Last Chance Community Center

Last Chance is a rural, off-grid area of the Santa Cruz mountains where the residents value community and self-sufficiency. When the CZU lightning fire ripped through the Santa Cruz mountains, not only did it destroy nearly every home in Last Chance, it also burned the Last Chance community center, also known as the Millsite.

The Millsite property was purchased in 1978, saving it for the community from the states' use of Eminent Domain, ensuring that the Millsite would always be available as a place to gather. Over the years, the old barn left behind from the milling days of the 1950s served as a place for Easter egg hunts, a schoolhouse, weddings, and birthday parties. It was a place to have your horse shod, to change the engine in your vehicle, or to learn to ride your bike. There were volleyball games, lush community gardens, and this year was a place for COVID safe socializing. 

The barn also hosted the Last Chance community centers' sole yearly fundraiser. With a spaghetti dinner, live music, raffle, and bake sale, the barn dance brought together the entire community and their friends. People from all overlooked forward to this legendary event. 

Now Last Chance begins to recover from these devastating fires. The well has been repaired and the water tank and pipe have been delivered to set the water system back up. By purchasing raffle tickets, your support will help us rebuild our community center, creating a safe space for gatherings, celebrations, and sheltering in place. Thank you for your support during these challenging times.