Santa Cruz preparing for safe 4th of July celebrations

The Santa Cruz City Council is taking steps to keep people safe as they celebrate Independence Day.

The council approved a Safety Enhancement Zone from July 4th to July 5th. The designation means there will be triple fines for violations such as illegal discharge of fireworks, littering and drinking alcohol in public.

There will also be more police officers patrolling the city in the days leading up to and on July 4th as thousands of people are expected to visit Santa Cruz over the holiday weekend.

Santa Cruz Police and the Fire Department also want to remind residents and visitors that all fireworks, including safe and sane fireworks, are illegal in the city.

Anyone who witnesses the use of illegal fireworks or any violations should call 9-1-1 to report the incident immediately.