Proper Driving Etiquette for a Roundabout

If you've been down to the Wharf & Beach Boardwalk in Santa Cruz, you may have noticed drivers scratching their heads with a bewildered look on their face as they come upon the intersection of Pacific Ave, West Cliff Drive, and Beach St.

Many US drivers have never seen a roundabout before and have trouble navigating this circular intersection.  In many other parts of the world, roundabouts are very common and even considered the standard.

Benefits of roundabouts (when used properly... emphasis on properly) include:

• less traffic congestion
• ability to perform a U turn within the normal flow of traffic
• reduce the likelihood and severity of traffic collisions, specifically T-bone and head on collisions
• better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and decreased wear on brakes

Here is how to navigate a roundabout properly.

Here is how NOT to navigate a roundabout.

Santa Cruz County currently has 4 roundabouts in use. Two in Santa Cruz near Depot Park and the Wharf; one in Aptos at the Esplanade; and one in Watsonville at Clifford Ave.  Capitola has plans for the intersection of Bay Ave and Capitola and a second in Watsonville at Main Street & Freedom Blvd.

The use of roundabouts will likely be on the rise so remember to yield when you are faced with this circular phenomenon.

Aimee Thayer-Garcia is a Real Estate Broker Associate at Bailey Properties. She is a Top-Producing Agent and practices Real Estate full time with her husband, Angel Garcia. Mom of 3. 831-435-9146. ATGarcia@BaileyProperties.com

Making a Difference One Sale at a Time

About 6 months ago, Angel and I made a very public commitment to donate a portion of our income from every sale we completed. Since then, $1,250 has been given to Delaveaga Elementary PTC,  $1,000 to Santa Cruz Gardens Home and School Club, $750 to Branciforte Middle School Associated Student Body, and $500 to Westlake Elementary PTC.

We are firmly committed to supporting local school systems. We voted YES! on Measure O and P. We never miss the opportunity to help with fundraising.  We understand that it takes a village, and that every little bit helps.

We are lucky to have had the opportunity to work with very close friends of ours on a sale and purchase. This family designated the Santa Cruz Gardens Home and School Club as the recipient of the donated funds. Here is where the story gets really good.  Rather than just forwarding the donation on to the Home and School Club, this family advocated tirelessly to see that the funds would be put to good use.  The $1000 donation on its own wouldn't fund an entire program, but, with the Home and School Club matching the donation, Santa Cruz Gardens will be able to kickstart a new Science curriculum.


Science is Elementary will be made available for Kindergarten and 1st graders.  The program relies on a trained volunteer, utilizes small group sizes, and hopes to spark a lifelong interest in science.

Bravo to our friends, to the Home and School Club, and to all of the parents, students, and teachers at Santa Cruz Gardens.