I don't know. But I don't want to forget all the many reasons why we decided to grow up in Santa Cruz.
I moved to Santa Cruz at 18, Todd at 22. Leaving now. after getting married, having kids, and building a family of friends, is very hard. I find it difficult even getting past - love you, thank you, as this fabulous group can attest to at today's SC going away party - because it's so real. These people were not born to us, they choose us and we choose them. They will forever be part of who we've become.
People in Santa Cruz are real. They work hard, they play hard, and they take care of their own. We had the good fortune of being welcomed into the community and we hoped we've given back in our own small way.
One way I can think of is local patronage. Weekly, we would hit our local fav's to buy books, coffee, clothes, and simply hang out, eat amazing food and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. For posterity, here is a list of our regular beats. Candidly, we avoided most zombies by going between 9am - 5pm. Sad, but true.
Breakfast at Walnut Avenue Cafe - amazing 'Old Special Number 1' scramble
Zoccoli's Italian Deli - 'Castroville Italian' omg addicted
The Verve - 'house late' IM AWAKE and WORKING
Santa Cruz Coffee Roasters - 'Mocha Chai' - SC mellow awake
Marini's - can never decide, ice cream/candy/fudge/toys..one stop fun for all
Bookshop Santa Cruz - survived Boarders bookstore invasion by being a down right awesome, people first place to find everything from magazines to graphic comics with amazing deals...you can just sit and read, meet an author, or grab and go.
Hotel Paradox - where we hosted our SC going away party. They took great care so we could simply focus on friends. xoxoxo
These are only a few of the places we frequent but have left a lasting impression for how local, family run, small businesses can thrive. I hope to find similar in the mid-west, and maybe even inspire a few to franchise out our way.... you'd be surprised how many Santa Cruz t-shirts we saw when visiting Bentonville!
This town is evolving, tech is bringing diversity to this historically tourist, college town. I hope, that with the people and businesses of SC working together, there will be the right balance of support for small and large businesses, investment in sustainable housing solutions for those cross the income spectrum, and freedom to enjoy its beauty.
We will be watching - we maybe 1500 miles away, but Santa Cruz will always be considered our home. And we take care of our own. xoxoxo