As August approaches, Scotts Valley is preparing to celebrate 60 years since becoming a city.
In September 1960, residents learned of plans to build a cemetery in the middle of Scotts Valley, not far from Santa’s Village. Residents organized a protest attending a County Planning Commission meeting. This started a long struggle of public hearings and court battles. Out of this struggle, the Scotts Valley Property Owners Association was formed. Agnes Knox Lewis was one of the original residents who began the protest. She became temporary chairperson of the Property Owners Association, fighting for Scotts Valley’s future. I’m proud that in 1960, a woman was a leader of his charge.
In addition to the planned cemetery, a truck stop was planned across from the cemetery. Additionally, the City of Santa Cruz annexed the Skypark Airport, located in the middle of Scotts Valley. The combination of these perceived threats to the community helped motivate the campaign to become a separate city. On April 14, 1964, citizens voted to incorporate without a city property tax. The vote was hotly contested for two years in court before it was finally upheld.
A week-long celebration marked the birth of the City of Scotts Valley on Aug. 2, 1966. With no cash, the new city had to borrow $20,000 from Santa Cruz County Bank to get started. When the sales tax and other taxes were later returned from the State of California, the City of Scotts Valley was able to repay the loan one year later.
Sixty years later, Scotts Valley is planning to celebrate all week as it celebrated in 1966. Sunday, Aug. 2, is the City’s actual birthday. The City is planning a very special birthday bash at Skypark. The day starts at 10:30 a.m. with a “Share Your Story” program. Hear stories from residents, including how the City changed over time, growing up and everyday life in Scotts Valley, the community’s impact on your life, family/personal moments and local landmarks/event memories: Skypark Airport, The Barn, Santa’s Village and more. If you haven’t shared your story yet, we’d love to hear from the “far” past as well as the more recent. Stories that reflect the City and why residents love to live in Scotts Valley. Stories should be 3-5 minutes and submitted to the Recreation Division via email re*@**********ey.gov or at the office.
Following the Share your Story, we will sing “Happy Birthday” and there will be dessert for all. The celebration continues with Vintage Point Band performing. The band has ties to Scotts Valley history as far back as The Barn. There will be interactive history booths, inflatables, ’60s-themed craft booths, vintage VWs and food trucks. As we remember The Rink, the Skypark basketball court will become a skate rink. There will also be a vintage stagecoach reminiscent of past Scotts Valley Cavalcade Wild West Shows! Bring your chairs or blankets to make a day of it!
The celebration continues Monday with Coffee with the Legends at Scotts Valley Senior Center. Tuesday is National Night Out hosted by Scotts Valley Police Department at MacDorsa Park. There’ll be games, booths, a demonstration by Scotts Valley Fire Department, tours of the Scott House and the Police Department, a chance to check out vehicles, including police motorcycles, patrol cars and ambulances. There will also be food, including some cooked by Scotts Valley police officers.
Wednesday features hiking at our beautiful Scotts Valley trails, including Glenwood Preserve and Lodato Park. Thursday, school starts in Scotts Valley, and the theme is “I Love My School.” Friday through Sunday, we support local businesses with a Business Scavenger Hunt!
You can get into the spirit in advance with special Scotts Valley 60th merchandise! There are special shirts, caps, tumblers, stickers and tote bags available for purchase at scottsvalley.gov/438/Parks-Recreation, where you can click on the store. Even better, stop by the Parks and Recreation Office at 361 Kings Village Road, where you can purchase merchandise and check for the best size.
Having served the City of Scotts Valley for 58 of the City’s 60 years, I have wonderful memories, including riding my horse in the Scotts Valley Days Parade, pony cart races held where METRO is now located, the Cavalcade, Lumberjack contests and even flying into Skypark Airport. Although I’m sad to see some of the housing projects happening without City or Community input due to changes in State regulations, I’m still thankful that our community remains safe and still has the family culture that has made it so special all these years.
I look forward to celebrating the City’s 60th Birthday, remembering our history and sharing the celebration with the community!
Donna Lind is Mayor of Scotts Valley. To reach Lind, email dl***@**********ey.gov or call 831-438-4187.
