SANTA CRUZ — After infested trees were recently discovered near the Tannery Arts Center, the city of Santa Cruz is asking community members to watch out for signs of an invasive beetle that has the potential to damage or kill a variety of trees. According to a statement from the city, “the Santa Cruz County Department of Agriculture, in partnership with the University of California Cooperative Extension, has confirmed the presence of the invasive shothole borer beetle in trees located in the Tannery area of the city of Santa Cruz. The invasive beetles do not eat wood, but create channels in host trees where they farm a symbiotic fungus that serves as their food. Local officials want residents to be aware and vigilant in spotting early signs.”To determine whether a tree is showing symptoms, complete the Invasive Shot-hole Borers Assessment at ucanr.edu. To report suspected infestations, the city asks property owners to call the Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office at 831-763-8080 or email Brian Woodward with the UC Cooperative Extension, Santa Cruz Mountains Forests Program at bdwoodward@ucanr.edu.