Santa Cruz County Urges Residents To Seek Shelter

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — The Santa Cruz County Emergency Operations Center announced Saturday that an ADA-compliant shelter has opened for evacuees forced to leave their homes amid the Lightning Complex Fires, and all evacuees are urged to stay indoors due to erratic winds and lightning in the weather forecast.

Harbor High School at 300 La Fonda Ave. in Santa Cruz has room for 75 evacuees and is ADA compliant, according to the county.

More than 45,000 residents have been displaced by the Lightning Complex Fires, and
shelter capacity is limited due to COVID-19. Evacuees are asked to first check with friends or
family for sheltering options.

With a Red Flag Warning in place through Monday, bringing erratic winds and lightning, the EOC urges all evacuees currently staying outdoors in tents to seek refuge at indoor shelter. As of Saturday afternoon, shelter capacity exists at the following locations:

• Harbor High School, 300 La Fonda Ave., Santa Cruz
• Cabrillo College (gymnasium), 6500 Soquel Ave., Aptos
• Santa Cruz Bible Church, 440 Frederick St., Santa Cruz
• Congregational Church of Soquel, 4951 Soquel Dr., Soquel
• Simpkins Swim Center, 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz

Shelter evacuees have access to food, restrooms and hygiene facilities, security, medical and behavioral health services and more, according to the county.

For information and additional sheltering resources, click here.