SANTA CRUZ — Local law enforcement agencies are continuing to scale up their enforcement of Santa Cruz County’s shelter-in-place order, now effective through at least May 3.
Even while officials seek to reassure local residents that area parks, recreation areas and beaches remain open more than two weeks after the initial Santa Cruz County Health Officer lockdown order, law enforcement agencies are increasing their patrols and public contacts. Area agencies also have highlighted heightened efforts to keep shuttered businesses safe from opportunistic criminals.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office on Friday announced the formation of its so-called Compliance Contact Team, with deputies assigned to concentrate on county beaches and parks in the unincorporated areas where they find group gatherings and/or people with less than 6 feet of space between them.
“Individuals in violation of the order will be directed to disperse or be subject to enforcement action,” facing a potential a misdemeanor charge punishable by fine, imprisonment or both, according to information released by department spokeswoman Ashley Keehn.
Criminal activities
Watsonville police officers on Thursday arrested a 47-year-old man suspected of burglarizing a city business recently among those highlighted for their efforts to produce medical equipment and hygiene products to help combat the spread of COVID-19.
More than $12,000 worth of equipment was reportedly stolen during a weekend break-in at Watsonville natural bath, body and skincare company Smith & Vandiver’s West Beach Street facility. On Thursday, police detectives arrested Dustin Dean Davis, believed to be one of the multiple suspected burglars in the case, while canvassing a homeless encampment in the area of Ohlone Parkway and Manabe Ow Road, according to department spokeswoman Michelle Pulido. Davis was booked into Santa Cruz County Jail on suspicion of charges including burglary, looting during a state of emergency, violating the county’s shelter in place order and violating parole. The investigation into the outstanding suspects is ongoing and those with tips are asked to call Detective Tyler Wildey at 831-768-3356.
In the City of Santa Cruz, police officer workdays have been extended to 12-hour shifts and the city police department has deployed burglary suppression units and increased beat patrols, particularly during nighttime shifts, with added concentration on retail and commercial areas.
Santa Cruz Police Chief Andy Mills said the department is ready for those who would take advantage of “our hardworking community members who had to close down their shops or suspend services” during the coronavirus health emergency.
Mills suggested that business owners assist law enforcement efforts by keeping business lit inside and out at night, keeping windows uncovered and free of obstruction, ensuring security alarms, video surveillance systems are working and emptying cash registers and leaving them open with the drawers removed.
Outdoor compliance
In the wake of this week’s statewide recommendations that members of the general public cover their nose and mouth with cloth when leaving home for essential travel, Sheriff’s Office deputies and correctional officers also will wear professional-grade N95 face masks, while supplies last, when encountering individuals on calls and incarcerated persons to reduce the risk of viral transmissions to others and to protect the officers, according to Keehn.
Sharing of sports and recreational equipment is only allowed between members of the same household, and the use of high-touch playground equipment is prohibited. Basketball courts, disc golf, skate parks and soccer fields will be closed in the City of Santa Cruz but open everywhere else. County park bathrooms are closed. Public parking lots along West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz and at state parks and beaches in the county are closed.
Santa Cruz County had 59 confirmed coronavirus cases as of Friday morning, including one reported pediatric case involving a minor to date and one virus-related fatality Saturday.
Information regarding COVID-19 cases and directives from Santa Cruz County Public Health officials can be found online at santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus. The County’s COVID-19 hotline, 831-454-4242, is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Outside of these hours, call 211 or text “covid19” to 211211.
ENFORCEMENT TIP REPORTING
• Watsonville Police: 831-471-1151.
• Scotts Valley Police: 831-440-5670.
• Santa Cruz County Sheriff: 831-454-7747.
• Santa Cruz Police: 831-471-1131.
• Capitola Police: 831-471-1141.
