.Best of Santa Cruz County 2017: Community

 

Best Beach

Seabright Beach

  1. best of santa cruz county 2017 - seabright beachSeabright Beach is technically part of Twin Lakes State Beach.
  2. The beach has a small rock arch that the San Lorenzo River runs through.
  3. Seabright Beach is one of the county’s best spots for a bonfire.
  4. The beach is positioned between the Beach Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Harbor.
  5. Lifeguards are present during the summer, and dogs (on a leash) are welcome year round. CAT JOHNSON

 

 

Best Nonprofit Group

Homeless Garden Project

  1. best of santa cruz county 2017 - homeless garden projectThe Homeless Garden Project provides job training, transitional employment and support services to people who are homeless.
  2. The garden has a strong emphasis on creating community between staff, trainees, volunteers and the larger Santa Cruz community.
  3. HGP programs include Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), Womens’ Organic Flower Enterprise, community-building initiatives, and a store on Pacific Avenue.
  4. The Homeless Garden Project was created in May of 1990.
  5. In 1998, the City of Santa Cruz adopted a Master Plan for an open space greenbelt which includes a nine-acre permanent site for the Homeless Garden Project. CJ

 

Best Boardwalk Ride

Fireball

  1. best of santa cruz county 2017 - boardwalk fireballThe Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk added the Fireball ride in 2003.
  2. It’s a swinging, spinning claw designed to create disorientation and g-force.
  3. At the same time, the Fireball is considered one of the smoothest rides at the Boardwalk.
  4. It’s been described as a ride for “thrill seekers and punishment freaks.”
  5. The faint of heart in your group might want to sit this one out. CJ

 

Beach

Seabright Beach

East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

RUNNERS-UP Capitola Beach, Twin Lakes Beach

 

Bike Ride

West Cliff Drive

RUNNERS-UP Pogonip, Wilder Ranch

 

Boardwalk Ride

Fireball

400 Beach St., Santa Cruz,

423-5590, beachboardwalk.com

RUNNERS-UP Carousel, Giant Dipper

 

Derby Girl

Fluxx Cappa-hit-her

RUNNERS-UP Pain Jennerator, Shamrock N Roller

 

Dog Park

Aptos Polo Grounds

2255 Huntington Drive, Aptos

RUNNERS-UP Frederick Street, Scotts Valley Dog Park

 

Farmers Market

Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo  

6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, 728-5060

RUNNERS-UP Downtown, Westside  

 

Local Athlete (non-Derby)

Nat Young

RUNNERS-UP Tobin Ortenblad, Luke Rockhold

 

Local Hero

Jacqui Rice (SLV School District)

RUNNERS-UP Keith McHenry (Food Not Bombs), Nat Young


Neighborhood

Seabright

RUNNERS-UP Pleasure Point, Westside

 

Nonprofit Group

Homeless Garden Project  

1120 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz (store),

426-4609, homelessgardenproject.org

RUNNERS-UP Save Our Shores, Second Harvest Food Bank

 

Place of Worship

Twin Lakes Church

2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos,

465-3300, tlc.org

RUNNERS-UP Inner Light Ministries, Vintage Faith Church

 

Place to Walk/Jog/Hike

West Cliff Drive

RUNNERS-UP Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Forest of Nisene Marks State Park

 

Retreat Center

Land of Medicine Buddha

5800 Prescott Road, Soquel

462-8383, landofmedicinebuddha.org

RUNNERS-UP Mount Hermon Conference Center, Mount Madonna Center

 

Wedding Venue

Chaminade Resort & Spa

1 Chaminade Ln, Santa Cruz

475-5600, chaminade.com

RUNNERS-UP Seascape Beach Resort, Quail Hollow Ranch


MORE BEST OF 2017: SHOPPING & SERVICES | FOOD & DRINK | MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE | ARTS & CULTURE | HEALTH & RECREATION | EDITOR’S PICKS

PHOTOS BY KEANA PARKER

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