Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency Local News Water 

Commentary: Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency

By Bob Fultz Hopefully everyone in the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) has heard of the Santa Margarita Groundwater Agency (SMGA). But, if not, I hope this will be a good start since there are critical decisions coming soon that will impact both our environment and our pocketbooks. I’m speaking for myself in this article—I’m not speaking on behalf of the… Read More
Miguel Zafra photographer Photography 

Photography: Miguel Zafra

Miguel Zafra is an Indigenous photographer from Oaxaca, Mexico, who moved to the San Lorenzo Valley 20 years ago. He documents people and nature with a charged mixture of fine art photography and photojournalism. More recently he has focused his lens on the natural wonders of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Zafra has worked as an independent photojournalist for local publications. His photographs… Read More
Santa Cruz Mountains CZU Lightning Complex Fire Column: Antonia Bradford Fire Recovery Local News 

Legislation Impacting Fire Survivors

By Antonia Bradford There are two proposed pieces of legislation pending that could have a major impact on fire survivors and rural residents and potentially could risk some of our chances of rebuilding: the proposed California Board of Forestry Fire Safe Regulations and Senate Bill 55. I include text to both documents below, as well as summaries from the Rural… Read More
SLV Steve Local News Weather 

Storm Watch: Rain Continues, Crews Assessing

Good news in the Santa Cruz Mountains this morning – while rain thresholds met or exceeded in some cases – no initial reports of debris flows. Fire and PGE crews are out inspecting damages. Many reports of trees and large branches in San Lorenzo Valley roadways, so take it slow out there. Visit cruz511.org and sccroadclosure.org for traffic info. Rain to return this evening… Read More

SLVWD Board Memo from Rick Rogers and District Counsel

MEMOTo: Board of DirectorsFrom: District Manager and District CounselSubject: Exploration of Possible Consolidation, Board Meeting Agenda Item 11.aDate: February 4, 2021 SUMMARY:Staff from Scotts Valley Water District (“SVWD”) and San Lorenzo Valley Water District (“SLVWD”) meetregularly to discuss issues of mutual concern and find ways to enhance the efficiency of both agencies.In recent meetings, staff of SVWD suggested there may… Read More
Local News Weather 

Evacuation Orders Issued to Areas in San Lorenzo Valley

EVACUATION ORDERS ISSUED TO AREAS IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY WHEN: Effective Immediately WHERE: Ben Lomond Fire District (Zones: BEN-E001D, BEN-E002A, BEN-E002D, BEN-E004B) Boulder Creek Fire District (Zones: BOU-E021A, BOU-E020, BOU-E017, BOU-E016, BOU-E010, BOU-E006, BOU-E001A, BOU-E002, BOU-E033A, BOU-E038A, BOU-E031B, BOU-E030, BOU-E018A, BOU-E014, BOU- E009, BOU-E003, BOU-E001B, BOU-E015A, BOU-E039A, BOU-E040A) Felton Fire District (Zones: FEL-E002A, FEL-E003B, FEL-E003C, FEL- E004A) Santa Cruz County… Read More
Sean McLean San Lorenzo Valley Local News Weather 

Atmospheric River Event Tues/Wed

Rain rolls through in waves approaching this week’s predicted “atmospheric river” event Tuesday into Wednesday. The wind has whipped up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the lights are flickering this Sunday evening. Charge up your phones, get the pet carriers ready, grind your coffee beans. KBCZ 90.1 FM (kbcz.org) in downtown Boulder Creek will be occupying the broadcast studio… Read More
Local News Weather 

Storm Watch: Cause for Concern in the Santa Cruz Mountains

A Midweek storm estimate is cause for concern in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Tuesday’s wind forecast looks intense as well. Strong winds and rain will impact our region beginning early this week. Rainfall amounts may exceed thresholds for debris flow evacuations near the #CZULightningComplex burn scar, and rain will be preceded by high winds likely to impact power and road… Read More
San Lorenzo Valley water drought wildfire Columns Fire Water 

San Lorenzo Valley Water, Drought, and Winter Fires

Californians have a fraught history with drought. Historical data indicates the state has at least one period that can be classified as a “drought” every decade. According to the United States Geological Survey Center’s (USGS) California Water Science Center, a drought is defined as, “a period with drier-than-normal conditions that results in water-related problems.” Read More