For the first time in all my years of public service, I’ve witnessed bulldozers tearing down buildings in our community without any input or approval from the City Council—or from you, the residents of Scotts Valley.
The developer, Workbench—best known locally for their controversial clocktower proposal in Santa Cruz—invoked AB 2011, a state law authored by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks of Oakland. This little-known law, written to address challenges elsewhere in the state, allows professional office buildings to be demolished and replaced with housing while bypassing our General Plan, Housing Element and the public process. In other words, Scotts Valley residents get no say.
Many of you have told me how difficult it is to watch the demolition of the former Seagate corporate campuses and international data center—once symbols of Scotts Valley’s place in the global technology economy. Some have asked why new housing couldn’t go on vacant or under-utilized parcels nearby. Others have remarked on how solidly those buildings were constructed, given how long demolition is taking.
And then there was one unnerving moment: a truckload of debris was so heavy it toppled at the corner of Scotts Valley Drive and Mount Hermon Road, spilling into the 76 Station parking lot. We are all grateful that tragedy was narrowly avoided—that a child walking home from school just feet away, and the nearby gas pumps, were spared.
I’ll be writing more about AB 2011 and its statewide impacts in a future column. For now, I want to focus on other important changes happening right here at home.
The biggest recent change at City Hall is that our Vice Mayor, Allan Timms, has stepped down. At a special meeting, the Council unanimously appointed longtime Councilmember Donna Lind to serve as our new Vice Mayor. Donna brings decades of experience and dedication to Scotts Valley, and we are fortunate to have her in this leadership role.
With Allan’s resignation, a seat has opened on the City Council. After weighing the significant cost of holding a special election in April—which would have seated someone for only a few months before another election in November—the Council voted to appoint a replacement. Applications are now open on the City’s website and are due by Sept. 24. We look forward to welcoming a new colleague soon, especially as the City enters some very busy months ahead.
And of course, what makes Scotts Valley shine isn’t just what happens at City Hall—it’s the way we come together as a community. We’ve got some wonderful events on the horizon that I hope you’ll join us for.
On Friday, Sept. 19, Food Truck Friday returns to Skypark from 4:30-7:30pm. Come wearing your alma mater or favorite school gear as we celebrate the back-to-school season. We’ll also raise a glass to Josh and Teresa on their 20th anniversary under the harvest moon. Add in live music, favorite food trucks, and friends gathered on a crisp autumn evening, and it’s sure to be a night to remember.
On Sunday, Sept. 28, the Kiwanis will host Music at Skypark, featuring The Houserockers from 1:30-5:15pm. Proceeds will support music programs in our schools—a fun way to spend the afternoon while investing in the next generation of musicians.
Then, lace up those running shoes! On Saturday, Oct. 11, Parks & Rec will host Scotts Valley’s inaugural 5K Run/Walk through the beautiful trails of Glenwood East Preserve. Registration closes Sept. 20, so don’t wait to sign up: Register at bit.ly/4mlGBGX.
Over at The Landing, the Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center, our local theater scene is stepping into the spotlight. This fall, Scotts Valley Performing Arts is bringing the Broadway version of “Cinderella” to the stage over several weekends. It’s a classic story reimagined with plenty of magic and local talent—an event the whole family can enjoy. Then, on Saturday, Oct. 18, The Landing will transform for Saints and Sinners: A Halloween Speakeasy—an immersive evening that will bring out the 1920s in all of us.
From food trucks to live music, from our first community 5K to theater magic and a Halloween speakeasy, there’s something for everyone in Scotts Valley this season. I look forward to seeing you out in the community as we keep building memories, together.
Derek Timm is Mayor of Scotts Valley. To reach Timm, email dt***@**********ey.gov or call 831-239-9203.
