Our Story

About Me:

I’m the creator behind BayAreaBob – Forgotten California, a project dedicated to capturing the places, stories, and landscapes that make the Central Coast unique.

Based in the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay area, I film historic landmarks, coastal scenery, and hidden locations that many people pass every day without realizing the stories behind them.

Using drone footage, cinematic visuals, and short form storytelling, my goal is simple. Bring attention to places that deserve to be remembered.

Many of the locations I feature, including old mansions, historic buildings, coastal landmarks, and forgotten sites, have deep connections to California’s past. Through my videos, I try to show both the beauty of these places today and the history that shaped them.

The project began for a very personal reason. My dad loved the California coast, especially the Capitola Wharf. My father’s dementia had already begun to take much of his memory, with the Capitola Wharf serving as our last memory together.

I started filming places along the coast so he could still experience them even when travel became difficult. Capitola Village, historic buildings, quiet overlooks, and places with stories behind them.

What started as a way to share the coast with him slowly turned into something more. As I explored Santa Cruz and Monterey, I realized how many incredible places people pass every day without knowing their history. Old train routes, forgotten mansions, and landmarks that once played a big role in California’s story.

That realization became Forgotten California.

Today the project has grown into a community of viewers who enjoy discovering the history, architecture, and hidden stories across the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay region.

Along the way, I also work with local businesses and destinations, creating cinematic drone footage and social media content that highlights what makes each place special.

If you know a location, story, or local business that should be featured, feel free to reach out. There is always another piece of Forgotten California waiting to be discovered.