Volume 6: Issue 6
www.SantaCruzMountainBulletin.net
June-July 2017
The Brookdale Inn on the Road to Resurrection The storied landmark is poised for history in the remaking By Julie Horner
Peering through a jagged window, the bare bulbs of workmen’s shop lights illuminate what seem like bones and sinew – open studs and joists – which frame little now but bareness and dust. The fireplace where the lounge used to be stands alone without walls. While stairs and banisters remain as anchors, the remainder is mere hull with views into the next room or up to the rafters. Fresh lumber is stacked next to salvaged architectural elements. Outside, gable decorations sport gaps like broken teeth. Bottle shards, antique tools, and rusted children’s toys, once clever décor along the building’s foundation, are tortured remnants in crumbling concrete collage. The eye is drawn to a missing panel of
stained glass; it was never replaced after the night one of the more colorful patrons started a fight over not having mustard for the bar pretzels. She was summarily escorted out but delivered a parting blow by throwing a rock through the fine old window. The ghosts of those who have breathed life into this place have fled to the Brook Room where filtered light still flirts among the faded underpinnings. The Brookdale remains breathtakingly beautiful behind her dirtstreaked glass and cobwebs. Like a dark bride in ripped lace she bides, her house empty, awaiting new love and purpose. New owner, Pravin Patel, says, “It had been declining for a long time. There is
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Highway 9 Transportation Corridor Plan Reviewed The community reviews the Highway 9/San Lorenzo Valley Transportation Corridor Plan By Mary Andersen The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (SCCRTC), Caltrans, Santa Cruz METRO, and County of Santa Cruz officials hosted the Highway 9/Transportation Corridor Plan Open House on Wednesday May 31, 2017 at Felton Community Hall. The public was invited to weigh in on potential transportation improvements to be funded by the November 2016 voter-passed Measure D, which earmarked $10 million specifically for the San Lorenzo Valley. Meeting attendees spoke with multi-agency staff, viewed plans, and affixed post-it notes to large table-top maps to identify problem areas and offer ideas to improve transportation issues throughout the valley. Residents also prioritized projects using stickers to “vote” on items in order of perceived importance with a majority selecting walking and biking options to town centers and maintaining and enhancing the rural character of the valley. After these exercises, SCCRTC presented a slideshow providing further continued on page 5
June-July 2017
Fifth District Supervisor Bruce McPherson address Highway 9 Corridor open house
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