Christopher Bradford Fallen Leaf Boulder Creek Column: Antonia Bradford Fire Recovery Local News 

CZU Fire Families: Rebuilding Stalled

By Antonia Bradford On August 16th, 2020 the Santa Cruz Mountains experienced an intense dry lightning storm that sparked the CZU fire. The fire burned for 38 days, destroying 1,490 buildings including the homes of 911 families. As we approach the one-year anniversary of the fire this month, it’s a good time to check in with the status of recovery… Read More
Clampers at Boulder Creek IOOF Cemetery Boulder Creek Community Local News 

Clampers Volunteer at the Boulder Creek IOOF Cemetery

E Clampus Vitus volunteers joined forces with members of the Boulder Creek International Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) at the Boulder Creek IOOF Cemetery on Saturday, July 17, 2021 to help keep the historic cemetery grounds clear of underbrush and to install and maintain hardscape. The E Clampus Vitus team makes regular rounds to assist at the cemetery; a team… Read More
Los Angeles Fire Department Photo by Thomas Andersen Fire Recovery Local News 

SLV Homeowners Could Bear the Cost of State’s Proposed Rules for High Fire Risk Neighborhoods

By Jayme Ackemann According to the state’s proposed rules changes for high fire risk neighborhoods, some San Lorenzo Valley communities are “missing infrastructure.” This is a sophisticated way of saying the roads create hazards for emergency vehicles accessing our neighborhoods. If the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection passes their proposal it would require roads in high fire risk communities… Read More
San Lorenzo River Ben Lomond California Commentary Local News Water 

Commentary: Examine the SLV Water District’s Finances when Deciding How to Vote on the Surcharge

By Bob Fultz I’m a member of the San Lorenzo Valley Water District Board of Directors, but I’m speaking only for myself in this letter. As someone who has had a professional career in technology strategic planning and finance, where we constantly look for the critical items that move an organization forward, the first step in that journey is understanding… Read More
Ben Lomond Fire Department czu quilts Fire Recovery Local News 

CZU Fire Quilts Spread Cheer

By Mary Andersen The Pajaro Valley Quilt Association (PVQA) gifted handmade quilts to local firefighters in gratitude for their service to the community during the CZU Lightning Complex fires. Barbara Lockwood from CZU Lightning Fire Quilts Facebook group said, “No material goods can adequately thank firefighters who risk their lives daily, but the Pajaro Valley Quilt Association elected to gift… Read More
Elderflower soda Alison Steele Column Alison Steele Columns Food & Drink 

Elderflower Soda

By Alison Steele The elderberry tree (Sambucus nigra) is native and to both Virginia and California. It waves its abundant white flowers in processions along mountain roads and stands watch in the corners of cultivated gardens in early to mid summer. My mother’s Mennonite Community cookbook, from 1950, offers recipes for pies, jams, jellies, vinegars, cordials, and wine including this… Read More
Connor Michael Bond bee hotels Local News Outdoors Parks 

Abuzz About the Felton Discovery Park: San Lorenzo Valley Native Habitat Restoration Program Busy with Bees

By Julie Horner Earlier this year the Valley Women’s Club engaged AmeriCorps NCCC Team Fire 5 to remove embedded plastic sheeting and invasive growth from under the San Lorenzo Valley Water District Kirby Road substation solar panels that border the Felton Discovery Park adjacent to the new Felton Library. An effort driven by the VWC’s San Lorenzo Valley Native Habitat… Read More