Santa Cruz Launches Major Coastal Resilience Initiative

Vice Mayor Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson outlines the city's plans to protect its iconic shoreline for future generations.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Santa Cruz, known for its beautiful coastline, is taking proactive steps to address the impacts of climate change and ensure the long-term resilience of its shoreline. Vice Mayor Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson details the city's efforts, including the 50-year Community Vision for West Cliff, the Resilient Coast Santa Cruz 2.0 initiative, and ongoing community engagement to develop science-based adaptation plans for key beach areas.

Why it matters

Santa Cruz's coastline is central to the city's identity, economy, and ecosystems. As climate change accelerates coastal erosion and storm impacts, protecting this vital resource is an urgent responsibility for the city and its residents. The initiatives outlined aim to balance environmental protection, public access, safety, and community values to ensure the coastline remains thriving for future generations.

The details

Santa Cruz has completed major repairs to reopen West Cliff Drive, a cherished public space, while also developing a 50-year Community Vision for the area that sets a clear direction rooted in shared values. The city is now translating this vision into action through a five-year roadmap. Recent erosion at Lighthouse Point has also prompted the city to document current conditions and evaluate management options for the future. Additionally, the Resilient Coast Santa Cruz 2.0 initiative, funded by the California Ocean Protection Council, is developing Shoreline Adaptation and Management Plans for key beach areas, with extensive community engagement to guide the process.

  • In 2025, Santa Cruz completed major repairs to safely reopen West Cliff Drive.
  • In early 2026, the city is preparing to document current conditions at Lighthouse Point and evaluate options for future management.
  • In late spring or early summer of 2026, the next round of community engagement for the Resilient Coast Santa Cruz 2.0 initiative will take place.

The players

Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson

The vice mayor of Santa Cruz, who is sharing the monthly Mayor's Message column in the spirit of collaboration.

Fred Keeley

The first four-year mayor of the city of Santa Cruz, who is sharing the monthly Mayor's Message column with other city councilmembers throughout the year.

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What they’re saying

“As a parent raising kids here, this work feels deeply personal to me. I reflect on how much our coast has given to my kids — learning to ride their bikes on West Cliff, boogie boarding at Its Beach, learning ocean safety as Junior Guards at Cowell Beach. I also think about the Santa Cruz my children are inheriting; about our obligation to ensure that the places we love today remain safe, accessible and thriving for the generations that follow.”

— Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, Vice Mayor (santacruzsentinel.com)

What’s next

A contract for the Lighthouse Point study is expected to come before the Santa Cruz City Council in early spring, followed by a yearlong study to inform both mid- and long-term strategies for the area.

The takeaway

Santa Cruz's comprehensive approach to coastal resilience, including long-term planning, community engagement, and a focus on balancing environmental protection, public access, and safety, serves as a model for other coastal communities grappling with the impacts of climate change.