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Welcome to the DOWNTOWN ASSOCIATION MEMBERS' Page. Here
you will find valuable information about the Downtown Association
as well as useful links and resources to help you thrive
as a Downtown Business. Please let us know if you find this
information useful, as well as any thoughts on how we can
better assist our Business Members.
DOWNTOWN
EVENTS and PROMOTIONS
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This
Week Downtown
Each week the Downtown Association sends out an Electronic
newsletter, listing a number of the great things Downtown
has to offer. Our list reaches over 400 people in
the Downtown Community directly, and is forwarded
on to many more. This is a great opportunity to promote
and special events you have going on in your business.
Workshops, Guests speakers, Events, anything that
you want to get the word out about, let us know and
we'll help spread the word. Melanie@DowntownSantaCruz.com
Subscribe
to the list here
GOODTIMES
Downtown Page.
Did you know that the Good Times
has a special advertising program exclusively for
DTA Members? By taking advantage of the DTA / Good
Times partnership, you have the opportunity to Market
your business to 113,000 Good times Readers, and
reach the whole county. The Downtown Page offers
you one of four large ads on a full color page for
only $250 per insertion.
To participate in this great program or for more
information, call the Good Times at 831.458.1100
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Sidewalk
Sales!
These have been crowd pleasers in
the past. Please plan to participate in Downtown
Santa Cruz sidewalk sales, happening on the last
Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the month through
September. We've noticed an increase in shoppers
taking advantage of the discounted prices and community
shopping fun. The DTA will be running ads in the
Santa Cruz Sentinel.
June 26-28, July 24-26, August 28-30,
September 25-27
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The Downtown Dollars
Program
continues and shoppers are still purchasing
them and cashing them in.
Downtown Dollars is a simple gift certificate
program that unifies and promotes the downtown business
community.
Each Downtown Dollar has a $10 value
and is accepted around Downtown in exchange for $10
worth of goods and services. The stores will then
redeem them in a timely manner with the Downtown Assocition
for their full value.
Here's how you can participate.
- Accept Downtown Dollars at your business.
All Downtown Dollars used at your store will be redeemable
through the Downtown Association at 100% of face value.
By signing up as a participating merchant you will
be included in the promotional materials surrounding
the program, and shoppers will be encouraged to spend
at your business. Each participating store will be
given a small display sign indicating their participation.
You will be reimbersed for the full value of all Downtown
Dollars you recieve.
* Buy Downtown Dollars, Purchase them yourself and
use them as bonuses for your employees, thank you
gifts for your faithful customers or however you choose
to take advantage of the program.
* Be creative! Think of special promotions in conjunction
with the Downtown Dollars and we'll promote it.
Questions? Email Chip at chip@downtownsantacruz.com
or call 429-8433
Facade
Improvement
Program
The City of Santa Cruz is committed
to supporting the development of its commercial areas.
The redevlopment agency has been working throughout
the city to improve appreance from painting of exterior
buildings to landscaping. The Facade Improvement Program
provides grants to buisness and property owners in
the Downtrown area. For more details please click
here
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Downtown
Association Meetings.
The Downtown Association is governed
by a Board of Directors, consisting of and representing
its membership. The Board is charged with carrying
out the Mission of the Downtown Association. In accordance
with the DTA By Laws the Association also has three
working committees, each charged with advising the
board on specific areas of the DTA's Work plan. All
meetings are held at the Downtown Association's office
at 903 Pacific Avenue, Suite 202
and are open to the public. Membership participation
is strongly encouraged.
NO DECEMBER MEETINGS
| Board
of Directors*
3rd Tuesday of every month
8:30-10:00am @DTA Office
The Board of Directors is charged with carrying
out the Mission of The Downtown Association:
To provide effective leadership in order to
promote and sustain downtown as a unique and
economically viable business, entertainment,
social & cultural center.
The Board is elected from the membership and
serves for a term of two years.
Meeting Dates:
March 17
April 21
May 19
June 16
July 21
August 18
September 15
October 20
November 17
December - no meetings. |
Comunity and Civic Relations*
1st Wednesday of every month
8:30-9:30am @ DTA Office
The Community and Civic Relations Committee
advises the Board on issues relating to downtown
social issues and creates strategies for advocacy.
Meeting Dates:
March 4
April 1
May 6
June 3
July 1
August 5
September 2
October 7
November 4
December - no meetings.
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| Marketing
and Promotions*
2nd Wednesday of every month
9 :00-10:00am @DTA Office
Meeting Dates:
March 11
April 8
May 13
June 10
July 8
August 12
September 9
October 14
November 11
December - no meetings. |
Membership*
1st Thursday of every month
8:30 -9:30am @DTA Office
Meeting Dates:
March 5
April 2
May 7
June 4
July 2
August 6
September 3
October 1
November 5
December - no meetings.
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The Downtown Association is offering monthly orientation
programs specifically designed for your employees. The
orientation will cover valuable information about how
to respond when confronted with a wide range of situations,
including what the new ordinances mean to businesses
Downtown and who to call when and why.
The Orientation is free and available to all Downtown
Employees.
Join us at the Downtown Association Offices, 903 Pacific
Avenue #202
Wednesday, July 1st 2:00pm
Wednesday, August 5th 2:00pm
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Free
Workshop Series 
SMALL BUSINESS SURVIVAL
SKILLS
Bring your own Brown Bag lunch and
learn the skills every small business owner should
have to create and maintain a healthy and successful
small business.
Cost: Free
When: Second Tuesday of each month,
11:45 to 1:00pm
Where: The Santa Cruz Public Library,
224 Church Street, Upstairs Meeting Room
To register, call the Chamber of Commerce
at 457-3720 or visit www.SantaCruzChamber.org
July 14 - Managing Employees Through
The Downturn - What Employers Should Know
August 11 - Free Tech Tools For
Your Small Business - They Are Out There!
September 8 - Retail Merchandising
- Increase Your Sales, Attract More Shoppers!
October 13 - Viral Marketing -
What's The Word On Your Business?
November 10 - Business Budgeting
- Focusing Your Business For The Future.
December 8 - Green Your Business
- Help The Planet, Help Your Profits
A collaboration of:
Downtown Association of Santa Cruz,
California Small Business Development Center, Friends
of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Santa Cruz Chamber
of Commerce, City of Santa Cruz Redevelopment Agency
With the generous support of Bay Federal
Credit Union
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Board
of Directors 2009
Board of Directors, 2009
Session
Board Officers:
President of the Board, J.P. Correa,
(Vinocruz)
Vice President, Emily Bernard, (Dell Williams Jewelry)
Chair, Social and Legislative Affairs Committee,
Jennifer Greene (Attorney at Law)
Chair, Promotions and Marketing Committee, Sonja
Brunner, (Old School Shoes)
Chair, Membership Committee, Emily Bernard, (Dell
Williams Jewelry)
Board Members:
Germaine Akin, Red Room/Red Restaurant
Emily Bernard, Dell Williams Jewelry
Sonja Brunner, Old School Shoes
J.P. Correa, Vinocruz
Warren Grande, Bank of the West
Jennifer Greene Attorney at Law
Karl Heiman, Cafe' Pergolesi
Andrew Lenz, Lenz Arts
Ian McRae, Hula’s Island Grill and Tiki Room
Rick Melrose, Riordan Winnett Travel
Patty Zoccoli, Zoccoli's Deli
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Frequently
Asked Questions Regarding the DTA:
1. Q. What does the DTA do?
The job of the Downtown Association is best described
in its mission statement: "To provide effective
leadership in order to create, promote and sustain
downtown as a unique and economically viable business,
entertainment, social and cultural center.”
The DTA markets downtown through electronic and
print media, as well as events, provides legislative
advocacy on issues that affect businesses and visitors
alike, and support services for its membership.
2. Q. How do I join…am I a member
already?
If your business is located downtown between Center
St., Front St. and N Pacific/River St and just past
Laurel St. you are a member.
3. Q. How long has the organization been
around?
The original articles of incorporation were signed
in 1960. The Business Improvement District was formed,
and the DTA funded, in 1985
4. Q. Do you have meetings that I can attend?
All meetings of the DTA are open to the membership.
Committees are; Social and Legislative Affairs,
Membership, Promotions, and the Board of Directors.
All meetings take place in the morning in the DTA
office, most start at 8:30 and go for either an
hour {committees} or an hour and a half {board of
directors}. Every effort is made to begin and end
meetings on time. Meetings
5. Q. How are my fees determined?
The Business Improvement District fees are determined
by a formula that includes business location, type
of business and the number of square feet of your
business. The fees are split into two payments;
one due in July and one due in January.
6. Q. Who decides how the money is spent?
The Executive Director works with the DTA committees
early in the calendar year to determine the types
of marketing and membership services that they would
like to see the organization provide in the upcoming
fiscal year. The Executive Director then creates
a budget and work plan based on that input. The
Board reviews the plan at two consecutive meeting
in March and April. The final plan is then given
to the City Finance Department who reviews the plan
for financial accuracy and adherence to the overall
goals of the organization. The Finance Department
then brings it to the City Council for review and
discussion in May and June. The City Finance Department
provides oversight during the course of the year
and is the agency responsible for billing and collections.
The DTA operates on a July 1 to June 30 fiscal year.
7. Q. Is the DTA a city agency?
The DTA is not a city agency and receives no money
from the city.
8. Q. Who sits on the board and how do you get to
be a board member?
Any business owner or their representative, who
is a member in good standing, is eligible to sit
on the Board of Directors.
Elections are held in the fall of every year. The
first meeting of the year is in January. Terms are
two years in length.
9. Q. Does the organization get involved
in local politics?
The Downtown Association, due to its IRS classification,
501{c}6 – non- profit mutual benefit organization,
is allowed to advocate for issues that can affect
its mission but not endorse candidates for elective
office.
10. Q. What are the boundaries of the DTA?
The business improvement district encompasses the
area downtown east to west between Center Street
and the San Lorenzo River, north to south from the
River St /North Pacific Avenue intersection to just
past the Oceanview Card Room.
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New Schedule
for Santa Cruz City Offices
In order to address the City's General
Fund deficit for Fiscal Year 2010, the City will be
implementing a 10% furlough plan, and, as a result,
must City Offices will be closed on Fridays beginning
immediately through July 9, 2010.
City Offices will be open
as follows
City Clerk ~ Monday – Thursday,
8:00am – 5:00pm
City Manager ~ Monday – Thursday,
8:00am – 5:00pm
Finance ~ Monday – Thursday,
9:00am – 5:00pm
Fire ~ Monday – Thursday,
8:00am – 4:00pm
Human Resources ~ Monday –
Thursday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Library Headquarters ~ Monday –
Thursday, 8:00am – 5:00pm, Friday 8:00am –
12:00pm
Information Technology ~ Monday
– Thursday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Parks & Recreation ~ Monday
– Thursday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
* Civic Auditorium, Louden Nelson and Teen Center
– Please Contact for Hours
* Golf Course, Local Parks and the Municipal Wharf
– Open Fridays
Planning:
Public Information Counter ~ Monday
– Thursday, 7:30am – 12:00pm
Administrative Offices ~ Monday
– Thursday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Inspections ~ Monday – Thursday,
8:00am – 5:00pm, Friday by special arrangement
only
Police ~ Tuesday and Thursday,
9:00am – 4:00pm
Public Works:
Administrative Offices ~ Monday – Thursday,
7:00am – 3:00pm
Parking Office ~ Monday – Thursday, 8:00am
– 5:00pm
* Refuse and Recycling Collection Services ~ Open
as usual, including Holidays
* Dimeo Lane Resource Recovery Facility ~ Monday
– Saturday, 7:30am – 3:30pm
Redevelopment ~ Monday –
Thursday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Water ~ Monday – Thursday,
8:00am – 5:00pm (Emergency services only on
Fridays by calling 420-5220)
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Rules for Downtown Santa
Cruz
(a snapshot of local ordinances)
Selling Things on the Sidewalk
~With a City permit only
Groups on the Sidewalk (politics,
religion, charity, civic)
~ One hour only (and then move 100’)
~ 10’ away from
o Buildings
o Street corners
o Fences
o Sidewalk cafés (and not between curb &
outdoor eating area)
o Benches
o Directories
o Drinking fountains
o Public trash receptacles
o Sculptures
o Payphones
~ Unless they have a City permit
~ Or they are inside the brass markers around Tom
Scribner statue (by the Bookshop Santa Cruz) or the
sculpture in front of O’Neill’s
Street Performers
~ If collecting donations, follow the “Group”
rules, above (1 hour rule applies)
~ No amplified sound without a permit
~ Otherwise, may perform freely downtown
Handing Things Out (brochures,
flyers)
~ Ok, if the person is not blocking you or others
Forbidden Activities on the Sidewalks
~ Bicycling
~ Walking a dog
~ Drinking alcohol
~ Skateboarding/Rollerskating
~ Frisbees/hackysacks/other airborne playthings
~ Chalking
~ Lying down (includes benches, planters, public property)
Sitting on Park Benches
~ Limited to one hour (you must make a complaint)
Time Allowed in Parking Lots
and Garages
~ 15 minutes maximum
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Panhandling Rules
~ Always prohibited:
o After dark
o In groups of 2 or more people
o 50’ or closer to an ATM
o While sitting/leaning on a bench, planter, monument, or
public property
o In a bus or a vehicle
o At a bus stop
o On private property (without permission)
~ Panhandling while...
o Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
o Using foul language
o Getting too close (3’ or less)
o In groups of 2 or more
o Using false stories to get money
o Following you
~ Allowed, if...
~ 14’ away from:
o Buildings
o Street corners
o Fences
o Cafes or kiosks
o Benches
o Directories
o Drinking fountains
o Public trash compactors
o Sculptures
o Pay phones
~ 50’ away from:
o Banks
o ATM’s
o Change machines
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