In today's Sentinel, Downtown business owner Curt Simmons tells us how the City can support businesses Downtown:

1. Abandon the garage proposal, relying instead on measures to address parking demand recommended in the Nelson\Nygaard report, Santa Cruz Strategic Parking Plan.

2. Terminate the deficiency fee now instead of phasing it out over the next four years. (The fee is paid by businesses that don't supply their own parking)

Ending the deficiency fee makes sense from an environmental standpoint since it subsidizes auto use. Email CityCouncil@cityofsantacruz.org and ask the Council to eliminate it now on account of the economic distress Downtown rather than the planned phase out over 4 years.

You are invited to attend an online interview with UCSC Environmental Studies Professor Adam Millard-Ball on "A Downtown Parking Garage in an Era of Climate Emergency?"  Tomorrow, April 29, 7pm. Register here.

Get in touch at the website of Downtown Commons Advocates, a group of business owners and community members who advocate for a  public commons and permanent home for the Farmers Market at the market's existing location.

And for anyone you know who might think that a garage is needed Downtown, please refer them to GarageAlternatives.org to learn best practices in addressing parking demand.