The City of Santa Cruz and the Downtown Association are saddened to announce that Downtown Santa Cruz will not be home to its regular Halloween festivities this year. Businesses and restaurants will be open, but there will be no trick-or-treating. Additionally, Pacific Avenue will remain open, unlike past years when it has been blocked for pedestrian use.
Outside of downtown at the Wharf, businesses and restaurants will also remain open, but no trick-or-treating will be offered. Instead, residents can participate in Pumpkin Bingo by visiting businesses over the 13 Days of Halloween on the Wharf promotion. Visit cityofsantacruz.com/parksandrecevents to reserve a to-go Pumpkin Bingo kit.
Instead, residents are encouraged to comply with local and State Health Officer orders by focusing on low-risk activities such as decorating and limiting activities to the people you live with, and virtual costume parties or contests. Halloween gatherings, events or parties with non-household members are not permitted unless they are conducted in compliance with local and State Health Orders. For more guidance on low-risk activities, visit the Santa Cruz Health Services Agency’s guidance for Halloween and Día de Los Muertos.
Additionally, a citywide Safety Enhancement Zone will be in effect from 5 p.m on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, through 7 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, for the Downtown footprint. The safety enhancement designation authorizes the tripling of fees for violations of the City’s municipal code, such as littering, blocking pedestrian or vehicular traffic, and public alcohol consumption.
Every available officer will be proactively enforcing all violations designated for triple fines under the Safety Enhancement Zone. Examples of triple fine violations include:
- Littering
- Public consumption of alcohol
- Obstruction or interfering with the flow of pedestrian or vehicle traffic
- Public urination and defecation
- Firing or discharging firearms
- Noise that is unreasonably loud, raucous, or jarring, particularly between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
- Graffiti
- Trespassing
- Failing to comply with orders from a police officer or fire department staff
- Stopping or parking in streets or no parking zones
If residents or visitors witness violations, the Santa Cruz Police encourages them to call the non-emergency line (831) 471-1131 to report the incident.
