My Beach Towns

02/21/2025

🍔 Betty's Burgers for the win!

Betty's Burgers is the type of place that should be in every single beach town, it just belongs here with the vibe and feel that you get in our communities. Laid back, nothing fancy, just crazy good!

Great locations, 4 of them, with the best employees and my goodness... the burgers!

I stopped by the one on 41st Avenue in Capitola as I left a property in the area that we are working on and I was stoked because before I even got to the property, I already had Big Betty on my mind.

So yes, I had the Big Betty, which is a double patty with fresh tomatoes, onions, lettuce, pickle and their special sauce.

Their patties are so juicy with a grilled flavor, yet as stated, still maintaining all the juices that make burger good. It is a total of a half pound, perfectly seasoned.

But getting back to the fresh tomatoes, lettuce and onions... they are as fresh as they get and almost make that crackling sound each time you take a bite. You know what I mean. This alone elevates these burgers to another level.

So when it came to a side dish, it was fries, sweet potato fries, garlic fries or onion rings. I've had the onion rings before, pretty amazing, and I've had the fries. Today I opted for garlic fries which were just that, garlicky and delicious. If you see me today, you may want to stand back about 10 feet if you talk to me. 🧄

By the way, their special sauce is mayo with a thousand island taste which could just be mayo and ketchup with some other flavors thrown in. So good you can dip your fries in it like I did!

It was indeed a great lunch, great burger and I'll keep coming back.

There are four locations in Santa Cruz County so just google them to find out which is closest to you.

🖊️ Reviewed and written by:
Robert Aldana | RobertAldana.com

👉🏽 Tip: If you want to see and read my other reviews of restaurants and other local businesses, use the hashtag:

02/21/2025

JUST SOLD & CLOSED by the SUMMIT is 22090 Oak Flat Road!

With the look and a feel of a Tahoe Resort home, this beautiful 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with over 2,200sf sat on a beautiful 3.584 acre lot, just a few minutes from 17 in the Los Gatos Mountains.

🤩 Checkout FULL video, photos, take a 3D virtual tour and checkout floorplans so you can see some of the ways we present and market our listings at www.22090oakflat.com

If you are thinking of selling your Scotts Valley area home, or your home anywhere in Santa Cruz County like the Summit area, the Los Gatos Mountains, Aptos, Corralitos, Santa Cruz or SLV, contact me and let's talk about what I can do for you to get you where you want and need to go!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Checkout the almost 100 Five Star Reviews by your friends and neighbors at www.robertaldana.com/testimonials

ROBERT ALDANA
"The Locals' Choice"
REALTOR® | DRE #00921165

PROUDLY SERVING ALL SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

831-252-3959 Direct Line - Text
[email protected]
www.robertaldana.com/testimonials

- ALDANA FONTANA REAL ESTATE GROUP
- Keller Williams Realty in Scotts Valley and Capitola

• Check out my property video channel at https://vimeo.com/showcase/5120164
• Check out my current list of homes for sale and recent closings at https://robertaldana.com/idx/listings/featured-listings/

02/21/2025

I got it and I get it! A smashing good burger place with a burger so good, you cannot put it down no matter how full you are and no matter how many buttons on your shirt and pants are on the verge of popping out.

Stopped by the Humble Sea place in Felton because I had an appetite and everyone at an event that I had just attended said that I had to get a smash burger at a place called Emerald Mallard, in the Humble Sea location at 6256 highway 9.

"You have to try it," they said. "You will never look at another burger the same," they said. "You deserve it, just workout an extra day this coming week," they said.

YES... to everything they said.

I walked up and there was a sign that explained it all, order your food to the left and get your drinks to the right. Which in this case is Humble Sea and some nice drink and wine options. I am sharing an image of the drink menus along with the food menu for you to see and decide.

I got the root beer... I know, so adventurous!

First things first, the burger is messy. It is juicy and messy. You will need a few napkins and you just need to know that your hands and fingers will get all that smash burger good stuff all over it.

But my God, those burgers are so good! Totally different than other places. The patties are thin so a double patty is still not a lot of meat, but it is a perfect amount for a burger. These smash burgers remind me of an In-and-Out burger that grew up to be Superman! They have many similar flavors at first, but when you start tearing into them these are of course on another level.

The fries that come with it are pretty good. I think that if the burger was not so good, these fries would get more respect and I don't say that to knock them, cause they are good. But the burgers themselves put everything else near it to shame.

I ordered the Oklahoma Smash Burger with fries for $20 plus a root beer for about $3, but I may come back and try a few other items on the menu. Or maybe I won't, why fix what isn't broken?

Price is more than fair for what you get. I included menus with prices so you can see options and what it will cost you.

You have to check it out, it's not only a good burger and meal, but it's a cool vibe behind the bar and throughout the place.

Well done everyone! 👏

🖊️ Reviewed and written by:
Robert Aldana | RobertAldana.com

👉🏽 Tip: If you want to see and read my other reviews of restaurants and other local businesses, use the hashtag:

01/06/2025

TONIGHT we have the one and only, Alekz Londos on the Sunday Conversation! Alekz has been reporting on various stories, disasters and major events in the area for years.

Many local and national news agencies look to Alekz to get footage and stories on what is happening in our area. As you all know, we have had our fair share of incidents in the area and you have probably seen some of his footage and work.

I am so excited to have done this interview with him. We talk about so many of his experiences including some in different countries that he has covered. Just a great and informative discussion, so great getting to know him.

Alekz will be available to answer your questions so make sure you chime in and ask away!

12/27/2024

And the best clam chowder is...

I don't know, I just had clam chowder at the Shadowbrook and holy cow, it is sooooo good! Especially when they put the real bacon bits on top. And I have to say, this is some of the best clam chowder anywhere. Or is it?

Who makes it better?

12/27/2024

Uncertain future for many with the partial collapse of the Santa Cruz Wharf...

Business owners and employees who work on the Santa Cruz Wharf don't yet know when they'll be able to get back on the job after the partial collapse of the wharf on Monday. City officials say they're working around the clock to assess damage but it's unclear when they'll know when the wharf can reopen. - Lookout

Business owners and employees who work on the Santa Cruz Wharf don't yet know when they'll be able to get back on the job after the partial collapse of the pier on Monday. While city officials are conducting damage assessments, they can’t yet estimate when the historic structure – and the busine...

12/24/2024

‼️ PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT ‼️

This alert just came through on my phone and I'm sure many other phones:

This is the Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience...

Due to life-threatening conditions, please avoid all beaches including coastal overlook areas such as rocks, jetties or cliffs.

Dangerous and powerful waves can sweep across entire beaches unexpectedly. Do not enter the water, and do not cross flooded streets along the coast.

12/22/2024

AMBER Alert - Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz and Santa Clara Counties.

Last seen: Livingston Ave., and San Antonio Dr., King City

IF SEEN, CALL 9-1-1.

12/05/2024

Just got this warning as I'm sure everyone else has and living near the coast, good to take it seriously until proven otherwise.

Anyone have more confirmed info? Please share.

https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=MTR&wwa=tsunami%20warning

11/20/2024

Santa Cruz County readies for first major rain of season as atmospheric river heads for California

According to Lookout, NWS meteorologist Nicole Sarment said Santa Cruz County can expect an onslaught of rain starting Tuesday night through Sunday. The first round of storms will douse the county in just under three-quarters of an inch. After a brief lull late Thursday night, another 1.5 inches will splash down through the weekend, with the downpour peaking on Friday.

Read more @

As the first atmospheric river of the season heads toward California, Santa Cruz County can expect an onslaught of rain and some minor flooding for the next five days. The National Weather Service anticipates up to 1.5 inches of rain will fall at the height of the storm.

11/15/2024

Live in beautiful Corralitos in this stunning 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on 1.25 ares for $899,000!

⭐️ Checkout full image gallery, take a 3D virtual tour, view floorplans. open house schedule and more at www.110shadowcreek.com

This French Country style home with its storybook setting located at 110 Shadow Creek will captivate your heart! Enjoy nature at its finest on the expansive wrap-around deck that overlooks the seasonal creek and beautiful Redwood forest.

The well-designed and flowing floorplan lends itself to bringing in nature and a lot of natural light through the vast number of windows and glass doors. Bask in the views from the Living Room, Kitchen, Dining Rooms, and separate Family Rooms.

The Living Room has an efficient and modern wood-pellet stove that can heat the whole house. The separate Family Room is the perfect place to relax while enjoying the serene views.

The Kitchen has plenty of BEAUTIFUL wood cabinets and a lot of counter space, as well as a pantry. Enjoy the views from both formal and informal dining areas. Walk out to the expansive deck, perfect for entertaining and relaxing.

Upstairs you will find all the bedrooms, all of which have private balconies to enjoy the beauty of nature in a private setting. The Primary bedroom is expansive with two closets and overlooks the seasonal creek.

The oversized detached 2-car garage is vary spacious with plenty of room for vehicles and hobbies.

Enjoy the sunny gardens and forest paths throughout the property. Short drive to the famous Corralitos Market. Ride bikes through the pictureque landscape of rolling hills of Apple Orchards and Vineyards. This is truly a special place!

For more information or to request a private showing of this special home, contact me at:

ROBERT ALDANA
"The Locals' Choice"
REALTOR® | DRE #00921165

PROUDLY SERVING ALL SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

831-252-3959 Direct Line - Text
[email protected]
www.robertaldana.com/testimonials

- ALDANA FONTANA REAL ESTATE GROUP
- Keller Williams Realty in Scotts Valley and Capitola

• Check out my property video channel at https://vimeo.com/showcase/5120164
• Check out my current list of homes for sale and recent closings at https://robertaldana.com/idx/listings/featured-listings/

11/13/2024

From SCOTTS VALLEY, to PLEASANT VALLEY... From APTOS RIO DEL MAR, to CORRALITOS. I've got you covered!

Checkout these 4 homes that I have on the market that are in various parts of Santa Cruz County, each with their own flavor that highlights their locations.

SCOTTS VALLEY
585 Bethany Drive | $1,290,000
3 bedroom, 3 baths, 2,207SF
• Walk to trails, award winning schools & more!
• Checkout full image gallery, awesome video, take a 3D virtual tour and view floorplans at www.585bethany.com

PLEASANT VALLEY
100 Pleasant Heights | $2,200,000
4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 3,600SF
• Dream neighborhood near vineyards on 1.91 acres
• Checkout full image gallery, awesome video, take a 3D virtual tour and view floorplans at www.100pleasantheights.com

APTOS - RIO DEL MAR
105 Granada Drive
3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,923SF
• Ocean views and a short walk to the beach
• Checkout full image gallery, awesome video, take a 3D virtual tour and view floorplans at www.105granada.com

CORRALITOS
110 Shadow Creek
3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,728SF
• Awesome Corralitos living, short bike ride into town
• Checkout full image gallery, awesome video, take a 3D virtual tour and view floorplans at www.110shadowcreek.com

For more information or to request a private showing on any of these beautiful homes, contact me at:

ROBERT ALDANA
"The Locals' Choice"
REALTOR® | DRE #00921165

PROUDLY SERVING ALL SANTA CRUZ COUNTY

831-252-3959 Direct Line - Text
[email protected]
www.robertaldana.com/testimonials

- ALDANA FONTANA REAL ESTATE GROUP
- Keller Williams Realty in Scotts Valley and Capitola

• Check out my property video channel at https://vimeo.com/showcase/5120164
• Check out my current list of homes for sale and recent closings at https://robertaldana.com/idx/listings/featured-listings/