Save Coastways

For over 100 years Coastways Ranch has been in our family. Purchased in 1917, it has stayed in the family ever since and our hope is that it can continue to be a gathering place for family and friends for years to come. Many of you have enjoyed coming to Coastways for our U-Pick crops over the years, for olallie berries, kiwis, Christmas trees, pumpkins, and now, through collaboration with Swanton Berry Farm, organic strawberries.  Others know Coastways as home to their favorite horse trails, leading to Big Basin Redwoods State Park via narrow chalk-rock ridges and breathtaking views all the way to Pigeon Point.  Still others come for the chance to explore tide-pools, build sand castles, or have roasted marshmallows as the sun sets over the beach. Coastways means so much to so many and we know it holds a special place in your heart as well.


Unfortunately, that legacy has been threatened with a $1 million property tax bill. From 2017 to 2019 the taxes have gone up a whopping 2155.47% due to a reassessed property value that took place with the passing of the prior generation and the resulting 50% change in ownership. Although detected in 2017, the county is now going back to when the change happened in 2001 and billing us the higher rate for the past years in lump sum payments. We have hired legal counsel in the hope that a lower, more reasonable assessed value can be reached, but while we wait for the legal process to pan out, the tax bills are still due in addition to the added cost of legal fees. Sadly, the reality is that we cannot afford this lump sum payment and without some additional help we may be forced to sell.  



The numbers are daunting, but we are almost halfway to the total from funds raised from existing owners. We are also in the process of applying for an agricultural land protection tax reduction, which has the potential to significantly reduce our future tax bills going forward. The challenge is the remaining back tax liability. Our goal is to raise $500,000 by the end of the year and avoid having to pay unnecessary late fees.  

Here's how you can help! As much as we hate having to ask for your help, WE NEED YOU! Would you consider donating today to help keep Coastways? Any amount will help! We know times are tough and 2020 has been a challenging year for everyone. We can't do this alone, but together we truly believe we can make a difference and preserve Coastways for future generations of family and friends to enjoy.

Thank you in advance for your contribution! Please help us keep the legacy alive by donating today!   Your donation will go straight toward paying off these back taxes. Any funds over and above those necessary for paying our tax debt will go towards starting an endowment so that Coastways can continue in the family and remain available for all to visit, gather and enjoy for generations to come.

Update as of July 10th, 2020:  We will be hosting an art and music auction to raise additional funds as soon as it is safe to do so.  Please go to our auction page at www.coastwaysranch.com to see items that have already been contributed by the many, many talented folks with connections to Coastways Ranch.  You can also find instructions for donating there if you happen to be one of those talented folks and would like to contribute an art piece or performance.  All are welcome; no donation is too small!  And, thank you so much for your continued support.  We couldn't do it without you.