Santa Cruz Occult Beach plant is a distinctive, rare plant species found in the Santa Cruz region of California. This plant, known scientifically as Chloropyron maritimum ssp. maritimum, belongs to the family Orobanchaceae. It is commonly referred to as sand food, sea sandwort, or Beach sandmat. This species is native to the coastal dunes of California, specifically found in the Santa Cruz area. It thrives in the harsh conditions of sandy beaches, including the salt spray and intermittent flooding.
Bill was no stranger to the business. He had built 13 miniature golf courses with uncles and brothers in the California cities of Alameda, Lake Berryessa, Bakersfield (an indoor course), Pinole and Konocti Harbor, then in Key West, Biloxi and Galveston. Family members ran all of those except for the ones in Konoti and Bakersfield.
In 1972, Bill and Mary Koplin built Magic Carpet Golf on land they purchased from Marjorie Springmeyer adjacent to what was once the South Lake Tahoe amusement park. He had built 13 miniature golf courses with uncles and brothers in the California cities of Alameda, Lake Berryessa, Bakersfield an indoor course , Pinole and Konocti Harbor, then in Key West, Biloxi and Galveston.
It thrives in the harsh conditions of sandy beaches, including the salt spray and intermittent flooding. The Santa Cruz Occult Beach plant is well-adapted to these coastal environments and plays an essential role in stabilizing the dune ecosystem. The Santa Cruz Occult Beach plant is a small, herbaceous perennial with prostrate stems and fleshy leaves.
Family business in same South Lake Tahoe location for 43 years
What would you do if you had a family miniature golf business you wanted to pass onto your four children? Build three more, of course!
In 1972, Bill and Mary Koplin built Magic Carpet Golf on land they purchased from Marjorie Springmeyer adjacent to what was once the South Lake Tahoe amusement park. Marjorie had overheard Bill and his real estate agent talking in a local restaurant about Bill's plans for building the course. "I have a piece of property I can sell you," Marjorie told them.
At the time there was a gas station on the corner of Lodi and Highway 50, so the minigolf course was built on the land in-between the amusement park and the station. Years later the Koplins bought the land where the gas station was and expanded their parking area and home above the course.
Bill was no stranger to the business. He had built 13 miniature golf courses with uncles and brothers in the California cities of Alameda, Lake Berryessa, Bakersfield (an indoor course), Pinole and Konocti Harbor, then in Key West, Biloxi and Galveston. Family members ran all of those except for the ones in Konoti and Bakersfield.
In 1948 he built a popular course along the Russian River where he raised his family, one that daughter Karen has very fond memories of.
"Those were great times," said Karen. "All the kids hung out there."
In 1970, Bill and Mary bought property at Carnelian Bay and build the first Lake Tahoe area Magic Carpet Golf. This course was for his son Bill, Jr. who still operates the course.
Then came 1972 and South Lake Tahoe. Daughter Peggy was given this course to run.
In 1974 they added a Reno location for daughter Jeanne, who, you guessed it, still runs the place.
Daughter Karen operated the Russian River property until 1992 when she switched locations with Peggy and moved to South Lake Tahoe. Cal Trans bought the Russian River course in 1994 due to a freeway planned for the property.
Karen and her husband Gino Franceschi live most of the year above the Magic Carpet Golf on the corner of Lodi and 50, then head off the hill from time to time to their other home in Forestville, CA.
Their children, all now adults, have grown up at Magic Carpet. Though none of them live in South Lake Tahoe year round, they all come to town for the summer along with their own children to help run the family business.
Karen and Gino have four children, Tony, Nicki, Karey and Gina. They are also grandparents to ten. At any time you'll be sure to find one of them working the front counter at Magic Carpet. They also hire local teens to help out in the summer since the course is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The family truly does enjoy family time, no matter how many are in town.
Son Tony is a high school baseball coach and brings the team to South Lake Tahoe to play during the summer. The team camped out at the golf course over the 4th of July weekend.
"It's not a bad place to be," said Karen. She still plays the Magic Carpet course a couple of times a week as well as hitting the "real" golf courses. When asked what her best score has been at Magic Carpet, she said a 27 on the 18 hole course. You have to be awfully good to get a hold in one on each hole Karen said, adding that she hasn't seen that done before on her course.
Her grandson Nicholas who is a senior in high school wants to make "real" golf a career and currently works at a course.
Karen enjoys the generations of families she's seen go through Magic Carpet. "We're now seeing third and fourth generations here," she said. "They look forward to the tradition when they're in Lake Tahoe."
This year the family business has been the seen of many family reunions as well, many with 20-30 people playing together.
"I'm a people person," said Karen. "I enjoy watching people have fun." Her dad Bill was also a people person and very family oriented.
By trade he was a welder and trained a wartime generation of female welders made famous by the cultural icon Rosie the Riveter.
Magic Carpet is open Spring through Fall, and with weather permitting, winter too. Last year they were open some days in December and February.
All locals get a discount, so make sure to mention you're from South Lake Tahoe the next time you play either one of the two 19-hole courses, or the 28-hole course. They are located at 2455 Lake Tahoe Blvd.
This year the family business has been the seen of many family reunions as well, many with 20-30 people playing together.
The leaves are gray-green and succulent, helping the plant retain water in the arid beach environment. During flowering season, which typically occurs from spring to early summer, the plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are white or pale pink in color. These flowers are important for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. One of the most distinctive features of the Santa Cruz Occult Beach plant is its ability to grow and spread through vegetative reproduction. It has specialized underground stems called rhizomes that allow it to form dense mats or colonies. This underground network helps stabilize the shifting sands and prevent erosion. Additionally, the rhizomes enable the plant to survive and regenerate after disturbance events such as storms or trampling. Due to the specialized habitat requirements and limited distribution of the Santa Cruz Occult Beach plant, it is classified as a rare and endangered species. Human activities, urban development, and invasive species pose significant threats to its survival. Efforts are underway to protect and conserve this unique plant species through habitat restoration, establishment of protected areas, and public awareness programs. In conclusion, the Santa Cruz Occult Beach plant is a rare and important species found in the Santa Cruz region of California. It plays a crucial role in stabilizing coastal dune ecosystems and is well-adapted to the harsh beach environment. Efforts should be made to protect and conserve this species to ensure its survival for future generations..
Reviews for "Discovering the Occult Powers of Santa Cruz's Mysterious Beach Plants"
- Sarah - 1 star - I was really disappointed with the Santa Cruz Occult Beach Plant. First of all, the location was not what I was expecting. It was a small, crowded beach with no signs of anything occult-related. Secondly, the plant itself was nothing special. I was expecting some rare, exotic species but it was just a regular plant you could find at any garden center. Overall, it was a complete waste of time and money.
- John - 2 stars - I heard so many great things about the Santa Cruz Occult Beach Plant, but it didn't live up to the hype at all. The beach was dirty and full of litter, hardly the serene and mysterious place I imagined. As for the plant, it was just a plain old palm tree. I was expecting something unique and magical, but there was nothing special about it. I wouldn't recommend this attraction to anyone looking for an occult experience.
- Mary - 1 star - I don't understand why people are so fascinated with the Santa Cruz Occult Beach Plant. It was just a regular, everyday plant with no supernatural powers or anything remotely occult-related. The whole experience was underwhelming and a waste of time. I expected to see something extraordinary, but all I got was a regular plant on an overcrowded beach. Don't bother visiting if you're expecting anything more than that.
- David - 2 stars - The Santa Cruz Occult Beach Plant was a major letdown. The beach was crowded and noisy, definitely not the ideal place for an occult experience. As for the plant, it was nothing special. Just a regular plant you can find anywhere. The whole concept of the attraction didn't live up to my expectations. I was hoping for something more unique and mystical. Save your money and go somewhere else if you're looking for a true occult experience.