SANTA CRUZ — Authorities have canceled the remainder of this summer’s popular summer beach music and barbecue series after a shooting last week left two injured.
Santa Cruz Port District Director Holland MacLaurie, in a press release Tuesday, said the decision to pause the free weekly Crow’s Nest Thursday Beach BBQ Party came “after careful consideration and review.”
“The Port District deeply regrets having to cancel the remaining Thursday Night Beach Barbeque events but it is the most responsible course of action as we evaluate the impacts to public safety associated with large gatherings at the harbor,” MacLaurie wrote.
Two men were shot and critically injured shortly before 9 p.m. Aug. 8 in a parking lot of the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor. One of the two remained in critical condition and the other had improved and was stabilized Tuesday, said Santa Cruz police Deputy Chief Jon Bush. One victim remained unable to speak to investigators, however, he said.
Detectives this week had not yet determined a motive for the shooting or what led up to it and had made no arrests in the case, Bush said.
The weekly beach barbecue event had at least three additional parties set this summer, with celebrations on the beach lasting from 5:30 p.m. until sunset. Afterward, visitors were invited inside the Crow’s Nest restaurant for continued entertainment. District officials plan to work with the Crow’s Nest restaurant to review the future of the longstanding event series, according to the release.
“We extend our condolences to those affected by the incident and appreciate the ongoing understanding and support,” MacLaurie wrote.
Originally Published:
Source: www.mercurynews.com