Save the "Bird in Flight” Rio Del Mar’s Iconic Whaley Sculpture
The Whaley Sculpture at the Rio Del Mar Roundabout, a significant public artwork, is showing signs of wear and needs restoration.
The RDMIA seeks professional services and donations to inspect and repair the sculpture. The community is encouraged to support the Whaley Sculpture Restoration Fund to preserve this important local heritage.
The Rio del Mar roundabout proudly showcases "A Bird in Flight," a 14-foot metal sculpture designed by Joseph Spencer in 1976.
Located initially at Clubhouse Drive and Rio Del Mar Boulevard, it was moved in 2014 to the roundabout to restore its prominence.
This iconic artwork, recognized by the Library of Congress and the Smithsonian Institution, honors Tom Whaley, a dedicated Caltrans highway engineer and director of RDMIA. The sculpture is a tribute to Whaley's legacy and the enduring community spirit he inspired.
2025 Highlights
Collaboration Triumphs in Palm Tree Trimming Project
The Rio del Mar Improvement Association (RDMIA) recently completed a palm tree trimming project at the Esplanade, initiated by members Jeff Whalen and Joyce Burnett.
Despite challenges like high bids and ownership issues, the project was completed with the help of Davey Tree, which provided free labor and equipment. Thank you, Davey Tree!
RDMIA members covered the debris removal cost through donations, showcasing successful collaboration with local businesses.
2024 Highlights
Updated RDMIA By-Laws
Over the past year, the RDMIA Board conducted a thorough review of the By-Laws and identified several opportunities for improvement.
During the October 2024 semi-annual meeting, members voted to update outdated language and implement significant enhancements, including revising membership types, expanding member options, and enlarging the Rio Del Mar membership area.
To discover more about these exciting developments in our community, consider becoming a member and downloading the latest newsletter update in PDF format.
RDMIA Coverage Updated
(click on images to enlarge)
CURRENT MEMBERSHIP AREA
Enlarged membership area to include homes and businesses along Soquel between State Park
Drive and Rio Del Mar Blvd., and any in the Aptos Village Project bounded by Aptos Creek and
Trout Gulch, and adding Seascape and homes between the highway and north of San Andreas
Road, excluding La Selva Beach: *9
Fallen Hero Fund, Signs Go Solar, and the Hidden Beach Park Playground
RDMIA's mission to enhance our neighborhood through beautification, advocacy, and engagement perfectly aligns with keeping Rio del Mar a safe, supportive and happy place to live. Membership within the RDMIA matters. Below are a few ways our membership and resources positively impacted our community over the past six months.
-
Replaced lighting for Rio Del Mar signs with new improved solar light fixtures
-
Tree trimming to enhance charging capability of signage solor lights
-
Additional landscape care was done to renovate the Rio Del Mar median landscapes
-
Donation made toward the Hidden Beach Park Playground in Tribute to Jett Ramsey
-
Contributions made toward Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller, Fallen Heroes Fund
For a comprehensive update on maximizing RDMIA member contributions, please read the latest Newsletter. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the next in-person community meeting. If you are not yet a member, please consider becoming a member and supporting your Rio Del Mar community. Register online here today.
Help Restore the Rio del Mar Park & Playground
Let's rally together to create an incredible new Rio del Mar Park space! Imagine a safe and dynamic play environment for our kids and families, free from flooding and hazards.
With the enthusiastic backing of the School, District Superintendent, District Supervisor, and Rio Del Mar Parent Alliance are eager to partner with the district and county to bring this vision to life.
Together, our community can overcome the funding challenge and achieve an amazing and ADA-accessible playground everyone can enjoy. Help make it happen!
To learn more about the project and how you can contribute, visit the Restore Rio Del Mar Park website or Restore Rio Del Mar on Facebook, both managed by the Rio Del Mar Parent Alliance members.
Unsafe for Play
(click on images to enlarge)
Artist Rendering of Proposed Park Playground
(click image to enlarge)
Rio del Mar Walkway Controversy Goes Global: Luxury Neighborhood Residents Fined $4.7m for Blocking Public Beach Access
-
The Times of London: “Life isn’t a beach in California town divided over public walkway”
-
The UK Mirror: "Luxury neighbourhood residents fined $4.7m after barriers block public beach"
-
The Guardian: California homeowners raise stakes – and a fence – in beach access battle
-
New York Post: Wealthy California HOA erects fence blocking beach access
(click image to enlarge)
Our History, Updated.
The construction of the new Aptos Branch Library is well on its way to completion.
-
The majority of the interior work is nearing completion.
-
The landscaping efforts are underway.
-
The branch will have curated green spaces and outdoor seating areas to enhance the overall experience for our visitors.
-
Art installations are currently being installed. The branch will incorporate public art installations, and the Aptos History Museum will have displays inside the new library.
Rio Del Mar News Archives were discovered at the Aptos History Museum
The Aptos Chamber and History Museum gave us boxes of past newsletters last month. We LOVE what Ed Vautier wrote in the 1970 issue below:
“I can’t think of a better insurance than $1.00 per month dues to ensure that the Association keeps up the good work, and more importantly, your membership proves to volunteers and directors that you care enough to support their efforts – it indicates your appreciation and encourages them to work harder.”
2023 Highlights
-
Aptos History Museum Update and exclusive RDMIA Member benefits
-
John Hibble “Round and Round We Go," Rio Del Mar History - Courtesy of the Aptos History Museum
2023 Meeting Guest Speakers
-
Zach Friend, Santa Cruz County Supervisor District 2
-
Nolan Clark, Coastal Planner, California Coastal Commission
-
Lauren Kitayama, Outreach Coordinator, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
Special thanks to Recently Retired Director Sam Nazzal for his years of dedicated service as the Treasurer of the RDMIA. Sam is a Life Member who remains engaged with ongoing projects. Join us in thanking Sam in person at our next project.
Special thank you to Joyce Barnett for her endless gardening effort on our most visible landmark in Rio Del Mar, the Esplanade Roundabout
Making a Difference Post-Pandemic
"There is no question that Santa Cruz County today is different than it was 30 years ago, and we know that some elements will also change 30 years from now. How do we invest inre can the county improve its methods? Where should we focus our efforts?" At the Spring 2023 Meeting, Santa Cruz County's Second District Supervisor Zach Friend gave us insight into these questions and the shared vision for Santa Cruz County. He also announced the launch of a new website’s features and all the important tools being made available to our community.
At the April 19 Rio Sands Meeting, Marcus Pimentel, Santa Cruz County Budget Manager, explained how very little of our tax contributions are available to spend on county projects compared to other counties in the state. Where’s all our money going?
Sarah Christensen, the senior transportation engineer in charge of key projects including the Watsonville to Santa Cruz Multimodal Corridor Program and Coastal Rail Trail, discussed the trail and highway updates that impact our members.
For a comprehensive update on maximizing RDMIA member contributions, please read the Spring of 2023 and Fall 2022 Newsletters. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at the next meeting. If you are not a member, please consider supporting RDMIA in enhancing your neighborhood!
Mission Forward through the Pandemic
2020 through late 2021 was a challenging time for our country. Plans and efforts to complete projects were delayed, yet we want to take a moment to consider the positives, which must always include how lucky we are to live in this great country and, further, being a part of such a great community.
The RDMIA's mission is to enhance our neighborhood through beautification, advocacy, and engagement, which perfectly aligns with keeping Rio del Mar a safe, supportive, and happy place to live.
RDMIA continues to be very engaged despite the pandemic-related restrictions on group activities. We've been putting your membership contributions to good use to pursue the mission.
-
Installed solar lighting at the Highway 1 exit, Rio del Mar wall
-
Refurbished the roundabout sign and improved the solar lighting
-
Trimmed the Magnolia trees to restore the Rio del Mar sign solar panel output at the Deer Park median
-
Competed in volunteer landscape work on road medians
-
Contributed to Hidden Beach Park playground Jett Ramsey Tribute fundraiser
-
Donated to Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller Heroes Fallen Fund
-
Promoted weekly County Supervisor Town Hall calls covering pandemic and local issues
2020 - 2021 Highlights
Median Landscape Improvements
RDMIA members Patrick and Caroline Kelley stepped in. They got their hands dirty to rejuvenate and replant water-wise and low-maintenance ground coverings at the Treasure Island Sumner Drive and Rio del Mar Blvd intersection medians.
Patrick shares that it was" one and done" with the turnover of the old to the new within an hour. Thank you both for your time and talent!
Do you have one hour to spare? There are other landscape projects on the horizon, and RDMIA can use your help. Please consider becoming a Volunteer member of RDMIA. Complete our quick contact form or send an email with the subject. "RDMIA Volunteer" to info@rdmia.org
RDMIA and Save Our Shores
2020 California 36th Annual Coastal Cleanup
Hidden Beach, Seascape (Beer Can) Beach, Platforms Beach, & Rio del Mar Beach
Let's help clean our local beaches and natural areas. Beach cleanups began at our doors and on our sands. Trash traveled through storm drains, creeks, and rivers, becoming beach pollution, not to mention the garbage often left behind by beachgoers.
During late summer 2020, instead of meeting at public events throughout California on a single date, cleanups occurred every Saturday throughout the month. (If Saturdays don't work, you can clean up whenever suits you.)
Cleanups were self-guided. Participants chose any beach or natural area in their community, complying with beach restrictions from September 5th to 7th.
Safe Beach Cleanups Drive Save Our Shores Fundraiser
Every crew member practiced physical distancing and strictly followed local ordinances and guidelines from the California Coastal Commission website. Safety was a priority!
Participants counted every piece of trash collected, reporting thoroughly and accurately to help create a complete picture of Coastal Cleanup 2020. Every item collected, step taken, and cleanup raised funds for Save Our Shores! Generous sponsors, Driscoll's and Blue River Technology, supported the event with the following metrics: $20 for every 50 pieces of trash collected, $10 for each cleanup conducted, and $5 for every mile cleaned.
To ensure cleanups counted towards the fundraiser, participants used the Clean Swell App by the Ocean Conservancy to record necessary data. If cell coverage was an issue at the beach, data was recorded manually during collection and reentered into the Clean Swell App at home.
Data was collected primarily through the Clean Swell App for smartphones, or participants could download the paper data card in English and Spanish.
Hidden Beach Cleanups
Friday, 7/5/19 - Hidden Beach and Park
Rio del Mar Improvement Association remains committed to Save Our Shores and the Adopt-A-Beach program in 2019 and will continue facilitating Hidden Beach clean-ups.
2019 Hidden Beach Clean Up Days with RDMIA and Save Our Shores
-
Friday, July 5th - Was one of the dirtiest days for our local beaches, where over a thousand pounds of trash can be found at the edge of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
-
Saturday, September 21st - Annual Coastal Cleanup Day - a statewide effort is the most considerable volunteer effort on the planet, where tons of trash are removed from the coastline yearly.
RDMIA and our community act to help keep Hidden Beach clean by trying to keep marine debris out of the ocean throughout the year! California’s Adopt-a-Beach program allows people of all ages to learn more about and actively participate in conserving our precious marine resources.
RDMIA is excited to bring the community together to be a part of the solution to ocean pollution!
Your membership dollars made it possible to donate $100 to Save Our Shores in addition to everyone’s ongoing volunteer energies.
RDMIA greets all volunteers at Hidden Beach park picnic tables to sign in, gather supplies, and answer any questions. We encourage volunteers to bring their gloves if possible. Rain cancels events.
2019 Highlights
SAVE LIVES partnership
Santa Cruz County & Community Foundation
The Health Services Agency of Santa Cruz County Partners with SAVE LIVES Santa Cruz County
A framework to safely move forward that protects residents and aligns with State public health authorities, based on measurable objectives, to increase community resiliency.
Recognizing the challenge COVID-19 poses to the community, SAVE Lives Santa Cruz County is a partnership between the County of Santa Cruz and the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz.
The community-based plan is designed to facilitate progress based on four principles:
-
SLOW THE SPREAD
-
ADAPT AND ADJUST
-
VACCINATE AND TREAT
-
ELEVATE READINESS
For more information, visit the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency Website.
Walkers, Bikers, Friends, and Neighbors Stroll to the Aptos Village Green
Saturday, 8/3/2019
Pedestrians, Bicyclists, Friends, Family, and Neighbors arrived for a Saturday Stroll to the
Aptos Village Green event on Saturday, August 3rd.
Hosted by the Seacliff Improvement Association, RDMIA encouraged everyone in the community to attend this important annual event. The welcome booth opened at 10 am, and prizes were drawn at 11 am.
-
New Leaf Market provided snacks
-
Pedestrian survey results
-
Prizes from the Aptos Village merchants.
-
The first 100 arrivals received a reusable New Leaf shopping bag
A quick survey completed at the welcome booth will help to:
-
Inform the local transportation agencies about your experience
-
Increase and improve pedestrian safety measures for walking and cycling to and from the Aptos Village
Imagine the difference we can make together. Please share this with family, friends, and neighbors to speak up about safe walking and biking to Aptos Village!
RDMIA Fall 2019 Meeting
RDMIA members and neighbors attended the semi-annual Fall meeting at the Rio Sands Hotel on Wednesday, November 6th, 2019, at 6:30 pm. Doors opened at 6:15.
Guest speakers included:
-
Zach Friend, 2nd District Supervisor - Community updates
-
Matt Machado, Director of Public Works - Measure D update for local roads
-
Eric Sturm, SC Parks Dept. Superintendent - Hidden Beach Park improvements & community input
Zach will offer his always entertaining Rio del Mar Community update; Matt will lead an informative discussion covering the current local road improvements and Measure D projects. And Eric introduced HBP enhancements.
Hidden Beach Park Improvement Celebration
Saturday, 12/1/18
Rio del Mar Improvement Association and the Santa Cruz County Parks Department are excited to celebrate the recent upgrades to Hidden Beach Park. Please join us for a dedication of gratitude for our supporters and members who helped make these improvements:
-
New water faucet with pet trough
-
ADA-compliant Porta Potty
-
Refinished picnic tables
-
Entrance sign relocation and landscape
Please stop by for coffee, juice, refreshments, and dog treats as we gather to give thanks for everyone's support. Come and meet your neighbors and community members. Dog-friendly event - everyone is welcome!
Many thanks to Starbucks at Post Office Way, Safeway at Rancho del Mar Shopping Center, and Aptos Feed & Pet Supply for donations supporting this event!
aptos Feed & Pet Supply
2018 Highlights
2018 Hidden Beach Annual Coastal Cleanup
Hidden Beach Park and Beach
Join in and be a part of the State’s largest annual volunteer event on Coastal Clean Up Day. RDMIA, Save Our Shores, and the California Coastal Commission welcome everyone’s participation. This is an ideal opportunity for students to earn community service, too!
You can help us reduce our footprint and save time at the Annual Coastal Cleanup by doing the following:
-
Please print and fill out this waiver and bring it to the cleanup. For English, click here, and for Spanish, click here
-
Download the Annual Coastal Cleanup Day app, CleanSwell, to record cleanup data. This will enable you to tally your trash collection as you go
-
BYOG: Bring your gear. Come to our cleanup with your gloves, bucket, grabbers, and filled reusable water bottles
-
All volunteers, please check in at the picnic tables
-
For more details, please visit the SOS Annual Coastal Cleanup
The event will be sponsored by the Rio Del Mar Improvement Association and Save Our Shores in coordination with the California Coastal Commission. For more information, contact info@rdmia.org.
Hidden Beach 4th of July Cleanup
The Rio del Mar Improvement Association and Save Our Shores will sponsor an Earth Day beach cleanup at Hidden Beach, Aptos, on Thursday, July 5, 9-11 a.m. Meet at the picnic tables at Hidden Beach Park to sign in and pick up supplies. Students may earn community service credit. The rain cancels the event.
Event sponsored by the Rio Del Mar Improvement Association and Save Our Shores
Santa Cruz County Officials Join the RDMIA Push for a Safe July 4th in Aptos, CA
In anticipation of the 4th of July, the Rio del Mar Improvement Association (RDMIA) is taking proactive steps to ensure a safe celebration in Aptos. Responding to community concerns about theft and illegal fireworks, RDMIA hosted a meeting with Zach Friend and Sgt. Kelly Kent to discuss safety measures. Key advice included securing homes and vehicles and utilizing vacation watch services.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's office launched a fireworks deterrent and 4th of July safety program across communities in our county, vacation rental owners, and tourists, with fines of up to $1,000 for illegal fireworks. RDMIA encourages residents to enjoy the holiday responsibly, offering resources to ensure a memorable and secure celebration.
2018 Summer Safety Meeting
Many thanks to Sgt. Kent and Lieutenant Greg, Supervisor Friend, and all who attended discuss the upcoming 4th of July holiday and updates about recent auto crimes in the neighborhood. Your time was greatly appreciated!
Celebrate a safe and enjoyable 4th of July in Santa Cruz County by adhering to local regulations. Fireworks are banned under Chapter 7.92 of the County Code, with violators facing fines up to $1,000.
Auto and Crime Safety
-
Remember to lock your automobile doors as well as your home. Most break-ins occur in unlocked cars.
-
Mailbox theft usually happens in rural areas. For peace of mind, consider a locked mailbox. When traveling, the Post Office provides a hold mail service. For more info, go to USPS.
-
Call the Sheriff’s office and ask for a vacation watch when traveling. The Sheriff will patrol your area while you’re away. Details can be found here.
-
If you see something, say something. The Sheriff encourages you to call the non-emergency number 831.471.1121 if you suspect something.
-
Better to be safe and alerting the Sheriff of usual behaviors often helps handle potential future crimes.
Alcohol consumption in public and excessive noise can also incur fines. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office will increase enforcement, especially in coastal areas.
Protect the environment and your pets by leaving fireworks to professional displays. Keep pets indoors in a quiet, secure area to prevent distress from loud noises. Enjoy food, family, and friends for a fun and safe holiday, and ensure your pets are comfortable and secure.
Firework Deterrent Program
-
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s office contacted vacation rental owners, alerting them of the illegality of fireworks and the $1,000 fines. All renters must be informed of this law, in addition to tourists staying in local accommodations.
-
The County of Santa Cruz, in conjunction with the SC County Sheriff’s Department, launched a social media campaign about the dangers and violations related to firework use. The press release can be read here.
-
Safety tips for a safe holiday and pet care are outlined here.
-
Family safety comes first, and we hope these friendly reminders of the County’s efforts to deter illegal fireworks will make your 4th of July holiday one of the best.
Hidden Beach Park Improvement Fundraiser Brings Over $3,400 to the Community
Many thanks to the RDMIA members, Rio del Mar community, and partners for all your donations! The association exceeded the $1,500 fundraising goal and, with the promised match from the Santa Cruz Parks Department, has generated over $3,400 for Hidden Beach Park improvements.
The funds will go directly to replace the broken water faucet at the park. An upgraded model, explicitly designed to help prevent blockages, includes water outlets for adults, children, and pets and is on its way.
The new water faucet is scheduled to be installed this summer. In addition to the water faucet, SC Parks has committed to repairing the broken sidewalk along the grass area leading to the playground. We will keep you posted on progress and announce when the work is complete.
The Rio del Mar Improvement Association also thanks the Community Foundation for their support and funds, along with the exceptional help of the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz. Another shout-out to SC Parks for their support and engagement. This effort and important direct neighborhood resident donations have helped prioritize these improvements for our local neighborhood park. Your efforts and contributions are making a difference!
Hidden Beach Park Improvement Project: The Human Race Fundraiser
The Human Race is an opportunity to raise funds for RDMIA’s Hidden Beach Park Improvement Project in collaboration with the S.C. Parks Department. The Human Race is the longest continuously running race in the United States and is the largest collaborative fundraiser in Santa Cruz County. #humanracesc
Human Race - Saturday, May 12th, 9:00 am
Registration begins at 8 am - 5K walk/run
Great News - Santa Cruz County Parks Department has agreed to match donations dollar for dollar up to $5,000! Thank you, SC County Parks, for your generous support.
Hidden Beach Park is a gem in our neighborhood where families, neighbors, and visitors gather for birthday parties, playdates, dog play, and making memories. The park was dedicated in 1992 and has been a community favorite ever since.
Funds raised are for park improvements, including picnic table upgrades, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance, portable potty, and the larger scope playground project.
The initial donations, matched by the SC County Parks Department, will fund the potential costs estimated at $150,000. This fundraiser is one of many we will participate in as a community to bring this wonderful park up to current standards.
Join RDMIA in this new endeavor and make a difference with your contribution! Please donate today.
Earth Day, Hidden Beach Cleanup with Save Our Shores
The Rio del Mar Improvement Association and Save Our Shores will sponsor an Earth Day beach cleanup at Hidden Beach, Aptos, on Saturday, April 21, 9-11 a.m. Meet at the picnic tables at Hidden Beach Park to sign in and pick up supplies. Students may earn community service credit. The rain cancels the event.
The Rio Del Mar Improvement Association sponsored the event, along with Save Our Shores. For more information, contact fayjoe1@yahoo.com.
For more local Earth Day activities, visit Earth Day Santa Cruz
RDMIA Spring Meeting
Wednesday, 4/18/18
Thank you to all who attended the Spring RDMIA meeting. It was a huge success with a SRO audience. Scott Grady from Terramar Retail Centers spoke about the Rancho del Mar Shopping Center’s progress and confirmed current tenants and expected completion dates. For the meeting summary, please visit the Aptos Times article.
As always, Zach Friend’s wit and knowledge were well received in his discussion about current cannabis regulations, the status of the Esplanade’s Seabreeze lots, now owned by the County, and the upcoming lottery for the Aptos Village Measure J units.
Many thanks to RDMIA’s community partners for contributing to the meeting’s success. Mangiamo’s Pizza of Deer Park Shopping Center for the delicious pizza served, Flats Bistro at the Esplanade for raffle prize gift certificates, and to the Rio Sands Hotel for providing the excellent meeting space. Your support is appreciated, and we hope our members will show their gratitude by patronizing your business.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact info@rdmia.org.
County Parks Strategic Plan Meetings
The SC County Parks Department invites you to attend one or more of three public meetings to review the draft County Parks Strategic Plan. This plan will guide the next decade of parks, trails, playgrounds, programs, summer camps, athletic fields, etc. Public meetings are scheduled for:
-
Tuesday, March 27, 6:00 PM, Community Room at Simpkins Family Swim Center (Live Oak)
-
Wednesday, March 28, 6:00 PM, Highlands County Park (Ben Lomond)
-
Thursday, March 29, 6:00 PM, Civic Center Community Room (Watsonville)
Stormwater Drainage Issues Public Meeting
You are invited to join Zach Friend, SC County Supervisor, for a community discussion about stormwater runoff and drainage issues that affect Rio del Mar and Seacliff. This explicitly addresses "The Flats”.
To work towards a solution, Zach is hosting the meeting with County staff to discuss these drainage problems and solutions. This will be an informational meeting about the available options.
Issues addressed at the meeting will include:
-
An understanding of the stormwater management district's boundaries
-
What the zone's authority is (meaning what work can be done)
-
Funding challenges we face
-
Options for financing drainage improvements through the zone should the community want that, especially in light of last year's damage
Thank you, everyone, for attending the October association meeting at the Rio Sands Hotel.
Many thanks to Colt Esenwein and the Santa Cruz County Public Works Department for discussing the RDM Flats Stormwater Drainage Improvement Project.
The estimated project timing was predicated upon FEMA extending the grant timeline and releasing more funds. The discussion further addressed flooding issues and the need for adequate and appropriate drainage.
In addition, County Supervisor Zach Friend discussed the impact of the upcoming marijuana legalization in District 2.
Thanks to departing Board member Fay Levinson for all her efforts and contributions. Fay will continue to facilitate the beach clean-ups with Save Our Shores. Great job, Fay! And you, too, Joe.