About a year ago I wrote a column about Martin’s Beach near Half Moon Bay, an idyllic crescent shaped beach that many consider the most beautiful in San Mateo County. A billionaire named Vinod Khosla bought all the land fronting the beach and gated off the only road that leads to Martin’s Beach. Since the beach has 75 foot cliffs on both the north and south ends, the only realistic access is via that one road. A few foolish people have suggested that people can come in by way of the ocean. They have obviously never had the entertaining experience of landing or launching a boat through the breakers. Seaworthy individuals do it, but grandma may object to this form of exercise.

On November 11, 2013 a public notice was sent out stating the Scotts Valley City Council was considering an agreement to allow the demolition of the historic Polo Barn complex. This notice was announced by mail and sent only to those residents that resided within 300 feet of the Polo Ranch development. The notice further stated that in just nine days time the demolition approval would be discussed at the City Council meeting. For residents interested in historic and recreational resources in the city this change was a complete surprise as this revised agreement had not been disclosed or discussed with the Planning Commission, Parks and Recreation Commission, the Scotts Valley Historical Society or at any other public forum before the November 20, 2013 City Council meeting. 

- Submit Datebook items to [email protected] or drop off press releases or photos at 5215 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste. F, Scotts Valley 95066. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Entries are subject to editing, and publication is not guaranteed.

I was in Denver, Colo. last week and Bronco fever has swept the city. The Peyton Manning-led Broncos have the most prolific offense in NFL history and Bronco fans are optimistic that a Superbowl trophy is in reach after winning the AFC West and grabbing a first round bye.

EDITOR,

- Liam Christopher Politowas born at 3:55 a.m. Dec. 11, 2013 to Courtney Desiree (Steen) and Anthony Robert Polito of Santa Cruz. He weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center in Santa Cruz.

- Submit Datebook items to [email protected] or drop off press releases or photos at 5215 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste. F, Scotts Valley 95066. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Entries are subject to editing, and publication is not guaranteed.