124-562: Scotts Valley is a small city in Santa Cruz County , California , United States, about thirty miles (48 km) south of downtown San Jose and six miles (9.7 km) north of the city of Santa Cruz , in the upland slope of the Santa Cruz Mountains . As of the 2020 census , the city population was 12,224. Principal access to the city is supplied by State Route 17 that connects San Jose and Santa Cruz. The city
248-406: A 25-acre (10 ha) site which was formerly Lawridge Farm, part of the former Rancho San Augustin. "Residents" of the park included Santa, Mrs. Santa, and elves and gnomes who operated the rides and sold tickets. There was a petting zoo, a bobsled ride, a whirling Christmas tree ride, and a train ride, as well as a Fairy Tale Land. The park was sold in 1966 but continued to be operated under lease by
372-492: A Mexican citizen in 1833, Bolcoff moved his family to his 4,400-acre (18 km) land grant building, an adobe casa historians speculate was located near present-day Kings Village Shopping Center. Bolcoff relinquished his interest in the Rancho San Augustin, selling and accepting $ 400 from Joseph Ladd Majors, also known as Don Juan José Mechacas. July 7, 1846, marked the shift of power in the region from Mexico to
496-464: A Santa's Village elsewhere the previous year, leased 25 acres (100,000 m) at the former Lawridge Farm, which was a portion of the former Rancho San Augustin for the Scotts Valley location of Santa's Village. The park maintained a historically correct team of Mexican burros that lived on the back 20-acre (81,000 m) field. Four reindeer from Unalakleet, Alaska , pulled Santa's sleigh. All
620-410: A bachelor's degree at least, significantly higher than the national average of 27.2% and the state average of 29.5%. Santa Cruz County was a Republican stronghold for most of the 19th and 20th centuries; from 1860 through 1980 the only Democrats to carry Santa Cruz were Woodrow Wilson in 1916, Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1932 and 1936, Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964, and Jimmy Carter in 1976. However,
744-607: A family business for another fourteen years. In the 1980s, Knott's built the Calico Barn Dance featured Bobbi & Clyde as the house band. It was during the height of the " Urban Cowboy " era. The "Calico Barn Dance" was featured in Knott's TV commercials. During the 1980s, Knott's met the competition in Southern California theme parks by theming a new land and building two massive attractions: Kingdom of
868-470: A female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 23.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.05. In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.8% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
992-616: A fur trader around 1815, Bolcoff jumped ship on the Monterey Bay shoreline, quickly assimilated into the Spanish culture, and was well received by the Spanish authorities. Volkov had his Russian Orthodox baptism validated in Mission Soledad in 1817, and was given the Spanish name José Antonio Bolcoff. Bolcoff lived with and traveled with Alta California 's governor Pablo Vicente de Solá , acting as an interpreter. Becoming
1116-412: A horse-themed family roller coaster installed in 2008 and Calico River Rapids , which opened in 1988 and was refurbished with a new theme for the 2019 season. Nearby Pony Express is Rapids Trader, a small merchandise stand. It is also home to Mystery Lodge, a multimedia show based on an Expo 86 pavilion featuring a Native American storyteller. Western Trails Museum, relocated between the candy store and
1240-456: A household in the county was $ 53,998, and the median income for a family was $ 61,941. Males had a median income of $ 46,291 versus $ 33,514 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 26,396. About 6.7% of families and 11.9% of the population were below the poverty line , including 12.50% of those under age 18 and 6.30% of those age 65 or over. Santa Cruz County residents tend to be well-educated. 38.3% of residents age 25 and older hold
1364-484: A major tourist draw, and the Knotts built several shops and other attractions to entertain visitors waiting for a seat in the restaurant. In 1940, Walter Knott began constructing a replica Ghost Town on the property, the beginning of the present-day theme park. Ghost Town was Walter Knott's tribute to the pioneers, which included his own grandparents who came to California in a covered wagon from Texas in 1868 (when his mother
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#17327659371341488-511: A makeover for its 30th anniversary. In summer 2014, Knott's Berry Farm opened up new rides in Camp Snoopy. The 2 ft ( 610 mm ) narrow gauge Beagle Express takes guest on a four-minute train ride through the reflection lake. The ride was made shorter with the construction of Silver Bullet. As part of the 30th Anniversary makeover, the train ride received a series of Peanuts vignettes (made by Garner Holt Productions ) along
1612-462: A population of 262,382. The racial makeup of Santa Cruz County was 190,208 (72.5%) White , 2,766 (1.1%) African American , 2,253 (0.9%) Native American , 11,112 (4.2%) Asian , 349 (0.1%) Pacific Islander , 43,376 (16.5%) from other races , and 12,318 (4.7%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 84,092 persons (32.0%). As of the census of 2000, there were 255,602 people, 91,139 households, and 57,144 families residing in
1736-627: A resource for navigating labor law through the Economic Justice Alliance of Santa Cruz County, a local organization that educates community members on issues of "sustainable wages and working conditions." In 2002, the National Association of Realtors reported that Santa Cruz was the most unaffordable place to live in the United States. This statement remains true with 2017 data that shows that Santa Cruz
1860-581: A rising concern to local politicians, who have proposed parking restrictions to discourage short term renters. Rent control has been attempted as a policy in Santa Cruz three times between the 1970s and 1980s, but it never passed. National policies since the 1980s have deregulated rental markets, which decreased the rights of tenants and exacerbated frustrations for renters all across the country as well as in Santa Cruz. 27% of surveyed Santa Cruz County renters experience "overcrowding" in their homes, which
1984-466: A roadside berry stand run by Walter Knott along State Route 39 in California. By the 1940s, a restaurant, several shops, and other attractions had been constructed on the property to entertain a growing number of visitors, including a replica ghost town . The site continued its transformation into a modern amusement park over the next two decades, and an admission charge was added in 1968. In 1997,
2108-642: A small recreational airport, closed in 1983. Santa Cruz County, California Santa Cruz County ( / ˌ s æ n t ə ˈ k r uː z / ), officially the County of Santa Cruz , is a county on the Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California . As of the 2020 census , the population was 270,861. The county seat is Santa Cruz . Santa Cruz County comprises the Santa Cruz– Watsonville , CA Metropolitan Statistical Area , which
2232-434: A smaller-scale replica was erected in 1931. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 607 square miles (1,570 km ), of which 445 square miles (1,150 km ) is land and 162 square miles (420 km ) (27%) is water. It is the second-smallest county in California by land area and third-smallest by total area. Of California's counties, only San Francisco is smaller by land area. The county
2356-467: A visit with Santa Claus. This event was created by Gary Salisbury in the fall of 1985. Praise has been a Christian-themed celebration presented for many years as a mix-in special event of music and comedy on New Year's Eve. A boysenberry festival is held at Knott's that has food and drink prepared in a variety of ways with boysenberries. There are also special shows and music for the multi-week event. The park consists of four themed areas: Ghost Town
2480-403: Is Charles M. Schulz ' " Peanuts " comic strip characters. Snoopy has been the mascot of Knott's Berry Farm since 1983, and the characters can now be seen at some of Six Flags's parks. For guests who cannot ride the park's more aggressive and thrilling rides, Camp Snoopy contains a good number of rides for guests of all ages including infants, children, and seniors. Except for Sierra Sidewinder,
2604-657: Is a 57-acre (2,500,000 sq ft) amusement park in Buena Park, California , United States, owned and operated by Six Flags . In March 2015, it was ranked as the twelfth-most-visited theme park in North America , while averaging approximately 4 million visitors per year. The park features over 40 rides, including roller coasters , family rides , dark rides , and water rides . Walter and Cordelia Knott first settled in Buena Park in 1920. The park began as
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#17327659371342728-437: Is a non-denominational Protestant Bible school that was founded in 1968. In 2003, it earned the distinction of being a Blue Ribbon School , a distinction awarded to one school in 25 across the nation. Monterey Coast Preparatory School , a private school offering a college preparatory curriculum for middle and high schoolers with learning differences, moved from its original location in Santa Cruz to Scotts Valley in 2014. In
2852-474: Is a public general aviation airport. There are two air carriers based at the airport offering on-demand air charter: There is a notable private airport, Monterey Bay Academy Airport , which is a former military base. The nearest airports for scheduled commercial travel include San Jose International Airport , Monterey Regional Airport , San Francisco International Airport , and Oakland International Airport . Knott%27s Berry Farm Knott's Berry Farm
2976-677: Is also included in the San Jose – San Francisco – Oakland , CA Combined Statistical Area . The county is on the California Central Coast , south of the San Francisco Bay Area region. The county forms the northern coast of the Monterey Bay , with Monterey County forming the southern coast. Santa Cruz County was one of the original counties of California, created in 1850 at the time of statehood. In
3100-602: Is based on the ghost town of Calico, California and other real ghost towns in the Western United States. Walter Knott inherited his uncle's silver mill and land, then bought more of the actual ghost town in 1951 and developed it. In 1966, he donated that property to the corporate-municipal County of San Bernardino which then made the town of Calico into a public historic park, for which it charged an entrance/parking fee. Craftsmen in Ghost Town demonstrate
3224-492: Is described as when there is more than one person per room of a house, which includes all rooms not just bedrooms. One of the constraints on Santa Cruz's development are environmental protections. The restrictions on land prevent development from responding to housing and employment demands, which is an issue particularly politically relevant in the Watsonville jurisdiction. This conflict between residents wanting to protect
3348-510: Is down form the 28% outside employment rate of 1989. The agriculture businesses are significant enough to be prominent in local politics, where they influence issues of water, pesticide use, and labor. There are mandated living wages for Santa Cruz county, and individually in the cities of Watsonville and Santa Cruz. These occurred after The Santa Cruz Living Wage Coalition campaigned to set up ordinances. The low wage sector of Santa Cruz experiences workplace abuse. Data from 2015 show that in
3472-431: Is intended to provide "solace" to visitors from other parts of the country where theme parks and roller coasters are seasonal, not year-round operations like the Southern California parks. Knott's Berry Farm also used to give attendees behind-the-scenes tours of the rides. A Christmas event known as "Knott's Merry Farm" also happens annually. Previous Merry Farm events have included manufactured snow, handcraft exhibits, and
3596-509: Is located at Knott's Boardwalk, featuring over 5,900 square feet (550 m ) of indoor dining space for more than 260 guests. Also located in The Boardwalk is the 2000-seat Walter Knott Theatre hosting seasonal offerings, notably the ice-skating show "Snoopy's Night Before Christmas", with several different ice shows in the past, one of which, "Merry Christmas Snoopy!" relocated to California's Great America , another Cedar Fair park. It
3720-521: Is not the case. Walter Knott explained that he built Ghost Town as a composite to represent ghost towns throughout the West, rather than as a replica of any one particular ghost town. The Calico Saloon was not named "Ghost Town" because it is supposedly located in Calico. Rather, it was named for the tradition of lining Gold-Rush-era buildings with red calico fabric. Also, the Ghost Town & Calico Railroad
3844-835: Is now just south of the saloon in Ghost Town. The park became a popular destination for conservative college students in the 1960s, especially as conservative organizations like the California Free Enterprise Association, the Libres Foundation, and the Americanism Educational League were based there. According to Assistant Professor Caroline Rolland-Diamond of the Paris West University Nanterre La Défense : it also appealed to conservative Americans, young and old, because
Scotts Valley, California - Misplaced Pages Continue
3968-704: Is now known as Carbonera Creek . When the lake drained, the people moved downslope following the lake water's transformation as in became the creek. Around 2000 BC, Ohlone people occupied areas along the remaining creeks, spring and seep areas, along with permanent and seasonal drainages, and on flat ridges and terraces. Permanent villages were usually placed on elevations above seasonal flood levels. Surrounding areas were used for hunting and seed, acorn , and grass gathering. Therefore, areas along watercourses are considered likely locations for prehistoric cultural resources. Several watercourses, including portions of Carbonera Creek , Bean Creek , and MacKenzie Creek, are within
4092-424: Is situated on a wide coastline with over 29 miles (47 km) of beaches. It is a strip about 10 miles (16 km) wide between the coast and the crest of the Santa Cruz Mountains at the northern end of the Monterey Bay . It can be divided roughly into four regions: the rugged "north coast"; the urban City of Santa Cruz , Soquel , Capitola , and Aptos ; mountainous Bonny Doon , San Lorenzo River Valley ; and
4216-557: Is the least affordable county for renters. In Santa Cruz County, 60% of residents rent and a median monthly rent is $ 3000. UCSC's No Place Like Home Project reports that in Santa Cruz County, 2.5 minimum wage jobs would be needed to afford renting a 2 bedroom apartment. UCSC's "No Place Like Home" project identifies four main rental markets: agricultural workers, UCSC students, Silicon Valley tech workers, and short term vacation rentals. Short term rentals in particular have been
4340-727: Is treated at the Scotts Valley Wastewater Treatment Plant at Scotts Valley and Mount Hermon Roads. Treated wastewater effluent is pumped via the city of Santa Cruz into the Pacific Ocean . Bus service from Scotts Valley to Santa Cruz, California ; the San Lorenzo Valley ; and San Jose, California ; is provided by the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District . The Santa Cruz Sky Park ,
4464-509: Is typically maritime in origin, as it moves over the land from the Pacific Ocean. Summers are warm and dry, while winters are mild and generally rainy. Most rain falls as a result of winter Pacific storms between the months of November and April. Sound levels in Scotts Valley are typically in the range of 57 to 65 dBA , except for somewhat higher levels within 150 feet (46 m) from Highway 17. Scotts Valley has mild weather throughout
4588-645: The Paris Wine Tasting of 1976 ( Tabor, p.167-169 ). School districts include: Unified: Secondary: Elementary: Santa Cruz County is served by the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District bus system. An Amtrak Thruway "Highway 17 Express" bus between Santa Cruz and San Jose is jointly operated by Amtrak , the SCMTD and the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority . Watsonville Municipal Airport
4712-534: The Silver Bullet station. Fiesta Village was built in 1969 under the pretense of a Mexican theme. It was built to pay tribute to California's Spanish and Mexican heritage. It was the second area constructed after the completion of Ghost Town. Stores like Casa California, restaurants like Pancho's Tacos, La Papa Loca, and La Victoria Cantina, games like Shoot If Yucan, and themed rides like La Revolución, Jaguar!, and MonteZOOMa: The Forbidden Fortress, along with
4836-534: The Skypark Airport was established in the year 1990. E-mu Systems , Seagate Technology , Sessions , and Borland Software Corporation were all formerly headquartered in Scotts Valley. Zero Motorcycles manufactures all-electric motorcycles in Scotts Valley. Netflix 's first headquarters were established in Scotts Valley by Reed Hastings, a Stanford graduate, in 1997. The headquarters were later moved to nearby Los Gatos, California . In May 2016,
4960-475: The State Senate , Santa Cruz County is entirely within the 17th Senate District , represented by Democrat John Laird . The following table includes the number of incidents reported and the rate per 1,000 persons for each type of offense: In the 19th century, Santa Cruz's economy was based on milling lumber, making lime cement from limestone, and tanning leather. By the mid 19th century, Santa Cruz
5084-543: The Taste Of events in its annual Golden Ticket Awards , awarding the park under the category "Industry Leader: Amusement/Theme Park" for its innovative approach. Knott's Berry Farm returned to normal operation on May 6, 2021, including the debut of the delayed Knott's Bear-y Tales attraction originally planned for 2020. On July 1, 2024, Cedar Fair merged with Six Flags , and the combined Six Flags Entertainment Corporation took over Knott's Berry Farm, making them part of
Scotts Valley, California - Misplaced Pages Continue
5208-472: The University of California, Santa Cruz signed a 20-year lease to occupy the former Borland headquarters establishing its Scotts Valley Center. The center serves as the professional offices for three of its divisions — Information Technology services, Business and Administrative services, and University Relations. According to Scotts Valley's 2021 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in
5332-454: The longhouse and listen to the storyteller weave a tale of the importance of family from the smoke of the bonfire. The Jaguar! was opened on June 17, 1995, to add another roller coaster to the mix of Fiesta Village alongside Montezooma's Revenge. In the 1990s, after Walter and Cordelia died, their children decided to sell off their businesses. In 1995, the Knott family sold the food specialty business to ConAgra Inc , which later re-sold
5456-506: The poverty line , including 1.2% of those under age 18 and 4.0% of those age 65 or over. In the state legislature , Scotts Valley is in the 17th Senate District, represented by Democrat John Laird , and in the 28th Assembly District, represented by Democrat Gail Pellerin . Federally, Scotts Valley is in California's 19th congressional district , represented by Democrat Jimmy Panetta . From 1950 to 2011, Scotts Valley
5580-476: The 1970s with the addition of a nostalgic traditional amusement area, Wheeler Dealer Bumper Cars, and Knott's Bear-y Tales . Then with the northward expansion of a 1920s-era Knott's Airfield-themed area featuring the Cloud 9 Dance Hall, Sky Cabin/Sky Jump and Motorcycle Chase steeplechase roller coaster above the electric guided rail Gasoline Alley car ride. The Sky Tower with the illuminated "K" in logo script at
5704-821: The 2021 season, and " The Gift of the Magi " and "A Christmas Carol" for the 2022 season, and as well as a Halloween Haunt thrill show. The Calico Stage, a large open-air stage in Calico Square, hosts a variety of shows and acts, big and small, from "Home for the Holidays", a Knott's Merry Farm Christmas skit with singing, those of elementary school students, Gallagher, a local band, and the summer-spectacular All Wheels Extreme stunt show featuring youthful performers demonstrating aerial tricks with acrobatics, trampolines, and riding ramps with skates, scooters, skateboards, and freestyle bikes to popular music. The Calico Saloon recreates
5828-470: The Boardwalk section of the park. An old bridge that connected the exit of Coast Rider and the Boardwalk became the entrance to Surfside Gliders and Pacific Scrambler. Following the 2013 season, Knott's Berry Farm removed Windseeker and moved it to Worlds of Fun, where it reopened in 2014. For the 2014 season, the historical Calico Mine Ride underwent a major refurbishment completed in six months. During
5952-477: The Boardwalk. The boardwalk reopened a year later with two flat rides and a new family roller coaster taking the place of Perilous Plunge. The Boomerang roller coaster was repainted in green and yellow. Boomerang was removed in 2017 to make way for HangTime. At the south end of the boardwalk is the family interactive dark ride: Knott's Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair . The world's largest Johnny Rockets restaurant
6076-517: The Dinosaurs , a primeval retheme of Knott's Bear-y Tales), in 1987 and Bigfoot Rapids in 1988, a whitewater river rafting ride as the centerpiece of the new themed area Wild Water Wilderness. The Boomerang roller coaster replaced Corkscrew in 1990 with a lift shuttle train passing to and from through a cobra roll and a vertical loop for six inversions each trip. The Mystery Lodge (1994), inspired by General Motors "Spirit Lodge" pavilion,
6200-480: The General Store to accommodate Calico River Rapids (formerly Bigfoot Rapids), still features historical western artifacts large and small, from a hand-powered horse-drawn fire engine to a miniature replica of a borax hauling "Twenty Mule Team" and utensils necessary to survive the prairie and wilderness. A common misconception is that at Knott's the terms "Ghost Town" and "Calico" are interchangeable, but that
6324-681: The Green Witch, which was portrayed by Charlene Parker from 1983 to 2017, the longest of any performer. Several attractions are decorated for the event including the Timber Mountain Log Ride and Calico Mine Train and there are 13 mazes of various themes. Elvira (actress Cassandra Peterson ) was introduced into the Halloween Event in 1982 and was prominently featured in many Halloween Haunt events until 2001. According to postings on her My Space page, Cassandra
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#17327659371346448-539: The Jarro Coast (El Jarro Point is north of Davenport, California ). Additionally, there is a "Cañada del Ciervo" ( ciervo is Spanish for elk ) close to the boundary between Rancho de los Corralitos and Rancho San Andrés , near the present-day Larkin Valley Road. This "Elk Valley" place name was given by José Antonio Robles who rode down, roped, and killed elk there in 1831. Lastly, elk remains dating from
6572-527: The Knott's Berry Farm Entertainment Department as documented in the DVD Season of Screams. Initially, fake corpses and other static figures were rented from a Hollywood prop house, but Bud Hurlbut , the creator/concessionaire of the Mine Ride, Log Ride and other rides at Knott's, decided that this wasn't enough. He dressed up in a gorilla suit and started scaring guests on the Mine Ride. Halloween Haunt
6696-721: The Middle and Late Periods in Northern California were found in at least four late Holocene archeological sites in Santa Cruz County, all coastal: SCR-9 ( Bonny Doon site) and SCR-20 (Brown site) on the western slope of Ben Lomond Mountain , SCR-93 (Sunflower site) a coastal terrace on the north shore of the San Lorenzo River in Santa Cruz , and SCR-132 ( Scott Creek site) 4 miles inland. Pronghorn antelope ( Antilocapra americana ) remains were found at
6820-517: The SCR-20 (Brown site) on the western slope of Ben Lomond Mountain dating to about 1500 A.D. Año Nuevo State Marine Conservation Area , Greyhound Rock State Marine Conservation Area and Natural Bridges State Marine Reserve are marine protected areas off the coast of Santa Cruz County. Like underwater parks, these marine protected areas help conserve ocean wildlife and marine ecosystems. Santa Cruz County borders four other counties: San Mateo to
6944-635: The Santa's Village Corporation. When that corporation went bankrupt in 1977. the owner considered launching a Knott's Berry Farm type of complex but was denied a permit by the city of Scotts Valley, and the park closed for good in 1979. Scotts Valley's most famous resident was film director Alfred Hitchcock , who lived in a mountaintop estate above the Vine Hill area from 1940 to 1972. Florence Owens Thompson , made famous by Dorothea Lange 's Migrant Mother photograph, died in Scotts Valley in 1983. Netflix
7068-594: The Tree Circus in 1964 when it changed its name to The Lost World. Surviving trees have since been moved to Gilroy Gardens . Santa's Village, one of three locations in America's first theme park chain, was established in 1956. It was the most popular of the many attractions, attracting millions of visitors to Scotts Valley for over twenty years, and it was the last of Scotts Valley's theme parks to close its doors, in 1979. H. Glenn Holland , who had already developed
7192-550: The United States. Hiram Scott built the Greek revival style Scott House in 1853. Situated behind City Hall, it is a Santa Cruz County Historical Trust Landmark and is on the National Register of Historic Places . The house originally stood on Scotts Valley Drive, near where a Bank of America branch is now located. From the 1840s, money-making activity in Scotts Valley centered on several industries: lumber, grain,
7316-430: The West, conducted research, and designed most of the Ghost Town section of Knott's Berry Farm. He created concept art for most of the buildings that were built there. He also drew up floor plans, oversaw the construction of buildings, and even spent some time painting concrete to look like natural rock. His Old West paintings and murals adorned the walls of many structures in the park, and a number of them still do. His art
7440-574: The arts of the blacksmith , woodcarver , glassblower , sign cutter, and spinner . Demonstrations of narrow-gauge railroading and farm equipment hobbyists accompany additional merchant stalls of cottage-craft fairs seasonally at discounted admission which is restricted to Ghost Town only. The Ghost Town area has a few other notable attractions. The Bird Cage Theatre is an old-fashioned theater in Ghost Town. It only hosts two seasonal entertainments—during "Knott's Merry Farm", which includes two small productions: "Marley's Wings" and " A Christmas Carol ", for
7564-492: The beginnings of Halloween Haunt and the story behind how it all got started back in 1973. Season of Screams also highlights recent Halloween Haunts. Winter Coaster Solace is an event that takes place on the first or second weekend of March every year when roller coaster enthusiasts can come before the park opens and stay after the park closes to ride the rides and eat at the Chicken Dinner Restaurant. It
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#17327659371347688-638: The brand to The J.M. Smucker Company in 2008. (In 2024, Smuckers discontinued sale of the Knott's Berry Farm jams in grocery stores. ) On December 29, 1997, the Knott family sold the amusement park operations to Cedar Fair. Initially, the Knotts were given an opportunity to sell the park to The Walt Disney Company . The park would have been amalgamated into the Disneyland Resort and converted into Disney's America , which had previously failed to be built near Washington, D.C. The Knotts refused to sell
7812-407: The buildings were designed to look like log chalet-type structures, replete with snowy roofs and gingerbread trim. One chalet housed a legendary fresh gingerbread bakery. Theme-appropriate music flowed from speakers hidden in towering redwood trees. In 1977 the Santa's Village Corporation had filed for bankruptcy, and in 1979 the park's gates were finally closed. The site is currently a playing field at
7936-508: The carefully cataloged collection (30,000 items) to Knott's in return for Knott's housing it, displaying it and naming Speer as curator. Speer continued in that position until he retired in 1969 at the age of 84. The museum was once housed in a building (which has since been razed) at Knott's Berry Farm between Jeffries Barn (now known as the Wilderness Dance Hall) and the schoolhouse. The Western Trails Museum at Knott's
8060-534: The city are: The 2010 United States Census reported that Scotts Valley had a population of 11,580. The population density was 2,520.4 inhabitants per square mile (973.1/km). The racial makeup of Scotts Valley was 9,958 (86.0%) White , 101 (0.9%) African American , 57 (0.5%) Native American , 590 (5.1%) Asian , 18 (0.2%) Pacific Islander , 292 (2.5%) from other races , and 564 (4.9%) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1,158 persons (10.0%). The Census reported that 11,308 people (97.7% of
8184-401: The city was 88.63% White , 0.48% African American , 0.40% Native American , 4.62% Asian , 0.18% Pacific Islander , 2.15% from other races , and 3.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.40% of the population. There were 4,273 households, out of which 36.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.3% were married couples living together, 7.9% had
8308-483: The city. Scotts Valley was named after Hiram Daniel Scott, who purchased Rancho San Agustin , including the valley, in 1850 from Joseph Ladd Majors. Before Majors, the property was owned by José Bolcoff. Bolcoff was the original settler and first European to claim title and live in what was to be Scotts Valley. He was born Osip Volkov around 1794 in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky , Siberia . Working as
8432-584: The coastal grasslands of Santa Cruz County. Elk, sometimes confused with bison , were initially described by Miguel Costansó in his diary of the 1769 Portola Expedition near the mouth of the Pajaro River both on the way north on October 6, and on the way south on November 25. Later, elk were also described by nineteenth century American hunters. They were also described in Santa Cruz County by Jlli tribelet Awaswas Ohlone people , who utilized elk along with pronghorn ( Antilocapra americana ) and lived on
8556-686: The cost was based on purchasing a ticket for each ride, using the A-E ticketing system similar to that of Disneyland. The Calico Log Ride (the original name of the Timber Mountain Log Ride ) opened in 1969. Also during this period, an attempt to create a monorail system between Knott's and Disneyland was reportedly in the works for many years, however, project construction never began due to costs and legal issues obtaining needed property and gaining necessary right-of-way access. When Cordelia Knott died on April 12, 1974, Walter turned his attention toward political causes. The Roaring Twenties rethemed Gypsy Camp in
8680-437: The county, 38% of Agricultural workers have experienced overtime pay violation, 14% of tipped workers reported tips stolen by their employers, and 50% of service sector workers reported violations on receiving breaks. It is California law for employers to make written workplace policies available. However, in a county wide survey, 30% of workers reported that they did not receive an employee handbook. Service sector laborers have
8804-518: The county. The population density was 574 people per square mile (222 people/km ). There were 98,873 housing units at an average density of 222 units per square mile (86 units/km ). There were 91,139 households, out of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.0% were married couples living together, 10.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.3% were non-families. 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who
8928-401: The crisis that was exacerbated by UCSC growth and Silicon Valley encroachment. Debates about land use in Santa Cruz were particularly important after the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake , which destroyed the central business district of Santa Cruz and led to the loss of an estimated 2,000 jobs. Already contentious debates about land were present in the area due to its large tourism industry and
9052-428: The curves. Gasoline Alley, an electric steel-guide rail car ride below, was built together and intimately intertwined, which enhanced ride-to-ride interaction thrill value. Rider safety concerns of the high center of gravity coupled with the method of rider restraints caused it to be rethemed Wacky Soap Box Racers with vehicles themed to look like soap box racers, each seating two riders, strapped in low (nearly straddling
9176-422: The environment and those wanting more housing is also racially divided, as most residents favoring environmental protection are white, while the population on the side of developing housing is more heavily Latino. A 2010–2011 report by a Santa Cruz County grand jury states that Watsonville had no policy for assessing environmental hazards, and would give out land use and building permits without any investigations of
9300-494: The environmental conditions of the land in question. One of the housing solutions that residents have resorted to is the occupation of accessory dwelling units. Commonly known as "mother-in-law" units, these secondary housing spaces on residential property used to be illegal to build. In 2002, Santa Cruz leaders changed the law and encouraged construction with affordable mortgages. The goal was to contain urban sprawl while still finding housing alternatives for residents in light of
9424-896: The fall of 1965, Eric Nord , proprietor of coffee houses including the Hungry I in San Francisco, and the Sticky Wicket in Aptos , also opened The Barn (1965–1968), an art gallery and coffee house, with a large area for concerts, on the site of the Frapwell Dairy Barn (1914–1948), in Scotts Valley. Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead performed at The Barn . Tom Wolfe describes the Merry Pranksters and Ken Kesey , from La Honda , at The Barn , in
9548-585: The fall of 2019, Knott's Berry Farm announced the return of Knott's Bear-y Tales as an interactive 4D dark ride as part of the park's 100th anniversary in 2020 with the name Knott's Bear-y Tales: Return to the Fair . However, the park was indefinitely shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic at the end of its operating day on March 13, 2020. Knott's Bear-y Tales and other planned changes to the park were postponed to 2021. In June 2020, Knott's Marketplace reopened with health guidelines in place. The following month,
9672-450: The fertile "south county", including Watsonville and Corralitos . Agriculture is concentrated in the coastal lowlands of the county's northern and southern ends. Most of the north coastal land comprises relatively flat terraces that end at steep cliffs like those shown in the photo below. Santa Cruz County is home to the following threatened or endangered species : Historically, tule elk ( Cervus canadensis nannodes ) were native to
9796-399: The first time, in 1968, an admission price was required to get into that section of the park (ostensibly to keep out the "hippies" and local long-haired youth from freely "hanging out" in the park that were, on occasion, causing problems and degrading the Knott's "family" image). The entrance price originally being set at $ 1 for adults and 25¢ for children. Previous to this, entry was free and
9920-565: The former attraction Tampico Tumbler, all contribute to the Mexican and Aztec theme of the area. In 2013 colorful string lights were added for the summer season. Boardwalk Games include physical challenges such as a three-point challenge, baseball, and test your strength. Hawkers pitch a variety of traditional games as well, such as water racers, bucket toss, whack a mole, and ping pong toss. In September 2012, Perilous Plunge – one of Knott's major thrill rides – closed for an expansion of
10044-537: The former headquarters of Borland . Scotts Valley is also near Big Basin Redwoods State Park , Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park , and Roaring Camp Railroads . The town is surrounded by coast redwood forests. The city of Santa Cruz lies to the south. A relatively large municipal skateboard park , where pro skateboarder Eric Costello died in October 2005 due to improper helmet use, is near Skypark,
10168-478: The idealized representation of a past devoid of social and racial tensions that it offered stood in sharp contrast with the political and social upheavals affecting California since the Free Speech Movement erupted at the University of California at Berkeley in 1964 . In the late 1960's a 10 ft. high brick wall with barbed wire embedded into the top was constructed around "Ghost Town" and for
10292-563: The junction of the State Highway and Mt. Hermon Road. Camp Evers consisted of a small store, gas pumps, dance hall and tents, becoming a resort and rest stop for travelers. The Beverly Gardens were established in the 1930s and featured a collection of exotic birds and animals, a restaurant, and cabins. Axel Erlandson opened The Tree Circus in 1947, featuring trees grafted and trained in strange and unusual shapes . Bright "life size" painted dinosaurs overlooking Highway 17 were added to
10416-569: The last chapter of The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test . At Scott's Valley Drive, just off Highway 17 , The Barn as a nightclub closed by 1968, with the Baymonte Christian School taking control of the property. The Barn resurrected as a dinner theater in an RV park in the 70s, and eventually a warehouse for Seagate Technologies. The Barn was torn down in 1991. Unrelated to the prior Santa's Village (Jefferson, New Hampshire) (1953—), Santa's Village (Scotts Valley) (1957–1979)
10540-419: The milling of grain, and most importantly the tanning of hides and working of leather. Beginning in the 1930s, peat moss was removed from Scotts Valley and taken to San Francisco to supply soil for difficult indoor plants such as gardenias . When the peat ran out, sand and gravel were quarried and sold. The area was the site of Santa's Village, a Christmas-themed amusement park which opened on May 30, 1957, on
10664-426: The most popular rides at the park, the Timber Mountain Log Ride , would be closed for a significant five-month refurbishment, led by Garner Holt Productions, Inc. On May 25, 2013, Knott's Berry Farm added three new family rides on the site of the former Perilous Plunge, including a wild mouse called Coast Rider , a scrambler flat ride called Pacific Scrambler, and Surfside Gliders. All three were constructed in
10788-416: The northwest, Santa Clara to the north and east, Monterey to the south, and San Benito with a small border to the south. The county of Santa Cruz has experienced demographic fluctuations in recent history. Between 1990 and 2000, the population increased by 11.3%. This is primarily because of new births, rather than immigration or migration. The 2010 United States Census reported Santa Cruz County had
10912-485: The opening of UCSC in 1965 caused the county's political landscape to dramatically change. Today, it is a strongly Democratic county in presidential and congressional elections. The last Republican to carry the county was Ronald Reagan in 1980 , and the last Republican to win a majority in the county was Richard Nixon in 1968 . The last Republican to represent a significant portion of Santa Cruz in Congress
11036-473: The original act, the county was given the name of " Branciforte " after the Spanish pueblo founded there in 1797. A major watercourse in the county, Branciforte Creek , still bears this name. Less than two months later, on April 5, 1850, the name was changed to "Santa Cruz" ("Holy Cross"). Mission Santa Cruz , established in 1791 and completed in 1794, was destroyed by the 1857 Fort Tejon earthquake , but
11160-404: The park has seen an aggressive shift towards thrill rides , with the construction of several large roller coasters and the addition of a record-breaking Shoot-the-Chutes ride named Perilous Plunge . Perilous Plunge had the record of being the tallest and steepest water ride in the world until September 2012 when it was closed and removed. Also, in 2013, Knott's Berry Farm announced that one of
11284-669: The park introduced Taste of Calico , an outdoor food festival on weekends located in the Ghost Town section of the park. The event evolved over the season, becoming Taste of Knott's when it expanded into Fiesta Village and the Boardwalk, Taste of Fall-o-ween during the fall season, and Taste of Merry Farm for the Christmas holiday season which was canceled in December 2020 due to the regional stay at home order issued by California Governor Gavin Newsom . Amusement Today recognized
11408-584: The park to Disney out of fear most of what Walter Knott had built would be eliminated. In the late 1990s, Cedar Fair also acquired the Buena Park Hotel, located at the northwest corner of Grand and Crescent Avenues. It was then brought up to Radisson standards and branded Radisson Resort Hotel as a franchise. In 2004, the park renamed the Radisson Resort Hotel the Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel. Since being acquired by Cedar Fair,
11532-447: The park was sold to Cedar Fair for $ 300 million. The park sits on the site of a former berry farm established by Walter Knott and his family. Beginning in 1923, the Knott family sold berries, berry preserves, and pies from a roadside stand along State Route 39 . In June 1934, the Knotts began selling fried chicken dinners in a tea room on the property, later named "Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant." The dinners soon became
11656-513: The political elite and economic elite were monopolizing control over the rebuilding movement. According to Santa Cruz County's 2020-21 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the top employers in the county are: Winemaking —both the growing of the grapes and their vinting—is an important part of the economic and cultural life of Santa Cruz County. The wines of the David Bruce Winery and Ridge Vineyards were selected for tasting in
11780-641: The population) lived in households, 264 (2.3%) lived in non-institutionalized group quarters, and 8 (0.1%) were institutionalized. There were 4,426 households, out of which 1,588 (35.9%) had children under the age of 18 living in them, 2,423 (54.7%) were opposite-sex married couples living together, 474 (10.7%) had a female householder with no husband present, 189 (4.3%) had a male householder with no wife present. There were 206 (4.7%) unmarried opposite-sex partnerships , and 43 (1.0%) same-sex married couples or partnerships . 1,054 households (23.8%) were made up of individuals, and 516 (11.7%) had someone living alone who
11904-427: The population) lived in owner-occupied housing units and 2,750 people (23.7%) lived in rental housing units. As of the census of 2000, there were 11,385 people, 4,273 households, and 2,969 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,473.7 inhabitants per square mile (955.1/km). There were 4,423 housing units at an average density of 961.0 units per square mile (371.0 units/km). The racial makeup of
12028-431: The relatively new UCSC campus, but after the quake both private interests and public servants had a stake in how rebuilding would go. This led to a necessary compromise, a public-private partnership that debated the how to rebuild the pacific garden mall space, with considerations of green space, timely implementation, and supporting local business and economy. Many constituents felt left out of this process, and reported that
12152-469: The revelry of music, singing and dancing, with Cameo Kate hosting a variety of acts. Jersey Lily, Judge Roy Bean's combination courthouse/saloon, offers certified comical "genuine illegal hitchin'" alongside pickles, candy, and sports/soft drinks. The park formerly featured a 5th area. Formerly known as Wild Water Wilderness, now part of Ghost Town, the area features two major rides: the Pony Express ,
12276-494: The rides are relatively tame. Knott's Berry Farm also built the Mall of America 's indoor theme park, which itself was originally called Camp Snoopy. (In fact, Charles M. Schulz hailed from St. Paul .) However, today the park is no longer affiliated with Knott's or Cedar Fair and is now called Nickelodeon Universe . On November 22, 2013, Knott's Berry Farm announced major improvements in the area of Camp Snoopy. Camp Snoopy received
12400-440: The same company as longtime rival Six Flags Magic Mountain . Cedar Fair still has controling shares of the company. The park's annual Knott's Scary Farm has drawn crowds since 1973. The idea for this event was presented at one of the regularly scheduled round table meetings for managers by Patricia Pawson. The actual event was created by Bill Hollingshead, Gary Salisbury, Martha Boyd and Gene Witham, along with other members of
12524-655: The site of a former airport, in central Scotts Valley. Three hotels operate in Scotts Valley: a Best Western hotel located near the Granite Creek entrance to Highway 17, a Four Points by Sheraton located on Scotts Valley Drive, and a Hilton hotel located near the Mount Hermon junction with Highway 17. Evidence regarding blighted conditions in the Redevelopment Area of Santa's Village and
12648-707: The south and to Los Gatos , San Jose , and the South Bay area to the north. Scotts Valley is located at the southern end of the WWF -designated Northern California coastal forests ecoregion. According to the United States Census Bureau , it has a total area of 4.6 square miles (12 km), all land. It is in central Santa Cruz County , in the northern portion of the North Central Coast Air Basin . Air in Scotts Valley
12772-842: The top and back offering a pleasantly changing vista. It is very sensitive to weather and passenger motion, such as walking, which is prohibited during the trip. During winds 25+ mph or rain it is closed. When built, the tower was the tallest structure in Orange County (a distinction briefly held by WindSeeker before its relocation to Worlds of Fun in 2012.) The Motorcycle Chase, a modernized steeplechase rollercoaster built in 1976 by Arrow Development , featured single motorbike-themed vehicles racing side-by-side, each on one of four parallel tracks, launched together. One or two riders straddled each " Indian motorcycle " attraction vehicle. The tubular steel monorail track closely followed dips and bumps in "the road" and tilted to lean riders about
12896-593: The top was built to support two attractions, the Sky Jump, operated from 1976 to 1999, and the Sky Cabin . The Sky Jump boarded one or two standing riders anticipating the thrill of the drop into baskets beneath a faux parachute canopy. From the top, twelve arms supported the vertical cable tracks of wire rope which lifted the baskets. The Sky Cabin ringed the support pole with a single floor of seats that are enclosed behind windows. Its ring revolves slowly as it rises to
13020-422: The track and narration by the character Linus. Knott's has portrait artists, as well as face painters and caricature artists in two different locations in Camp Snoopy operated by Kaman's Art Shoppes. Portrait artists have a long history at Knott's, dating back to 1951. Claude Bell , who created the concrete characters on the benches at Knott's, operated the portrait concession from 1951 to 1986. Bell also sculpted
13144-408: The track), surrounded by the close-fitting car sides, and the dips and bumps of the track were straightened flat in 1980. Motorcycle Chase/Wacky Soap Box Racers was removed in 1996 for a dueling loop coaster Windjammer Surf Racers and now Xcelerator , a vertical launch coaster, takes its place. On December 3, 1981, Walter Knott died, survived by his children who would continue to operate Knott's as
13268-739: The year, enjoying a Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csb) characterized by cool, wet winters and warm, mostly dry summers. Due to its proximity to Monterey Bay , fog and low overcast are common during the night and morning hours, especially in the summer. Drinking water is supplied to the City of Scotts Valley by the Scotts Valley Water District and the San Lorenzo Valley Water District . Domestic water supplies are obtained solely from groundwater sources extracted by wells. Wastewater in Scotts Valley
13392-565: Was Burt L. Talcott , who was defeated in 1976 by Leon Panetta . Santa Cruz County is split between California's 18th and 19th congressional districts, represented by Zoe Lofgren ( D – San Jose ) and Jimmy Panetta ( D – Carmel Valley ), respectively. In the State Assembly , Santa Cruz County is split between the 28th , 29th and 30th Assembly districts, represented by Democrat Gail Pellerin , Democrat Robert Rivas and Democrat Dawn Addis , respectively. In
13516-408: Was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males. The median income for a household in the city was $ 72,449, and the median income for a family was $ 88,573. Males had a median income of $ 74,183 versus $ 40,492 for females. The per capita income for the city was $ 35,684. About 0.9% of families and 2.5% of the population were below
13640-416: Was 41.7 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.0 males. There were 4,610 housing units at an average density of 1,003.4 units per square mile (387.4 units/km), of which 3,248 (73.4%) were owner-occupied, and 1,178 (26.6%) were occupied by renters. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.4%; the rental vacancy rate was 3.2%. 8,558 people (73.9% of
13764-415: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55. There were 3,086 families (69.7% of all households); the average family size was 3.03. The population was spread out, with 2,863 people (24.7%) under the age of 18, 969 people (8.4%) aged 18 to 24, 2,513 people (21.7%) aged 25 to 44, 3,660 people (31.6%) aged 45 to 64, and 1,575 people (13.6%) who were 65 years of age or older. The median age
13888-451: Was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.25. In the county, the population was spread out, with 23.8% under the age of 18, 11.9% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 10.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 99.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.8 males. The median income for
14012-608: Was a live show augmented with Pepper's ghost and other special effects, which was among the most popular exhibits at Expo 86 in Vancouver, British Columbia , Canada, which was produced by Bob Rogers of BRC Imagination Arts and created with the assistance of the Kwagulth Native reserve in the village of Alert Bay , British Columbia. Mystery Lodge recreates a quiet summer night in Alert Bay, then guests "move inside"
14136-447: Was about four years old). The idea of an amusement park picked up in the 1950s when Walter Knott opened a "summer-long county fair." Paul von Klieben was the key employee of Walter Knott in the creation of the Ghost Town at Knott's Berry Farm and the restoration of the ghost town of Calico, California . In 1941, he joined Knott's as a staff artist, then served as art director there from 1943 to 1953. He traveled to ghost towns in
14260-533: Was also used extensively in Knott's newspapers, menus, brochures, catalogs and other publications. In 1956, Walter Knott arranged with Marion Speer to bring his Western Trails Museum collection to Knott's Berry Farm. Speer had been an enthusiastic supporter of Walter Knott's efforts to create Ghost Town, and had written articles for Knott's newspaper, the Ghost Town News. In 1956, twenty years after creating his museum, Marion Speer (at age 72) donated
14384-421: Was an amusement park, built after Santa's Village (Lake Arrowhead) (1955–1998, 2016–present), San Bernardino County, and built before Santa's Village AZoosment Park (1959–2006, 2011–present), East Dundee, Illinois, located near highway 17, Borland would later built its campus on the site. Scotts Valley is in the west hills of the Santa Cruz Mountains . State Route 17 connects Scotts Valley to Santa Cruz to
14508-437: Was an instant hit, and by the next year, the event sold out nightly. During this special ticketed event, the entire park (or major portions of it) re-themes itself into a "haunted house" style attraction in the form of mazes and "scare zones" in the evening. Over a thousand specially employed monsters are also scattered—often hidden out of view—throughout the park at this time. Some of the characters have become well-known, such as
14632-416: Was founded in Scotts Valley by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in 1997. From its early years as a stop on the stage route across the mountains , the Scotts Valley area has provided services to travelers. With the growing usage of the automobile in the early 20th century , the area became commercialized and tourism developed as a local industry. In the early 1920s, Edward Evers established Camp Evers at
14756-865: Was home to Bethany University , a four-year private Christian university . The campus was leased to Olivet University for the 2011–2012 school year, but Olivet was unable to complete a purchase and moved back to San Francisco in May 2012. The parent Assemblies of God denomination is seeking another buyer for the campus. The Scotts Valley Unified School District operates four public schools: Scotts Valley High School (grades 9 to 12), Scotts Valley Middle School (grades 6 to 8), and two elementary schools : Vine Hill School (grades Kindergarten to 5) and Brook Knoll School. They also operate an Independent Study/Home School program. Together these schools serve more than 2,600 students each year. Baymonte Christian School serves students from pre-Kindergarten through eighth grades. Baymonte
14880-465: Was incorporated in 1966. Approximately ten thousand years ago there was a lake in the lowest elevation of Scotts Valley. Archeological excavations of site CA-SCR-177 (Scotts Valley Site) in 1983 and 1987 support dates for human settlement of this area as between 9,000 and 12,000 years before present ( YBP ). The lake drained during the Mid-Holocene warming period (4,000-5,000 YBP) forming what
15004-571: Was named because "Ghost Town" and "Calico" are two separate places. Walter Knott always referred to the Old West section of Knott's Berry Farm as "Ghost Town", not "Calico." Some parts of Ghost Town are forever lost to progress. The conversion of the Silver Dollar Saloon to a shooting gallery, Hunters Paradise shooting gallery to Panda Express and the original Berry Stand, moved several times with its last location now occupied by
15128-420: Was released from her contract by the park's new owners due to their wanting a more family-friendly appeal. She returned for one night in 2012 for the 40th anniversary of the event then again featured in her nightly show from 2014 to 2017. During October, Knott's Scary Farm generates half the revenue for Knott's Berry Farm's fiscal year. Season of Screams is a DVD produced by an independent company that traces
15252-571: Was renamed in 2020 from the Charles M. Schulz Theater to the Walter Knott Theater, as part of a refurbishment of the exterior for the park's 100th anniversary, which also included new LED signage to the theater's marquee. Camp Snoopy is home to the park's family and children's rides, with many of the rides and attractions being built specifically for children and guests who cannot ride the park's more aggressive attractions. Its theme
15376-580: Was the second largest manufacturing area in the state. As natural resources depleted, tourism became the more important economic sector in the area. In 1989, Santa Cruz was named as a surplus labor area by the U.S. Department of Labor. A surplus labor area has an unemployment rate 20% higher than national unemployment. As of 2024, Watsonville city was still on this list. 10% of jobs in Santa Cruz County are food producing/processing jobs. These employees make less than an average of $ 10 an hour. As of 2003, 21% of residents work outside of Santa Cruz County. This
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