Santa Cruz County Sheriffs discuss emergency response challenges in Davenport

The secluded, remote beaches and bluffs of Santa Cruz County’s north coast create unique challenges for law enforcement that patrol and respond to accidents there.

On Monday afternoon, a 20-year old San Jose woman fell 100 feet from a cliff near Davenport beach, ultimately dying from her injuries as officials had a difficult time reaching her.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said the new north coast dispatch center has been helpful over the past few months when it comes to patrolling and response. Deputies said educating the public about the dangers of the coast is still tough, because more often than not visitors are blinded by the areas beauty and overlook the dangers.

“With the cliffs being as they are and with just the forces of erosion and all the wet weather we’ve had over the winter, sometimes there’s just no telling what the true risks really are,” said Sgt. Chris Clark with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.

Increased patrolling is expected to continue through at least the end of the summer, where deputies will be along the north coast 7 days a week.

“We care about that area,” said Sgt. Clark. “It’s absolutely beautiful, for the residents up there and for the visitors we want to make sure that they’re safe.”

KION’s Steve Fundaro has the full story at 6 p.m.