Curfew Considered At Main Beach To Keep Homeless Out: Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ, CA — A curfew that would prevent people from camping overnight at Main Beach is being considered by Santa Cruz City Council.

During Tuesday's meeting, the city will consider a Main Beach Public Access Policy that would allow 24/7 access to wet sand and water but would not allow any loitering/sleeping/camping on dry sand between the hours of midnight and one hour before sunrise.

The Santa Cruz Police Department and the city's Parks & Recreation Department "have observed a growing homeless encampment on Main Beach adjacent to the San Lorenzo River Lagoon," according to city documents. The agencies state the the increased homeless population has resulted in more "nuisance-related activity during nighttime hours (primarily alcohol abuse, illicit narcotics activity, litter and human waste)." Litter and discarded syringes, human feces, glass and other debris left on the beach are posing public safety and health hazards, according to city documents.

There have been several complaints from community members as well, according to the documents.

If the beach curfew were implemented, police would have reason to contact anyone not following the policy.

The proposed curfew would not prevent the public from using Main Beach for a variety of purposes, according to the city. "The wet sand portion of the beach would remain open to the public 24 hours of the day and that portion of the beach can be used by the public for any
purpose for which members of the public may now legally use the beach. Examples include
fishing, walking, sightseeing, nature observation, meditating, swimming, wading, and
launching or landing paddle boards, kayaks and surfboards," according to the documents.

Tuesday's city council meeting takes place at 809 Center Street, with the public portion of the meeting beginning at 2:30 p.m.