The mission of Seacliff Needs A Park, Inc. (SNAP, Inc.) is to preserve open space and provide recreational opportunities in and around Seacliff Village, California.

SNAP Inc. is primarily responsible for acquiring the 1.25-acre parcel at the corner of McGregor Drive and Sea Ridge Road. SNAP Inc. would not have achieved its goal without the hard work of many members of this community and some outside the borders of Seacliff. The past, present, and future members of the Seacliff Needs A Park Incorporated Board of Directors include:

Rick Stoker—Founding member and first Chairperson of SNAP, Inc. Prior to his tenure as SNAP, Inc. Chairperson, Rick lead the Seacliff Village Plan Committee Park Subcommittee, and has championed the idea of a public park in Seacliff since it was just that, an idea for what to do with the property at the corner of Searidge and McGregor. Rick has also served on many other community boards and projects and been one of the most active members of the Seacliff community. (past member)

Cherie Bobbe—Founding member of SNAP, Inc., Cherie has been active in many other Seacliff community issues. Indeed, Cherie has been an advocate for preserving the quality of life in Seacliff for many years, including the preservation of Wingspread. Her efforts have helped Seacliff keep its charm, as a desireable place for families, and prevent inappropriate development in and around the area. (past member)

Rebecca Downing—Although her official term on the SNAP, Inc. Board was shorter than most, she is a long-time community advocate and park supporter, and provided a refreshing burst of energy. Rebecca has served the community as an individual and through a number of groups, including the Seacliff Improvement Association. (past member)

Harry Vaughn—An asset to the community, Harry has served the Seacliff in many ways and sacrificed much of his personal time, including leading the Seacliff Improvement Association during the time when the majority of the community was battling the NOAA Visitor Center. Harry has invested many hours in making Seacliff a better place for everyone. (present member)

Kathy Dobrovolny—A member of SNAP, Inc. and past board member of other community groups, such as the Seacliff Improvement Association. (Poor health has forced her to limit her community activities.)

Valerie Lyttle—A new member, who recently returned to the Seacliff area and chose to raise her family here.

Niki Derby—Candidate for SNAP, Inc. and another great asset to the Seacliff community. Niki also served as Chairperson for Residents for Seacliff Park, a community group that tried to pass Measure V, a bond that was to be used to purchase the original 3-acre lot and develop it into a community park. (future member)

I was one of the founding members of SNAP, Inc., have served with a number of other community groups, and now serve as SNAP Inc. Chairperson. Althought it is tempting to use the word important to describe the development of a community park in Seacliff as an important project, it is not a strong enough word. A better word is critical, as the original goal of the previous owners of the property was to first build a strip mall, which was defeated by Pepper Golesh and the Seacliff Village Plan Committee. Then a three-story hotel, defeated by Rick Stoker and SNAP, Inc., and Niki Derby leading Residents for Seacliff Park.

There are many other people and organizations to thank, as clearly nobody did this alone and no one group is entirely responsible for our success. We must include in our thanks government officials, such as Ellen Pirie, Barry Samuel, and Joe Schultz, who have demonstrated that there can be a successful partnership between community and government. Indeed, one of the many joys of living in Seacliff is the activism of the members of this community.

We must also acknowledge those who disagree with us, because we do not have all the answers and they have earned our respect for advocating their position without compensation. This is our system and they are participating, rather than letting others decide for them, which happens all too often.

Kathy and I purchased our home in Seacliff in 1995 because it "felt right." We looked at houses in Santa Cruz County every weekend for over three months, and looked at our Seacliff house three times before we decided it was the right one. It was older, smaller, and in more disrepair than most, but our highest priority was to find a place where we could be part of the community, and no where else did it feel better than it did in Seacliff.

The Seacliff Park project is critical to enhancing that unique sense of community we have always felt, maintaining open space for everyone to enjoy, and leaving a legacy of family values. Although developing our park is not an easy task and includes many heartbreaking disappointments for those who have volunteered their time, it is critical that it be finished. Not just to prevent incongruent development or provide a convenient place for children to play, but to say, "This is what Seacliff is about; participating in the community for the greater good of all who reside here."

I apologize for all the mistakes I have made and all the mistakes I have yet to make, but not for the beliefs I hold.

Thank you for your interest in this project. We welcome your participation on any level you choose, as we can always use a little extra help.

If nothing else, please visit this site on a regular basis and attend the related public meetings. Our goal is to keep you informed about issues that affect the development of a County park in Seacliff.

Sincerely,
Thomas Dobrovolny
Chairperson of Seacliff Needs A Park, Inc.

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