Home to the Pacific Coast Railroad, Santa Margarita Ranch acquired the Swanton Pacific Railroad from Cal Poly last year and plans to restore it.
Four years ago, Swanton Pacific Ranch north of Santa Cruz was scorched in the CZU Lightning Complex Fire . The Swanton Pacific Railroad sustained significant damage. As Cal Poly worked to restore the ranch, it was decided to transfer the railroad to another entity.
Jeff Badger, Railroad Superintendent at Santa Margarita Ranch, says the damage the train has sustained, combined with its age, will drag out the restoration process…