Santa Cruz Harbor

Come take a ride on the free, inner-harbor water taxi this summer!

The water taxi operates between 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, on summer weekends and holidays through Labor Day.

In addition to weekend service, the water taxi will operate on Thursday evenings during the Crow’s Nest beach barbecues from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Please visit the Port District's website to view the map for all water taxi pick-up and drop-off locations in the harbor: www.santacruzharbor.org/harbor-water-taxi

Santa Cruz Port District is seeking qualified candidates for the regular, full-time position of Harbor Dredge Worker.

APPLY TODAY! ⚓️

www.santacruzharbor.org/employment-opportunities

Celebrating 60 years of the Santa Cruz Harbor!

Since its dedication on April 18, 1964, the Santa Cruz Harbor has been a cornerstone of the Santa Cruz community, offering a wide range of commercial and recreational marine-related activities for residents and visitors alike. Guided by the mission of the Santa Cruz Port Commission, the harbor has remained a vibrant and financially sustainable entity, providing a wide array of boating and marine related opportunities for the public.

As we celebrate this milestone, we invite you to browse the Port District’s archive and celebrate the collective efforts that have shaped the Santa Cruz Harbor into the valuable marine asset it is today. Here’s to 60 years!

“…And thus it goes. Our harbor is a living thing as vital as the air we breathe and as eternal as the tides and winds which are a part of us.”

~ Ed Larson – Aviator, Artist, Author, and Beloved Friend of the Santa Cruz Harbor

https://www.santacruzharbor.org/celebrating-60-years-of-the-santa-cruz-harbor

The dredge crew is making progress and new friends!

Check out the latest sounding posted on the harbor’s website here www.santacruzharbor.org/entrance-sounding

ATTENTION SANTA CRUZ BOATERS - USCG Proposing to Remove Mile Buoy

The United States Coast Guard is proposing to remove the Mile Buoy and replace it with a mark on the chart. There would no longer be any buoy or other permanent marker in the waters along the Santa Cruz coastline.

The Coast Guard distributed a Local Notice to Mariners describing the proposed removal (see page 2 of the notice). They are requesting comments from all interested parties by Wednesday, April 3, 2024.

Comments may be directed to LTJG Samantha Hu at (510) 437-2983 or via email at [email protected].

The Coast Guard is particularly interested in any rationale relating to why the buoy is necessary for safe navigation in spite of the current availability and affordability of electronic navigation equipment (e.g. GPS).

https://www.santacruzharbor.org/uscg-proposing-to-remove-mile-buoy

Santa Cruz Port District is seeking qualified candidates for the regular, full-time position of Deputy Harbormaster. Under general supervision, Deputy Harbormasters perform law enforcement, safety, security, parking, traffic, marina management and other functions of the District; assures effective enforcement of state and federal regulations, and District policies and procedures. The position is a fully armed, sworn peace officer position.

APPLY TODAY at www.santacruzharbor.org/deputy-harbormaster

Check out this article by the California Special Districts Association to see how the Port District is proactively managing its financial position during the 2023 salmon season closure by exploring alternative investment options to offset ongoing revenue losses.

2023 California Special Districts Magazine November – December A publication of the California Special Districts Association

The Santa Cruz Yacht Club’s 36th Annual Lighted Boat Parade will take place at Santa Cruz Harbor on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at 5:30 PM ~ rain or shine.

This year’s theme is “Holiday Harbor Fantasyland”. Please visit the Yacht Club’s website for more information: www.scyc.org/lighted-boat-parade

Spectators are welcome to view the parade from multiple landside locations around the harbor. Access to the docks will be limited to slip renters and their guests.

Please be aware that parking is very limited during this event. Carpooling and/or other methods of transportation are highly encouraged to help reduce traffic in the area.

Welcome Aboard! ⚓️ The Port District extends a warm welcome to Hilary, as the new Administrative Assistant. Hilary will be splitting her time between providing excellent front-desk customer service and offering crucial administrative support across all departments. Join us in wishing Hilary success in her role! 🙌

Great teamwork! Last week, Harbor Patrol joined forces with , , , and for a collaborative training session. Together, they simulated drills for responding to a medical emergency on a dismasted sailboat and extricating patients from a large charter boat, showcasing the power of effective coordination and preparedness. ⛵️💪🌊🛟👏
📸 photo credit - last 2 shots by

Great teamwork! Last week, Harbor Patrol joined forces with , , , and for a collaborative training session. Together, they simulated drills for responding to a medical emergency on a dismasted sailboat and extricating patients from a large charter boat, showcasing the power of effective coordination and preparedness. ⛵️💪🛟🌊👏
📸Photo credit: last 2 shots by

Office Space Available - https://www.santacruzharbor.org/office-space-available

Warning Large Swell Forecast - Wednesday, October 18 to Saturday, October 21

Read more: https://www.santacruzharbor.org/attention-boaters

It’s not too late to register for this weekend’s Classic Car Show: https://www.santacruzharbor.org/8th-annual-classic-car-show

Sunday, October 8, 2023, 9 AM - 2 PM

Hope to see you there!

Santa Cruz Port District is seeking to hire a seasonal Harbor Dredge Worker and part-time Dredge Monitors for the upcoming 2023-24 dredge season!

Apply Today at www.santacruzharbor.org/employment-opportunities

Apply Today!

Come enjoy an afternoon of festivities, food, and of course, classic cars! Vintage cars and trucks will be on display from 9 AM to 2 PM on Sunday, October 8, 2023, on the harbor's west side (near Mariner Park Lawn).

Register your vehicle early to guarantee a place in this year's show!

This event is FREE for spectators.

Event Page: www.santacruzharbor.org/8th-annual-classic-car-show

Anchovy Update!

Earlier this week, large schools of anchovies were observed in the harbor. As a result, the harbor’s aerator system was deployed, and staff performed routine checks of dissolved oxygen levels. Most recent oxygen levels indicate that the situation has improved, and as a result, the aerators will be turned off later this afternoon.

Read more: https://www.santacruzharbor.org/anchovy-update-september-1-2023

Anchovy Alert!

In recent days, the harbor has experienced a large influx of baitfish, which appear to be primarily anchovies. When large schools of fish inundate the harbor, it can reduce oxygen levels to a point where fish populations become stressed or die-off en masse. This has occurred several times in the harbor’s history, with the last large-scale die-off occurring in 2014.

To prevent a large-scale die-off, harbor staff is monitoring the abundance of fish, deploying the aerator system, and utilizing specialized equipment to measure levels of remaining dissolved oxygen.

While we recognize that the aerators can be a nuisance at times, please understand that they serve an important purpose. Please do not turn off the aerators. If you observe any aerators not functioning properly, please contact the harbor office at (831) 475-6161 or non-emergency dispatch at (831) 471-1131 after hours.

We will keep you posted if the situation becomes critical. In the meantime, we appreciate your patience.

https://www.santacruzharbor.org/anchovy-alert-august-29-2023

Mark your calendars for the 8th Annual Classic Car & Truck Show at Santa Cruz Harbor! Come enjoy an afternoon of festivities, food, and of course, classic cars! Vintage cars and trucks will be on display from 9 AM to 2 PM on Sunday, October 8, 2023, on the harbor's west side (near Mariner Park Lawn).

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/8th-annual-santa-cruz-harbor-classic-car-show-tickets-695065237837?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshwebdesktop

Calling all sailors! The 31st Annual Day on the Bay Regatta is on Sunday, August 6, 2023. The Santa Cruz Yacht Club hosts this fun event each year to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Santa Cruz County.

The event will be held at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club's dry storage area on the west side of Santa Cruz Harbor (near Aldo's). Sailing takes place from 11:30-3:00 PM, followed by dinner, music, and a silent auction.

Please visit the event page for more information and to purchase your raffle tickets here: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/bigbrothersbigsistersofsantacruzcounty/event/dayonthemontereybayregatta2023

📸 Roger Swenson

The Port District’s 2023 Pile Repair and Replacement Project, in which 45 worn piles throughout the harbor will be removed and replaced, is currently underway.

For more information please visit our website at www.santacruzharbor.org.

Santa Cruz Port District is seeking a part-time employee to assist with various duties at the Santa Cruz Harbor Boatyard.

Applications and a complete job description are available online at www.santacruzharbor.org or via pick-up at the Santa Cruz Harbor office.

Fishermen First Aid and Safety Training — Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust Many lessons were soaked up by local fishermen who participated in last weekend’s first annual Fisherman First Aid and Safety Training (FFAST) hosted by Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust in partnership with California and Oregon Sea Grant. Keep reading to learn more!

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸👍🏼

The free, inner-harbor water taxi is back in service for the summer!

The water taxi will operate between 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, on summer weekends and holidays through Labor Day.

Passengers may be picked up and dropped off at the following locations:

X­1 Gate
AA Dock
Launch Ramp

For more information including a map of all the pick-up & drop-off locations visit our website at: https://www.santacruzharbor.org/harbor-water-taxi/

📸 Native Santa Cruz

It's not too late to register for this week's First Aid and Safety Training for Commercial Fishermen at the Harbor Public Meeting Room!

What: FREE First Aid and Safety Training for Commercial Fishermen
When: Friday & Saturday (6/23-6/24) from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Where: Harbor Public Meeting Room - 365 A Lake Avenue

Pre-Register Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf-ZDpFzlWaUa98sS43AeSTEHOhhnM86HmI3a8-rxCnSH0XTA/viewform?edit_requested=true

Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust
California Sea Grant

National Safe Boating Week: May 20-26

TODAY is Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day! This is the kick-off event for National Safe Boating Week!

TOMORROW, please join the Port District in promoting safe boating during National Safe Boating Week by stopping by our public safety education booth hosted by Harbor Patrol, Coast Guard Auxiliary, and TowBoatU.S. on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at the Santa Cruz Harbor launch ramp.

Recreational boaters will have the opportunity through the District's partnership with the Division of Boating & Waterways (DBW) to exchange an unserviceable and/or expired youth or child sized life jacket for a new one, so be sure to stop by between 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

We hope to see you there!

TowBoatUS Santa Cruz
Boat California
National Safe Boating Council

📢PUBLIC STAKEHOLDER MEETING - Review of Charter Fees & Public Benefit Discount

The Santa Cruz Port Commission’s Business / Finance Committee will meet on Friday, March 31, 2023, to review the District’s current charter fee schedule and consider any necessary amendments. Additionally, the Committee is also tasked with performing an initial review of the District’s public service discount, which is granted to various operators in recognition of the public benefit their programs provide.

All interested parties are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion.

MEETING INFORMATION
Friday, March 31, 2023, 12:30 PM
Harbor Public Meeting Room – 365 A Lake Avenue, Santa Cruz
https://www.santacruzharbor.org/agendas-minutes/

We hope to see you there!