Security remains tight at SC Beach Boardwalk following violent weekend
Two violent attacks in Santa Cruz in two days and police already they have their suspects behind bars. As investigators piece together details of the first homicide of the year and a stabbing, NewsChannel 5 found out how the crime could impact this year’s busy tourist season.
“Our guests understand the amount of energy we put in to keeping this facility safe, and fun and playful for them,” spokesperson Kris Reyes for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Ticket lines were packed and waves of people came in early to enjoy a day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. But things were not so calm over the weekend. On Friday night, the city recorded its first homicide of the year at a busy downtown intersection. On Easter Sunday, officers responded to a gang related stabbing, taking down one of the suspects on Beach Street.
Easter Weekend and spring break marks the busy tourist season in Santa Cruz and police said sometimes those coming from out of town clash with people that live here. But the Hogan family visiting from Iowa said they have had a good experience.
“I mean, I feel safe. Those kinds of things are unfortunate and hate to have that happen to anyone,” said tourist James Hogan visiting from Iowa.
The boardwalk, one of the city’s most popular destinations, said it’s prepared to make sure that a few bad apples don’t ruin the experience for everyone.
“When incidents do occur they usually are very minor. We’re able to take care of them very quickly and move on to the fun that is to be had at the boardwalk,” Reyes said.
Santa Cruz police said incidents like the two over the weekend in the city are very rare.
“It is definitely a random act. Something that we don’t see that frequently,” Lt. Bernie Escalante said.
That eases Hogan’s mind who is a repeat visitor to Santa Cruz and stills feel safe bringing his toddler there, knowing crime happens everywhere. As for the boardwalk, they work closely with Santa Cruz police, but said security staff are well trained on their own.
