Public safety, traffic alert for April 20

This notification is being provided to advise members of the campus community, others with valid reasons for visiting the UC Santa Cruz campus, and campus neighbors of the potential for disruptions and hazards associated with an unsanctioned gathering known as "4-20" during the afternoon of April 20.  The nature of the annual gathering may involve a large number of individuals in or near the Porter Meadow, and the greatest impact is expected between 3 and 6 PM.

Because of this expected activity, UC Santa Cruz Police department asks that you anticipate transportation and other disruptions, especially on the west side, and encourages that you plan accordingly. University Police will be in the area to address public safety needs, coordinate traffic management, and provide emergency response if needed.

To assist the Police Department in keeping the UCSC Community safe, everyone is encouraged to consider the following:

• Please remember that all members and guests of the UC Santa Cruz community are expected to comply with University policy, federal, and state law.

• Parking anywhere on campus and adjacent to campus may be difficult that afternoon. Campus parking regulations will be strictly enforced. Sections of Empire Grade will be designated as a tow-away zone, and vehicles will be ticketed and towed at owners' expense.

• As a safety reminder, be prepared, plan alternate commute routes, and — because of traffic delays — please build in extra time for transit. Traffic and transit flow is expected to be highly impacted throughout the campus, especially along Empire Grade, and on Heller Drive from the West Entrance to McLaughlin Drive. Traffic diversion measures may be instituted if needed to alleviate impacted areas. If driving a vehicle, be alert for increased pedestrian traffic on all roadways.

• Because this activity attracts people who are unaffiliated with the campus, please make an extra effort to be aware of suspicious activity — and please don't hesitate to immediately alert the UC Santa Cruz Police Department of such activity. If you are ever in doubt, it is always better to ask authorities to investigate, rather than risking potential harm to you or someone else.

• Those who live and work in the areas around Family Student Housing, Porter College and College Eight are advised that, as in past years, smoke may remain in the area throughout the late afternoon. Those with children, respiratory problems, or other medical conditions should use precautions.

• Please respect the rights of others.

Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation.

Nader Oweis, Chief of Police
University of California, Santa Cruz Police Department

Report all in-progress crimes by calling 9-1-1. Anyone with information about criminal activity is encouraged to call the UC Santa Cruz Police Department at 831-459-2231. Reports may also be made anonymously by calling 831-459-3TIP (459-3847) or submitted online via http://police.ucsc.edu/crime.html.

This Bulletin is in Compliance with 20 U.S.C. Section 1092 (f), the "Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act" ("Clery Act"), and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).