Introducing the Mountain

Many in our community have visited the north side of the Loma Prieta Joint Union School District campus, but few realize it now has an official name. This area, recently designated as the Mountain Community Complex, is part of a unique partnership between the school district and the Loma Prieta Community Foundation (LPCF), that leases the space with a shared vision: to create a vibrant gathering place for everyone in the mountain community.

The complex already includes several familiar spaces, including Building Blocks Cooperative Preschool, the community room, the Loma Prieta Playfield, the gazebo, the redwood amphitheater, and the baseball diamond. These amenities have long served as the backdrop for classes, celebrations, performances, and youth programs.

There is more on the way. In collaboration with the school district, plans are underway to revitalize a second community room. When complete, the building will also house a joint county sheriff’s station—bringing together both Santa Cruz County and Santa Clara County Sheriff’s offices. This addition will expand the complex’s capacity to host and provide essential community services.

The long-term vision for the Mountain Complex is simple: To build a welcoming, activity-filled center where residents of all ages can gather, learn, create, and reconnect. Imagine enrichment classes under the redwoods, theater rehearsals in freshly renovated rooms, community meetings, family events, recreation programs, and the kind of everyday moments that strengthen our mountain community.

As this new chapter begins, we look forward to growing the complex into a lively hub that reflects the spirit of our mountain neighborhood: creative, resilient, and deeply connected. Stay tuned for more details, and visit lpcf.org to learn more about community and to book space at the Mountain Complex.

close to $18,000, all paid for by Scott. So far, the community has generously contributed $6,775 to help offset those expenses. Sharing these figures gives everyone a clear picture of the scale of the effort and offers those who wish to help the chance to do so.

Participation of every kind—showing up, volunteering, spreading cheer, or donating if you can—helps keep this tradition strong. If you’d like to contribute toward this year’s costs or pay it forward to next year, donations can be made at www.lpcf.org or by scanning this QR code. All contributions are tax-deductible.

If you’re interested in providing feedback on this year’s event, or providing ideas for next year, we’d love your input. Go to bit.ly/ MyTreeLightingFeedback or scan the QR code below. Thank you to everyone who made this celebration sparkle. Here’s to an even brighter gathering next year. Happy New Year!

Photos by Kevin Arnold