and that are increasingly likely to be damaged again this winter and into the future.

I regularly volunteered at Open Streets and it’s amazing the positive reception people have for Westcliff being completely closed to car traffic. As we plan for the future, please prioritize space for people over space for cars.

Rather than a return to two-way car traffic, please consider a vision that allows everyone to safely enjoy this tremendous community resource, regardless of how they get around.

Sincerely,
Ila Palmquist

22.224
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Ann Amaro <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:54 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Comments regarding Item # 22 West Cliff for City Council meeting on 9/12/23 Dear City Council members:

I am writing to express my concern for the increased traffic, noise and safety on Almar and Delaware as a result of the West Cliff Drive closure. It is very unfortunate that West Cliff Drive had to be closed. Understandably, this was necessary. This resulted in diverting traffic through our lower westside neighborhood. However, some streets like Oxford and Alta were able to petition to close off their streets. I don't understand why they are able to avoid the impact the West Cliff Drive closure is having in our community.

While a few have had the majority vote to make decisions that impact the entire community, the majority of the neighbors on Woodrow, Delaware and Almar are having to endure the brunt of increased traffic, noise and deal with safety issues. Do residents of Oxford and Alta pay more taxes for road improvements? Do these same residents have a higher voting power? What gives them the option to opt out of sharing the temporary re‐routing of West Cliff Drive? Our property is on the corner of Almar and Delaware. Increased traffic from the West Cliff Drive closure is funneled from multiple streets to Delaware and Almar, we are dealing with the following:
1) From Mission: Vehicles driving fast from Mission to Delaware without having to stop. This street is very narrow and has families crossing the street to get to Garfield Park. 2) Delaware and Almar 4 way stop: Vehicles choosing not to stop at this intersection since they drive straight through from Mission. From West Cliff Drive to Delaware, traffic backs up at Delaware past Plateau causing so many safety issues for walkers who have to walk in the street due to no sidewalk in some places on Almar and bicyclists dodging walkers and vehicles.

I would like to see the City Council implement a plan that helps our entire community deal with a temporary situation that can minimize traffic, minimize noise and provide a safe environment for our families consisting of walkers and bicyclists. Additionally, I would like to see Oxford and Alta open back up and be a part of a bigger solution instead of contributing to the traffic problem.

Regards,
Ann Marie Amaro
Ph: 408-313-9122

22.225
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Hannah Dillard <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:54 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Bike Space on West Cliff
To Mayor Keeley and the members of city council,
I am writing to express my support for a designated bike lane on West Cliff Drive. The benefits of this change seem obvious and numerous ‐ greater safety for all cyclists and pedestrians, less vehicle traffic and congestion, a gentler impact on the fragile coastal cliffs, and a powerful statement of Santa Cruz’s dedication to our obvious cycling culture and alternative forms of transportation.

Thank you for your time.

Hannah

22.226
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Andrew Hall <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:55 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Westcliff drive
Dear Mayor Keeley and Councilmembers,
I am writing to express my support for dedicated space for people biking on West Cliff Drive. As climate change and winter storms continue to impact our coastline, we have an opportunity to envision a West Cliff Drive that works better for everyone, whether they are walking, biking, or driving.

Sincerely,
Andrew Hall
115 lighthouse Ave.

Beware of typos, composed with whimsical thumbs!

22.227
1 Rosemary Balsley
From: Jonas Oppenheimer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 11, 2023 4:58 PM
To: City Council
Subject: Bike accessibility on W. Cliff
Dear Council Members,
I live on Almar Ave and am concerned about bicycle accessibility on West Cliff. Please ask staff to return to the Council with a plan to separate bicyclists, cars, and pedestrians on West Cliff. This would fulfill the Council's Health in All Policies and contribute to the Climate Action Plan. The current unsafe condition of bicyclists sharing a narrow path with pedestrians will only get worse with the proliferation of motorized bikes. The best solution would be to have either no cars on West Cliff or a single lane of car traffic. This would allow for two lanes of bike traffic and a pedestrian path.

Fewer cars and greater bike infrastructure would help improve the safety of those using West Cliff, make access to West Cliff more equitable, help reduce carbon emissions, and promote climate adaptation. There is no reason that two lanes of car traffic are necessary or useful on West Cliff, and this space would be better used in other ways.

Thank you,
Jonas Oppenheimer

22.228
West Cliff Drive:

Infrastructure and
Transportation
Update

22.229
1 2 Infrastructure
3 Transportation
Agenda
Overview

22.230
Ove rvie w : We st Cliff in 2023
Roadmap &
Adaptive
Pathways
Infill Walls &
Traffic Data,
Toolkit
Public
Outreach &
Engagements
Funding &
Permitting
Emergency
Protective
Measures:

One-Way
Pilot/Closure
Winter Storm
Damage

22.231
Spring-’24

22.232
Content goes here.

In fill Wa lls

22.233
Sa fe t y
• Follow detours
• Respect barricades and closures
• Be aware of heavy equipment
• Maintain safe distance

22.234
 Reconstruct to match
architecture
 Elevate Roadway
 Widen Roadway
 Improve wave protection
 Schedule: Spring – Summer
2024
During Construction-hard closure
expected
Be t h a n y Cu rve Cu lve rt

22.235
Infill Walls - $8.7 million, Granite Construction Bid
• Approved FHWA Emergency Fund: $5 million
• Gas-Tax: $1.7 million*
• General Fund: $1 million*
• Senator John Laird Office: $1 million
*If FHWA approves revised damage assessments, some funds will go back to respective funds
Bu d ge t
Bethany Curve Culvert – Est. $10 million
• Awaiting approval of FHWA Emergency Fund
Shoreline Protection (Rip-Rap) – Est. $1.5 million
• Awaiting approval of FEMA Emergency Fund

22.236
Timeline
December 2023
Complete Infill Walls*
920, 932, 1016 and 1030
Restore two-way traffic
between Columbia and
Woodrow
Spring 2024
• Begin Construction
Bethany Culvert
Summer 2024
Complete Bethany Culvert
repairs
Restore two-way traffic
west of Woodrow
Fall 2024
Install Rip-Rap
*WEATHER DEPENDENT
**Extended Hours and Weekends

22.237
Ongoing Communications
• Door Hangars
• Mailers
• Press Release
• Newsletter Updates
• Regular Website Updates and Social
Media Posts
https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/citydepartments/public-works/traffic-engineering/west-cliffstorm-damage-and-temporary-traffic-controls

22.238
Transportation

22.239
Transportation
• Summary of data and feedback collected on pilot
• We are able to rebuild this time
• We need to plan for a time when we cannot
• How does this pilot inform 50-year vision?
• Values: Safety, Resiliency, Access, Recreation

22.240
• Multiple years: 2019 (base year),
2022 (pre storm), 2023 (post storm)
• General Patterns
• Travel is highest closest to Bay,
decreases as you travel towards
Natural Bridges
• High use for recreation trips
• Negligible round trips (Bay to Bay)
What Did We Measure?

22.241
• West Cliff is an asset for the
entire community
What Did
we Find?

22.242
Volume Changes- Comparison

22.243
2019 to 2023
Volume Changes- Comparison

22.244
West Cliff Weekday Volumes
2950
1930
1700
0 500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
Auto - WB Auto - EB Trail
May 2023 West of Lighthouse 22.245
Public Engagement Findings
• Collected feedback on West Cliff Drive and
at the Wharf on three evenings
• We heard:
• People hate loud motorcycles
• People love to walk and bike on West Cliff
• Drivers surveyed were okay with pilot
• Separate bikes, pedestrians, and cars
• Key findings:
• Desires not possible without tradeoffs
• Continue work in 50-year vision

22.246
Pilot Summary
• Bethany Culvert failure causes all traffic to divert
off West Cliff
• Small one-way pilot area concentrated impacts
• Overall, lower number of auto trips in study area
than 2019
• Community vision is needed to guide investment
on West Cliff in a changing climate.

22.247
Traffic Calming Program
• Toolkit intended for citywide use
• Funded pilot in this budget year
• Matrix to evaluate and rank
• Process:
• Nomination
• Review
• Design
• Neighbor vote
• Implement

22.248
Recommendation:

1. Receive updates on West Cliff related capital projects including Bethany Curve culvert, rip-rap, and infill walls; transportation efforts including the study conducted on the one-way pilot; and infrastructure next steps including impacts for West Cliff given construction projects;

2. Direct staff to restore two-way traffic, remove the one-way pilot when the infill walls are complete, and include further traffic options in the 50-year vision project;

3. Adopt a resolution to approve a city traffic calming toolkit; and

4. Adopt a resolution to amend the FY 2024 budget to appropriate $1.7 million from Gas Tax, $1 million from General Fund Capital Investment Program (CIP), and $1 million from state earmark to the West Cliff Stabilization Project (c401501).

22.249
West Cliff Drive:

Infrastructure and
Transportation
Update

22.250

22.251

23.1 23.2

23.3 23.4

23.5 24.1

24.2 24.3

24.4 24.5

24.6 24.7

24.8 24.9

24.10 24.11

24.12 24.13

24.14 24.15

24.16 24.17

Santa Cruz City CouncilSeptember 12, 2023

Santa Cruz City Council
September 12, 2023