by JoAnn Allen | Jul 14, 2026 | Uncategorized
PORTOLA STATION (41st Ave. & Portola Dr.)
The final phase is underway. The former Opal Cliff Motors and Cliff Café buildings are being converted into a full-service restaurant and bar with patio dining, along with a second-story one-bedroom residential unit featuring two decks.
PLEASURE POINT PLAZA (Storage Yard Across from SUDA)
A revised development proposal currently under review by Santa Cruz County Planning differs significantly from the project approved in 2019. The current proposal includes:
- Four stories instead of three
- Reduced setbacks
- 50 rental units
- Approximately 10,000 square feet of commercial space
The original 2019 approval allowed 33 rental units and approximately 7,000 square feet of commercial space. The revised application remains under County review and has not been approved.
SPPt believes the proposed increase in density is out of proportion to the size of the site and has expressed concerns regarding neighborhood compatibility, resident privacy, access to natural light and airflow, and the adequacy of on-site parking.
THE LUMBERYARD (38th Ave. & Portola Dr.)
SPPt has encouraged the property owner to improve the appearance of the site while awaiting redevelopment. Updated plans have not yet been resubmitted for the proposed three-story mixed-use project consisting of 22 for-sale condominiums, including below-market-rate units, with ground-floor retail space.
BACK IN SHAPE
Steve Gabay’s chiropractic office and the adjacent parcel remain listed for sale at $3.5 million. Although the property has attracted substantial interest, it has not yet sold, and no development applications have been submitted.
3501–3513 PORTOLA DR.
Owned by the same family for decades, this 1.83-acre former camper shell business site adjacent to El Rancho Center is listed for sale at $6.9 million and is zoned Residential-Flexible. While there have been reports of investor interest, no development applications or public proposals have been submitted.
40 MORAN WAY / EAST CLIFF DR.
Following the removal of storm-damaged trees in 2024, restoration efforts remain on schedule for 2026. Planned improvements include planting native trees and coastal landscaping, as well as addressing drainage issues.
MORAN LAGOON & HABITAT AREA
The updated Moran Lake Monarch Butterfly Habitat Management Plan (MBHMP) will be considered during a public hearing before the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on August 11, 2026.
The final draft incorporates current scientific research and guidance regarding monarch overwintering habitat, findings from the 2025 wind study, and establishes goals for habitat and forest management, public safety, restoration of native species, and long-term biodiversity.
EAST CLIFF WALKING & BIKE PATH
Due to current budget constraints, the larger improvement project has been delayed. However, repainting of bike lanes and pavement markings to improve safety and visibility for bicyclists and pedestrians is expected to be completed before the end of 2026.
THANK YOU!
A heartfelt thank you to the volunteers and neighbors who continue to care for the flower beds, landscaped areas, and green spaces along East Cliff Drive between 32nd and 41st Avenues. Your ongoing efforts help preserve the beauty and character of our community.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT…
In April 2024, SPPt publicly expressed concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest involving Tim Gordin, CEO of Workbench, while he served as the First District’s Planning Commissioner during development of the County’s Housing Element. Eight months later, he resigned from the Planning Commission.
More recently, both Santa Cruz Local and Lookout Santa Cruz published investigative reports examining:
- Workbench’s involvement in multiple legal disputes with the City and County.
- Questions regarding transparency in the relationships and decision-making involving Santa Cruz Housing, Santa Cruz County, New Way Homes, and Workbench.
We encourage interested residents to read these independent reports and draw their own conclusions.
JOIN SAVE PLEASURE POINT!
No dues. Just neighbors working together to help preserve what makes Pleasure Point special. Stay informed about local planning issues, development proposals, community events, and opportunities to participate in shaping the future of our neighborhood.
Email: [email protected]
SPPt Is BIMBY — Balance In My Backyard
Save Pleasure Point supports thoughtfully planned housing and mixed-use development along the Portola commercial corridor that is appropriately scaled, context-sensitive, and consistent with the adopted Portola Drive Commercial Corridor Design Principles.
We believe new development should complement the unique character of Pleasure Point while balancing housing needs with neighborhood livability.
Our Lower 41st business district, world-renowned surf breaks, scenic East Cliff walking and bike path, locally owned businesses, and strong sense of community make Pleasure Point a treasured coastal destination enjoyed year-round by residents and visitors alike.
Save Pleasure Point Volunteer Steering Committee
Jo Ann Allen • Kimber Blackburn • Patti Brady • Alison Butler • Kevin Butler • Paige Gordon • Carin Hanna • Glenn Hanna • Lowell Marcus • Matt McMillan • Padi Romero • Deb Still • Jerry Still • Marika Strauss • Kevin Walter • Vanessa Young
All committee members are Pleasure Point residents or local business owners.
by JoAnn Allen | Apr 7, 2026 | Uncategorized
ACTION NOTICE: Tuesday April 13 there is a Parks Commission discussion about installing a ½ basketball court at Floral Park – call Alexis Rodriquez Rocha @ 454-7901 or email the [email protected] BY April 12 to express your views!!
PORTOLA STATION (41st & Portola) The building permit was issued in late February so work should begin soon to convert the existing auto garage and café (Cliff Café) into a full-service restaurant with a bar, interior seating, a 238 sq.-ft. patio, and a fire pit. The permit also includes construction of a 2nd story 1 bedroom/1 bath residential unit with 2 decks.
PLEASURE POINT PLAZA (former storage yard across from SUDA) This 1.2-acre project was initially permitted for 33-rental units in 2019 including 4 lower-income units, 7,000 ft of commercial space. Save Pleasure Point (SPPt) endorsed this 2019 project. Currently design plans are rumored to now be 50-rental units with 4 lower-income units and reduced commercial space. It is also rumored new funding criteria includes some of project going 4 stories (!!) vs. 3 and a reduction of setbacks contrary to the Portola Design Guidelines. More detailed plans are expected soon. Depending on the design 50 units could be high density relative to lot size; its important any 50-unit design offers adequate privacy, light, air flow and adequate off-street parking (vs state law saying not needed)
THE LUMBERYARD (38th & Portola) This project is proposed as a three-story development with 22 for-sale condominiums including flower-income units and ground floor retail. The developer (Pietro) has been making design adjustments. No revised plans have been resubmitted, so no Planning Commission hearing is yet on the calendar.
BACK IN SHAPE and adjacent parcel Steve Gabay’s chiropractic office and its adjacent parcel is for sale at $4+M. Its adjacent parcel is often used for PPt community events. 3501 – 3513 PORTOLA This 1.83-acre former camper shell business next to El Rancho Center is for sale at $6.9M. The parcel was rezoned residential – flexible (hi-density) in 2023 during the Housing Element process. This property has been owned by the same family for decades.
3501 – 3513 PORTOLA This 1.83-acre former camper shell business next to El Rancho Center is for sale at $6.9M. The parcel was rezoned residential – flexible (hi-density) in 2023 during the Housing Element process. This property has been owned by the same family for decades.
40 MORAN PARCEL (& East Cliff Drive) Trees were removed following a 2024 storm; once drainage issues are corrected this now vacant lot will be filled with native plants and trees. While a newly installed fence along East Cliff Dr is outside this parcel’s lot line Public Wks. has ok’d this move. SPPt lobbied for neighbors’ requests for perpendicular parking along the fence area to keep Moran beach goers from taking up their on-street parking spaces. This request was turned down; the Co. feels perpendicular parking is a safety hazard hence signs indicate only parallel parking will be allowed along this fence.
EAST CLIFF WALK & BIKE PATH Major design changes are planned to hopefully reduce congestion between pedestrians and bicyclists. In the last few weeks County staff have been on site measuring and evaluating the area, though a construction start date has not yet been announced. The change will have a trial period to review its pros and cons – no dates or time limit on such has been announced.
FEMALE SURFER STATUE The statue has been approved for installation at the Dirt Farm. Being an art project not a building project, the last review was at the Zoning hearing on 4/3. There is strong support for the concept, yet many say no to the Dirt Farm location Unless the approval is appealed and “won” the project is a go. The sculpture and surrounding 600 ft area (Co. property) will be funded by private monies. The statue will be a counterpart to the male surfer statue on West Cliff Dr.
VENDORS on East Cliff Path Manu’s office is reviewing the issue of vendors; discussions include how many should be allowed and what types of “wares” would be ok to sell and how often. Intermittent surf contest tents, girl scout sales and related for sale items will still be allowed.
A sincere thank YOU to those maintaining EC’s flower beds and green spaces—your efforts are appreciated!!
JOIN US!! NO dues—just your voice of advocacy to keep PPt’s low key style and vibe protected; grow our community with development projects that reflect and respect BIMBY> “balance in my backyard”! Email: [email protected] Website: savepleasurepoint.org
Save Pleasure Point Steering Committee (SPPt) alpha order: Jo Ann Allen, Kimber Blackburn, Patti Brady, Alison Butler, Kevin Butler, Paige Gordon, Carin Hanna, Glenn Hanna, Lowell Marcus, Matt McMillan, Padi Romero, Deb Still, Jerry Still, Marika Strauss, Kevin Walter, Vanessa Young (All PPt residents and business owners)
by JoAnn Allen | Feb 7, 2026 | Uncategorized
In late fall 2025, Save Pleasure Point (SPPt) distributed Balance in My Backyard (BIMBY)—a 25-question survey shared via email and Nextdoor—to gather community input on issues affecting our Pleasure Point neighborhood.
We feel confident that the survey reflects a balanced cross-section of neighborhood viewpoints. Despite being conducted during an especially busy time of year, we received a 7.5% response rate from approximately 1,700 neighbors who received the survey. For context, this compares favorably with Supervisor Manu Koenig’s reported response rate from the County survey sent to more than 16,000 constituents regarding proposed changes to the East Cliff Path.
Key findings:
More than 50% of respondents believe that proposed county code and zoning changes would negatively impact Pleasure Point’s character, spirit, and local resources, including concerns about:
- Potential impacts to our water supply
- Increased traffic and congestion
- Loss of public on-street parking
- Overcrowding and a shift toward a Mission Street–like feel
The full survey results—including written comments from many neighbors—can be found here: Balance in My Backyard Survey Results. We hope you find this information useful as community discussions continue.
Why this matters: Decisions being considered today will shape Pleasure Point for decades to come. While growth and change are inevitable, how they occur—and whether they reflect the values, scale, and resources of our neighborhood—depends on informed community participation. By sharing this survey data, we aim to ensure that the voices of current residents are included as policies and plans move forward.
by JoAnn Allen | Jan 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
Portola Station (41st & Portola) The building permit continues to move through the review process. The project proposes converting the existing auto garage and café (Cliff Café) into a full‑service restaurant with a bar, interior seating, a 238‑sq.-ft. patio, and a fire pit. The permit also includes construction of a second‑story one‑bedroom/one‑bath residential unit with two decks. Once the permit is issued, additional construction may begin.
Pleasure Point Plaza (former storage yard across from SUDA) This 1.2-acre project was initially permitted in 2019 for 33 rental units, including four lower-income units, along with commercial space. Save Pleasure Point (SPPt) endorsed this 2019 project. Currently it appears the project has been modified to include 50 rental units, still with only four lower-income units, but with reduced commercial space.
More detailed plans are expected by the end of January. SPPt is concerned about the project’s density relative to lot size and the reduction in setbacks – a key factor in avoiding overcrowding and ensuring adequate privacy, light, and air flow between buildings.
The Lumberyard (38th & Portola) This project is proposed as a three‑story development with 22 for-sale condominiums including four lower-income units and ground‑floor retail. The developer (Pietro) is reportedly making design adjustments; however, no revised plans have been resubmitted to date, and no Planning Commission hearing has been scheduled.
40 Moran Parcel (& East Cliff Drive) All trees were removed following a 2024 storm that caused significant damage to nearby properties. A newly installed fence along East Cliff Dr is currently outside this parcel’s lot line. We have contacted Parks staff to request it be located to the correct boundary.
There are also reports that only parallel parking may be allowed along this fence. Given that Moran’s parking lot frequently overflows, we have notified Parks that perpendicular parking is necessary to accommodate beachgoers. Reducing on‑street parking by roughly 50% would push traffic into nearby avenues—an unnecessary and negative impact on the neighborhood.
East Cliff Walking & Bike Path Major design changes are planned for 2026 to reduce congestion between pedestrians and bicyclists. County staff have been on site measuring and evaluating the area, though a construction start date has not yet been announced.
A sincere thank you to everyone helping maintain the flower beds and green spaces—your efforts are truly appreciated.
Save Pleasure Point Steering Committee (SPPt) Listed in alpha order: Jo Ann Allen, Kimber Blackburn, Patti Brady, Alyson Butler, Kevin Butler, Paige Gordon, Carin Hanna, Glenn Hanna, Lowell Marcus, Matt McMillan, Padi Romero, Deb Still, Jerry Still, Marika Strauss, Kevin Walter, Vanessa Young (All Pleasure Point residents and business owners)
by JoAnn Allen | Jan 12, 2026 | Uncategorized
Save Pleasure Point is about protecting what makes our neighborhood special. Pleasure Point isn’t just a place—we are a coastal lifestyle defined by creativity, connection, and a low-key vibe enjoyed year-round by residents and visitors alike.
Save Pleasure Point is BIMBY — Balance in My Backyard. We advocate for balanced growth that fits our neighborhood, respects our coastal setting, and reflects the real-world conditions of Pleasure Point. We fully support housing affordability and thoughtful, well-planned change. Growth is part of our future—but how we grow matters.
It is time for California legislators to move away from one-size-fits-all development codes that remove limits on height, size, and setbacks regardless of location. What works in one community does not work everywhere.
Development should enhance and strengthen a community—not diminish it. Local voices matter, and local context must be central to project approvals. Our Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the Design Principles for the Pleasure Point Commercial Corridor, initiated via Save Pleasure Point’s advocacy. As stated by the Planning Department:
“The Guiding Design Principles represent the community vision for development in the corridor and provide important guidance to staff and project applicants regarding what is considered compatible development.”
As of 2026, while these principles remain in effect, they are increasingly being set-aside by Planning staff and developers operating under recent state legislation that applies a one-size-fits-all approach.
Throughout Pleasure Point, new and redeveloped commercial projects—as well as housing and mixed-use developments—should be flexible, realistically appropriate to our locale and include rents that moderate-income residents can realistically afford. We stand with developers who build through genuine community partnerships.
Projects exceeding three stories, rising above 40 feet, or pushing density beyond what parcel sizes can reasonably support risk eroding the very character that makes Pleasure Point both a historic and contemporary jewel of a coastal community.
Pleasure Point’s sense of character also sustains our ongoing “cash-register” contributions to the County’s General Fund through vacation rentals; Lower 41st’s boutique shopping and dining district; our parks; world-class surf and beaches; and the many local businesses that support Pleasure Point’s unique lifestyle.
Allowing growth while preserving Pleasure Point’s character is a challenge—yet we firmly believe BALANCE is achievable.
Join us: savepleasurepoint.org
Email: [email protected] NO dues—just your voice.
Save Pleasure Point Steering Committee (SPPt) Listed in alpha order: Jo Ann Allen, Kimber Blackburn, Patti Brady, Alyson Butler, Kevin Butler, Paige Gordon, Carin Hanna, Glenn Hanna, Lowell Marcus, Matt McMillan, Padi Romero, Deb Still, Jerry Still, Marika Strauss, Kevin Walter, Vanessa Young (All Pleasure Point residents and business owners)
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