SANTA CRUZ — All of the hurdles have been cleared and a date has been set for when Santa Cruz County’s first of its kind filtered cigarette sales ban will take effect. “Santa Cruz County is always at the forefront of making change. Enforcement in Capitola won’t start until July 1, 2027, while Santa Cruz aligned itself with the county by setting a Jan. 1, 2027, date. Santa Cruz officials said 48 retailers had filtered products on their shelves. When: Enforcement in Santa Cruz and the county begins Jan. 1, 2027.