56-568: The Redwood Grove of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park , which is located in Santa Cruz County in Northern California , is a grove of Coast Redwoods with trees extending into the 1400- to 1800-year-old range. This grove allows for the use of self-guided tours of the flat, 0.8-mile (1.3 km) loop trail which is easily accessible (within 150 feet (46 m) of a vehicle parking lot). Dozens of large, Redwood trees are located within
112-665: A French immigrant named Pedro Sansevain which essentially encompasses the lands of the state park. After a few transfers of land over about twenty years, the granted Rancho Cañada del Rincon ended up in the hands of Henry Cowell. Poison oak is a native ground-cover in the Santa Cruz Mountains. The plants are most obvious during the part of the year when the leaves change color toward the red spectrum. 37°02′17″N 122°03′40″W / 37.038°N 122.061°W / 37.038; -122.061 Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
168-410: 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,
224-495: A few feet of the walking trail. Coast Redwoods , ( Sequoia sempervirens ), are a native tree in the deep valleys and low to middle elevations (up to 750 m) of the Santa Cruz Mountains . Their growth and longevity is enhanced by the proximity to the ocean, the cool air which encourages fog, and the dimmer sunlight near the moisture-rich trunk-base region. Free-flowing, year-round streams help to enhance this environment and
280-644: A few horse dog-friendly and mountain biking trails, and shopping at the Mountain Parks Nature Store await visitors to this park. Next door to the main parking lot is the Roaring Camp and Big Trees Narrow Gauge Railroad . There are over 15 miles (24 km) of hiking trails, some of which lead to small, isolated sandy beaches on the San Lorenzo River, and others with overlook views of the Santa Cruz Mountains, with peeks at Monterey Bay. The park has
336-562: A good environment for the study of different habitats. Habitats in this park, often changing back and forth within a few hundred feet of one another, include riparian, sandhill community, mixed evergreen, and redwood forests. Anglers fish for steelhead and salmon during the winter. There is a picnic area overlooking the San Lorenzo River. Besides roads, the park may also be reached by the Santa Cruz, Big Trees and Pacific Railway . Tent and RV camping with no hook ups are available several miles from
392-456: 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
448-399: A more modern visitor center , which is open year-round to the public, and is staffed by California Parks employees and volunteer docents. Additionally, the Mountain Parks Nature Store is open during most park hours, and there is a direct entrance from the park's main parking lot to the grounds of Roaring Camp and Big Trees Railroad. The Redwood Grove comprises old-growth "virgin" redwoods,
504-615: A non-contiguous extension in the Fall Creek area north of Felton. The 4,623-acre (1,871 ha) park was established in 1953. The main park covers approximately 1,750 acres (7.1 km ), and the separate Fall Creek (not to be confused with the Fall Creek farther north in San Mateo County) unit contains an additional 2,390 acres (9.7 km ). The park lies within the southern end of the Northern California coastal forests ecoregion. In
560-462: 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
616-600: 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
SECTION 10
#1732859256009672-575: 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
728-514: Is a state park of California , United States, preserving mainly forest and riparian areas in the watershed of the San Lorenzo River , including a grove of old-growth coast redwood. It is located in Santa Cruz County , primarily in the area between the cities of Santa Cruz and Scotts Valley , near the community of Felton and the University of California at Santa Cruz . The park includes
784-486: 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
840-510: 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
896-418: Is insufficient to cushion the many large, sharp rocks on the pool's bottom and, as such, diving is not permitted. Likewise, alcohol, dogs, fires, and glass containers are also prohibited in the area. The northern extension of Henry Cowell State Park, called Fall Creek Unit, contains over 20 miles (30 km) of hiking trails, mostly along the creeks that flow year-round and make beautiful mini waterfalls during
952-516: Is smaller by land area. The county 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
1008-549: 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
1064-591: The County of Santa Cruz to buy and preserve their pristine redwood lands, an action finally approved of, in large part thanks to the work of California Lieutenant Governor , the Hon. William Jeter , in 1930. Eventually philanthropist Samuel Cowell, aged 90, last of the Cowell line, (and endower for Cowell Hall at the University of San Francisco ), donated the rest of what became the Park to
1120-698: 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
1176-469: 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
SECTION 20
#17328592560091232-565: The Fall Creek Unit. During the 1830s and 40s, when California was still part of Mexico , large land grants were created, called "ranchos" . The lands now included in the State Park were once parts of three different ranchos . Rancho Cañada del Rincon en el Rio San Lorenzo , Rancho Zayante and Rancho Carbonera . By 1865, most of the former rancho lands had been subdivided. Industrialist Henry Cowell purchased 6,500 acres (26 km ) of
1288-527: 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
1344-632: The John C. Fremont tree (a tree hollowed out by fire that was once used as a resort honeymoon room). Next to the park's entrance kiosk, all three known types of redwood trees, the Coast Redwood , the Giant Sequoia , and the Dawn Redwood (the latter two not native to the area) are planted together, providing a unique place to instantly compare and contrast the members of this family of trees. This park provides
1400-583: 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
1456-513: 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
1512-526: The State, but only under the condition that Santa Cruz County also give up its nearby portion of the land ( Big Trees Park ) to the State so that it could all be managed together. Thus, the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park was officially created on August 15, 1954 . The separate Fall Creek unit was added later. In February 1973, serial killer Herbert Mullin killed 4 teens who were camping at
1568-615: The banks of the San Lorenzo River as part of his exploration for Spain. Twenty years after the Friars Minor came to the area, the, Mission Santa Cruz was consecrated nearby in 1791. After the Mexican War of Independence in 1821, the newly independent Mexico assumed control of this area until the transfer to the United States in 1846. During Mexican ownership, it was common for land grants to be sold to those who were in favor with
1624-578: 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
1680-509: The cool, moisture-laden air often produces visible fog, which helps to replenish the trees. The bark of these giants is heavily laden with tannin , which helps to offer protection from damage both from wildfires and insects . This grove has some of the tallest and oldest trees in the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. Undergrowth is never cleared, there is no logging allowed and deadfalls and lightning-struck trees are allowed to proceed naturally with their processes, unless they impair access to
1736-437: 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
Redwood Grove - Misplaced Pages Continue
1792-518: 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
1848-401: 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
1904-422: 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
1960-494: 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
2016-450: 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
2072-455: The former Rancho Cañada del Rincon en el Rio San Lorenzo , including 1,600 acres (6 km ) of forest, in 1865, adding to his quarrying and lime operations in the vicinity. A significant number of buildings in San Francisco were built using the redwood and limestone products from this area. In the 1920s the owners of a large resort adjacent to Henry Cowell's holdings raised support for
2128-466: The government. Large portions of this virgin-forested area were given out as Rancho Carbonera , Rancho Zayante and Rancho Cañada del Rincon en el Rio San Lorenzo . These "gifted" land grants were the start of European settlement in the area. In 1843, the Mexican Government granted a parcel of 8,800 acres (36 km) under the name of Rancho Cañada del Rincon en el Rio San Lorenzo de Santa Cruz to
2184-605: The grove. This rich, biotic environment is filled with natural nutrients. Old growth groves such as this will show the birth (shoots and burls) and death (rotting trees and "fairy rings") of ancient redwoods, many of whose birth was before the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This part of the California Coastline is the ancestral lands of the Awaswas (Santa Cruz) division of Ohlone Indian people. In 1769, Gaspar de Portolà camped on
2240-464: The main entrance to the park. The Garden of Eden is a popular swimming hole in the San Lorenzo River within Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. It is accessible via Ox Fire Road off Highway 9 and has a parking area located 0.75 miles south of the park's main entrance. This route requires approximately 1.5 miles of hiking, roundtrip, with an elevation change of 200 feet. The water depth at the Garden of Eden
2296-463: The mid-to-late 1800s for lumber and as fuel for the many lime kilns that used to operate in the area, such as the ones preserved at nearby Cowell Lime Works . Logging activities mostly ceased by the 1920s, and the second growth redwoods are now up to several feet in diameter. Both portions of the park have much to offer vacationing families or nature enthusiasts. Hiking, fishing (depending on season), seasonal camping (including RV), birdwatching, and
Redwood Grove - Misplaced Pages Continue
2352-416: 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
2408-416: The numerous stream canyons live large populations of coast redwood , coast Douglas fir , California bay laurel , tanbark oak , California hazelnut , bigleaf maple and many other native species. Up-slope from the redwood forest are found transitional tree species such as Pacific madrone , along with a stand of Ponderosa pine , rare at such a low elevation. Some of the highest and driest ridge slopes in
2464-478: The oldest trees of which are approximately 1,400–1,800 years old and grow to approximately 300 feet (91 m) tall and over 16 feet (4.9 m) in diameter. Referred to by locals as "the loop," the grove is primarily a self-guided walk—but on most summer weekends, and many other times year-round, free guided walks led by docents or park employees are available. Featured on the loop are unique old-growth redwoods, including one with albino growth lignotubers and
2520-480: 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
2576-452: The park support fairly unusual chaparral communities known as " elfin forests " in addition to the rare and unique Santa Cruz Sandhills community. The old-growth grove of coast redwood, approximately 40 acres (16 ha) in size, is located entirely in the original section of the park, surrounded by many species of fern and plentiful redwood sorrel . Surrounding areas, including the non-contiguous Fall Creek unit, were logged extensively in
2632-505: 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
2688-573: The rainy season (November–March). There is also an 18-hole Disc Golf course, Black Mouse, run by a local school (Nature Academy). Along Fall Creek are the ruins of a 19th-century lime manufacturing operation, including a quarry and lime kilns built by I.X.L. Lime Company (established in 1874). The lime works were later acquired by industrialist Henry Cowell. The Fall Creek in Santa Cruz County originates near Empire Grade Road, and flows 4–5 miles South and South-East before it meets San Lorenzo River, east of Highway 9. Dogs and bicycles are not allowed in
2744-431: 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
2800-546: The southern coast. Santa Cruz County was one of the original counties of California, created in 1850 at the time of statehood. In 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,
2856-462: The state park. In 1981 it became a crime scene again when serial killer David Carpenter shot a hiking couple, killing the female hiker. 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
SECTION 50
#17328592560092912-558: 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
2968-675: Was 270,861. The county seat is Santa Cruz . Santa Cruz County comprises the Santa Cruz– Watsonville , CA Metropolitan Statistical Area , which 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
3024-451: 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
3080-503: Was destroyed by the 1857 Fort Tejon earthquake , but 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
3136-580: 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
#8991