Former Santa Cruz Mayor Mike Rotkin may be memorialized with plaque at Its Beach

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KION-TV) - Santa Cruz City Council will be looking at memorializing the life of former Mayor Mike Rotkin with a plaque at Its Beach.

During their next City Council meeting, councilmembers will discuss placing a plaque to honor Rotkin's nearly 60 years of service on the Santa Cruz City Council from 1979 to 2010. During his time, Rotkin served as mayor of the city with five one-year terms.

The call for a memorial to Rotkin came from his wife of 36 years Madelyn McCaul, their family and other neighbors in Santa Cruz as a written request for installation along the West Cliff pedestrian pathway.

If approved, the plaque will be installed on Its Beach funded by Rotkin's family with coordination from Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation who will maintain the landscape.

Rotkin's legacy extends far beyond the council chambers, serving as director for UC Santa Cruz's Community Studies Field Program from 1979 to 2011. He also served as a union leader with the UC-AFT, representing lecturers and librarians.

Rotkin was also known for being a part of several movements in the 1960s and 1970s such as pro-labor, anti-war and pro-rent control.

Rotkin was also apart of the Santa Cruz Metro Bard and a commissioner for the County Regional Transportation Commission.

The Santa Cruz City Council will meet on Sept. 9.