GOOD WORK
I am glad you got Street Talk with John Koenig up again. Maybe he took a vacation or something, but it’s the first thing I read in the Good Times…then, the letters.
Nick Royal | Santa Cruz
HOT SEAT
Felipe Hernandez is on the hot seat not only for not disclosing his campaign donors form 2023-2025, but now for leaving in the middle of a Board meeting for 30 minutes unexcused TO GET LUNCH, which he brings back and eats during the meeting. Does he have ANY CLUE??!
Phoenix Artemisia | Watsonville
THANKS
Mark C. Anderson: I just wanted to send you a thank you for the great article on us in the Good Times! We really appreciate you taking the time to do an article on what we are building at The Cruz Room and helping spread the word.
We are trying to create something unique and community-focused for Santa Cruz, and it means a lot to have thoughtful local coverage.
Thanks again and hope to see you back at the Cruz Room sometime soon!
Matisse Selman | Santa Cruz
CAPITOLA IMPROVEMENTS
This summer, the City of Capitola is proud to open the doors to a transformed Jade Street Park. After more than a year of construction, two landmark projects at 4400 Jade Street are soon to be completed and open to the public: Treasure Cove, Capitola’s first Universally Accessible Playground, and the fully renovated Capitola Community Center. The City is thrilled to welcome the community to a grand opening celebration on Wednesday, June 17, at 1pm, for speeches and appreciation of this amazing community space.
Designed by Verde Design with direct community input, Treasure Cove replaces aging equipment that no longer met accessibility standards with a vibrant marine and shoreline-themed play environment where children of all ages and abilities can play side by side.
Distinct play areas are set over colorful rubberized surfacing and feature a wheelchair-accessible merry-go-round, cozy domes, sensory play structures, swings, spinners, slides, and climbing zones. This project was made possible by an extraordinary partnership between the City and County Park Friends, who spearheaded an 18-month capital campaign raising over $1 million for Treasure Cove; a goal achieved thanks to more than 1,500 private donors.
Opening alongside Treasure Cove, the renovated Capitola Community Center has been transformed inside and out. The 5,792-square-foot building, a neighborhood fixture since the 1980s, features structural repairs, a new roof and siding, modernized meeting spaces, an additional single-user restroom, upgraded kitchen, and new HVAC, electrical, and lighting systems.
Designed by Architects from Boone Low Ratliff, coastal touches inspired by the Capitola Wharf (like textured concrete, fiber cement board, and wooden accents) represent Capitola’s unique character. Plus, new patios and improved pathways directly link the Community Center to Treasure Cove Playground. Funding sources include $475,000 from the City of Capitola, a $4.2 million HUD Community Development Block Grant, and a $1 million state grant through the California Natural Resources Agency, championed by Assemblymember Dawn Addis. The facility continues to serve as home to recreation programming, city services, and emergency shelter for residents.
Chloé Woodmansee | Assistant to the City Manager
