About The Community Center

Somehow I've become the web's foremost authority on the small banquet hall and associated outbuildings that make up the Corralitos Community Center. So I thought I'd add a little more information to make it worth your click.

The center consists of a large hall with a kitchen, a couple buildings with meeting rooms and a barn. There are several large barbeque stands right outside the kitchen. The grounds are surrounded by lawn, redwoods, wildflowers, oaks, and assorted scrub. In a distant corner are a couple of horseshoe pits. Parking is a bit ad-hoc. The dining hall features a pair of enourmous moose heads. People hosting weddings there tend to either shroud the taxidermy marvels to try and obscure them, or play it up for laughs and dress them in a top hat and wedding veil. We went the latter route.

The center is managed by the Corralitos Padres, a men's club for diverting the restless energy of retirees toward the betterment of the Pajaro Valley and environs. They arrange charity walks, and the like. A responsible representative can be reached at (831) 722-1691. The hall is pretty reasonable to rent. I think we paid something like $800 for a Saturday in August, 2003. Like other facilities, you need to pay for a security guard if you have more than 100 people. They have some equipment like tables.

In addition to weddings, the center hosts festivals, craft fairs, and the like. Here are a couple pictures from a Christmas event.

Abigail pounds a drum on the front courtyard of the corralitos community center.

Rum pum pum pum.

Abigail was very excited to see santa. In this shot you can see the corner of a simulated ice skating rink. And the barn, which was dusty as hell from the kids throwing hay as they waited to sit on Santa's lap. Mrs Claus is more convincing, but the kids were only interested in the big man himself.

Mr and Mrs Claus

Elena is ready for her closeup. Lovely Kirsten holds Elena behind the main hall of the community center. There is a large concrete patio, an expanse of dirt and redwood mulch and lawn. I think these booths were set up on the concrete.

Sweet pea loves her momma.

And here's our wedding:

You can sort of see the lovely grounds behind this shot of a table setting.

Before the storm.

Here I am lurking by the barbeque pits. My brother-in-law roasted up slabs of tri-tip for the event on them. I was unable to enjoy the food on account of nerves. The less said about my churriso and egg burrito breakfast, the better.

Awaiting the blessed event, the groom stands alone.

Here Kirsten emerges from where she was cloistered in the dining hall. She had to walk an unusual distance to join us, but it was stirring to see her approach from far away. We set up the spot for the ceremony on a sunny spot on the grass.

The lady of the hour.

Here's the spot where we exchanged vows. I have and hold her, all right. The aforementioned chaparral and flowers make a lovely backdrop. Uncle Stephan was kind enough to permit us to forgo the kneeling from his rites, so as to spare our spiffy duds. I've yet to purchase a second suit, so it's a good thing, too.

Sacred incantations... and BAM! two are joined as one.

More backdrop. I think this bench was under some pines, so beware the sap. It came out in dry cleaning.

yuk yuk yuk, can we consumate now, or do our grandparents expect some kind of partay?

Here we are about to chow down. I recommend free beer at weddings. Don't worry about mixed drinks. If people need to get sauced, let them bring flasks.

Gavin has a few words.

Directions to the Corralitos Community Center

From San Jose	Take Hwy 880 South. It becomes Hwy 17 South in Campbel. Take 17 South "over the hill" into Santa Cruz, at which time you Merge onto 1S toward Watsonville. After about 8 miles, exit at Freedom Blvd. A left turn onto Freedom will take you East. After 5 miles turn left on Corralitos Road. Another 1.5 miles will take you to the Corralitos Village Center, and Browns Valley Rd. Turn Right on Browns Valley, and notice the Community Center immediately, on your left.
From the Central Valley	Take Hwy 152 West-bound. This highway may be approached from I-5, or CA-33. Upon arrival in Gilroy, continue to follow the Hwy 152 street signs until you have left Gilroy, westward ho. At this point you will be traversing the Hecker Pass--Kirsten's daily commute. After 13 miles of winding, treacherous Hecker Pass road, you will be on the other side. Turn right on Casserly Rd. Casserly winds for 3.5 miles until you turn Right on Green Valley Road. Green Valley Road shortly becomes Pioneers Road, as you bear left, heading west. Take Pioneers for 2 miles, whereupon it veers and becomes Varni Road. Varni continues for another 1/2 mile to Corralitos Road. Turn right, taking care to avoid conflict with the hurtling vehicles screaming past you on on Corralitos. Travelling less than 1.5 miles on Correlitos Rd will take you to the Corralitos Village Center, and Browns Valley Rd. Turn Right on Browns Valley, and notice the Community Center immediately, on your left.
From Southern California	Take the 101 N. toward Salinas. Pass Salinas, and take the 156, Westbound. Get on the 1 N. The PCH. Toward Santa Cruz. In Watsonville, get off at Greens Valley Road, headed North East. Away from the bay, toward the mountains. Take Greens Valley through Watsonville, for 1.5 miles. Turn Left on Freedom Blvd. Take Freedom for almost 3 miles, then turn Right on Corralitos Road. Another 1/2 mile will take you to the Corralitos Village Center, and Browns Valley Rd. Turn Right on Browns Valley, and notice the Community Center immediately, on your left.