Warriors Wear Black; Hilary Bryant Honored; Highway 1 Project Finally Done

The 7 p.m. game features the Warriors against against the Sioux Falls Skyforce (Miami HEAT D-League affiliate). All the money raised goes to Grind Out Hunger, the youth-oriented charity that helps feed hungry children.

After the game, the player will present their jersey to the winning bidder, sign it, take photos, etc. Fans can still get tickets for Grind Out Hunger Night at www.santacruzbasketball.com.

Also, during halftime, former Mayor Hilary Bryant will be honored by the team and the Santa Cruz Police Department. From a release:

“Hilary served during some of the city’s best of times and worst of times,” said Santa Cruz Warriors President Jim Weyermann. “As mayor, she extended the economic impact of Kaiser Permanente Arena through unique partnerships with the Downtown Association and local businesses. Her contributions to such efforts as the Youth City Council and public safety set new standards for the city. Unfortunately, she was also charged with leading the city through its darkest days. Her steady presence through the loss of two fallen heroes helped begin the grieving process for the entire community. Through her emotional strength and intellectual skill, Santa Cruz prospered.”

Santa Cruz Police Chief Kevin Vogel said, “When my department looked for leadership following the tragic events of February 26, 2013, they looked to me as their Chief. When our community looked for leadership, we all looked to Hilary as our Mayor.  Hilary’s unwavering support for the police department has always been second to none, and her leadership was unparalleled as we navigated our way through the most tragic day in our police department’s history. Thank you Hilary for always standing with us.”

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 22: 

The $16 million Highway 1 Soquel/Morrissey Auxiliary Lanes project includes one mile of new auxiliary lanes – lanes that connect an on-ramp with the next off-ramp – in each direction between Soquel Drive/Avenue and Morrissey Boulevard, a new bridge over La Fonda Avenue, soundwalls, and safe route to school improvements. 

Construction phase of the project included $13.8 million in voter-approved Proposition 1B – State Transportation Bond funds (Corridor Mobility Improvement Account  or CMIA) secured by the Regional Transportation Commission via a competitive process and $2.5 million in State Transportation Improvement Program funds, according to the RTC.

There was a celebration of the opening of the overcrossing Aug. 24, but this one is to celebrate completion of everything, including landscaping. There will be food. Last time, there was a bridge-shaped cake.