Kris Reyes

One of the most popular rides at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is being retired after nearly 60 years of “faithful service,” altering the boardwalk’s skyline forever.

California officials on Tuesday gave the go-ahead to reopen three Fire Ball rides, including the one at California’s Great America in Santa Clara, nearly a week after a deadly accident on the same ride at the Ohio state fair.

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and all other California amusement parks have voluntarily halted all Fire Ball rides following a deadly accident on the same ride at the Ohio state fair on Wednesday, state officials said Thursday.

The Fire Ball ride at the Santa Cruz Beach and Boardwalk was shut down late Wednesday night hours after a deadly incident involving the same ride at the Ohio State Fair.

The Beach Flats Community Garden has been something of a touchstone for Santa Cruz residents for two decades.