City of Santa Cruz

The city of Santa Cruz, CA has a rich and varied history that spans thousands of years. Indigenous people have been living in the Santa Cruz region for at least 12,000 years. Prior to the arrival of Spanish soldiers, missionaries and colonists in the late 18th century, the area was home to the Awaswas nation of Ohlone people, who lived in a territory stretching slightly north of Davenport to Rio Del Mar. The Awaswas tribe was made up of approximately one thousand people, and their language is now extinct. The only remnants of their spoken language are three local place names: Aptos, Soquel, and Zayante, and the name of a native shellfish – abalone. At the time of colonization, the Indigenous people belonged to the Uypi tribe of the Awaswas-speaking dialectical group. They called the area Aulinta. 

Santa Cruz was officially incorporated in 1866 as a town under the laws of the State of California, and it received its first charter as a city in 1876. At that time, the city was governed by a Mayor and Common Council consisting of four members. In 1907, the citizens voted for a new charter that designated a Mayor as the chief executive and a City Council consisting of seven members. Over the years, subsequent charters gave a Mayor and four Commissioners both executive and administrative powers. The city was divided into five departments: Public Affairs, Revenue and Finance, Public Health and Safety, Public Works, and Streets and Parks. 

In 1948, the City of Santa Cruz adopted a new City Charter that established a Council-Manager form of government. Under this new system, a Mayor and six Councilmembers set policy for the city, while a city manager served as the chief administrator of those policies. This Charter, with amendments, is still in existence today. 

Throughout its history, Santa Cruz has experienced both triumphs and tragedies, from devastating earthquakes and fires to periods of economic growth and development. Despite these challenges, the city has remained resilient and continues to be a vibrant and thriving community. Today, Santa Cruz is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown area, and rich cultural heritage.