No one knows Santa Cruz County summer like the people who live it every day. Summer here has a way of bringing out the best in this community. The beaches fill up, the festivals return, the trails get busy, and somehow every weekend feels like it was made for being outside. Here is how a few Bay Federal employees spend theirs.

Erin Davidson, Home Loan Consultant

A morning yoga class at Pleasure Point, a walk down to the beach with friends, and an evening catching live music at Capitola Beach, the Crow’s Nest Beach Parties, or Midtown Fridays. “The long days and the live music are what make it feel like summer,” she says.

Andrew Thompson, Financial Services Officer – Capitola

Capitola Village is Andrew’s happy place in the summer: great food, easy energy, and plenty to do. Margaritaville and Britannia Arms are his two favorite spots. “It’s one of those places that just feels like summer every time you go,” he says.

Nicole Beaver, AVP, Regional Manager

Nicole’s perfect summer day starts with a coastal walk alongside her husband, kids, and dog. They fuel up with breakfast at East Side Eatery, a favorite dog-friendly spot, before heading down East Cliff toward Pleasure Point Beach to splash in the waves and dig in the sand. As the sun sets, they grab a slice from Pleasure Pizza, followed by s’mores. “There’s nothing better than ending the day under the stars together,” she says.

Cameron Haste, EVP Chief Operations Officer

Cameron looks forward to Sip for Second Harvest every summer. The event brings together local wine, community connection, and a beautiful Seascape setting in support of a great cause. “It’s a really memorable summer afternoon, and it feels good to give back while you’re enjoying it,” he says.

Venus Blake, Dealer Relationship Manager

Venus heads to the Forest of Nisene Marks to hike and let her dogs play in the riverbeds. The benches and picnic tables make it easy to pack a lunch and stay awhile. Afterward, dinner at Manuel’s in Aptos is the perfect way to wind down. “The owners and staff make everyone feel like family,” she says.

Raquel Diaz, Service Manager, Member Services – Aptos

For Raquel, the ideal summer day blends the outdoors with good food and family fun. She starts with a walk along Seacliff Beach out to the historic cement ship, or a hike through the Forest of Nisene Marks. Lunch at The Parish Pub in Aptos is always on the agenda, and if the Watsonville Strawberry Festival is on the calendar, she’s bringing the kids.

Alejandra Lazalde, Financial Services Officer – Capitola

Alejandra keeps it simple and restorative: a walk along Westcliff with a boba tea from UMe Tea in hand. “It’s the perfect way to decompress after a long day,” she says.

Felisa Garcia, AVP Branch Manager, River Street

Felisa starts her summer days at the Seacliff stairs for a workout before heading to the beach with her kids. Her go-to restaurant is Tacos de Fuego. “The food is amazing, and the staff always makes you feel welcome.” To close out summer, she looks forward to the Santa Cruz County Fair, where her kids love seeing all the animals.

Christina Ramirez, Lead Financial Services Officer – Freedom 

Christina has a summer ritual she shares with her son: a walk along the cliffs at Pleasure Point followed by a slice from Pleasure Pizza. “We’ve been going since he was a baby, and now, as a toddler, the pepperoni pizza is his favorite,” she says. It’s the kind of simple tradition that makes summers here feel timeless.

Yesenia Alvarez, Home Loan Consultant 

Yesenia loves spending a summer afternoon in Capitola Village. She starts with lunch at Thai Basil, then takes a walk on the beach, browses the shops, and caps it off with a scoop of Marianne’s ice cream for the drive home. “It’s one of those days where everything just feels right,” she says.

Elsa Limas, Financial Services Officer – River Street 

Elsa’s go-to summer evening starts with a stop at Garden Deli for sandwiches or Trader Joe’s for cheese and crackers before heading to Stockwell Cellars, where guests are welcome to bring their own food. They grab a table, pour a glass, and enjoy the always festive live music. Afterward, it’s across the street to Marianne’s Ice Cream for a scoop to savor on a sunset walk along Westcliff. 

From the trails to the tables, the beaches to the festivals, Santa Cruz County summer looks a little different for everyone. But the common thread is clear: community, connection, and a deep appreciation for this place we get to call home.

About Bay Federal Credit Union

Bay Federal Credit Union is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution that serves over 97,000 members, including 3,100 local businesses and nonprofit organizations throughout Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey counties. With more than $1.8 billion in assets, Bay Federal is the largest member-owned financial institution in the region. The organization has been proudly serving its members and the community since 1957. Bay Federal is a certified Community Development Financial Institution, with a primary mission of promoting community development alongside their financial activities. Bay Federal has an award-winning employee volunteer program in which employees have given their own money and volunteered for numerous local schools, nonprofit organizations, and community events each year.

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