News & Events

• Check out our new Facebook page. This page has the most up-to-date information posted.
• Ongoing - Aptos Village Improvement Plan Information Blog
• Ongoing - Twin Lakes Beachfront Improvement Project Resources
  Meeting Presentation - Information Blog
• If you need information regarding Highway 9 or Highway 17, please contact Caltrans at their contact for the Santa Cruz County area at (805) 549-3138. Caltrans: http://www.dot.ca.gov/  
• 2017 - Interactive map of major storm damage to County Maintained Roads
• 7/17/17 - Read the latest edition of Curbsider here to learn how to Green Your Summer Outdoor Experience!
• 7/10/17 - Free Composting Workshops in July! These workshops will discuss the principles of composting kitchen and yard wastes using backyard bins and vermicomposting (worm composting) techniques.  You will learn how composting will improve your soil and aid in the health of your plants and vegetables, as well as reducing waste going to the landfill.  Hands-on workshops are led by a Certified Master Composter and Master Gardener and sponsored by the County of Santa Cruz Public Works Department. Workshops will be held Sunday, July 23, 1-3 PM at the Quail Hollow Ranch County Park in Felton, and on Saturday, July 29, 10 AM - noon at the Live Oak Grange, Santa Cruz.  Spanish interpretation will be available at the Grange location. Upon completion of the workshop, attendees are eligible for free or discount composting bins, depending on your city of residence. Space is limited; advance reservation required.  Call (831) 824-6484 or sign up online at goo.gl/Fw6BaK.  After submitting your request, you will be notified if you are accepted in the workshop.
• 7/7/17 - The Measure D Funding plan is now available. Measure D Funding - 5 Year Plan 
• 7/5/17 - The Buena Vista Landfill will be unable to accept credit or debit cards on 7/11, 7/12, and 7/13 due to the installation of new fiber optic lines. Thank you for your patience during this process.
• 6/26/17 -  Call to Artists! The Santa Cruz County Department of Parks, Open Space & Cultural Services is seeking an artist to work on a public art project for the Felton Library project. To learn more read this flyer and visit www.scparks.com
• 6/26/17 - Update: Soquel San Jose Road Status: SOQUEL SAN JOSE OPENING MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2017 AT 10:00 AM! See Press Release
• 6/19/17 - Press Release: Casserly Road Bridge Replacement: The County of Santa Cruz Department of Public Works has announced that replacement of the Casserly Road Bridge is scheduled to begin Thursday, June 22. Located on Casserly Road and Smith Road, Casserly Road Bridge is a key connecting route for South County residents and businesses. The road will be closed to all traffic, including pedestrians and bicycles, between June 22 and Friday, Aug. 11. The Department of Public Works is expediting the work to minimize impacts to the travelling public. Detour signs will be posted in the area, and travellers are strongly advised to plan ahead. Supervisor Greg Caput thanked residents for their patience and persistence. “The new bridge will enhance public safety for residents, students and businesses in the neighborhood. We need to make sure that the construction is expedited so it is completed as fast as it is possible,“ Caput said. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area if possible. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org.
• 6/12/17 - Laurel Glen is now repaired with no traffic restrictions.
• 6/7/17 - Valencia Mini-Update: Crews are continuing to drill for the shoring system, which walls off either side of the canyon to allow crews to work.  Public Works has also completed the gravity slow creek diversion system, which is a bypass for Trout Creek and is also needed to allow crews to work in the canyon. AT&T recently moved the last of its telephone utility lines , which should speed up the process and make it easier for workers to move around. Coming up, we have some good news. PG&E has agreed to move its overhead utilities beginning the week of June 26. This is a necessary step that will take one week to complete, and we are working with our contractor to look at opportunities to make up this time. We will also continue drilling for the shoring system, and within the next two weeks will begin drilling for the foundation of the temporary bridge. Once that’s complete, we should have a better idea of when that bridge will be open.
• 6/2/17 - Slideshow part 1, part 2, part 3 (large files) and printed slideshow from the Science of Roads presentation from 06/01/17
• 5/23/17 - PRESS RELEASE: COUNTY APPROVES 'NEXT GENERATION' WASTE CONTRACT Establishing a new model for local governments across California, the Santa Cruz County Board of Under the 10-year agreement, GreenWaste will expand organic waste collection and composting, set a raised target to recycle 65 percent of the waste stream, replace its local fleet with greener vehicles that use locally-sourced biodiesel, hold three free annual curbside pickups for bulky items such as couches or washing machines, and increase educational and outreach opportunities. Santa Cruz County waste-diversion programs have won numerous awards as it moves toward a goal of Zero Waste, and the local waste hauler franchise agreement is a key piece of local efforts to protect the environment. The new contract also continues existing programs such as used motor oil and filter collection, holiday tree pickup and a 15 percent "Lifeline" discount for qualifying low-income customers. “There are a lot of great things on this agreement. I think it’s one of the best in the state,” Supervisor Bruce McPherson said. Added Supervisor Ryan Coonerty: “I want to congratulate the staff on a job well done.” Negotiations over the new agreement took approximately 18 months to complete, and includes rate increases that maintain competitiveness with other local jurisdictions. “It’s been a lot of work,” County Public Works Director John Presleigh said. “I’m really proud of our staff.” Emily Finn of GreenWaste Recovery thanked the Board and added, “We’re very excited. We believe this is a very advanced, state-of-the-art agreement. We can’t wait to start rolling out the new programs.” The new agreement takes effect Jan. 1, 2018.
• 5/16/17 - PRESS RELEASE: ROAD DELAYS AT LAUREL GLEN ROAD PM 1.52 John J. Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that work on Laurel Glen Road PM 1.52 will be subject to traffic delays with potential lane closures, between the hours 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 17, 2017, through Wednesday, June 7, 2017, weather permitting. These delays and potential lane closures are necessary roadway emergency repairs. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid these areas if possible or be prepared for delays of up to 20 minutes. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org/
• 5/16/17 - Free Yard Waste Drop-Off Event for Residents of Unincorporated Santa Cruz County at Buena Vista Landfill
• 5/14/17 - PRESS RELEASE: ROAD DELAYS ‐ VINE HILL ROAD John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that Vine Hill Road at PM 1.18, approximately 1 mile south of Highway 17, will be subject to traffic delays of up to 30 minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., beginning Tuesday, May 16, 2017, through Thursday, May 18, 2017, weather permitting. These delays are necessary for storm-related tree removal work. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times. Questions may be directed to Joel La Cagnin at (831) 454-2160. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 5/8/17 - PRESS RELEASE: ROAD DELAYS AT GRAHAM HILL ROAD John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that utility work is underway on Graham Hill Road between Sims Road and Old Graham Hill Road and will continue from
  Monday, May 8, 2017, through Friday, May 12, 2017. Traffic will be subject to delays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times. Questions may be directed to Kristine Conley at (831) 454-2160. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org.
• 5/3/17 - PRESS RELEASE: LANE CLOSURE ON QUAIL HOLLOW ROAD John J. Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that the bridge on Quail Hollow Road over Zayante Creek will be subject to a lane closure on Thursday, May 4, 2017, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. One lane of traffic will remain open with traffic control. The lane closure is necessary to complete an inspection of the bridge. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and use alternate routes during these times if possible. Questions may be directed to Tim Bailey at (831) 454-2391. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit:  http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 5/3/17 -  PRESS RELEASE: BRIDGE CLOSURES John J. Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that the following bridges will be subject to road closures on Wednesday May 3, 2017: Fern Drive over San Lorenzo River 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m., Either Way over San Lorenzo River 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Pleasant Way over San Lorenzo River 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Brimblecom Road over San Lorenzo River 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. These road closures are necessary for crews to complete inspections of the bridges.  The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid these areas if possible. Questions may be directed to Tim Bailey at (831) 454-2391. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 5/1/17 - All to-go food serviceware must be compostable or recyclable in the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County. To learn more about this, please read the recent article from DPW's Tim Goncharoff https://www.biocycle.net/2017/04/27/keeping-compostables-stream-compostable/
• 4/27/17 - Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. From the Register Pajaronian: SANTA CRUZ COUNTY — Saturday is “National Prescription Drug Take Back Day,” a federal program designed to encourage safe and convenient ways of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the general public about the potential for abuse of medications. Local ordinances in Santa Cruz County now require all pharmacies to accept used sharps and leftover medicines for proper disposal at no cost to the consumer. The program is paid for by pharmaceutical manufacturers, and there is no cost to pharmacies or local taxpayers. “The program has been a great success. Almost all local pharmacies are now on board, and the rest will be soon," said county planner Tim Goncharoff, who administers the local program. "Last year alone, we collected more than 17,000 pounds of drugs and over 10,000 pounds of needles. This is a big step forward for the people and environment of Santa Cruz County.” Residents are encouraged to ask their local pharmacist about the program. For information on local programs, visit www.santacruzcountyrecycles.org. For information on National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, visit www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_disposal/takeback. To see this article visit this link.
• 4/27/17 - Press Release: ROAD DELAYS AT GRAHAM HILL ROAD, John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that utility work is underway on Graham Hill Road between Sims Road and Old Graham Hill Road and will continue from Wednesday, April 26, 2017, through Friday, May 5, 2017. Traffic will be subject to delays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times. Questions may be directed to Kristine Conley at (831) 454-2160. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org.
• 4/21/17 - Community Meeting to review preliminary design plans for the New Felton Library! May 9, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Highlands Park Senior Center located at 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, CA. Questions call 831-454-2160. See Flyer
• 4/13/17 - With the passing of Measure D, the Public Works Department is asking for public input for transportation projects. If you would like to participate, please complete this survey. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WQ973G3
• 4/12/17 - Press Release: ROAD DELAYS AT IRWIN WAY BRIDGE: John J. Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that work at Irwin Way Bridge, over the San Lorenzo River, South of the town of Boulder Creek, will be subject to traffic delays with potential lane closures on Wednesday, April 19, 2017, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., weather permitting.  These delays and potential lane closures are necessary for inspection of the bridge.  The Department of Public Works would like the public to avoid these areas if possible.  Questions may be directed to Tim Bailey, Civil Engineer, at (831) 454-2160.  For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.org/.
• 3/27/17 - Press Release: LIVE OAK PARKING PROGRAM TO START APRIL 8, 2017: John J. Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that permit parking within the Live Oak beach areas will begin Saturday, April 8, 2017, and will continue through Labor Day, Monday, September 4, 2017.  The program was developed to ensure that residents of the beach areas can park near their homes during the busy summer months and to ensure beach access for the public.  Permit parking will be enforced from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on each weekend and on Memorial Day (May 29), Independence Day (July 4), and Labor Day (September 4).  On each of these days, any vehicle, motorcycle or trailer parked in the public right-of-way within the designated program area will be ticketed unless a current permit is properly displayed.  Parking without a permit will result in a $48.00 fine.  The Live Oak Parking Program (LOPP) zone covers the beach neighborhoods between the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor and 38th Avenue.  The permit program allows each resident living within the LOPP zone to apply for up to two permits at no charge with proof that the vehicle is registered within the permit area.  Additional residential permits
  are available and will require the same DMV proof of registration within the LOPP zone.  Non-residents who wish to park within the zone area may obtain day-use permits or seasonal permits through automated pay stations at four locations within the LOPP zone.  Cash and credit cards are accepted at the pay stations. Pay Station 1: At the roundabout, 5th Avenue and East Cliff Drive
   (Temporarily closed due to construction); Pay Station 2: 9th Avenue and East Cliff Drive; Pay Station 3: East Cliff Drive between 18th Avenue and 19th Avenue; Pay Station 4: 32nd Avenue and Pleasure Point Drive (beach side) across from the Point Market and Cafe.
  For additional information, please call (831) 454-2990, visit our website at www.dpw.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Home/ParkingPrograms.aspx, or come to the office.  LOPP is located at Department of Public Works, 701 Ocean Street, Room 410, Santa Cruz, CA  95060.  LOPP counter hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
• 3/23/17 - Press Release: ROAD DELAYS ON GRANITE CREEK RD: John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that work on Granite Creek Road from Post Mile 0.56 to Scotts Valley City limits will be subject to traffic delays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 31, 2017, weather permitting. These delays and potential lane closures are necessary for soil boring, one lane will remain open during work with traffic control in place. Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times. ... Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times.  Questions may be directed to Casey Carlson, at (831) 454-2160. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 3/16/17 - Free Yard Waste Drop-Off Events in April for Residents of San Lorenzo Valley - For more information, please visit the Yard Waste Event Flyer.
• 3/15/17 - Press Release: ROAD REPAIRS – EUREKA CANYON ROAD – POSTMILE 7.58 John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that road repairs will be performed on Eureka Canyon Road at PM 7.58. This location will be closed to all traffic from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., starting on Monday, March 20, 2017, through Monday, April 24, 2017, weather permitting. This temporary road closure is necessary in order to complete the work on this narrow section of road. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times. Questions may be directed to Joel La Cagnin, Senior Civil Engineer, at (831) 454-2160. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org.
• 3/14/17 - BY POPULAR DEMAND! Some of you have asked where to buy our "Road Disaster Greeting Cards." Download the images and print on a regular sheet of paper or card stock. Fold one sheet into a card, or print double-sided and cut each sheet into two cards.
• 3/13/17 - Press Release:  ROAD DELAYS ON GRANITE CREEK RD John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that work on Granite Creek Road from Post Mile 0.56 to Scotts Valley City Limits will be subject to traffic delays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 27, 2017, weather permitting. These delays and potential lane closures are necessary for soil boring, one lane will remain open during work with traffic control in place. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these times. Questions may be directed to Casey Carlson, at (831) 454-2160. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 3/6/17 - (Corrected) Press Release: John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that Soquel Drive and Trout Gulch Road will be subject to traffic delays with potential lane closures between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 20, 2017, through Thursday, July 13, 2017, weather permitting. These delays and potential lane closures are necessary for roadway and storm drainage improvements. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area if possible or be prepared for delays of up to twenty minutes. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit: http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 3/3/17 - Press Release: BEAR CREEK ROAD, Road Delays. John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that work on Bear Creek Road 0.20 miles east of Highway 9 will be subject to traffic delays of up to thirty minutes from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on March 6, through March 8, 2017, weather permitting. These delays are necessary for soil borings and geotechnical investigation work. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these work hours. Questions may be directed to Joel La Cagnin, at (831) 454-2160. For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 3/1/17 - Press Release: ROAD DELAYS ON GRANITE CREEK ROAD John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that work on Granite Creek Road from Post Mile 0.56 to Scotts Valley City Limits will be subject to traffic delays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 1, 2017, weather permitting.  These delays are necessary for soil borings, with one lane remaining open during work hours with traffic controls in place.  The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area and seek alternate routes during these work hours.  Questions may be directed to Joel LaCagnin, at (831) 454-2160.  For up-to-date information on County maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.org
• 3/1/17 - Recycling batteries & cellphones is easy and FREE thanks to Felton Paint and Hardware (6291 CA-9), Scarborough Lumber Ace Hardware, and other Santa Cruz County community partners! Bring your individually bagged batteries & cellphones or taped batteries to Felton Hardware or one of the other collection locations listed here. Are you aware of the Take Back programs available in Santa Cruz County? Click here to learn more.
• 2/21/17 - Monday, February 20th, the County of Santa Cruz was hit with yet another severe storm that included strong winds. Monday evening the County and PG&E were put on a Safety Stand Down, meaning it was too dangerous to continue work in certain areas of our County. Public Works is aware that many people count on the Road Closure list that we do our best to maintain in real time. However, due to the Stand Down and the huge amount of calls our Road Closure is not up-to-date. As crews work today the list will be updated. Health and safety is always a priority, there are many roads where people are now landlocked and it is these roads that do have a priority for re-opening but please remember the County has to wait for PG&E to first clear their lines. Our County has been bombarded with one storm after another since December, not really giving us many days of relief; we are experiencing a disaster that we haven’t seen for 30 plus years. Please be patient. http://www.sccroadclosure.org/
• 1/31/17 -  NELSON ROAD Residents might be seeing workers preparing the site for the temporary bridge on Nelson Road. There is a lot of work that needs to happen before the temporary bridge is placed and the actual placement will take coordinating with utilities. Best case scenario the bridge will be in place and ready to access by residents in two weeks. If the upcoming storms that are predicted this Thursday through Tuesday create additional issues then this date will probably be pushed out to three weeks. When using the alternative by-pass route, Mission Springs, please slow down and make sure to obey the traffic signal in place. Thank you everyone for your patience.
• 1/25/17 - This slide is now clear as of 2/27. The only slide remaining is at mm1.0. We do not currently have an eta for this slide to be cleared yet. Upper Zayante Road Update: Public Works had a Geologist inspect the slide located at Upper Zayante Road. According to the geologist, part of the roadbed has given way. This means that we are unable to go clear the slide and open the road because it has been deemed unsafe. The Engineering Department is now working to determine the best approach to repair the damaged roadway. We currently do not have an ETA for this road to be repaired.
• 1/24/17 - NELSON ROAD UPDATE: Nelson Rd hours through Mission Springs Conference Center is now 6:00 a.m. through 9:00 p.m. Please note that Public Works is working on a temporary solution to bridge the area of the washout as soon as possible.
• 1/23/17 - VALENCIA ROAD CLOSURE The Department of Public Works announced the closing of Valencia Road between Trout Gulch Road and Aptos School Road for at least two weeks due to an unstable culvert and uncertain road conditions. An alternate route using Freedom Boulevard has been established (see attached PDF map) to provide access to residents and students at Valencia School, which will remain open. Parents of students are urged to carpool and allow extra time for drop-off and pick up during school hours. “We have seen the road drop approximately 12 inches over the past week and cracks are starting to open up along the edges of the road,” stated Assistant Director of Public Works, Steve Wiesner. “We need to assess the safety of this road as winter weather continues to impact the area.” In addition to the high volume of water, mud and soil saturation destabilizing the culvert and road base, underground utilities and a steep ravine contribute to the concerns of Public Works engineers about this section of roadway.  
  “We are looking out for the safety of our citizens by proactively limiting travel on this section of road,” continued Wiesner. During the next few days of dry weather the County will be setting up an investigation team to assess the integrity of the road fill and the potential hazards of continued use.
  Residents should prepare themselves by limiting travel in this area as much as possible and using the alternative travel route. Updated road information is also available at: http://www.sccroadclosure.org/ and citizens can report problems by calling (831) 454-2160 or using the Citizen Connect app at http://www.dpw.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/ReportProblem.aspx.
• 1/23/17 - ROAD DELAYS AT WESTBOUND SOQUEL DRIVE John Presleigh, Director of Public Works, County of Santa Cruz, has announced that Westbound Soquel Drive at Cotton Lane will be subject to traffic delays with potential lane closures between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Wednesday, January 25, 2017, through Friday February 24, 2017, weather permitting. These delays and potential lane closures are necessary for road construction. The Department of Public Works would like the motoring public to avoid this area if possible or be prepared for delays of up to twenty minutes.  For up-to-date information on county maintained roads in Santa Cruz County, please visit http://www.sccroadclosure.   
• 1/22/17 - UPDATE: NELSON ROAD AT PM 0.4 IS CLOSED Public Works is coordinating usage of the Mission Springs Conference Center road that will take residents from Nelson Road to Lockhart Gulch Road. There will be traffic control for this area starting Monday, January 23rd at 7:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. This way out of Nelson Road will remain open during these hours Monday through Sunday. Please note that this way will only be open during the hours of 7:00 a.m through 5:30 p.m. There will be no access outside these hours.
• 1/19/17 - UPDATE: BEAR CREEK ROAD To the San Lorenzo residents of Bear Creek Road and commuters that use Bear Creek Road please note that the County of Santa Cruz Public Works has opened Bear Creek Road. There are NO restrictions on Bear Creek Road and residents and commuters alike can use the road. The section of road where the slip out occurred and the road is down to one lane is safe for cars and will not be undermined by vehicles using this stretch of roadway. Public Works asks all drivers to use caution when driving and to please obey the stop signs at this location. Public Works is also working hard to make sure that the permanent repairs that Bear Creek needs, happen as soon as possible. If you experience people driving unsafely or not obeying traffic signs please call the Highway Patrol.
• 1/1/17 - Learn about the New Rules for Restaurants located in Santa Cruz County effective January 1, 2017 English Version and Spanish Version / FAQ Sheet
• 2017 - Storm Season Sand/Bags Locations
• 12/19/16 - The passing of Measure D will provide much needed assistance to the Public Works Department.  Measure D revenue will allow Public Works to focus on the health of our roads and other transportation projects that benefit our communities.  However, the County still needs to reinvest in our existing infrastructure and maintain the 600 miles of roadways, bridges, and culverts in the County maintained road system.
  
  Assembly Member Frazier and Senator Beall have created bills AB x1 26 and SB x1 1 to improve and reform transportation funding.  AB x1 26 and SB x1 1 would provide much-needed new statewide investment to maintain and improve County streets and roads, along with State highways.  These bills would also ensure that existing revenues meant for transportation projects are redirected back into transportation and would implement a number of reforms to improve project delivery while still protecting the environment.
  
  Without an immediate investment of new revenue into the system, our infrastructure will continue to decline, which only increases the financial burden on future taxpayers. If you would like to know more about these proposed bills, visit:
  http://sd15.senate.ca.gov/news/2016-08-25-road-success-%E2%80%93-plan-reinvest-california%E2%80%99s-transportation-system
  https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520161SB1
• 12/15/16 - Winter 2016 Edition of County of Santa Cruz Curbsider
• 12/8/16 - Congratulations to Public Works Director John Presleigh! He was officially sworn in as the current President of the County Engineers Association of California (CEAC) last week. CEAC was formed in 1914 and is comprised of county engineers, public works directors, county road commissioners, and professional personnel throughout California’s 58 counties. Its purpose is “To advance county engineering and management by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information aimed at improving service to the public.
   To learn more, visit http://www.ceaccounties.org/
• 12/7/16 - Public Works Resource Planner Tim Goncharoff meets with California Secretary for Natural Resources John Laird, State Parks Director Lisa Mangat and Heidi Sanborn of the California Product Stewardship Council to discuss the Refuel Your Fun campaign to replace the 4 million disposable propane canisters thrown away every year in California with reusable canisters.  Santa Cruz County is helping to lead the way in this effort!  View the picture of meeting
• 12/7/16 - Earth Day 2017 vendor registration is now open!  Get the early bird rate of  $125.00 (for profit) until Jan 31. After Feb 1 the rate goes up to $150. The Nonprofit rate is $60.00 until Jan 31 and $80 after Feb 1.  Booth space goes fast so register today! Go to www.scearthday.org
• 12/1/16 - Just after high tide on Thursday, December 1, Public Works maintenance crews excavated a channel through the beach sand to mechanically open the Pajaro River mouth in order to alleviate flooding conditions on Shell Road and West Beach Road near the Pajaro Dunes community. The work was undertaken with proper biological monitoring in place in order to protect sensitive species and habitat in accordance with permit conditions and best practice. Click Here to see a photo of this excavation
• 11/3/16 - 2016 Outstanding Policy/Legislative Advancement Awarded by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) for the County’s Safe Drug and Sharps Disposal Ordinance. The presentation noted “Santa Cruz County’s ordinance set the standard for those that followed, and demonstrated the practicality of an Extended Producer Responsibility approach for the safe disposal of drug and sharps waste.  Last year alone Santa Cruz County collected more than 27,000 pounds of drugs and more than 10,000 pounds of sharps, dramatically improving health, safety and environmental protection for the citizens of Santa Cruz County and establishing a model that is being adopted, not just across California, but throughout the United States.” CalRecycle Award Ceremony Photo
• 10/25/16 - The Santa Cruz County Flood Control and Water Conservation District – Zone 7 is planning work along the Salsipuedes Creek levee in Watsonville at two locations. Our contractor plans to commence work the week of October 31st – November 4th to repair two erosion sites and protect them from further scour. The actual start date depends on the weather. The work is planned between right bank stations 18+20 to 19+00 and between left bank stations 16+40 to 17+40. This area is by the stand of redwood trees within the creek channel near the intersection of Beck Street and Bridge Street. The work is planned to be completed by the end of November. Measures will be implemented to control construction related dust from impacting roadways. Location of proposed work
• 10/25/16 - Redwood Road Bridge Replacement Meeting in Corralitos
• 9/28/16 -  LED light bulbs are becoming increasingly popular, due to their long life and lower energy use.  LEDs use about 80 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs and are even more efficient than fluorescents, without the toxic mercury that fluorescents contain.  But even LEDs don’t last forever and have to be disposed of eventually. 
  
  The good news is that used LEDs are accepted in the same recycling bins as fluorescent light bulbs.  Just drop them off at your nearest lighting or hardware store for proper recycling.  For a complete list of drop-off sites, go to: http://www.dpw.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Portals/19/pdfs/FluorescentLampTakeBack.pdf
• 9/16/16 - Green Valley Road Bridge Scour Repair. The County of Santa Cruz is proposing to repair the existing scour beneath the southern abutment on the Green Valley Road Bridge over Green Valley Creek at post mile 4.1. The bridge is a single span concrete earth infill arch bridge with concrete cut off walls. During the winter storms of 2016, stream flow has undermined the southern abutment along with the concrete cut off walls compromising the stability of the bridge. The bridge is scheduled for full replacement in 2018 and is in the design phase now.
   
  Caltrans performs inspections on County maintained bridges and reports back to the County the conditions and any work that may be required. Bridges are given a sufficiency rating between 0 and 100 with 100 being a new bridge built up to current standards. Caltrans has given this bridge a sufficiency rating of 19.5 and considers the bridge to be structurally deficient. A rating below 50 makes the bridge eligible for Federal funds for replacement. The County has programmed the bridge into the Federal Highway Bridge Program (HBP) for replacement and has been using Federal funds to develop preliminary plans and environmental documents. Funds are obligated in the HBP program for right of way acquisitions and for construction.
   
  A recent inspection completed in July by Caltrans hydraulic branch has determined the bridge to be scour critical 2. “bridge is scour critical; field review indicates that extensive scour has occurred at bridge foundations, which are determined to be unstable by a comparison of calculated scour and observed scour during the bridge inspection.” The scour rating system rates bridges from 0-9, with a rating of 0 indicating the bridge has failed due to scour; a 9 rating is foundations on dry land above flood elevations. A rating of 2 indicates that the bridge is in critical condition, with any further degradation resulting in road closure.
   
  The repair will consist of creating a notch in the bottom of the cut off walls to allow flow to go underneath during low flow conditions. Once this is complete, the upstream concrete rubble area and scoured abutment area will be isolated from the main channel by visqueen and sand  bags or gravel berm. Forms shall be placed approximately 1 foot from the face of the abutment to seal off the undermined area. A concrete grout will then be pumped to fill the undermined areas and into the broken concrete upstream of the abutment. After the concrete has set the sand bags and visqueen shall be removed. The pipe will be left in place to act as a low flow channel for the creek.
  Status of Project.   
• 3/23/16 - Transportation Funding Measure Support
• 12/1/15 - ADA Access in the Public Right-of-Way Grievance Procedure
• 3/17/16 - Fern Drive Bridge Replacement Project
• Santa Cruz County Capital Improvement Program
• 2014 - Pajaro River Bench Excavation Project