Seabright was separated from downtown Santa Cruz by the San Lorenzo River except by walking some distance to cross the Water Street bridge. In addition, the beaches and water supply could only be accessed through another farmer’s property. Miss Forbes, a Seacbright resident was instrumental in getting a footbridge to better connect to the downtown area and to gain water and access for those who lived in Seabright. That access would later become East Cliff Drive. Miss Forbes was also a leader in the movement towards Octagon shaped houses as a more efficient dwelling and she lived in one on her property.