Santa Cruz County Grand Jury
• 2026-2027
Walking in the County of Santa Cruz is Not for the Faint of Heart
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 14 findings
F1
The County of Santa Cruz County has not implemented Vision Zero plans, possibly resulting in more pedestrian deaths and serious injuries than would have otherwise occurred.
F2
Public awareness of reporting procedures for sidewalk hazards and faded paint issues is lacking, resulting in dangerous conditions for pedestrians.
F3
The County of Santa Cruz does not take an active role in identifying sidewalk hazards and faded safety paint, resulting in dangerous sidewalks and crosswalks.
F4
Because sidewalk repairs can be expensive, repairs may be delayed or hazards go unreported, resulting in dangerous sidewalks for pedestrians.
F5
Many pedestrians are unaware of how to walk safely, resulting in higher rates of pedestrians killed and seriously injured.
F6
The City of Watsonville has not implemented Vision Zero plans, possibly resulting in more pedestrian deaths and serious injuries than would have otherwise occurred.
F7
Public awareness of reporting procedures for sidewalk hazards and faded paint issues is lacking, resulting in dangerous conditions for pedestrians.
F8
The City of Watsonville does not take an active role in identifying sidewalk hazards and faded safety paint, resulting in dangerous sidewalks and crosswalks.
F9
Law enforcement has prioritized enforcement of Driving Under the Influence laws over speeding violations, resulting in an imbalance that may lead to more pedestrian injuries and deaths.
F10
The City of Santa Cruz has not implemented Vision Zero plans, possibly resulting in more pedestrian deaths and serious injuries than would have otherwise occurred.
F11
Public awareness of reporting procedures for sidewalk hazards and faded paint issues is lacking, resulting in dangerous conditions for pedestrians.
F12
The City of Santa Cruz does not take an active role in identifying sidewalk hazards and faded safety paint, resulting in dangerous sidewalks and crosswalks.
F13
Because sidewalk repairs can be expensive, repairs may be delayed or hazards go unreported, resulting in dangerous sidewalks for pedestrians.
F14
Law enforcement has prioritized enforcement of Driving Under the Influence laws over speeding violations, resulting in an imbalance that may lead to more pedestrian injuries and deaths.
Recommendations 14
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R1The Grand Jury recommends that the County of Santa Cruz Board of Supervisors direct their Public Works Department to work with the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency to develop and publish multi-disciplinary Vision Zero Action plans no later than June 1, 2027.
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R2The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors direct the County Health Services Agency to provide more outreach to educate the public on how to report sidewalk hazards and faded paint
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R3The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors direct their County Public Works Department to develop a policy to actively identify sidewalk hazards and markings with faded paint and initiate the repair process
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R4The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors direct their Public Works Department to create and publish a policy to financially assist homeowners with sidewalk repairs
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R5The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors direct the County Health Services Agency to provide more public outreach to educate pedestrians on how to walk safely, including the hazards of walking while intoxicated,
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R6The Grand Jury recommends that the Watsonville City Council direct their Public Works and Police Departments to work with the County Health Services Agency to develop and publish multi-disciplinary Vision Zero Action plans no later than June 1, 2027.
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R7The Grand Jury recommends that the Watsonville City Council direct their Public Works Department to provide more outreach to educate the public on how to report sidewalk hazards and faded paint
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R8The Grand Jury recommends the Watsonville City Council direct their Public Works Department to enact a policy to annually review and identify sidewalk hazards and markings with faded paint and initiate the repair process
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R9The Grand Jury recommends the Watsonville City Council direct the Chief of Police to annually review Office of Traffic Safety pedestrian Killed and Seriously Injured data to ensure enforcement priorities are balanced based on the Vision Zero Plan. The annual review should be published and updated each year beginning June 1, 2027.
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R10The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Cruz City Council direct their Public Works and Police Departments to work with the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency to develop and publish multi-disciplinary Vision Zero Action plans no later than June 1, 2027.
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R11The Grand Jury recommends that the Santa Cruz City Council direct their Public Works Dept. to provide more outreach to educate the public on how to report sidewalk hazards and faded paint
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R12The Grand Jury recommends the Santa Cruz City Council direct their Public Works Department to develop a policy to actively identify sidewalk hazards and faded paint and initiate the repair process
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R13The Grand Jury recommends the Santa Cruz City Council direct their Public Works Department to create and publish a policy to financially assist homeowners with sidewalk repairs
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R14The Grand Jury recommends the Santa Cruz City Council direct the Chief of Police to annually review Office of Traffic Safety pedestrian Killed and Seriously Injured data to ensure enforcement priorities are balanced based on the Vision Zero Plan. The annual review should be published and updated each year beginning June 1, 2027.