Santa Cruz bracing for big crowds this Halloween weekend

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KGO) -- With Halloween falling on a Friday this year, Santa Cruz Police are bracing for big crowds.

UC Santa Cruz student Ana Hom said in previous years, the holiday has gotten out of control.

"It gets a little scary sometimes when it's a really big event, when it's a really big holiday," Hom said.

Police are expecting 8,000 -10,000 people this weekend.

"Historically we've dealt with large crowds fueled by drugs and alcohol which result in significant violent and undesirable behavior," Lieutenant Wes Morey said.

To prevent that - Santa Cruz Police are implementing what's called the Safety Enhancement Zone. Fees for breaking certain city violations will triple.

"Littering graffiti, alcohol, defacing sidewalks, discharging a firearm, noise violations, trespassing," Morey said.

We asked residents their thoughts on tripling certain fines.

Rachel Hitchcock thinks it's an interesting approach.

"I think it's an interesting strategy to try and deter people from doing anything wrong but I don't know it will work," Hitchcock said.

Guy Justice thinks it's a good idea.

"Well I think there should be repercussions for people who don't abide by the law, so I agree with it," Justice said.

Police will have more than 100 officers from the department, California Highway Patrol, UC Santa Cruz Police and other neighboring agencies. Downtown will also have more lighting and portable restrooms.

"I'm partying safely by working the next day so yeah I'm not going to be out too late," Hom said.

The Safety Enhancement Zone is citywide, it begins Friday morning at 8am and runs until Monday November 3rd."

Over at the Wharf, stores and restaurants are joining in on the fun with special events leading up to Halloween.