In anticipation of thousands of visitors coming to Santa Cruz for Independence Day weekend, the Santa Cruz Police Department announced on social media that fines are increasing across the city for some violations from Friday, July 4, at 8 a.m. to Monday, July 7, at 8 a.m.
According to the social media post from SCPD, fines for violations like illegal possession or discharge of fireworks, littering and public consumption of alcohol will be tripled under a citywide safety enhancement zone.
“The Santa Cruz Police Department is committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable holiday experience,” the post reads, “and officers will proactively enforce all violations, which are subject to triple fines.”
Fireworks spark fires every year in the city,” the department said in its post. The Santa Cruz police and fire departments are also reminding city residents that all fireworks, including those marked “safe and sane,” are illegal in the city of Santa Cruz.
“If you witness the discharge of illegal fireworks, please report it to the Santa Cruz Police non-emergency line at 831-471-1131,” they added.
In a similar Facebook post, the Watsonville Police Department warned that people caught igniting or possessing illegal fireworks may face fines of up to $1,000 per violation and that tenants or property owners could also be cited if there is evidence that illegal fireworks were sold or set off on the property.
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