The Sheriff’s Office asks that all visitors and residents to respect our neighborhoods and beaches during the upcoming July 4th holiday.
The Sheriff’s Office, CHP, CalFire and State Parks are preparing a comprehensive plan of enforcement for the unincorporated areas for Thursday, July 4, 2013 and the days surrounding the holiday. In part, this is a response to a long history of large crowds as well as community input regarding assaults, gang related problems, public intoxication, property damage, disturbance of the peace, fireworks and severe fire danger.
The Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of other agencies such as California State Parks, California Highway Patrol and local fire agencies will be actively enforcing laws to insure that residents and visitors enjoy a safe holiday experience. In addition to extra staffing for the neighborhoods, extra patrols and officers will be conducting enforcement along North Coast Beaches, central county and Live Oak Beaches, Aptos and Watsonville Beaches, from the border of Monterey County to the border of San Mateo County.
Possession of open containers of alcohol and consumption of alcoholic beverages in public areas that include all beaches is unlawful. In all unincorporated areas of the county possession of any fireworks including those designated as SAFE and SANE are unlawful. A County Ordinance for penalty enhancements during holiday periods makes it a $1,000.00 fine for persons arrested for fireworks violations, possessing open containers of alcohol in public, consuming alcoholic beverages in public and noise violations from July 2nd thru July 6th . Additionally, glass containers, wood pallets, or wood containing nails, unleashed pets and vehicles are prohibited on public beaches.
Parking in many areas including North Coast is restricted after 10 pm. There is no overnight camping in non-designated campgrounds and no overnight camping in the street.
Road closures and a traffic plan with detours will be in effect on the Fourth of July. Refer to attached list for the specific closures.
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office P.I.O. Deputy April Skalland will be available throughout the Fourth of July (8 am to 8 pm) for press inquiries at 831-212-1794.
The City of Scotts Valley will be hosting the only organized fireworks show. Information regarding this event may be obtained at:
http://www.scottsvalley.org/July4.html