Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over This 4th of July Holiday

The 4th of July holiday is a time to enjoy fireworks and show country pride but is also traditionally one of the more dangerous times on the road.

To keep families safe this Independence Day, Santa Cruz Police Department will have increased enforcement focused on impaired driving during the 4th of July holiday.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over This 4th of July Holiday

According to preliminary data from the California Highway Patrol, seven people were killed and 73 injured in alcohol-related crashes statewide on the fourth of July last year. Every deadly crash involved a driver who had been drinking. 

“Drinking and driving is a bad combination,” Santa Cruz Police Department Sergeant Scott Garner said. “The consequences are abundantly clear, yet people still make the poor decision to drive after drinking. Please be smart and make this 4th of July holiday a fun and memorable one.”

If you are headed to 4th of July parties, designate a sober driver before heading out for the evening. If you are hosting a party, offer non-alcoholic drinks for designated sober drivers and monitor who is drinking. See people leaving who have been drinking? Check how they are getting home. Offer to let them stay the night if a sober driver is not available to take them home.

“Driving with just a buzz doesn’t cut it,” Sergeant Garner said. “With the rise in ride-share options, there really is no excuse for driving impaired.”

The average cost of a DUI arrest is approximately $13,500, accounting for vehicle impound fees, fines, attorney fees, auto insurance hikes and other penalties. Santa Cruz Police Department also reminds residents that prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and marijuana can all be impairing and land you a DUI, especially in combination with alcohol and/or other drugs.

Funding for DUI enforcement was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Citywide July 4th Safety Enhancement Zone – All Fireworks Prohibited in City of Santa Cruz

July 4th Citywide Safety Enhancement Zone - All Fireworks Prohibited
Violations Subject To Triple Fine Penalties
Midnight July 4th through 3:00 a.m. July 5th

With thousands expected to visit Santa Cruz over the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend, the Santa Cruz City Council has taken steps to ensure the City remains safe and clean for everyone. Council has approved a citywide Safety Enhancement Zone from July 4 to July 5th, 2019. The safety enhancement designation, which includes tripling the fees for violations of the City’s municipal code such as the illegal discharge of fireworks, littering and public consumption of alcohol.

All firework of any kind is prohibited. Santa Cruz Police and Fire Inspectors will be out in force the days leading up to and on July 4th to ensure that community members and visitors enjoy a safe holiday experience.

Every available officer will be proactively enforcing all violations designated for triple fines under the Safety Enhancement Zone. Some of those assigned triple fines, violations include:

• Fireworks possession
• Possession of Open Containers or Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages in Public Places
• Graffiti
• Noise Violations
• Trespassing
• Misconduct on Public Property
• Urinating/Defecating in Public

Santa Cruz Police and Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors that all fireworks, including those marked “Safe and Sane,” are ILLEGAL in the City of Santa Cruz.

If you witness the discharge of illegal fireworks, the Santa Cruz Police encourages you to call the non-emergency line 831-471-1131 immediately to report the incident. Our patrol teams will be busy, but we will respond to complaints of illegal fireworks.

We ask that you are willing to assist us in identifying and signing a complaint against the person(s) responsible. This means the person in possession of the fireworks or the one responsible for putting flame to fuse. We also ask you to be willing to testify in court, if necessary. With the increased fire danger this year, we are relying on our partnership with the community to keep us all safe this 4th of July.

For those who would like to enjoy fireworks, please plan to attend a safe and professionally controlled firework show to ensure the safety of your family, friends, and property.

Map of Santa Cruz City Limits - Citywide Safety Enhancement Zone 

12:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 4th through 3:00 a.m. Thursday, July 5th

Reminder: July 4th Citywide Safety Enhancement Zone - Fireworks Prohibited -Triple Fines Penalties

Remember fireworks are not only 100% dangerous, but they are 100% illegal in the City of Santa Cruz. Leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Find a list of FREE fireworks shows, parades and other festive events in Santa Cruz and throughout the South Bay here https://goo.gl/rcQAuV Thank you Santa Cruz Patch for compiling this resourceful July 4 list.

July 4th Citywide Safety Enhancement Zone 

All Fireworks Prohibited 

Violations Subject To Triple Fine Penalties 

12:00 a.m. July 4th through 3:00 a.m. July 5th

City Council approved a citywide safety enhancement zone from midnight July 4th through Wednesday, July 5th until 3:00 am. TThe safety enhancement designation, which includes tripling the fees for violations of the City’s municipal code such as the illegal discharge of fireworks, littering and public consumption of alcohol. 

More details about the July 4th Citywide Safety Enhancement Zone - Fireworks Prohibited -Triple Fines Penalties available here https://goo.gl/BzHRT4

July 4th Citywide Safety Enhancement Zone - Fireworks Prohibited -Triple Fines Penalties

July 4th Citywide Safety Enhancement Zone 

All Fireworks Prohibited 

Violations Subject To Triple Fine Penalties 

12:00 a.m. July 4th through 3:00 a.m. July 5th

 

With thousands expected to visit Santa Cruz over the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend, the Santa Cruz City Council has taken steps to ensure the City remains safe and clean for everyone.  The Santa Cruz City Council has approved a citywide Safety Enhancement Zone from July 4 to July 5th, 2018.  The safety enhancement designation, which includes tripling the fees for violations of the City’s municipal code such as the illegal discharge of fireworks, littering and public consumption of alcohol.

Santa Cruz Police will be out in force the days leading up to and on July 4th to ensure that community members and visitors enjoy a safe holiday experience.
 
Every available officer will be proactively enforcing all violations designated for triple fines under the Safety Enhancement Zone. Some of those assigned triple fines, violations include:

• Fireworks possession
• Possession of Open Containers or Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages in Public Places
• Graffiti
• Noise Violations
• Trespassing
• Conduct on Public Property
• Urinating/Defecating in Public

Santa Cruz Police and Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors that all fireworks, including those marked “Safe and Sane,” are ILLEGAL in the City of Santa Cruz.

 If you witness the discharge of illegal fireworks or any of the violations listed above, the Santa Cruz Police strongly encourages you to call 9-1-1 immediately to report the incident. Our patrol teams will be busy, but we will respond to complaints of illegal fireworks.

We ask that you are willing to assist us in identifying and signing a complaint against the person(s) responsible. This means the person in possession of the fireworks or the one responsible for putting flame to fuse. We also ask you to be willing to testify in court, if necessary. With the increased fire danger this year, we are relying on our partnership with the community to keep us all safe this 4th of July.

For those who would like to enjoy fireworks, please plan to attend a safe and professionally controlled firework show to ensure the safety of your family, friends, and property.

Traffic Advisory: July 4th Weekend Road Closures and No Parking Areas - Citywide Safety Enhancement Zone

Many of our residents and visitors will be gathering together to celebrate our Independence Day.  We encourage the community to celebrate responsibly.

 A citywide Safety Enhancement Zone is in effect from July 4th until the 5th. The Safety Enhancement Zone enacts “Triple Fines” for certain violations of the Municipal Code. This included triple fines for violations such as fireworks, littering, and public intoxication.  

SCPD would like to remind you that no fireworks of any kind are allowed in the City of Santa Cruz. Every available officer will be actively patrolling to ensure residents and visitors enjoy a safe 4th of July holiday.

Road closures and traffic plan detours will be in effect throughout the City of Santa Cruz this 4th of July weekend.

ROAD CLOSURES and NO PARKING Areas include:

HOLY GHOST PARADE -- July 2nd,10:00 am to 11:00 am Parade organizers planned to start at 10:15 am. Once the parade passes through road closures, the road will be re-opened. The scheduled street closures for the parade:

Cathcart Street between Cedar Street and Pacific Avenue
Pacific Avenue between Elm Street and Water Street
Lincoln Street between Cedar Street and Pacific Avenue
Soquel Ave. Between Pacific Ave and Parking Garage
Cooper Street. Between Pacific Ave and Parking garage.
Church Street. Between Pacific Ave and Parking garage.
Locust Street. Between Pacific Ave and Parking garage.
Front Street between River Street and Water Street
Water Street. Between Pacific Ave and River St.

East Cliff Point Parking -- This area will be posted “No Parking” effective 5:00 am on July 3rd and will remain in place through July 4th. 

FIRECRACKER 10K -- July 4th, 6:30 am to 10:30 am
The race begins at 8:30 at the Harvey West Scout House and travels through trails in Pogonip Park, onto Spring Street and through the upper West Side to the High Street bicycle path and ending at Harvey West Park.

Santa Cruz Police & Fire Department is relying on our partnership with the community to keep us all safe this 4th of July.

July 4th Safety Tips for People and Their Pets

Santa Cruz Police and Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter wants to remind pet owners about safety over the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend.

More animals are lost during the 4th of July celebrations than at any other time of the year. Loud noises from fireworks frighten animals due to their heightened senses of hearing, and they will do anything to escape the noise. This behavior is usually unpredictable and out of character, and it may include chewing through a leash, jumping through screens and glass windows, digging under a fence, jumping over a wall, bolting away from the owner, and running into traffic.

The good news is that there are many things you can do to help ensure your pet's protection. Just follow these simple guidelines to make July 4th a great holiday for both you and your pet!

· Don’t take your pet to fireworks displays. The explosions of the fireworks are loud to the human ear. Imagine how loud it sounds to your dog, who can hear sounds up to 60,000 cycles per second -- that's three times greater than the human ear can even register.

· Do not leave your pet in the car. With only hot air to breathe inside a car, your pet can suffer serious health effects, even death, in a few short minutes. Partially opened windows do not provide sufficient air, but do provide an opportunity for your pet to be stolen.

· Keep your pets indoors in a sheltered, quiet area. Some animals become destructive when frightened, so be sure you've removed any items your pet could destroy or may be harmful to your pet if chewed. It’s important that they have a safe, quiet “den-like” place to relax, such as a secure room of the house or blanketed crate. Leave a television or radio playing at normal volume to keep him/her company if you go out. Shut windows and blinds or curtains.

· Exercise your pet. Tire your dog or cat out with plenty of exercise early in the day.

· If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4th for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during fireworks displays.

· Never leave pets outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets who normally wouldn't leave the yard may escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.

· Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags so that if they do become lost, they can be returned promptly. Animals found running at-large should be taken to the local animal care and control center, where they have the best chance of being reunited with their owners. Two forms of ID are always best when it comes to protecting your pet. If an individual finds your pet, the first thing he or she will look for is an ID tag. In Santa Cruz County, if your pet is taken to Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter, he/she will be scanned for a microchip, which is permanent identification. Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter offers microchips pets for $10 every day, no appointment necessary.

These simple precautions will help with pet safety and prevent owners from being separated from their pets. However, if your pet does become lost, contact the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter for lost & found animals. Call 831-454-7303 or visit www.scanimalshelter.org 

We want everyone, two-legged and four-legged, to have a fun and SAFE holiday! 

City of Santa Cruz July 4th Citywide Safety Enhancement Zone

With thousands expected to visit Santa Cruz over the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend, the Santa Cruz City Council has taken steps to ensure the City remains safe and clean for everyone.

The Santa Cruz City Council has approved a citywide Safety Enhancement Zone from July 4 to July 5th, 2017. The safety enhancement designation, which includes tripling the fees for violations of the City’s municipal code such as the illegal discharge of fireworks, littering and public consumption of alcohol.

Santa Cruz Police will be out in force the days leading up to and on July 4th to ensure that community members and visitors enjoy a safe holiday experience.

Every available officer will be proactively enforcing all violations designated for triple fines under the Safety Enhancement Zone. Some of those designated triple fines, violations include:
• Fireworks possession
• Possession of Open Containers or Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages in Public Places
• Graffiti
• Noise Violations
• Trespassing
• Conduct on Public Property
• Urinating/Defecating in Public

Santa Cruz Police and Fire Department would like to remind residents and visitors that all fireworks, including those marked “Safe and Sane,” are ILLEGAL in the City of Santa Cruz.

If you witness the discharge of illegal fireworks or any of the violations listed above, the Santa Cruz Police

The department strongly encourages you to call 9-1-1 immediately to report the incident. Our patrol teams will be busy, but we will respond to complaints of illegal fireworks. We ask that you are willing to assist us in identifying and signing a complaint against the person(s) responsible. This means the person in possession of the fireworks or the one responsible for putting flame to fuse. We also ask you to be willing to testify in court, if necessary. With the increased fire danger this year, we are relying on our partnership with the community to keep us all safe this 4th of July.

For those who would like to enjoy fireworks, please plan to attend a safe and professionally controlled firework show to ensure the safety of your family, friends, and property.

4 Tips to Keep Your Pet SAFE & HAPPY this 4th of July

The Fourth of July holiday can be a very scary day and/or nighttime for animals. Most dogs and cats are extremely afraid of the fireworks or any noises they hear outside. More pets go missing on July 4th than any other day of the year. Share these tips to put your pet at ease while celebrating America's 240th birthday.

SCPD would like to share 4 tips with pet owners to save themselves and their pets heartache and anxiety by following a few simple suggestions.
1. It's Safer Indoors
It is safer to keep your pets at home during Fourth of July celebrations instead of bringing them to your neighbor's party. Keep your pets in the house, rather than in your yard. They will be a lot happier indoors, and not tempted to leap over or dig under a fence to find you.

2. Establish A Safe Place For Your Pet
Pets can be startled by the loud noise of fireworks. Keep your pet in a safe room where he can feel comfortable. If he is crate trained, put him in his crate covered with a blanket to make him feel secure.

3. Calm Down Your Nervous Pet
Block outside sights and sounds by lowering the blinds and turning on the television. If your pet seems overly anxious, spend some time with him, speaking soothingly to help him to relax.

4. Collar ID Tag & Microchip
Make sure your pet is wearing an ID collar and micro-chipped with your current contact information. Should your pet get scared, escape and run away, it will be easier for the animal shelter to reunite you with your pet.

These simple precautions tips will help with pet safety and prevent owners from being separated from their pets. However, if your pet does become lost, be sure to contact the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter for lost & found animals. Call 831-454-7303 or visit www.scanimalshelter.org

By following these simple precautions, everyone in the family can enjoy a safe 4th of July celebration.

City of Santa Cruz - Fireworks Prohibited, July 3-5, 2016 Safety Enhancement Zone IncludesTriple Fines

With thousands expected to visit Santa Cruz over the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend, the Santa Cruz City Council has taken steps to ensure the City remains safe and clean for everyone. The Santa Cruz City Council has approved a citywide Safety Enhancement Zone from July 3rd to July 5th, 2016. This includes expanding the “Triple Fine Zone’ to all of the City of Santa Cruz to protect urban interface areas with dry vegetation.

The Safety Enhancement Zone enacts “Triple Fines” for violations of the Municipal Code. For example, the base fine for fireworks is $110 x3 triple fine =$330 + court fees as high as $1,305.00.

Every available SCPD Officer will be on duty throughout the weekend to insure that residents and visitors enjoy a safe holiday experience.

The Santa Cruz Police Department will be proactively enforcing all violations that have been designated for triple fines under the Safety Enhancement Zone, including the following violations of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code:
· Fireworks
· Possession of Open Containers or Consumption of   Alcoholic Beverages in Public Places
· Discharge of Firearms
· Graffiti
· Defacing Sidewalks
· Noise Violations
· Trespassing
· Conduct on Public Property
· Urinating/Defecating in Public

If you witness illegal fireworks being discharged or any of the violations listed above, the Santa Cruz Police Department strongly encourages you to call 9-1-1 immediately to report the incident. Our patrol teams will be busy, but we will respond to complaints of illegal fireworks. We ask that you are willing to assist us by identifying and signing a complaint against the person(s) responsible. This means the person in possession of the fireworks or the one responsible for putting flame to fuse. We also ask you be willing to testify in court, if necessary. With the increased fire danger this year, we are relying on our partnership with the community to keep us all safe this 4th of July.

City of Santa Cruz - Fireworks Prohibited, July 3-5, 2016 Safety Enhancement Zone IncludesTriple Fines

With thousands expected to visit Santa Cruz over the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend, the Santa Cruz City Council has taken steps to ensure the City remains safe and clean for everyone. The Santa Cruz City Council has approved a citywide Safety Enhancement Zone from July 3rd to July 5th, 2016. This includes expanding the “Triple Fine Zone’ to all of the City of Santa Cruz to protect urban interface areas with dry vegetation.

The Safety Enhancement Zone enacts “Triple Fines” for violations of the Municipal Code. For example, the base fine for fireworks is $110 x3 triple fine =$330 + court fees as high as $1,305.00.

Every available SCPD Officer will be on duty throughout the weekend to insure that residents and visitors enjoy a safe holiday experience.

The Santa Cruz Police Department will be proactively enforcing all violations that have been designated for triple fines under the Safety Enhancement Zone, including the following violations of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code:
· Fireworks
· Possession of Open Containers or Consumption of   Alcoholic Beverages in Public Places
· Discharge of Firearms
· Graffiti
· Defacing Sidewalks
· Noise Violations
· Trespassing
· Conduct on Public Property
· Urinating/Defecating in Public

If you witness illegal fireworks being discharged or any of the violations listed above, the Santa Cruz Police Department strongly encourages you to call 9-1-1 immediately to report the incident. Our patrol teams will be busy, but we will respond to complaints of illegal fireworks. We ask that you are willing to assist us by identifying and signing a complaint against the person(s) responsible. This means the person in possession of the fireworks or the one responsible for putting flame to fuse. We also ask you be willing to testify in court, if necessary. With the increased fire danger this year, we are relying on our partnership with the community to keep us all safe this 4th of July.

JULY 4th 2015 Overview Stats

Throughout the 4th of July weekend, the Santa Cruz Police Department provided 100% full-staffing for proactive and preventative enforcement of the citywide Safety Enhancement Zone. This 4th of July holiday brought large crowds to the Main Beach and throughout the City of Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz Police responded to 591 calls for service in the 24 hour period of July 4th. The overwhelming majority of service calls were related to illegal fireworks possession and alcohol related violations.

All available personnel were in service and used by the police department. In addition, First Alarm Security Guards were hired to assist with road closures and security patrols in the Seabright and Westside Neighborhoods.

The following is a statistical overview of calls for service and enforcement in the City of Santa Cruz during the 24 hour period from 7/4 to 7/5/2015. This year’s crowd was comparable to previous years in Santa Cruz. Overall, the stats show an increase in calls for service, arrests and citations compared to last year.

SCPD responded to 591 calls for service within a 24 period. 18% increase over 2014.
Number of reports taken: 39

1 Felony Arrests- Subject was punched and lost consciousness outside Seabright Brewery.

27 Misdemeanor Arrests- 44% increase over 2014. Most misdemeanor arrests were for being drunk in public. Several of these intoxication arrests initiated from fight and disturbance related incidents.

79 Muni Code and Traffic citations – 23% increase over 2014. Majority of citations were for open container.

59 Triple Fine Citations- 90% increase over 2014. The triple fine citations were mostly alcohol and fireworks related. 16 of the fireworks citation netted an estimated 60lbs of firework products were confiscated.

131 Total infraction citations- 101% increase over reported 2014 numbers.

The Main Beach and West Cliff Drive were significantly impacted with higher incidents of violations than any other area in the City of Santa Cruz. The large crowds on Main Beach made it difficult to patrol via ATV during portions on the afternoon. Foot patrol officers trekked over 9 miles each during the day as measured by their Fitbit.

The stats above are for 24 hour period from 7/4 to 7/5 but keep in mind, the holiday weekend starts on Friday 7/3 for many locals and visitors. Consider Friday July 3rd, SCPD responded to over 370 calls for service, completed 45 reports, made 17 arrests and issued 34 citations on Friday alone.

Some of the fireworks confiscated over the 4th of July weekend.

ROAD CLOSURES and NO PARKING Areas 7/3 through 7/5/15

Road closures and traffic plan detours will be in effect throughout the City of Santa Cruz this 4th of July weekend.

In addition, the Santa Cruz City Council has approved a citywide Safety Enhancement Zone from July 3rd to July 5th, 2015. The Safety Enhancement Zone enacts “Triple Fines” for certain violations of the Municipal Code.

ROAD CLOSURES and NO PARKING Areas 7/3 to 7/5

East Cliff Point Parking -- July 3rd through July 4th
Starting Friday July 3rd, in the area at E. Cliff will be fenced off and not available to the public. This area will be posted “No Parking” effective 8:00 am on July 3rd and will remain in
place through July 4th.

FIRECRACKER 10K -- July 4th, 6:30 am to 10:30 am
The race begins at 8:30 at the Harvey West Scout house and travels through trails in Pogonip Park, onto Spring Street and through the upper West Side to the High Street bicycle path and ending at Harvey West Park. 

SEABRIGHT AREA ROAD CLOSURE --July 3rd through July 5th. At 6:00 pm, all roads through the lower Seabright neighborhood (south of Murray Street) and the Murray Street Bridge will be closed to through traffic. Residents and those with legitimate business will be allowed to access the area. 

HOLY GHOST PARADE -- July 5th 10:00 am to 11: 00 am
The parade will occur on Sunday morning July 5th. The parade is planned to start 10:15 am and
end by 1100. Once the parade passes through road closures, the road will be re-opened.

The following are the scheduled street closures for this parade:
Cathcart Street between Cedar Street and Pacific Avenue
Pacific Avenue between Elm Street and Water Street
Lincoln Street between Cedar Street and Pacific Avenue
Soquel Ave. between Pacific Ave and Parking garage
Cooper Street. between Pacific Ave and Parking garage.
Church Street. between Pacific Ave and Parking garage.
Locust Street. between Pacific Ave and Parking garage. 

Front Street between River Street and Water Street
Water Street. between Pacific Ave and River St.
Mission Street between Pacific Avenue and Chestnut Street
Emmett Street between Mission Street and High Street 

All fireworks are illegal in the City of Santa Cruz.

 
Santa Cruz Police & Fire Department are relying on our partnership with the community to keep us all safe this 4th of July.

Enhanced Safety Measures for Independence Holiday Weekend

Fireworks Prohibited – Violators Subject To Triple Fine Penalties – July 3-5, 2015  Minimum Fine $532

With thousands expected to visit Santa Cruz over the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend, the Santa Cruz City Council has taken steps to ensure the City remains safe and clean for everyone. The Santa Cruz City Council has approved a citywide Safety Enhancement Zone from July 3rd to July 5th, 2015.

The Safety Enhancement Zone enacts “Triple Fines” for certain violations of the Municipal Code. With additional court costs, minimum fines will be $532.

The Santa Cruz Police Department will be actively seeking out and enforcing all violations that have been designated for triple fines under the Safety Enhancement Zone. Some of those violations include:
· Fireworks possession
· Possession of Open Containers or Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages in Public Places
· Graffiti
· Noise Violations
· Trespassing
· Conduct on Public Property
· Urinating/Defecating in Public

If you witness illegal fireworks being discharged or any of the violations listed above, the Santa Cruz Police Department strongly encourages you to call 9-1-1 immediately to report the incident. Our patrol teams will be busy, but we will respond to complaints of illegal fireworks. We ask that you are willing to assist us by identifying and signing a complaint against the person(s) responsible. This means the person in possession of the fireworks or the one responsible for putting flame to fuse. We also ask you be willing to testify in court, if necessary. With the increased fire danger this year, we are relying on our partnership with the community to keep us all safe this 4th of July.

For more information, click this link.
http://www.cityofsantacruz.com/Home/Components/News/News/1925/36

Thank you and have a safe Independence Day holiday weekend.

Fireworks Prohibited – Violators Subject To Triple Fine Penalties – July 4-6, 2014 - Minimum Fine $532

With thousands of visitors expected to visit Santa Cruz over the upcoming Independence Day holiday weekend, the Santa Cruz City Council has taken steps to ensure the City remains safe and clean for everyone.  The Santa Cruz City Council has approved a citywide safety enhancement zone for July 4-6, 2014. This means tripling of fines for violations such as the discharge of fireworks, littering and public consumption of alcohol. With additional court costs, minimum fines will be $532. 

The Santa Cruz Police Department will be actively seeking out and aggressively enforcing all violations that have been designated for triple fines under the safety enhancement zone, including the following violations of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code:

• Fireworks
• Possession of Open Containers or Consumption of Alcoholic Beverages in Public Places
• Discharge of Firearms
• Graffiti
• Defacing Sidewalks
• Noise Violations
• Trespassing
• Conduct on Public Property
• Urinating/Defecating in Public  

If you witness illegal fireworks being discharged or any of the violations listed above, the Santa Cruz Police Department strongly encourages you to call 9-1-1 immediately to report the incident. We ask that you are willing to assist us by signing a complaint against the person(s) responsible and be willing to testify in court, if necessary. We are relying on our partnership with the community to keep us all safe this 4th of July. 

For more information, click on the following links:

City Newsroom

Information Report to City Council

Thank you and have a safe Independence Day holiday weekend.