Santa Cruz Police crack down on speeding drivers

With speed guns drawn, a dozen Santa Cruz County traffic officers went out to find speeding drivers Wednesday.

They targeted hot spots in the city of Santa Cruz. Some of the problem areas include Soquel Avenue, the larger corridors of Mission Street, and Ocean Street.

“We are concentrating on violations where we’ve had multiple bicycle accidents, bicyclists hurt, fatal collisions,” said Paul DeOcampo, a Santa Cruz traffic officer.

Within minutes of arriving at an intersection along Bay Street, DeOcampo had to flick on his police light, catching a 16-year-old going 47 miles an hour, 22 over the speed limit.

“I educated him on the violations that had occurred. His speeding, his violations of his provision license,” DeOcampo said. “He was very receptive but nervous. It was his first ticket.”

Altogether, officers issued 90 citations, 24 warnings, and arrested one driver.

And there are two schools on Bay Street officers want to keep an eye on.

Laura Gonzales went to Bay View Elementary and now works across the street.

She said the school looks exactly the same as 20 years ago, but one thing is different.

“A lot of cars driving by, and it seems like cars are in a hurry all the time,” Gonzales said.

With classes beginning next week, DeOcampo said it’s especially important to educate drivers about the danger of speeding.

“We tell the parents, ‘Hey, you need to understand we are down here, we are slowing down. These are your children’s friends that are walking to and from school and other people, as well as you,” DeOcampo said.

Officers will be back in Santa Cruz again Aug. 23 for another round of crackdowns.