SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — The City of Santa Cruz invites the community to celebrate both National Public Works Week and National Beach Safety Week at the Marine Safety Santa Cruz Vehicles Ribbon-Cutting on Thursday, May 25, 12-1 p.m. at the City Hall Courtyard, 809 Center St.
Four vehicles have been donated to the City by Hyundai Motor America with an approximate value of $164,000. The open-bed utility Hyundai Santa Cruz vehicles are well-equipped to support the Marine Safety Division’s work of keeping beachgoers safe in the City of Santa Cruz.
“We are extremely grateful to Hyundai for this generous donation to our City fleet,” said Fire Chief Rob Oatey.“The vehicles’ all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, and good viewing profile to reduce risks, make them ideal for aiding our Santa Cruz lifeguards on their crucial beach safety missions.”
The four-vehicle donation is the largest vehicle donation to a city by Hyundai Motor America to date.
“The Hyundai Santa Cruz sport adventure vehicle features bold yet sophisticated design, powerful and efficient powertrain options, a flexible open bed and cutting-edge technology,” said Hyundai Motor America CEO Randy Parker. “We can’t think of a better way to strengthen our ties to the city that inspired the vehicle’s name than to partner with, and help support, the City of Santa Cruz Marine Safety Division.”
The first 30 minutes of the lunch-hour event will include booths that celebrate National Beach Safety Week and National Public Works Week. Fire Department Marine Safety Division lifeguards will demonstrate CPR and offer instruction to event attendees. A Parks and Recreation booth will provide beach safety tips and information on the Junior Lifeguard program. At a Public Works booth, attendees are invited to play a hoop game with Waste Reduction staff as a fun way to test their recycling IQ.
Remarks are scheduled to begin at 12:30 p.m. Speakers will include Mayor Fred Keeley, Fire Chief Rob Oatey, Public Works Director Nathan Nguyen, and a Hyundai Motor America representative.
National Beach Safety Week is sponsored annually by the United States Lifesaving Association in an effort to remind beachgoers to use caution in the aquatic environment.
This year’s National Public Works Week theme is “Connecting the World Through Public Works,” underscoring how public works connects us all through infrastructure and service, enhancing quality of life for the community.
