New Name for Willowbrook Park

COMMUNITY NEWS

New Name for Willowbrook Park

On May 23, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to rename Willowbrook County Park after Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, who was killed in the line of the duty on June 6, 2020.

Willowbrook County Park in Honor of Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller is in Aptos, and was frequented by Gutzwiller and his family, who live in the area. The Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Santa Cruz County Parks Department and County Park Friends are working with the community to raise funding for significant park renovations in Gutzwiller’s memory. Although more than $250,000 has already been raised, park funding goals have yet to be met.

“The park will provide a place for his family, friends and our broader community to come reflect and share in the beauty of this special place. It’s a park that held deep meaning to Damon and his family and now we are reimagining the park in a way that’s befitting of his honor,” Supervisor Zach Friend said.

“Damon’s dedication and love for this county was clear to anyone who worked with him, far before his tragic death forever cemented his selfless commitment,” said Sgt. Steve Ryan, close friend and co-worker of Sgt. Gutzwiller. “It is my hope that those who visit this park will see his name and be reminded of the commitment and sacrifice Damon made, while thinking fondly of my friend and brother.”

County Parks recently completed updates to the sports courts area. Additional updates include a new, more inclusive play area with new play surfacing, the construction and installation of a memorial seating area on the south side of the pedestrian walkway bridge, park entry enhancements and a new flagpole. n •••

For information or to learn more about opportunities to participate in this project visit www.countyparkfriends.org/willowbrook.

“Valedictorians” from page 5

Lily Sonnenblick

Iwill be studying history at Oxford University.

I was Model UN President, a member of Politics club, and a peer tutor at Soquel.

While Covid did present hardships for everyone, I felt that most teachers did their utmost to give us all an excellent learning experience on zoom.

I really appreciated the opportunity to take part in Model UN conferences, collaborating with students from all around California on solutions to international issues. I also especially enjoyed the English and history classes I got to take while at Soquel.

Parents: Rachel and Richard Sonnenblick

Ruby Storey

I’m attending the University of Washington, Seattle in the fall. My planned major is English.

At Soquel, I was in the varsity band, mock trial, and the varsity girls tennis team — all for 4 years. I’ve been part of the film club and the sustainable fashion club.

Covid affected me in the same way it did for others. At first, I felt pretty disconnected from school and friends. But I got used to it after a while. The thing I enjoyed most about Soquel is being with my friends for the past 4 years. Especially this last year, I feel like the senior class has felt a lot more unified and friendly.

Through everything I’ve done at Soquel High, I’ve always had my friends and that’s the most important part of school for me.

Parents: Helen Ewan-Storey and Sam Storey. n

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