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Council honors Parks & Recreation employee Leslie Keating for 25 years of service
Summary
The council recognized Leslie Keating for 25 years with the City of Santa Cruz Parks & Recreation Department, noting her leadership on the city's street tree master plan, community tree plantings, storm response roles, and a 2021 International Society of Arboriculture commendation.
The Santa Cruz City Council honored Leslie Keating on Feb. 14 for 25 years of service with the Parks & Recreation Department.
Mr. Elliott introduced Keating and invited Parks & Recreation staff to join the presentation, praising her contributions to urban-forest stewardship, community tree-planting programs, and the city's first street tree master plan (2021). Elliott noted Keating's role in storm response and partnerships with local institutions including Cabrillo College and City Schools. He said Keating had been instrumental in preserving and enhancing the city’s urban canopy.
Keating, who identified her work as plant- and tree-focused for most of her career, thanked colleagues and advisory bodies for support and reflected on community collaboration during the CZU fires and other challenges. Council members from multiple seats offered congratulations and personal anecdotes about Keating’s work in neighborhoods and on Arbor Day events.
What happens next: the council presented Keating with a 25-year service pin and extended appreciation; no policy action was associated with the recognition.
