AUGUST 2017 EVERYTHING APTOS, CAPITOLA & SOQUEL Vol. 5 No. 12
World’s Shortest Parade
APTOS
pg. 3
SOQUEL
Wharf to Wharf
pg. 12
CAPITOLA
HISTORY CORNER
Photo by Tarmo HANNULA
By John Hibble Call: 688-1467 Visit us online: aptoshistory.org Visit the museum: 7605-B Old Dominion Court Aptos, CA
A most amazing man, and rich, too:
Claus Spreckels
Who owns this place? The native people did not pretend to own the land, they lived on it and considered it sacred. The first owners of Aptos were the King and Queen of Spain. The Catholic Church and the Army administered their holdings. After Mexico threw off Spanish rule, the land was granted to citizens who had helped develop the region. Rafael Castro was granted the 6,600-acre Aptos Rancho. Claus Spreckels was the third owner of the majority of Aptos and this is his story, (Part 1). Claus Spreckels was one of the most industrious,
Wharf work
A work crew repairs damage to the Capitola Wharf recently following heavy winter storms. Officials with the City of Capitola said the wharf was slated for a full opening by July 28.
The business of beautification
Please turn to Page 6
City of Capitola adopts new policy for enforcing display regulations
Rancho Del Mar project approved
By BEK SABEDRA
Improvements include façade work, parking lot upgrade By TODD GUILD SANTA CRUZ — The Santa Cruz County Zoning Administrator on July 21 approved a series of renovations at the Rancho Del Mar Shopping Center, a decision that will allow the project to begin. It is unclear when work will begin at the aging, 10.5-acre center at State Park and Soquel drives. Property owner Terramar Retail Centers, LLC did not return a call for information as of press time. The company will perform series of façade renovations at the center at State Park and Soquel drives, including creating an outdoor dining area, parking lot landscaping improvements and ADA accessibility upgrades. The developer will also replace the signs throughout the center, and convert the former vacant cinema building into retail space. According to county staff, the proposal is consistent with county code and the county’s general plan. The project has generated controversy since it was proposed in 2012, when the Safeway corporation that Please turn to Page 7
Josh Fisher, owner of Left Coast Sausage Worx in Capitola Village. Photo by Bek Sabedra
CAPITOLA — Capitola city officials recently proactively began enforcing regulations in the Capitola Village regarding sidewalk signs and outdoor displays.
A beautification effort of the Village four years ago resulted in permitting processes and fees being put in place before shops could legally place signs or display wares outside their shop. The Please turn to Page 7
Ow Family hands out scholarships to students Staff report
Pajaro Valley High School graduate Edgar Mora describes his path to college. Contributed photo
APTOS — George Ow Jr. and his family provided $500 scholarships to 106 high school seniors during a June ceremony at Cabrillo College. The American Dream Scholarships have been awarded to high school seniors for 28 years. “My parents came from China and believed in the power of education,” Ow said. “Dozens of our family
members have come to Cabrillo College and we are grateful for the opportunities it has provided to us. Our family believes that the American Dream is that you can come from humble beginnings and succeed, and when you do succeed, you give back to help others.” Since 1989, the Ow Family has awarded more than $560,000 to graduating high school students Please turn to Page 10
Inside ...
Valencia Road ....................2 Briefs ...............................4-5 Guest columns .......9, 10, 11 Calendar ...........................15 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WATSONVILLE, CA PERMIT NO. 23 ******ECRWSSEDDM****** POSTAL CUSTOMER APTOS, CA 95003 CAPITOLA. CA 95010