By Jondi Gumz
Christy Licker, proprietor of Caroline’s, the treasured nonprofit thrift shop in Aptos, still feels bruised, a week and a half after she was struck by a vehicle while walking in the crosswalk on Trout Gulch Road by Betty Burgers, near her shop.
Christy Licker in the Trout Gulch Road crosswalk.
“The driver failed to yield to the pedestrian,” said CHP Officer Israel Murillo, Jr. “That’s the whole reason we have these crosswalks.”
The driver was on the Valencia Street shortcut, turning onto Trout Gulch Road.
Licker thinks a flashing light would help.
Pedestrians can’t see drivers approaching from Trout Gulch Road because of the curve and overgrown vegetation until they are halfway into the crosswalk.
Steven Wiesner, assistant director of Santa Cruz County Public Works, said, “We are aware of the incident and DPW Traffic Engineering staff are currently reviewing the crosswalk configuration, roadway signage and striping to see if any changes are recommended. More to come.”
With Phase 2 of the Aptos Village Project under construction, locals worry more cars will make the area less safe for people on foot.
Phase 2 is 29 town homes plus ground-floor commercial space, but it does not include more parking or a public restroom.
Licker is excited about the potential for more foot traffic at her shop, which turns all the profits into donations for charities to help children, but she is concerned for the safety of her volunteer staff.
She has a small number of parking spaces in front of the shop, and about half her staff need handicapped access.
“I’ve seen a lot of near-misses,” she said.
Asked what uses could complement existing businesses in Aptos Village, she suggested a lunch- dinner place to use parking at night when stores are closed.
For example, Aptos Glass, 402 Trout Gulch Road, closes at 5, freeing parking for the adjacent Aptos St. BBQ.
Cathy Deleon, owner of Norma Jean’s Coffee for 18 years, said the new development is “something people are going to have to get used to.”
She’s seen more locals walking around, but Aptos Village hasn’t become a destination for out-of-town visitors, unless you count visitors to Nisene Marks State Park, which draws hikers and mountain bikers on weekends.
David Burnham, who rode his bicycle from Live Oak, said, “They’re trying to make it like Santana Row,” referring to the upscale San Jose venue with shopping, dining and residential rentals.
The new businesses include wineries and restaurants, and The Penny Ice Creamery.
The one new retailer os Sockshop Santa Cruz.
More New Stores
In September, Angelina Rennell opened Beklina, an eco-boutique for women, at 408 Trout Gulch Road after operating online for 17 years. She has thoughtful fashion, with colorful shoes made in Peru. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, other days by appointment. See www.beklina.com/pages/about.
Angelina Rennell, owner of Beklina
In May, Wendy Clarke opened Calicoastal Boutique at 8042 Soquel Drive, in the turn-of-the-century Aptos post office next to Café Sparrow, which has new owners Bailey Suesens, daughter of the founders, and her husband Donnie.
Calicoastal is an upscale lifestyle store based on Clarke’s work at Aptos Seascape Resort. She’s open six days a week, 11:30 am. to 5 p.m. weekdays, til 5:30 p.m. on weekends, closed Mondays.
Around the corner at 8050 Soquel Drive is Magnolia Fine Gifts & Gallery, recently expanded by owner Linda Meltzer with artistic one-of-a-kind pieces, home décor, jewelry and women’s apparel.
She’s open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., til 4 p.m. on Sunday, and she has parking.