Mayor’s Message | Celebrate and Protect Santa Cruz – Santa Cruz Sentinel

Editor’s Note: Fred Keeley is the first mayor of the City of Santa Cruz to serve in this position for four years. In the spirit of collaboration, Keeley will share her Mayor’s Message column with Santa Cruz City Council members throughout the year.

This July we’ll have fun in Santa Cruz celebrating Parks and Recreation Month. I hope everyone has the opportunity to explore new trails or attend community events that celebrate our outdoor spaces this month. The city’s parks and recreation team has some fabulous resources available on their website.

To add to the excitement, July also kicks off Santa Cruz’s annual “Where’s Waldo?” scavenger hunt in Downtown Santa Cruz, as well as National Ice Cream Month with an ice cream coloring contest. Whether you’re a seasoned local or a new visitor, joining the Waldo Hunt is a great way to enjoy Downtown Santa Cruz. Learn more on the Downtown Santa Cruz website. There’s so much to do to celebrate our community.

While you’re out celebrating our parks, enjoying ice cream at a local business, and catching up with Waldo, you can also celebrate Plastic-Free July! This global initiative encourages everyone to be part of the solution to plastic pollution. This movement aligns perfectly with our community values ​​and our ongoing efforts to protect our environment, especially our beloved Monterey Bay. Santa Cruz is known for its beautiful coastline and vibrant beaches, so let’s not forget to work together to protect these resources for the next generation.

On Tuesday, the City Council took a major step toward addressing environmental issues by passing a motion in support of California Senate Bill 1053 and Assembly Bill 2236, both aimed at combating plastic pollution. Mayor Fred Keeley will write a letter of support for these critical pieces of legislation, reinforcing the city’s commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.

Plastic pollution is a major problem, and small changes in our daily lives can make a big difference. Too often, plastic ends up as litter, polluting our streets, waterways, and beaches. Opt for reusable alternatives instead! Luckily, many local businesses in Santa Cruz offer a range of reusable products. For example, Home/Work in Midtown sells handy products like reusable straws and sandwich bags to help you reduce waste at home, as well as a reusable selection of gift options for that hard-to-buy-for person. Staff of Life and Food Bin are great places to buy in bulk and ditch plastic packaging.

Another simple way to make an impact is to put waste where it belongs. Proper waste disposal is essential to prevent waste from ending up in our oceans. When you see trash and plastic on the ground, whether it’s yours or not, take a moment to pick it up and dispose of it properly.

Our community is full of initiatives and resources to help you reduce your waste. Resilient Santa Cruz offers simple tips for living a more sustainable lifestyle. It’s a great way to connect with like-minded neighbors who are passionate about creating a safer, healthier Santa Cruz.

Our local restaurants are also mobilizing in this effort. Santa Cruz Coffee Roasters was one of our first coffee shops to replace plastic lids with fiber-based lids. Downtown Café Delmarette encourages customers to bring their own cups and containers and uses durable goods for customers who eat in. We can follow their lead by bringing our own reusable items as well. It’s a simple but effective way to show your commitment to reducing waste. There are so many wonderful local businesses in the city offering various eco-friendly solutions, so be sure to check them out!

Plastic Free July isn’t just a campaign; it’s a daily call to action. It’s about remembering to make conscious choices that reflect our commitment to sustainability. I encourage you to take this opportunity to evaluate your habits and make small, manageable changes. Whether it’s bringing your own container or helping clean up a local beach or river, every effort counts.

Sonja Brunner is a member of the Santa Cruz City Council.