When Scotts Valley celebrates its 60th birthday this August, the festivities will include music, cake, vintage cars, hiking, history and even a business scavenger hunt. But beneath the weeklong celebration lies a story that began not with a party, but with ordinary residents who refused to let someone else decide their town’s future.
In 1960, Scotts Valley wasn’t yet a city. It was a growing mountain community where neighbors knew one another and families had begun putting down roots. Then came word that a cemetery was planned in the heart of town, not far from Santa’s Village. Across the way, a truck stop was also proposed, while the City of Santa Cruz moved to annex Skypark Airport.
For many residents, the projects represented more than unwanted development. They threatened the identity of a community that was just beginning to imagine what it could become.
Neighbors packed a Santa Cruz County Planning Commission meeting to voice their concerns. What started as a protest quickly grew into something much larger. Among those leading the charge was Agnes Knox Lewis, who became temporary chairperson of the newly formed Scotts Valley Property Owners Association. At a time when few women held prominent public leadership roles, Lewis became one of the driving forces behind a movement that would forever change Scotts Valley’s future.
The road to incorporation wasn’t easy. Residents voted on April 14, 1964, to become an independent city without imposing a city property tax, but legal challenges delayed the process for nearly two years. When the courts finally upheld the vote, Scotts Valley officially became a city on Aug. 2, 1966. Officials borrowed $20,000 from Santa Cruz County Bank just to get started. Within a year, state tax revenues began flowing in, allowing the city to repay the loan in full.
Six decades later, that spirit of determination remains the heartbeat of Scotts Valley.
Beginning Saturday, Aug. 2, the city will launch a weeklong celebration that marked its incorporation 60 years ago. The centerpiece is a birthday celebration at Skypark, where history and community will share the spotlight.
The day begins at 10:30 a.m. with “Share Your Story,” inviting residents to tell the personal stories that have become part of Scotts Valley’s history. Organizers are looking for memories that span generations—from growing up in town and raising families to recollections of beloved landmarks like Santa’s Village, Skypark Airport, The Barn and other places that helped shape the community. Each story will last three to five minutes, creating a living history told not by historians, but by the people who lived it.
After the storytelling concludes, the community will gather to sing “Happy Birthday” before sharing dessert together.
The celebration continues throughout the afternoon with music by Vintage Point, a band whose own roots trace back to the legendary Barn, once one of the area’s premier music venues. Interactive history displays, inflatables, 1960s-themed crafts, food trucks and vintage Volkswagen vehicles will fill Skypark.
In a nod to another cherished Scotts Valley landmark, the basketball court will be transformed into a temporary skating rink, recalling fond memories of The Rink, where generations of local children learned to skate and spent countless afternoons with friends. A vintage stagecoach will also pay tribute to the city’s popular Cavalcade Wild West Shows of years past.
While Aug. 2 marks the official birthday, the celebration stretches throughout the week, giving residents plenty of opportunities to reconnect with their community.
On Aug. 3, longtime residents will gather for “Coffee with Legends” at the Scotts Valley Senior Center, offering another chance to hear firsthand stories from those who watched the city evolve.
National Night Out follows on Aug. 4 at MacDorsa Park, where the Scotts Valley Police Department and Scotts Valley Fire District will welcome families for demonstrations, games, tours of the Scott House and police department, emergency vehicle displays and food—including barbecue prepared by Scotts Valley police officers.
Nature takes center stage on Aug. 5 with guided hikes through local treasures, such as Glenwood Open Space Preserve and Lodato Park.
The focus shifts to education on Aug. 6 as Scotts Valley schools begin the academic year under the theme “I Love My School,” celebrating another institution that has grown alongside the city itself.
The week concludes Aug. 7-9 with a Business Scavenger Hunt, encouraging residents to visit local businesses while exploring the city they helped build.
“I’m so thrilled to celebrate our city’s birthday with the residents of Scotts Valley,” said Mayor Donna Lind. “The 50th anniversary of the city was really meaningful to everyone; you could feel the energy, and people were excited to participate. I’m feeling that same level of support for our 60th, and I’m looking forward to a weeklong celebration that tells our stories.”
Looking back over six decades, Scotts Valley’s story isn’t simply one of growth. It’s a reminder that communities are shaped by people willing to step forward when it matters most.
