Earthrise Financial Ribbon Cutting
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he Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Earthrise Financial, welcoming the independent wealth management firm to the Scotts Valley business community. Located at 5007 Scotts Valley Drive, Earthrise Financial was founded by Kevin Mize, who brings nearly four decades of experience in the financial industry. Mize created the firm with a focus on providing personalized financial planning and investment guidance to families, business owners, individuals and nonprofit organizations throughout Santa Cruz County. The firm’s name was inspired by the iconic Earthrise photograph taken during the Apollo 8 mission. For Mize, the image represents optimism, innovation and the belief in continued human progress. After years in the traditional brokerage industry, Mize wanted to create a firm where investment decisions could be made independently with the client’s interests at the center. Earthrise Financial operates through Raymond James, which provides the operational resources while allowing Mize to maintain the independent approach he values. Mize chose Scotts Valley for the firm’s headquarters because of its unique location and the opportunity to serve both Santa Cruz County and the nearby Silicon Valley business community. He describes Scotts Valley as a natural gateway between the two regions and believes the area is well positioned for continued growth. Earthrise Financial’s approach emphasizes long term
financial planning, disciplined investing, diversification and protecting clients from the impact of significant market downturns. The firm works with multigenerational families, business owners, nonprofit organizations, charitable foundations and individuals with concentrated stock positions.
The new office also reflects Mize’s personality and interests. Described as “Redwood forest meets space station,” the building combines natural materials including stone and redwood with modern technology and a distinctive space themed design. Community involvement is another important part of Earthrise Financial’s mission. The team volunteers with Reaching Out and recently sponsored a Scotts Valley Little League team. The Earthrise Space Cowboys went on to win the AA Championship, giving Mize one of his favorite community memories. The firm also has a strong connection to nonprofit organizations, with approximately one third of the assets it manages belonging to charitable foundations, trusts and 501(c)(3) organizations. The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce was proud to join Earthrise Financial for its ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration, marking the official welcome of the firm to the local business community. The chamber particularly enjoyed working with Christy Hubbell who worked to organize their ribbon cutting, they went all out with food trucks & bands, it was a fun afternoon in Scotts Valley appreciated by many. Congratulations to Kevin Mize and the entire Earthrise Financial team, we look forward to supporting their continued growth and involvement in the community. Earthrise Financial is located at 5007 Scotts Valley Drive in Scotts Valley. For more info: www.raymondjames.com/earthrisefinancial/
New Member Spotlight: Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center
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More Than 90 Years of Support in Santa Cruz County
or more than ninety years, Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center has been a place families in Santa Cruz County turn to in their hardest moments. Founded in 1933, the Santa Cruz nonprofit provides confidential support to survivors of domestic violence, families in crisis, and young children, and it has grown into one of the region’s most trusted community resources. The organization’s services span the full arc of a family’s needs. Walnut Avenue operates a 24-hour crisis hotline, a
confidential shelter, peer counseling, and legal advocacy for survivors, alongside a food pantry and emergency assistance. Its Early Childhood Education program serves infants through pre-kindergarten, giving parents a safe, nurturing place for their children as they rebuild. The need is growing. This past year, hotline calls rose 23 percent and peer counseling sessions were up 34 percent, a sign of both rising demand and a community increasingly willing to reach out for help.
This October, Walnut Avenue invites the community to celebrate that work at Above the Tide, its signature annual benefit brunch. The event takes place Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM at La Bahia Hotel & Spa in Santa Cruz. Guests will enjoy a welcome reception with sparkling wine, a silent auction, a showcase of artwork created by teens and survivors in the organization’s programs, and a seated brunch with a short program and live auction. The timing is intentional. October is
Art Wine & Beer Memories Inside!
Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a period each year when communities across the country recommit to supporting survivors and preventing abuse. Above the Tide gives Santa Cruz County neighbors, businesses, and families a chance to stand together in that spirit. Tickets are $125, and sponsorships are available. To learn more or to join, visit wafwc.org/abovethetide. To reach Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center, contact Heather Heen at hheen@wafwc. org or 831-316-1813.
Call the Chamber Today or Visit www.scottsvalleychamber.com
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Scotts Valley Chamber News
Thank You
T LEFT: Donny Dumller won the Best of Show Award with his Beautiful Chevy Cameo! Congrats Donny. RIGHT: Mike and his 1969 Chevelle Malibu won the Chiefs Choice Award.
From the Scotts Valley Chamber
he Scotts Valley Chamber o merce wants to thank all the Wineries, Breweries, Ciderie Vendors, Businesses, Staff, Vo Sponsors and the Community for make the 2026 Art Wine & Beer Fes best year yet! Enjoy these images from all thr the festival, and let’s all look forwar year!
LEFT: Kim Pursley from Kalani Day Spa joined in the Wellness Day celebration. BELOW: Monica Martinez, County Supervisor, District 5, Chair of the Board- County of Santa Cruz, Officially opened up our inaugural Wellness Day with Maaliea Wilbur, LMFT, Founder & CEO of Therapy Works.
LEFT: Officer Stoeberl singing the National Anthem. BELOW: Saturday morning volunteer staff at the Boardwalk.
Celebrating 45 Years of Managing & Selling Homes throughout Santa Cruz County — 1981 – 2026 Newly Remodeled Studio Cottage centrally located in the heart of Ben Lomond at 9600 Hwy 9, Unit G. Full kitchen with stove & refrigerator. Large closet. Small yard. No laundry onsite. 1 cat ok. ....................................................................................................................................................................................................AVAIL NOW Darling Sunny Upstairs 1BR/BA Apartment in the heart of Felton located at 208 Farmer Street. Full kitchen. New flooring and interior paint. Shared laundry. One off-street parking space. No pets. ......................................................................................................................................................................................AVAIL September 11 1BR/1BA 700+ sq ft Storybook Home in peaceful setting located at 7897 Empire Grade in Bonnydoon. This unique property is the ultimate get away from suburbia yet a quick drive to the ocean, forest and town. The living room features a fireplace. The kitchen is tastefully updated and fully equipped. The bedroom has an extra large closet and the bathroom has a tub/shower combo. Great outdoor space with large deck. No pets.....................................................................................................................AVAIL NOW Quiet 2BR/1BA Upstairs Condo in Village Greens at 311 Bean Creek #402 near Downtown Scotts Valley. Large living room with fireplace & deck. Fully equipped kitchen with pass-thru to dining area. W/D in unit. Small storage area in shared storage building. No pets. ..............................................................................................AVAIL NOW Updated Santa Cruz Mountains 2BR/1BA Home with upstairs entrance at 1024 Rambling Rd in Boulder Creek. Beautiful commute to Santa Cruz and/or Silicon Valley. Woodstove in Living room. Large Modern kitchen. Large Updated Bathrm. W/D hookups. Small dedicated office area. Extra storage below home. Cat considered.........AVAIL NOW Tranquil Spacious Downstairs 2BR/1BA Duplex Apartment at 1406 Glen Canyon Rd in Santa Cruz. New Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout. Wood burning FP in Living room. Shared laundry. Water & garbage included. Pet considered. No cosigners. ...............................................................................................................AVAIL NOW Updated 2nd floor Westside Santa Cruz 2BR/2BA Condo in the Baywood complex at 41 Grandview Ave. #1504. Open floor plan with new flooring. Kitchen features granite counters & stainless steel refrigerator, stove & dishwasher. Laundry in unit. Extra storage closets in shared garage. Co-signers welcome. .................................AVAIL NOW
12 / September 2026 / Scotts Times 12 / September 2026 /Valley Scotts Valleywww.tpgonlinedaily.com Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
PROPOSED
RATE INCREASE The Scotts Valley Water District is proposing a rate increase and changes to the rate structure. A Board Public Hearing will be held on Oct. 8, 2026. Interested persons are encouraged to attend. For more information, please visit www.svwd.org/ratestudy
Scotts Valley Chamber News
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ABOVE: SambaDa had the crowd dancing on Saturday. BELOW: Cody Jarvis belongs on the big stage.
CLOCKWISE FORM LOWER LEFT: Arwen Reber and Murphy — First place for Best Doggie Tricks • Dog Day Judges are the BEST! Big Thanks to Mayor Donna Lind, Realtor & Think Local First Board President Janet Romanowski, Former Scotts Valley Chief of Police Steve Walpole and Greg Wimp, Togo’s Owner and SV City Council. • Donna and Greg enjoying the day. • A gentleman and his dog. • A classy lady and her dog.
LEFT: Shady Rest band rocked the field Megan St. Charles from Enchanted Little Forest Friends and her crew helped re-invent the Kids Art & Adventure Zone. It was Amazing!
a Tr y E FRE s! s Cla
SEE EVERYONE NEXT YEAR!
Register Now for Fall Classes
Music Together
®
Indoors or Outdoors! Join us for the best in early Childhood Music Enrichment, Family Bonding & Fun – for ages Birth to 5 years.
Don’t Miss Out – Contact Us Today! 831.332.9002 • MusicalMe.com
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Scotts Valley Chamber News
Sustainable Market Celebrates Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting in Scotts Valley T he Scotts Valley business community recently gathered to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Sustainable Market, a new local retailer founded by Sarah De Leon with a mission to make environmentally responsible products more accessible to everyone. Located at 225 Technology Circle in Scotts Valley, Sustainable Market brings together a carefully selected collection of ecofriendly lifestyle products designed to help individuals, families and businesses make more sustainable choices without sacrificing quality, style or affordability. The company describes itself as a new retailer connecting environmentally responsible products with conscious consumers, with a vision of making sustainable living an accessible part of everyday life. The celebration welcomed community members, business leaders and guests for an evening of drinks, bites and a special ribbon cutting hosted by De Leon, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Market. Guests also had the opportunity to explore the company’s selection of products and take advantage of special event pricing. Sustainable Market offers products across a wide range of categories, including health and wellness, outdoor and garden, bath, kitchen, household, school and office,
clothing and accessories, as well as products for children and families. The company’s focus includes ethical and sustainable, fair trade, zero waste, vegan and recycled products. For De Leon, the goal goes beyond simply selling environmentally friendly products. Sustainable Market was created around the belief that choosing sustainable alternatives
should be simple, affordable, and available to everyone. By curating innovative products and partnering with responsible brands, the company hopes to help consumers make choices that are better for both people and the planet. The celebration was a wonderful opportunity for the Scotts Valley community to welcome De Leon and Sustainable Market to
the local business community and learn more about a company working to make sustainability part of everyday shopping. Sustainable Market is currently open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., with plans to expand to Sundays in the fall. For more information or to explore the company’s products, visit sustainablemarket. com
Scotts Valley Chamber Welcomes Marissa Ledesma to Board of Directors
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he Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Marissa Ledesma to our Board of Directors. Marissa serves as Branch Manager of Bay Federal Credit Union in Scotts Valley and brings valuable leadership experience, including previous service on the Aptos Chamber of Commerce Board. We are grateful that she has chosen to share her time, talents, and passion for community with the Chamber. A strong Chamber depends on a strong board. Behind every successful Chamber is a dedicated group of volunteers who help guide the organization, support local businesses, and strengthen the community
through leadership, collaboration, and fresh ideas. We are fortunate to have a board that is knowledgeable, supportive, and genuinely enjoys working together, and Marissa is a wonderful addition to that team. She has already jumped right in, by joining Board Member Jeanette Larkin in the Margarita Tent during the Scotts Valley Art, Wine and Beer Festival, where we expanded to sell some festival merchandise & sodas. If you attended the festival, you might have seen Marissa & Jeanette and friends smiling the whole time. That tent was definitely a vibe! Marissa’s enthusiasm, relationship building skills, and commitment to serving
Advertise in the Scotts Valley Chamber Newsletter
14 / September 2026 / Scotts Valley Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
her community make her a natural fit for the Chamber. We look forward to working alongside her as we continue creating opportunities for our members, supporting local businesses, and helping Scotts Valley thrive. If you’ve ever considered serving on a nonprofit or Chamber board, we encourage you to explore the opportunity. Board service is a rewarding way to develop leadership skills, expand your professional network, and make a meaningful impact in the community. Welcome to the team, Marissa. We are excited to have you with us and can’t wait to see all we’ll accomplish together.
CALL FOR SPECIAL RATES 831.688.7549
Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce 360 King’s Village Road Scotts Valley, CA 95066