Coastal Home & Garden Magazine Spring/Summer 2024

Caring for a Feathered Flock ... 10

Seven Steps to Start Growing at Home ... 12

Coastal Mood Board ... 14

Water Smart Gardening for the Central Coast ... 16

Vegetable Gardening with Containers ... 18

Spring Gardening on the Central Coast ... 20-21

Modern Farmhouse Mood Board ... 22

Create Beautiful, Inviting Outdoor Spaces ... 24

Homemade Pizza, Family Fun ... 26

Coastal Real Estate ... 29

An Epic Aptos Estate ... 30, 32

Market Snapshot 2024 ... 34-35

What Grows Best on the Central Coast of California ... 36-37

Your Lawn and Receive a Rebate ... 38

& Service Directory ... 40, 42 Fool Proof Sourdough Bread Recipe ... 44

Cocktail Recipe ... 46

IF YOU CAN DREAM I T

W E CAN BUILD IT!

Caring for a Feathered Flock: Three tips for Raising Chickens as Pets

An antidote to the stresses of work and the fast pace of modern life may be closer than you realize. Whether on family farms or in urban backyards, chickens have the power to make your corner of the planet better.

Not only does raising chickens provide you with access to eggs for a tasty, nutritious and versatile food source, it also allows your family to be more selfsufficient, reduce your food miles and establish a family hobby that allows you to connect with one another. Here on the Central Coast our climate provides a perfect opportunity for our feathered friends to join in the many beautiful days of sunshine!

“Chickens make wonderful companions and are often an overlooked option when a family is seeking the countless social, cognitive, physical and emotional benefits of pet ownership,” said Dr. Tanya K. Bailey, a pet therapist and creator of Pet Away Worry & Stress, a program that celebrates the healing connection between humans, animals and nature. “The fact is, many backyard chicken owners view their chickens as lovable household pets that contribute to their family’s sense of well-being.”

Before you bring your own flock home, consider these tips for raising chickens successfully:

Food

You may think of chickens as grain-eating vegetarians, but they’re actually

omnivores with a diverse diet. Most chickens eat insects, as well as herbs, fruits, vegetables and grains. Experts recommend having enough food available for chickens to graze throughout the day, but a single daily feeding is usually adequate. A specially designed chicken waterer can help ensure your hens always have a supply of clean water, but some prefer a trough-style waterer instead.

Housing

Chickens require room to roam, but they also need protection from predators and the weather. The most common setup for chicken housing involves an enclosed coop and a secure area where they can wander freely. Plan to secure several square feet of space per chicken to avoid crowding. The coop you need will depend on many factors, but a versatile option like the Eglu style chicken coop is suitable for flocks of varying sizes. It provides housing for up to 10 large hens or 15 bantams with a low-maintenance design and hygienic, comfortable habitat. You can also DYI a chicken coop to fit your space and the size can be based on your flock

Health

It’s important to keep a close eye on your chickens’ health and safety. Proper housing and routine cleaning are keys to deter predators and prioritize hygiene to help minimize illnesses. Just like other pets, chickens require sufficient exercise and stimulation to maintain good health, which you can provide with foraging activities.

Family Time

Spending time together with your chickens can be uplifting and give your family bonding time. It can also give your children an opportunity to take care of and be responsible for a living creature.

If you’re considering a new pet, chickens make for a lovable, economical option. Find more advice for raising a feathered flock at omlet.us. 

Seven Steps to Start Growing Produce at Home

Growing your own produce is an all-around smart practice, from the money you’ll save at the grocery store to the contributions you can make toward a cleaner planet.

Maintaining a garden takes some effort, but it’s a project even a beginner can tackle with ease. Consider these tips to start growing your at-home garden:

1. Select a perfect spot. You’ll want to place your garden in an area where you see it often so you’re reminded to weed and care for it regularly. Find a flat area you can access easily, where erosion and other pitfalls (including hungry wildlife) won’t be a problem.

2. Choose between ground and containers. There are pros and cons to gardening in containers vs. the ground, and there’s no universal right choice. Rather, the best garden depends on your goals and preferences. A ground garden usually offers more space and may provide a better growth environment for roots. However, a container garden is often easier to maintain and may be all you need if you wish to grow just a few plants.

3. Understand the importance of quality soil. You may think any dirt will do, but keep in mind the soil you plant in will be the primary source of nutrients for your produce. Not only that, but quality soil provides stability so plants can root firmly and grow healthy and sturdy to support their bounty. Quality soil also allows for ample drainage. Organic matter like compost, leaf mold or aged manure all help improve soil quality.

4. Keep water close. Lugging water can quickly eliminate the pleasure of tending your garden, so be sure you’re situated near a hose. You’ll know it’s time to water when the soil is dry about an inch below the surface.

5. Plan for plenty of sun. A bright, sunny spot is a must, since most vegetables, herbs and fruits depend on six or more hours of sun every day. Remember the sun’s path changes throughout the year, and as trees and foliage grow, they may produce more shade with each growing season.

6. Consider what you’ll grow. Starting with veggies you know you like is a smart starting point since you’ll be pouring sweat equity into making them grow. Over time, you might add new varieties, but early on, keep your focus on foods you know you like so you can see a meaningful return and avoid waste. You’ll also need to consider what you can grow to maturity within your area’s growing season. If necessary, you might want to start transplants you can nurture indoors before moving them outside when the temperatures allow.

7. Plant according to a calendar. Knowing how long it takes different foods to mature will help you create a planting calendar. You don’t want to harvest everything at once, and if you stagger planting and replant what you can, you’ll have a garden that produces food for your family for a longer period of time.

Find more helpful tips for managing your home and garden at eLivingtoday.com.  Family Features Photos: Unsplash

Coastal Home Mood Board

Water Smart Gardening for the Central Coast

Explore beautiful sustainable, climate-appropriate and drought tolerant plants, trees and grass that thrive in coastal counties. Add your favorite plants to and make a list that you can print and bring to your favorite nursery.

Sustainable Gardening Tips

Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.

Water Saving Tips

Learn how to use the various features of your irrigation controller.

If you’ve lost the instruction manual for your irrigation timer, find and download a replacement from the Internet.

What Time of Day Should I Water?

In Santa Cruz County, we recommend watering between 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. Watering within this window of time takes advantage of relatively low winds and less loss of water to evaporation.

How Long Should I Water?

Precise watering times vary depending on the type of watering device, soil, slope and plants. Keep in mind with clay soils, running an irrigation system on a lawn for more than five minutes will generally result in runoff.

How Often Should I Water?

Summer

No more than 2-3 times per week.

Fall

No more than 1-2 times per week.

Spring

No more than 1-2 times per week.

Winter

Usually not needed. 

Examples of water saving and sustainable plants suited for the central coast.

Blue Beach Aster

California Native Plants –

Control Plants –

Got a project?

Stop by Graniterock for all your Building Material and Landscape Supply needs.

Our Santa Cruz and Watsonville Concrete and Building Materials branches are open to all –landscapers, homeowners, designers, architects and contractors!

• Natural Stone

• Landscape Supplies

• Boulders

• Decorative Rock

• Pavers

• Sand and Aggregate

• Retaining Walls

• Block

• Brick

• Concrete Sacked Goods

SANTA CRUZ

303 Coral St.

831.471.3400

M–F: 6:30am – 4pm

WATSONVILLE

540 West Beach St.

831.768.2500

M–F: 7am – 4pm

Vegetable Gardening with Containers

Getting started with vegetable container gardening is fun, rewarding and not complicated. It is an easy project with a delicious reward. All you need is plants or seeds, a container, some good potting soil, fertilizer, and plenty of sun and water. Growing vegetables in containers doesn’t need to take a lot of time, but it does require that you pay a certain amount of attention to your plants, usually on a daily basis.

There are lots of advantages to growing vegetables in containers. For people with limited outdoor space, growing vegetables in containers may be the only way to go. But even people with a large yard should consider it. There’s no weeding, less chance of soil-borne plant diseases, and critters are less likely to be able to eat your vegetables. Also, many people simply have bad soil for gardening, and you can buy a variety of soils that enhance the growth of your container garden.

One of your first decisions will be whether to buy seedlings or start your vegetable plants from seed. Seeds are very inexpensive and can be fun if children are helping. Watching the seed sprout every day really teaches about growing your own food. You can sow your seeds indoors, usually in late winter or early spring, depending on the kinds of seeds you are planting. Buying seedlings are easy and give you a head start on growing your own veggies.

You can grow almost any vegetable in a container. Herbs are always a good one, as well as tomatoes, lettuce, and many more. To decide what you are going to grow, think about what you like to eat. Vine vegetables, such as watermelon, pumpkin, and cantaloupe obviously might not be such a good idea. There is nothing better to eat in the world than fresh picked vegetables that you grew yourself.

Choose your vegetables, buy supplies, and get started on your very own container garden and get ready for your harvest! 

Spring Gardening on the Central Coast

Short days and long nights lend themselves to dreaming of spring, triggering an itch to get out of the house and into the garden. But while you are fighting a full-blown case of cabin fever, plant explorers and outdoor décor vendors are turning up a whole slew of new green goods that will arrive just in time to help you scratch that gardening itch.

This spring gardeners can find an array of great new plants, garden accessories and green products guaranteed to help them make their outdoor space all their own. From homegrown vegetables and patioready plants to ever-blooming shrubs and beautiful glazed containers, spring 2024 promises to be an exciting year for outdoor projects.

> Hip to Harvest from Home

Fresh from the garden vegetables and herbs are a true luxury guaranteed to make your summer recipes taste even better. From spicy basil and redstemmed spinach to super-sized lima beans and tomatoes that look like bell peppers, breakthroughs in breeding are making vegetable gardening easy and en vogue.

This season you can dazzle your dinner guests with meals created using ingredients harvested right from your own garden. Look out for specialty veggies including a tie-dyed looking tomato called Red Lightning and Maple Sugar Corn which tastes as sweet as maple syrup.

> Patio Ready Plants

Add an instant punch of color to patios, balconies or terraces with clematis in the. These show-stopping beauties are the first clematis bred to be grown in a container, and are available in bold reds, dark purples and mauve. The long-blooming patio clematis grow only 3 feet, and provide vertical columns of color from spring through fall.

The Clematis patio-ready plants make it easy to decorate instantly for an outdoor gathering. Simply slip the patio clematis into decorative containers and accessorize any outdoor space.

> Color Your Landscape with Shrubs

With so many shrubs being offered on the market, limiting choices to just one or two plants has become extremely difficult. To help you narrow it down, here are just a few must-haves that are sure to turn some heads this spring.

Need a replacement for your boxwood,? Then try the eye-catching shrub ‘Drops of Gold’ Japanese Holly. Ideal as a hedge or foundation plant, it offers striking foliage of bright gold when exposed to the sun. Or perhaps Photinia Pink Marble, a preppy reddish pink and green landscape shrub, known for its extraordinary foliage and low maintenance.

With the popularity of hydrangeas on the rise, Halo Hydrangeas are the perfect addition to your partly shade garden. Named because of the halo of light color that surrounds the edge of each blossom, this collection includes seven stunning colors that bloom from spring to fall.

And don’t forget shrub roses! The ever blooming and diseaseresistant Knock Out rose blooms almost continuously. The flowering plant is available in three colors, and is easy to grow with little to no maintenance needed.

> Contain Yourself!

So you don’t have the time or space for a full-size garden? You can still get the flavor and feel of getting your hands dirty, and create elegant accents inside and outside your home with one or more of the latest containers like the Knox Garden Box.

The expansion of container materials and styles reflects the changes in what consumers are looking for in a container, as well as their desire to match specific styles with different parts of the home both inside and out. All varieties of materials can also be fit together to form an overall, different look.

Now go grab a your spouse or a friend and head to your nearest garden center.

Modern Farm House

Create Beautiful, Inviting Outdoor Spaces

With all the beauty the Central Coast has to offer, a few pops of color or other simple embellishments can help make your yard look superb

Whether you’re looking to enhance your front yard, backyard, porch or patio space, consider these easy and affordable ways to spruce up your outdoor oasis:

Add Mirrors

Just as they do indoors, mirrors can open up small patio spaces and make areas feel larger. Use mirrors made with resin or other waterproof materials so they won’t be compromised when exposed to the elements.

Make Bold Statements

Plant your favorite flowers in a giant, bright colored pot, hang a bright colored swing with multi colored toss pillows. Just a little dab of color can make a statement and brighten the whole space.

Hang It Up

Place hanging baskets around the porch to bring punches of color to your outdoor sanctuary. With the freedom to pick and choose your favorite plants and flowers, these baskets have the added benefit of easy maintenance.

Consider Time When Planting

If you wish to add color to your landscape, consider the time of day you normally spend in your outdoor space. Early risers may appreciate vibrantly colored foliage that perks with the morning sun. Those who spend time outdoors in the evening hours can incorporate white or lightly colored plants that take on a silvery sheen in the moonlight.

Tie Up a Hammock

Make a relaxing retreat in the comfort of your own yard by hanging a hammock from trees or between posts on your deck.

Add a Birdbath

These garden favorites come in a variety of styles and colors to fit your unique tastes and budget. Birds of all kinds can find an oasis in their new bath and provide you with a beautiful view.

Throw Some Pillows

Outdoor pillows are often available in the same fun designs of their indoor counterparts. Add some throw pillows for a chic yet comfortable update.

These subtle changes can help beautify your outdoor spaces and cause onlookers to do a double-take - for the right reasons. Find more ideas at eLivingtoday.com.  Family Features

Homemade Pizza, Family Fun

Pizza, pizza a favorite amongst all! A traditional oven can take up to 30 minutes to preheat and cook a pizza, whereas an outdoor pizza oven can cook a pizza in as little as 60 seconds once the oven has reached the required temperature. This not only saves you time but also saves energy, as the oven shouldn’t need as much fuel. The high heat in a wood-burning oven doesn’t just cook pizza quickly, it also helps the toppings hold onto their freshness and flavor, unlike other slower-cooking ovens that can dry out or even burn toppings.

Creating pizzas can be fun and inspiring trying new ingredients and flavors can bring out the creativity in you. The most challenging aspect of the process is actually making the pizzas. The dough has to be thin to cook correctly, so it can be time consuming to roll out the dough, top it, with all your favorite toppings and fire it in the oven.

Since the oven is also scorching, you can’t walk away from your pizza as it’s cooking. You have to continuously pull and rotate, and re-fire the pizza

to make sure it’s cooked correctly. Leaving your pizza for too long will lead to a crust that is too crispy, so I recommend buying extra dough and ingredients if you need to re-make your pizza entirely. It’s a learning curve but once you master it, you’ll be having pizza parties!

Wait…but there’s more to a pizza oven than just making pizza. One of the best uses for your outdoor pizza oven is making corn-on-the-cob. Soak the entire cob, husk, and all, and let it char in the oven. You can serve your corn with parmesan cheese, butter, and spices. You can also bake bread in the pizza oven; it’s an especially helpful option in the summer months when baking anything inside your home oven would be a bit too toasty.

Another popular and favorite way to use a pizza oven, is to roast vegetables. You don’t have to flip on the grill to get perfectly charred tomatoes, squash and onions and more. So before summer is in full swing be sure to get your pizza oven, they’re great for family gatherings, neighborhood parties or a romantic dinner for two. 

R EA L ESTATE

An Epic Aptos Estate

Coastal Home and Garden chose to feature this property based on its pristine location and unique ranch living. Nestled amidst the scenic beauty of Aptos, lies an extraordinary equestrian estate, a sanctuary where nature’s bounty intertwines with luxurious living. Spread across 80 acres of verdant landscape, this property is a testament to the harmonious blend of tranquility and sophistication.

The architectural marvels of the estate are equally awe-inspiring, crafted with an eye for both beauty and functionality. Designed by renowned architect John Blackburn of Blackburn Architects, P.C., the main residence exudes rustic elegance, with its timber-framed structure seamlessly blending with Montana river rock accents. Perched atop the upper acreage, the main residence offers panoramic views of the Aptos Hills, inviting the outdoors in through skylights that bathe the interiors in natural light. The outdoor amenities of the estate are nothing short of spectacular, designed to delight and inspire at every turn. A covered patio with a stone fireplace beckons for al fresco gatherings, while sprawling lawns provide ample space for leisurely strolls or picnics amidst nature’s splendor. Rolling hillsides dotted with oaks and pines invite exploration, offering a glimpse into the timeless beauty of California’s countryside.

Adjacent to the main residence are the gated organic gardens, a testament to sustainable living and a haven for those with a green thumb. Elevated garden beds, meticulously tended to, offer a kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances, while a charming chicken coop adds a touch of rural charm. Wander through the gated orchard, where a cornucopia of fruits awaits— apple, passionfruit, lemon, pomegranate, pears, Buddha’s Hand, fig, apricot, peach, plum, persimmon, avocado, orange, pineapple guava,

and more! Confirmation of the fertile soil and favorable microclimate of Pleasant Valley.

On the lower ranch stands an equestrian complex that epitomizes equine luxury. The 8-stall barn, a showpiece in its own right, boasts skylights and impeccable craftsmanship, providing a sanctuary for beloved equine companions. Outside, a covered round pen and open arena offer ample space for training and recreation, while multiple paddocks ensure the comfort and well-being of resident horses. Venturing further, the lower ranch reveals a hidden gem—a 3-acre organic vineyard, where rows of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines flourish under the California sun. Harvested and produced by local winemaker Madison Wines, yielding wines of unparalleled quality and reflecting the estate’s commitment to excellence in every aspect of its endeavors. Adjacent to the vineyard, additional irrigated garden space beckons, promising a bounty of farmfresh produce to grace the table.

But perhaps the most remarkable feature of the estate lies hidden away on the lower ranch—a state-of-the-art “micro-grid” power system and a charming “tiny home,” showing the estate’s commitment to sustainability and self-sufficiency. Here, off-grid living meets modern convenience, offering a glimpse into a more harmonious way of life. In every corner of the 164 Pleasant Valley Estate, a sense of serenity reigns supreme, inviting residents to embrace a life of beauty, sustainability and tranquility. Whether tending to the gardens, savoring the fruits of the vineyard, or simply basking in the natural splendor that surrounds them, this remarkable property is sure to offer solace and inspiration in its timeless embrace. more photos on page 32 ...

An Epic Aptos Estate

Wellness on Wheels

Promoting wellness education and bridging the gap in health care access throughout Santa Cruz County.

Dominican Hospital Foundation’s Wellness on Wheels Campaign will significantly expand and enhance the services offered by the Mobile Wellness Clinic. The bilingual, Spanish-speaking, clinic staff provide vital health services with dignity and respect across various sites in Santa Cruz County. This mobile service reduces the barriers to access of care such as location or cost, and improves the health of our community.

Wellness on Wheels

Get Involved: Call our office at (831) 462-7712 or visit

Market Snapshot 2024

2024 Single Family Residences

2023 Single Family Residences

What Grows Best on the Central Coast of California Twenty Vegetables For Your

Garden

Fruits and vegetables contain the most vitamins when they are ripe. And when you grow your own, you can always pick the ripest.

The growing season on the Central Coast is longer than in the Midwest or East Coast, which means more fruit and vegetables to enjoy.

Reduce your carbon footprint and support local pollinators. The different colors of vegetables signify different phytonutrients inside. Here are 10 very colorful vegetables that grow easily on the Central Coast. 

Swiss Chard

Corn

Carrots

Squash

Cucumber

Artichoke

Cabbage

Kale

Eggplant

Onion

Tomato

Asparagus

Broccoli

Lettuce

Garlic

Peppers

Radishes Beets

Cauliflower

Brussels Sprouts

Replace Your Lawn and Receive a Rebate

Artificial grass are suitable for Challenging Settings: Artificial grass is a good option for areas with poor soil quality, harsh weather conditions, and high foot traffic. It can be installed in areas where natural grass would struggle to grow, such as shady spots or areas with limited access to water.You can get synthetic lawn that’s late-summer long, or puttinggreen short, or somewhere in between. You can get dark green or light green, depending on the kind of grass that grows near you. You can even choose the color of the springy under layer. Variegated strands some dark, some light are also available and looks especially real.

The best part of installing artificial lawn... No pouring clean water into the grass. No burning gasoline to mow it. No fertilizer running into the sea. No gofers popping through. Looks amazing all the time!

People will stop and stare, and say how magnificent your lawn is. And you don’t have to tell anyone it’s artificial. You can let people think you have a very green thumb, and a silent, invisible mower, and just say thank you.

In summary, artificial grass has both pros and cons, and it is important to consider both when deciding whether it is the right choice for your landscaping needs. Artificial grass offers a wide range of cost effective or high-quality artificial grass products that are designed to meet the needs of residential and commercial customers. By considering factors such as size and shape, foot traffic, environmental considerations, and quality, you can choose the right artificial grass product to create a beautiful and lowmaintenance outdoor space.

Soquel Creek Water District

Up to $2 per square foot of turf replaced with low-water-use plants (artificial turf does not qualify). Replace existing high-water use turf with low-water-use plants and receive up to $2 per square foot of turf replaced. In addition to receiving a rebate, you will save money on water and landscape maintenance. The maximum turf replacement rebates from Soquel Creek Water District are $2,000 per fiscal year (July 1 to June 30) for single-family residential customers and $10,000 per fiscal year for commercial and multi-family residential customers.

Scotts Valley Water District

Turf’s Up! Lawn replacement – $2.00 per square foot for replacement of existing irrigated lawn with any combination of low-water-use plants, mulch, artificial turf, or pervious hardscape. Existing high-volume irrigation must be permanently disabled or converted to low-volume or subsurface irrigation. The District will also consider low-water turf blends or low-water groundcover if paired with subsurface or rotary small-stream spray irrigation. The rebate cannot be combined with a spray irrigation rebate.

Watsonville Utilities

The City of Watsonville offers a $1.00 per square foot rebate for customers to replace high-water-use lawns and areas irrigated by sprinklers with droughttolerant, permeable landscaping and efficient irrigation equipment. Interested customers are eligible for a replacement rebate of up to $1000 for residents and $2,000 for multi-family, commercial, or institutional customers. Edible perennials and fruit trees may be included in landscape conversion projects.

NO HIDDEN FEES. NO HIDDEN ANYTHING. FREEDOM CALLS.

Plans start at just $20/month.

100% U.S. BASED CUSTOMER SUPPORT

All of our support teams are just a call or click away.

as the largest carriers, including 5G for up to half the cost.

Business & Service Directory 2024

ART SUPPLIES:

LENZ ARTS

142 River St., Santa Cruz • 831.423.1935 • www.lenzarts.com

Serving you for over 50 years, Lenz Arts offers the largest selection of fine art supplies and is the oldest custom frame shop on the Central Coast. Described as “one of the last real art stores on the West Coast,» people drive for hours to take advantage of our comprehensive stock and knowledge. From the finger-painting toddler to the professional gallery artist, we›ve got you covered. Come in and browse our vast inventory of art supplies. We have something for everybody!

AUCTION SERVICES:

CLARK’S AUCTION COMPANY

56 Old Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley • 831.706.8776 • www.clarksauctions.com

Clark’s Auction Company is owned by Patty Clark, who has worked in the auction industry for 25 plus years. Clark’s goal is to provide a place to buy and sell quality items and enjoy yourself along the way. And, you may even make some new friends! We will feature gold, silver, diamonds, antiques, collectibles, and estate goods in the live auction. Our services help you realize the most reward for your items, and we do all the work so you don’t have to!

BANKING:

BAY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

831.479.6000 • www.bayfed.com

Bay Federal Credit Union is a full service, not for profit, financial cooperative. We provide personal and business banking services but, unlike a bank, we’re owned by our accountholders and members like you! Our goal is to be better than a bank by delivering outstanding service, competitive savings yields, low loan rates, and many low and no-cost services. Our Board of Directors is made up of unpaid volunteers who spend countless hours ensuring the safety and stability of your money in the Credit Union.

CONSTRUCTION SUPPLIES:

APTOS LANDSCAPE SUPPLY

5035 Freedom Blvd., Aptos • 831.688.6211 • www.aptoslandscapesupply.com

At Aptos Landscape Supply, we believe in creating beautiful outdoor spaces, while being mindful of our customers’ budgets and timelines. We stock a wide variety of top landscaping and hardscaping materials, including flagstone, wall rock, topsoil, bricks, pavers, and much more, while also offering fast delivery of these products to your home or job site. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is always willing to assist with questions and suggestions on projects of any size, making sure our customers feel confident in their landscaping ventures.

CENTRAL HOME SUPPLY

180 El Pueblo Rd., Scotts Valley • 831.440.0763 • www.centralhomesupply.com

As a family owned and operated business, Central Home Supply prides itself on personal, one-on-one service; expert advice; referrals to local contractors; and an ever-growing list of products. Pick up your products here or we’ll deliver it to your home. Whether it be a flatbed, forklift, and dump truck, we have the right sized vehicle to access your job. No project is too big or too small, from large commercial to small residential, Central Home Supply has the experience to get the job done right.

EQUIPMENT RENTALS:

A TOOL SHED EQUIPMENT RENTALS

3700 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz • 831.477.7133 285 W. Beach Street, Watsonville • 831.722.0334 • www.atoolshed.com

A Tool Shed Equipment Rentals Inc. is your equipment rental solution for all your rental needs. We have the rental inventory to help you get your job done quickly and easily. You’ll appreciate our wide selection of rental tools available for the novice or do it yourselfer to the experienced contractor. Give us a call, we will be happy to give advice, suggestions, and referrals to make your project easier. We maintain a large selection of manufacturer training videos that will help with those new or seemingly impossible projects.

FENCING:

CYPRESS COAST FENCING

836 Walker St., Watsonville • 831.783.1500 • www.cypresscoastfence.com

Based out of Watsonville, California, we are in a great central location to serve Santa Cruz, Monterey and surrounding Counties. We have installed fences throughout Central California, as far south as San Luis Obispo and as far north as Napa. With over a million feet of fence installed in Central California, Cypress Coast Fence has built lasting relationships in our community. We are driven by our clients’ high expectations and thrive on customer appreciation. You can count on us for quality materials, craftsmanship and exceptional service.

FLOORING AND DESIGN: INTERIOR VISION

2800 Daubenbiss Avenue, Soquel • 831.219.4484 • www.interiorvision.biz

We can help you with everything from the simple problem to complex installations including products for radiant heat, patterns, and borders. We carry both prefinished and sand and finish hardwoods including bamboo and exotic woods, laminates such as Mannington, Natural Linoleum, all major brands of carpet, wool, sisal, cork, custom and ready made area rugs, porcelain tile, and Hunter Douglas Allustra, and window shades and shutters. Let us help with some of the most confusing decisions you will ever have to make.

FIREPLACES:

WOODSTOVE & STOVE SHOWROOM

510 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz • 831.425.5123 • www.woodstoveandsun.com

Woodstove & Sun has been heating homes on the Central Coast since 1982. We carry gas, wood, electric, and pellet fireplaces, inserts, and stoves. We also now carry a wide array of outdoor products, including outdoor furniture, kitchens, BBQ’s, fire pits, and more. Our friendly team of experts specializes in helping you choose the best fireplace for your home and will assist you with your project from design ideas through installation. We look forward to helping you choose a beautiful new fireplace that you and your family will enjoy for years to come.

FURNISHINGS & DÉCOR:

AMERICAN LEISURE

1118 Ocean Street, Santa Cruz • 831.423.2425

3550 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose • 408.446.9350 • www.americanleisure.com

American Leisure started in 1972 as a small manufacturer of custom-made, one-of-a-kind patio furniture. For over 40 years, our skills have been honed as we have grown the business to what it is today; A leading retailer of top-of-the-line indoor and outdoor furniture in the Silicon Valley and Monterey Bay Areas. Family owned, we’ve built our reputation on quality, integrity, and providing excellent customer service. We treat each customer as though they are our only customer and believe no order is too small or too large.

GARDEN AND HOME: KNOX GARDEN BOX

46-A El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley • 831.461.9430

It’s easy to create a smaller, more manageable, and prolific garden with a preassembled Knox Garden Box. Solve problems with overly compacted soil, poor drainage, voracious garden pests, damage cold temperatures, water shortages, and sore muscles from incessant bending and kneeling. Having your garden raised off the ground has a few other benefits besides reducing the need to bend over and kneel. The boxes provide exceptional soil drainage and solve the problem of gophers, which can destroy a whole garden in a day.

LANDSCAPING:

JAY WELTY LANDSCAPING

831.684.0433

Specializing in creative garden renovations: waterfalls, stone patios, lighting and irrigation, Jay Welty has been creating beautiful landscapes since 1978. We offer several services including arbor construction, artificial grass installation, brick, and stone driveway installation and much more. See what you can design with Jay Welty! Call for a free consultation.

K & D LANDSCAPING

62-C Hangar Way, Watsonville

831.728.4018 • www.kndlandscaping.com • info@kndlandscaping.com

With pride that runs deep, this family owned and operated company is paving a new path in the industry. K&D was founded on six core values that are the backbone to this dedicated team; Professionalism, Teamwork, Humility, Hunger, Safety, and Respect. These core values have not only helped the company grow and succeed, they have also helped the community shine. K&D is dedicated to providing the community and surrounding area with the highest quality service in the industry.

LAND SERVICES:

EARTHWISE LAND SERVICES

399 Airport Blvd., Freedom 877.599.9797

• www.earthwiselandservices.com

• info@earthwiselandservices.com

Earthwise Land Services specializes in low impact land sculpting. We are a familyowned local company, serving Santa Cruz and surrounding counties for over 30 years. Our experienced team of 48 ensures your project will be completed on time and on budget. Our focus includes land clearing, erosion control, dust control, water drainage, driveways, and retaining walls. Our passion is to share our environmentally conscious concepts with customers and through innovation, promote sustainable projects so that they may bring your vision to life.

Keeping our community safe from sewage spills and keeping maintenance costs down are important. You can help by remembering this simple phrase:

Keeping our community safe from sewage spills and keeping maintenance costs down are important. You can help by remembering this simple phrase: ‘Think Before You

Flushable does not mean flushable!

Flushable does not mean flushable!

Flush. ’ Put trash where it belongs…in the trash.

‘Think Before You Flush. ’ Put trash where it belongs… in the trash.

Flushable wipes clog sewer pipes. Wipes do not dissolve; even if you flush just one, wipes collect in pumps and valves causing clogs.

Flushable wipes clog sewer pipes. Wipes do not dissolve; even if you flush just one, wipes collect in pumps and valves causing clogs.

Business & Service Directory 2024

PAINTING CONTRACTOR:

JUENEMANN PAINTING

831.345.7252

Serving Santa Cruz for over 25 years, we provide top-rated interior, exterior, residential, and commercial painting. We are dependable, professional, and always friendly. Call today to get your quote on our Summer Special – 10% off your paint!

PEST EXTERMINATOR:

PIED PIPER EXTERMINATORS

Watsonville Branch • 210 Airport Blvd., Freedom Santa Cruz Branch & Corporate Office • 100 Enterprise Way, Suite C105, Scotts Valley 1.800.834.4034 • 831.440.0909 • www.piedpiper.com

Family owned and operated since 1935, The Pied Piper Exterminators, Inc. has established itself as a leader in providing exceptional pest control service. Our 70 plus years of experience has earned us a reputation characterized by quality, commitment, and excellence. By continually finding ways to better serve our customers and contributing to the professional and personal development of every individual at our company, we believe that our service completely lives up to our motto…“Service that Satisfies.”

PHILANTHROPIC:

DOMINICAN HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz • 831.462.7712 • www.supportdominican.org

The Dominican Hospital Foundation was established to cultivate philanthropic support to meet the changing healthcare needs of our community. Established in 1966 when a citizens’ committee raised $1 million to build the first phases of Dominican Hospital’s present facility, the Foundation continues to be led by community leaders who donate their time, expertise, and financial resources.

REAL ESTATE:

AMBER MELENUDO

627 Capitola Avenue, Capitola • 831.566.2263 • www.ambermelenudo.com

As a Santa Cruz County resident for over 23 years, and SF Bay Area native, Amber can understand and meet the needs of a diverse group of clientele. The cornerstone to Amber’s business is her commitment to integrity and operating under the “Golden Rule,” which has brought her tremendous success and professionally recognized reputation. Amber has become one of the most sought after and successful Realtors in the area and is in the Top 1% of Producing Agents in the county. Her success is not accidental, it is a result of her dedication to delivering truly remarkable service.

ATLANTIS PROPERTIES

94 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos • 408.354.8910 • www.atlantisproperties.net

Atlantis Properties specializes in Property Management Services, which includes singlefamily homes, town homes, duplexes, apartments, and small commercial properties. We offer personalized service to meet your real estate investment objectives. The company manages properties in Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Mateo, and Monterey Counties. We are a member of the National Association of Residential Property Managers, the California Apartment Association, the Building Owners and Managers Association and the Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS®.

extensive knowledge of the area and a professional service team to insure a smooth transaction.

ROOFING:

BAY QUALITY ROOFING

399 Airport Blvd., Freedom • 888.289.0009

www.bayqualityroofing.com

Our roofing services are based in Freedom, CA, but please don’t hesitate to call if you need maintenance, installation, or repairs in any of the Santa Cruz County communities. Your commercial roof protects your livelihood, and our experts are here to supply the skill needed to keep that roof in excellent condition. Bay Quality Roofing experts can assess any problems. Never let concerns get worse; your roof is one of the most critical aspects of your building structure and taking care of it means taking care of your investment.

KNOX ROOFING

46 El Pueblo Road, Scotts Valley • 831.461.0634

www.knoxroofing.com

When it comes to working with a roofing company in the Santa Cruz and Monterey areas, it’s important to choose an experienced roofing company. Knox Roofing is the roofing specialists that homeowners have depended on for over 30 years. With free estimates, available financing and a personal touch with all customers, Knox Roofing has become known as the go-to choice when homeowners want to replace, repair, or install a roof. Give us a call today to discuss your roofing project!

SANITATION:

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY SANITATION

701 Ocean Street, Room 410, Santa Cruz • 831.454.2160

dpw.co.santa-cruz.ca.us/Home/Sanitation.aspx

The Santa Cruz County Sanitation District provides sewer services and maintenance to the communities of Live Oak, the City of Capitola, and portions of Aptos and Soquel. The district maintains pipelines transporting waste from the District to the Santa Cruz City Wastewater Treatment Facility, located at Neary Lagoon. Visit the County’s Public Works website for information on sewer service outside of these areas.

STORAGE:

ANBAR SELF STORAGE MOVING CENTER

44 Ross Ave., Freedom

831.728.5517 • www.anbarselfstorage.com • anbarselfstorage@gmail.com

We provide storage for all your needs! Business, household, RV. boat, etc. Our friendly and professional staff is here to help when you need to rent a truck or trailer from us. When it comes to packing and moving supplies, we’ve got you covered. With a comprehensive collection of supplies for purchase in our office, you’ll find a variety of boxes, bubble wrap, glass packs, mattress bags, furniture covers and more. All of our units are outside drive-up and are equipped with a small light to make it easier for you to load or unload your belongings at any time.

WATER PROVIDER:

KATHLEEN MANNING

Sotheby’s Real Estate

831.566.3127

www.kathleenmanning.com

With more than 20 years of experience, Kathleen is one of the most knowledgeable an d experienced professional s in the area. Kathleen offers the skills and experience required to successfully buy or sell a home in today’s complex market: Skilled negotiation, utilization of new technology, creativ e marketing, organization , careful listening and great communication,

SOQUEL CREEK WATER DISTRICT

5180 Soquel Drive, Soquel • 831.475.8500 www.soquelcreekwater.org

The Soquel Creek Water District is a non- profit, local government agency that provides water resource management and a safe, reliable supply of water to mid- county residents and businesses. The District serves approximately 40,400 customers through 15,800 connections in four service areas within mid-Santa Cruz County solely with groundwater. We are a public agency dedicated to providing a safe, high quality, reliable, and sustainable water supply to meet our community’s present and future needs in an environmentally sensitive and economically responsible manner.

WOOD REFINISHING:

MR. SANDLESS

1.877.966.3360 • www.mrsandless.com

We are the company that invented sandless refinishing! Our traditional service uses wet solutions and our high-speed machine to prepare your floor. Then we seal your floor with multiple coats of our commercial grade sealer and finish with your choice of matte, satin, or gloss finish. We also finish cabinets, tables doors, benches, stairs, handrails, outdoor and more! Give us a call to talk about all your options !

• Houses • Shrubs • Lawns

• Oak & Large Tree Spraying

• Lawn & Garden Fertilization

• Guaranteed Ser vice

• Locally Owned & Operated

• Knowledge & Professional Ser vice For You

• Trained Certified Technicians

• Insured for your Protection

Family Owned Business Since 1979. Self Storage with Triple Security Gate. All of our units are outside drive-up and are equipped with a light to make it easier for you to move your belongings. 24/7 Access for Businesses.

✓ U-Haul Offered One Way and Local Truck Rentals

✓ U-Box Available Serving All of Santa Cruz County ✓ Lowest Prices in Town

We Offer:

Business Storage

We Rent:

Trucks (multiple sizes)

Vans

Trailers

Towing Equipment