This question was considered by more than 350 people who attended a series of workshops in May and June to discuss community challenges and priorities for redevelopment work over the next five years. Community response was fantastic. Thank you to all who participated.

What emerged was a vision of a vital community with safe neighbor-hoods, thriving business areas, positive opportunities for youth,

a variety of housing opportunities, a complement of parks and recreation, and a wide choice of walking and

cycling routes. Meeting participants overwhelmingly expressed their belief that Live Oak and Soquel are good places to live, citing the convenient location with proximity to beaches and shopping, the climate and natural surroundings, the diversity of people and neighborhoods, plus the small town character. Community members also discussed

their concerns and what could be improved. The outcome of the workshops is presented in more detail

on the next pages.

These workshops and other fall meetings are all part of a community process to prepare a plan that will describe goals, projects, and activities to

guide redevelopment efforts in Live Oak and Soquel through 2014. A draft Five Year Implementation Plan will be presented to the Board of Directors

of the Redevelopment Agency at a public hearing tentatively scheduled for November 10, 2009. The community is invited to attend this important public hearing. Please check our website for final confirmation of the hearing date and location.

In the meantime, work continues on a variety of projects including parks, new community facilities, affordable housing, and road, pedestrian, bicycle, and drainage improvements. Updates on these projects can also be found inside.

For more information about the five year plan process, and redevelopment efforts in Soquel and Live Oak, please visit our website: www.BuildaStrongerSoquelandLiveOak.com.

Betsey Lynberg Agency Administrator

What Do You Envision for the Future of Soquel and Live Oak?

S A N T A C R U Z C O U N T Y R E D E V E L O P M E N T A G E N C Y

Live Oak and SoquelRedevelopment Update F A L L 2 0 0 9

V O L U M E 1 8

Twin Lakes Beach

East Cliff Drive bluff stabilization

Spring Five-Year Plan community meeting

Simpkins Family Swim Center

PH

OTO

: CO

RY

LER

MO

“A community where I will be able to be glad to raise

my family.”

MANUEL–CommunityMember

7th Avenue improvements

Community Service Officer

Soquel Village

Spring Workshops

An engaging community dialogue occurred at the redevelopment workshops in May and June. Seated at tables, meeting participants discussed what they like about living in Soquel and Live Oak, what could be improved, the top challenges facing the community, and priorities for the future. Tables then reported the results of their discussions to other meeting participants. While this feedback does not represent a statistical survey of all residents in the community, it is useful in gauging the pulse of the community and important issues.

Although the community faces challenges, meeting participants described a very positive vision for the future of Soquel and Live Oak. They foresee a vibrant and sustainable future with attractive and vital business areas, a variety of neighborhoods, access to parks and beaches, safe and convenient walking and bicycling routes, and community facilities and activities to support a healthy and positive lifestyle.

Overall, meeting participants felt that Redevelopment Agency efforts over the last 22 years have made a positive difference in the community. While most people felt that road conditions are okay and that parks are serving community needs, many responded that traffic congestion, safe pedestrian access, economic vitality in local business areas, housing opportunities, and community facilities are areas that still need work.

Safe Walking and Bicycling Routes

A majority of workshop participants felt that it can be difficult for pedestrians and bicyclists to get around the community. Most wanted the streets that provide access to schools, parks, and commercial areas to include safe pedestrian and bicycle connections, such as paths, sidewalks, and bike lanes. There was also support for more trails and pedestrian/bike connections through parks and open spaces as a means of getting around the community.

Traffic congestion remained a strong concern. Solutions providing access to alternative transportation such as bikes, bus, and rail, as well as reducing the need for

Every five

years, a

document

describing

redevelopment

goals, projects,

and activities for

the next planning

period is produced.

The process of

preparing the next

plan for Soquel and

Live Oak began with

spring workshops

where community

members shared

their visions

for the future.

Additional

workshops were

held in early

September.

Visions for the Future of Soquel and Live Oak

TOP 3 CHALLENGES

•Publicsafety,crime,vandalismandgraffiti

•Creatingmoreactivities,programsandfacilitiesforyouth,seniorsorothergroupswith special needs

•Fixingroads,sidewalks,andbicyclelanes“Createvital

community focal points with needed

commercial services at key areas.”

TOM–CommunityMember

cars, were popular. Comments on the design of future improvements emphasized an interest in sustainable, green approaches to paving, drainage, and landscaping.

CommunityFacilities

Meeting participants clearly expressed interest in new community facilities–with special emphasis on providing positive opportunities for youth and addressing the public safety needs of a community of more than 30,000 residents.

PublicSafety

The top challenge identified at the meetings was public safety, including crime, vandalism, and graffiti. Workshop participants’ ideas on how to address this challenge ranged from providing specified areas for graffiti art to moving the sheriff ’s department into the community.

Economic Vitality

An overwhelming majority of participants agreed that commercial areas need improvement in Live Oak and Soquel. Community members were supportive of taking a variety of measures to improve small business areas and the economic vitality of the community. These include improving the appearance of commercial areas, increasing opportunities for shopping and services, encouraging jobs for residents, as well as exploring ways to increase revenues to support local government services.

Affordable Housing

Increasing and preserving affordable housing is a state-mandated function of the Redevelopment Agency. Attendees voiced support for affordable housing programs, especially programs providing first time home buyer assistance and those aimed at improving the existing housing stock.

NextSteps

The Redevelopment Agency’s Five Year Implementation Plan will be an important document that intends to ref lect both the current needs and the future vision for the community. Please visit www.BuildaStrongerSoquelandLiveOak.com for the latest information.

GOALS

Of the 2005-2009 fiveyearplan’sgoals,the following three ranked highest among participants:

•Enhanceconnectionsbetween neighbor-hoods and resources to strengthen overall sense of community.

•Protectandenhanceexistingresidentialneighborhoods.

•Supportrevitaliza-tion of small business core areas.

Vis ions for the Future of Soquel and Live Oak

TOP 3 PRIORITIES IN THE NEXT 5 YEARS

•Road,Pedestrian,andBikeImprovements

•CommunityBuildingsandFacilities

•EconomicVitalityandJobCreation

“Continueimprovement/

additionofsidewalks,drainage,andstreetscape.”

JENNIFER–CommunityMember

“We need to provide a

positive,productiveplaceforouryouth,ourfuture leaders to better

our community.”

ARACELY–CommunityMember

Spring Five-Year Plan community meeting

Pleasure Point

Pacific Family Mobile Home Park

Parks&CommunityFacilitiesAnnaJeanCummingsPark

A popular regional park featuring playing fields, a playground, and a picnic area, Anna Jean Cummings Park is undergoing some upgrades. A replacement project consisting of a new stainless steel slide and an accompanying shade canopy is in the works. Construction is expected to be complete by November 2009. The upper parking lot is being expanded by 30 new parking spaces and will upgrade existing disabled parking spaces to comply with current standards. Construction is anticipated to be complete in fall 2009. The Parks Department will also be hosting a community meeting in late fall to consider the installation of synthetic turf fields for water conservation and reduced maintenance to serve the Soquel community better.

Project Manager–Cristina James, Parks Department

ChanticleerAvenuePark

A series of three community meetings produced a Park Master Plan that the Board of Supervisors approved in August 2009. Located north of Capitola Road on Chanticleer Avenue, this 4.5 acre park site will include children’s play areas, bocce ball and tennis courts, bike and skate elements, off-leash dog areas, community gardens, picnic areas, and on-site parking. The historic Craftsman house will be renovated and managed by the Parks Department. Final design plans must be prepared and permits obtained prior to construction, which is planned for 2011.

RDA Project Manager–James Davies

FarmNeighborhoodParkandCommunityCenter

The community had the opportunity to review preliminary schematic plans for this project in June. The plans, which further develop the concepts in the Park Master Plan, include a community center, 3/4 miles of meandering pathways, a skateboard feature, 1/2 basketball court, play structures, a bocce ball court, nature interpretive signage, a pedestrian bridge, community and heritage gardens, oak woodland habitat restoration, turf and picnic areas, landscaping, a restroom, and parking areas. Preparation of construction plans will begin this winter, and construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2011 once permits have been obtained and to take approximately one year to complete.

RDA Project Manager–Sheryl Bailey

“Live Oak is in need of

more activity areas for youth.”

ORI–CommunityMember

Parking lot improvements at Anna Jean Cummings Park Anna Jean Cummings Park

Park Master Plan for Chanticleer Park

Schematic of Community Center at the Farm Park

Simpkins Family Swim Center

Moran Lake Park

FeltStreetPark

The Redevelopment Agency is funding construction of this neighborhood park, which will provide a fenced tot-lot, play area, climbing rock, small skate element, bocce ball courts, community garden, and picnic areas. The Parks Department is in the process of obtaining required permits, and construction is expected to begin this winter.

Project Manager–Bob Olson, Parks Department

FloralPark

Working with the community, the Agency developed a concept plan for renovation of this 3/4 acre park. Improvements include upgrading the children’s play area, an off-leash dog area, a picnic area, a restroom, and a new walking path. An application for development has been submitted to the Planning Department. Construction is tentatively scheduled for summer 2010.

RDA Project Manager–Melissa Allen

MoranLakeParkandHabitatImprovements

Developed by the Parks Department and funded by the Agency, Moran Lake Park will include Monarch butterf ly habitat, water quality, and park improvements. A community meeting was held in February 2009. Based on community feedback, plans are being revised for re-submission to the Planning Department. Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 2012.

Project Manager–Cristina James, Parks Department

LiveOakResourceCenter

The Agency is constructing a new County-owned building that will house two non-profit organizations, the Live Oak Family Resource Center and the Volunteer Centers of Santa Cruz County. Both groups provide volunteer and human

resource coordination, serving many local community needs. Centrally situated on 17th Avenue, just north of Capitola Road, the two-story, 7,400 square foot facility will have offices, meeting rooms, and an outdoor play area. The design combines long-term durability, affordability, and sustainable green building systems, including solar electric panels, natural ventilation, and lots of daylight inside. The architect is Boone Low Ratliff Architects of Santa Cruz. Construction is planned for fall 2009 through fall 2010.

RDA Project Manager–Robert Hambelton

SimpkinsFamilySwimCenter

After many successful years, the building at Simpkins Family Swim Center required upgrades to increase energy efficiency and to comply with current accessibility and safety regulations. A new solar hot water preheat system combined with a new array of on-demand water heaters increase capacity and reliability while reducing operating and maintenance costs. New awnings, slip-resistant f looring, and parking lot changes provide increased accessibility. The shower and locker rooms have been upgraded with rust-proof and slip-resistant materials, and water conserving devices.

Project Manager–Bob Olson, Parks Department

South County Housing is currently selling brand new one and two bedroom homes in the parks starting in the $120,000 range. To help low income households interested in purchasing a home, down payment assistance funds may be available through South County Housing. Please contact Robyn van Ekelenburg at robyn@scounty.com or (408) 842-9181 if you are interested in living in one of the Parks.

First Time Home Buyers Pacific Family Mobile Home Park construction

Housing

“I think we need some more

low-cost housing. More and more

people need housing.”

KYLIE–CommunityMember

MintoPlaceAffordableHousingProject

This past year, the Redevelopment Agency approved financing for the Minto Place Affordable Housing located on Green Valley Road in Watsonville. Mid-Peninsula Housing Coalition will develop this 100% affordable project, which includes 88 rental units for low and very low income families.

CanterburyParkTownHomes

South County Housing is finalizing plans to develop 19 townhomes in Aptos with Agency financial assistance. An affordable ownership project, the Canterbury Park Town Homes is adjacent to the proposed 1.25 acre McGregor Park and is across the street from the already completed 39-unit Seacliff Highlands low and very low income family rental project. Contact Robyn van Ekelenburg at South County Housing at robyn@scounty.com or (408) 842-9181 to inquire about purchasing one of these homes.

FirstTimeHomebuyers

RDA Loan Program: This program provides low and moderate-income households a down payment subsidy of up to 25% of the purchase price of a home. Participants must provide a 5% down payment and obtain bank financing to qualify for the program.

Measure J Program: The Measure J program includes more than 500 homes throughout the County that are priced to be affordable to low- and moderate-income households. Between 10-20 new and existing Measure J homes are sold each year.

Check our website www.sccoplanning.com/html/housing/index_housing.htm for a list of units for sale or to be on our “interested purchasers list.”

PacificFamilyandPleasantAcresMobileHome ParksProjects

The Redevelopment Agency, in partnership with South County Housing, has completed the reconstruction of two

mobile home parks in Live Oak. Pleasant Acres Mobile Home Park is a 64-unit park on 17th Avenue,

which was completed in early 2009, while Pacific Family Mobile Home Park is a 34-

unit park on Commercial Way, which was completed in fall of 2009. Both projects ensure permanent affordability with resale restrictions. The projects involved completely rebuilding the parks’

infrastructures, including new electrical, gas, water and sewer, and storm water

systems. In addition, the layout of Pacific Family Mobile Home Park was reconfigured to

improve parking, circulation and emergency access. Many of the older homes in both parks have been replaced through the Mobile Home Change Out Program.

MobileHomeChange-OutandMobileHomeRehabPrograms

The Change-Out Program provides low- and moderate-income owners of older mobile homes with a subsidy of up to $60,000 towards the purchase of a new manufactured home. The Mobile Home Rehab Program addresses life-threatening health and safety issues in older mobile homes owned by very low-income households. Low interest loans up to $25,000 are available.

East Cliff Drive cliff stabilization Twin Lakes Beachfront

EastCliffDrive PleasurePoint

Construction is currently underway to stabilize the cliffs underlying East Cliff Drive, while matching their natural appearance. During the course of construction, two 5-million-year-old whale skeletons were discovered and unearthed. Riprap has been removed from the beach between 32nd and 36th Avenues, and construction of a new access stairway at 32nd Avenue has begun. Additional access stairways will be constructed at 36th Avenue and at the Hook as part of this project. This first phase will last until spring 2010. The second phase of improvements will include a wide bike path, a pedestrian walkway, safety railings, and landscaping. Pleasure Point Park will also benefit from improvements, including a restroom building, outdoor shower, and new native landscaping. Construction of the second phase of this project will begin in summer 2010.

RDA Project Manger–Melissa Allen

EastCliffWalkway 9th Avenue–12th Avenue

This walkway will provide pedestrians with a pathway on the beautiful lagoon side of this highly-traveled section of East Cliff Drive. Improvements will also provide a new crosswalk south of Prospect Drive, further enhancing pedestrian access. Construction is slated for winter 2010 through summer 2011.

RDA Project Manager–James Davies

Coastal Projects

TwinLakesBeachfront

A series of well-attended meetings, indicating strong public interest in this project, resulted in a proposed conceptual plan. The project focuses on maximizing pedestrian and bicycle access and safety, improving parking and vehicular circulation, maintaining scenic quality, and improving drainage and coastal protection. The conceptual design incorporates a beachfront walkway, new crosswalks, passenger loading zones, bike lanes, re-organized parking, and underground utilities. The community’s input was invaluable in the development of this design. Plans and studies required to obtain permits are in process. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2012.

RDA Project Manager–James Davies

5-million-year-old whale skeleton being unearthed

East Cliff Drive near 26th Avenue

“We need morewalkingpaths,especially from the

harbor to 13th Avenue andPleasurePoint,

and bike lanes.”

KIMBERLY–CommunityMember

EastCliffDrive 17thAvenue–PalisadesAvenue

A series of neighborhood meetings in 2007 resulted in a conceptual plan for this project. The proposed design improves bicycle lanes and increases pedestrian safety at crosswalks and intersections. It includes a pedestrian walkway on the south side of East Cliff Drive between 17th and 26th Avenues and on the north side between 26th and Palisades Avenues. Next, development plans will be prepared prior to the submittal of a Coastal Development Permit application.

RDA Project Manager–Sheryl Bailey

PavementManagementStreets slated for paving this summer and fall include:

5th Avenue6th Avenue12th Avenue21st Avenue35th Avenue41st AvenueCabrillo AvenueCenter StreetEl Dorado AvenueHarkleroad AvenueHarper StreetHawes DriveMattison LanePinewood StreetSouth Rodeo Gulch RoadRodriguez StreetSoquel DriveYucca Drive

The Agency-funded work is being managed by the County Department of Public Works.

Santa Cruz County Redevelopment AgencyGovernment Center, 701 Ocean Street, Room 510Santa Cruz, California 95060phone: (831) 454-2280email: rda@co.santa-cruz.ca.uswww.BuildaStrongerSoquelandLiveOak.com

POSTALCUSTOMER

PRSRT STDU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSanta Cruz, CAPermit No. 467

Para Tradución en Español

Copiasdeesteboletín están disponibles en español en elCentrodeRecursos de Live Oak ubicado en 1438CapitolaRoad. O llame a 454-3055 y habla

con Elvira.

Redevelopment AgencyBOARDOFDIRECTORSSUPERVISORS:Tony CamposNeal CoonertyJohn LeopoldEllen PirieMark W. Stone

EXECUTIVEDIRECTORSusan Mauriello

AGENCYADMINISTRATORBetsey Lynberg

RoadandPedestr ian ImprovementsNewPedestrianCrosswalkin Soquel Village

This spring the Agency, working with the Department of Public Works Traffic Division, was able to respond to a community request to fund new pedestrian safety lighting in Soquel Village. New push-button activated crosswalk warning lights were installed on Soquel Drive at the crosswalk near the Soquel Post Office. Earlier in the year, crosswalk lights were installed on Porter Street near Soquel Elementary School.

CabrilloCollegeDrive

Currently in its design phase, this project will see sidewalks, curbs, and gutters along the entire north side and improved bike lanes on both sides of Cabrillo College Drive. Construction is anticipated to start in late 2010.

RDA Project Manager–Robert Hambelton

Soquel Avenue SoquelDrive–17thAvenue

Plans for the heavily-traveled Soquel Avenue frontage road from Soquel Drive to 17th Avenue focus on improving access and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. In addition to new sidewalks and bike lanes on the south

side, drainage, and traffic movement will be improved. Tree planting and landscaping will enhance the appearance of this “gateway” to Live Oak. Construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2010.

RDA Project Manager–Melissa Allen

DaubenbissAvenue

The Redevelopment Agency and Department of Public Works have developed plans for improvements that will include a new bus stop with shelter, and new sidewalks, curbs, and gutters where they currently do not exist while optimizing on- and off-street parking. Construction is planned for fall 2009.

RDA Project Manager–Robert Hambelton

Soquel Avenue SantaCruzCityLimits–7thAvenue

This project improves pedestrian access by providing curbs, gutters, and sidewalks where there are none or where they are inadequate along this stretch of Soquel Avenue. Construction is scheduled for summer 2010.

RDA Project Manager–Robert Hambelton

Village crosswalk at post office Upper 7th Avenue before improvements Upper 7th Avenue after

improvements

“Improve bicycle

safety,especially

for kids.”

KRISTEN–CommunityMember