Santa Cruz is a wonderful city most known for its beautiful beaches. Although this

remains the case, high levels of pollution have deeply affected some of our shores. According to

the Santa Cruz Sentinel, “ the number of A or B grades given to local beaches from Natural

Bridges State Beach down coast to Rio del Mar Beach during wet weather conditions was

“dramatically lower this past year," with only 3 of 12 locations receiving A or B grades

compared to 10 last year” (Sentinel Editorial Board 1). This water pollution puts the aquatic life

residing in our waters under risk and the bacteria in the water can lead to the sickness of many

people. This bacteria stems from many different sources, but a primary source is from the litter

on our beaches. Our beaches are the natural treasures of our city and we should protect them and

the aquatic life that resides in them; therefore, I propose that taxpayer money should be put aside

to help the city of Santa Cruz post up signs warning beach visitors of the consequences of