Santa Cruz City Schools

405 Old San Jose Road • Soquel, California 95073 • (831) 429-3410 sccs.net

April 16, 2010

Dear Parents and Guardians of High School and Middle School Students:

Santa Cruz City Schools and the University of California, Santa Cruz are partners in providing a safe, healthy living-learning community for students to help them achieve their educational goals. To that end, we write to you about the annual “4-20” gathering on campus to celebrate marijuana, which remains a tradition for some of our students and community members. As you are probably aware, this non-University sanctioned, unwelcome event creates a variety of challenges for our community.

In an effort to maintain the safety of young people in the Santa Cruz community and continue the academic and co-curricular work at UCSC, the campus is implementing a variety of measures to minimize the impact of 4-20, maintain safety for students, and reduce disruptions to University business. We are preparing for traffic congestion and delays in bus and shuttle transportation, and campus parking regulations will be strictly enforced. Additionally, some areas of Empire Grade will be designated a tow-away zone. On-campus residential students have also been reminded of the no overnight guest policy from Monday, April 19 through Wednesday, April 21.

Please join me in encouraging young people to make positive choices on April 20—going to school and work, engaging in student activities, and making healthy choices. UCSC and Santa Cruz City Schools continue to educate students about the risks of alcohol and drug use, as such activities can have both personal and community consequences. We encourage you to talk with your child about his or her plans for 4-20. Ask direct questions about the choices they make and express your expectations regarding marijuana, alcohol, or other drug use. Although students may not initiate discussion on this topic, your opinions and expectations can influence their behavior.

Thank you in advance for your support and continued partnership. If you have any questions or concerns, you are welcome to contact the UCSC Student Affairs office at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Sincerely,