Santa Cruz Hosts Parking For Hope Program

From the City of Santa Cruz Public Works: The City of Santa Cruz in partnership with the Downtown Association of Santa Cruz will host the fourth annual Parking for Hope downtown holiday parking program from Monday, Dec. 18, through Monday, Dec. 25. The usual parking rates will apply, however, the proceeds from street meters during these eight days will be donated to Hope Services, a local nonprofit.

Hope Services has helped to keep Pacific Avenue and other downtown Santa Cruz streets clean for over 20 years while providing training and support services to adults with developmental disabilities.

Parking for Hope began as a pilot program in 2014 and has been well received by the public. Hope Services received Parking for Hope checks for $32,500 in February 2017 and $30,000 in January 2016.

The funds increase opportunities for workers and help to keep our downtown cleaner, more diverse and welcoming according to Santa Cruz Hope Services Program Manager Sheryl Hagemann. “We are honored by the continued support from the City and all of our downtown community. This past year we have continued our clean-up efforts on Pacific Garden Mall and allowed new clients to explore this as an opportunity to learn skills.”

Downtown street parking meters will be posted with placards describing Parking for Hope. Parkmobile fees of 35 cents per transaction will be waived for the eight program days.

The City’s Wharf holiday parking program will remain the same as last year with the first hour free of charge from Saturday, Dec. 16, through Sunday, Dec. 24, and Dec. 25 free all-day.

More City of Santa Cruz parking information is available at http://cityofsantacruz.com/parkingservices.

Photos courtesy of the City of Santa Cruz Dept. of Public Works