The City of Scotts Valley celebrated our city’s 60th Birthday during the first week of August. It couldn’t have happened without the hard work and dedication of Parks and Recreation, particularly Division Manager Allison Pfefferkorn and her staff, as well as the Scotts Valley Public Works Department and Scotts Valley Police Department. As you can imagine, the celebration involved months of planning and coordination.
A huge thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible: Donna Lind, Scotts Valley Square, Heron Power, Kings Village/Ow family, The Mazurek Family, Mark McWhinney Foundation, 1440 Multiversity, New Leaf, the Erik Johnson Family, the Debbie Muth Family, and the Jay Topping Family. Special thanks to our special birthday celebration band, Vintage Point, who entertained the crowd at the city’s Birthday Bash with music over the past 60 years. Vintage Point has ties to Scotts Valley’s early history and was a big hit at the celebration.
The city’s actual 60th Birthday was Sunday, Aug. 2. The day started with people sharing memories of the city’s history, starting with Council Member/Former Mayor Derek Timm sharing memories from former Council Member Gina Koshland Biondi (Mayor 1992-93). Gina was co-chair of the committee to find a location for a Scotts Valley High School, which just celebrated 25 years.
Memories were shared by Karen Perry, owner of Perry’s Floral, and her husband, former Mayor Joe Perry, who owned Ideal Hair. Karen shared special memories of building a business in the early days of Scotts Valley. Retired Police Chief Stephen Walpole Jr. shared memories of growing up with his dad being the second SV Police Chief, Stephen Walpole Sr. He remembered the 1989 Earthquake, the devastating storms of 1982 and the tornado he experienced as police chief. Chief Walpole’s wife Melissa shared memories of Steve’s wedding proposal that included not only would she marry him, but would she live and raise their children in Scotts Valley. She responded with “I will!”
Many other precious memories were shared. I enjoyed sharing how I was first hired as City Hall Secretary in 1968 as a young high school girl, which led to becoming the city’s first female police officer and sergeant. It was wonderful to hear 14 people share their memories of Scotts Valley.
Families enjoyed interactive booths, roller skating remembering The Rink, activities at the Santa’s Village Booth and the Cavalcade. A vintage Wells Fargo 1860’s stagecoach was displayed by Jay Topping. The stagecoach was built in Stockton and ran from Marysville to Downieville. The beautifully preserved coach was exhibited courtesy of owner John Blackman, sponsored by Jay Topping and Erik Johnson. Families enjoyed pictures with the stagecoach with memories of the Cavalcade Wild West Shows from the ’70s. Council members led singing “Happy Birthday” to Scotts Valley and enjoyed birthday cake and desserts.
Monday, Aug. 3, Scotts Valley Senior Center and Parks and Recreation hosted Coffee with the Legends. Former Mayor Joe Perry (1976-77) wore his Scotts Valley Tartan vest and hat, while I wore a Scotts Valley Tartan kilt and sash. The Scotts Valley Tartan was designed by Agnes Knox Lewis and registered in Scotland when the city was incorporated. Several former city council members and employees shared memories and answered questions from guests in attendance. My thanks to Darshana Croskrey and Parks and Recreation Manager Allison Pfefferkorn for coordinating this special event.
Tuesday, Aug. 4, Scotts Valley Police Department hosted National Night Out, also celebrating the city’s 60th. Thanks to Chief Rutherford and the officers and staff who barbecued and provided popcorn and treats while offering tours of the police department and emergency vehicles. It was fun to see officers lift children onto police motorcycles and inside police cars. Scotts Valley firefighters also participated and invited families to check out their vehicles. Scotts Valley Historical Society shared history and tours of the Scott House, which was fun for guests of all ages.
Wednesday, Aug. 5, celebrated the beautiful Scotts Valley trails. Parks and Recreation organized guided tours of local trails, including Glenwood Preserve and Lodato Park.
Friday through Sunday, Aug. 7-9, was an opportunity for Scotts Valley to support local businesses. It was a time to shop, snap a photo of their receipt and send to Scotts Valley Parks and Recreation for an opportunity to win a prize.
I want to thank everyone who made Scotts Valley’s 60th Birthday week a special celebration! It was a week that will be remembered and cherished for years to come and filled with appreciation for our community. If you haven’t gotten your Scotts Valley 60th merchandise, stop by Parks and Recreation to pick up special items before they’re gone.
Donna Lind is Mayor of Scotts Valley. To reach Lind, email dl***@**********ey.gov or call 831-438-4187.
