West Cliff to the California Coast: Opportunities to be a Coastal Steward
Santa Cruz Community,
Summer is in swing! With non-stop swell and some unusual weather, you might hardly recognize the season. It’s been one of the best starts to summer surfing we’ve seen in a long time.
As the season evolves, so does the coastline. Here is the latest on what’s happening along the Santa Cruz coastline and how you can take action to look after this epic surf ecosystem.
Take action, stay involved, continue reading below.
See you in the lineup,
Shaun Burns
Conservation Program Coordinator, Save The Waves
Take Action: 2 surveys to provide valuable input in less than 5 minutes
Survey 1: Recently, the cliff at Steamer Lane faced a major change when a car sized boulder fell into the water, again. The Santa Cruz World Surfing Reserve wants to know your take on whether this has caused changes to the wave and your surf session. Take the Steamer Lane Observation survey here.
Survey 2: The City of Capitola is developing a Coastal Access Enhancement and Adaptation Plan for Esplanade Park. This plan will identify opportunities to prepare the park for future sea level rise impacts and other coastal hazards.
Community input will help shape future designs and priorities. Complete Capitola’s coastal access survey here.
In-Person Opportunity: West Cliff Planning
Ongoing coastal erosion continues to reshape West Cliff Drive. The Resilient Coast Santa Cruz 2.0 Initiative is developing Shoreline Adaptation Management Plans for the next 20-30 years. The City is looking for public input on coastal resilience strategies and this is a great opportunity for surfers to get involved!
- Workshop #1: Main/Cowell Beaches & East Cliff/Seabright Focus
- Date & Time: Monday, August 3, 2026 | 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Location: London Nelson Community Center
- Workshop #2: West Cliff Neighborhood Focus
- Date & Time: Saturday, August 8, 2026 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Location: Bay View Elementary School
Protect the Californian Coast: Speak up at the Coastal Commission Hearing
The California Coastal Commission is holding its next meeting at the Hilton in Scotts Valley, from August 12th & 13th.
It’s a chance to defend state environmental authority against federal offshore drilling expansions and formally oppose federal offshore fracking proposals.
You can support the cause by testifying directly, either in person or remotely via Zoom. Fill out a Speaker Request Form on the Coastal Commission Agenda Portal by 5:00 PM the day before. Written comments can also be submitted directly through the portal to ensure your voice is heard in the official public record before the vote.
