steam donkey in boulder creek Local History Local News 

Journey Through Time: Historic “Steam Donkey” Logging Artifact Finds New Home

By Julie Horner A historic steam-powered logging winch, or “steam donkey,” has been moved from deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains to the San Lorenzo Valley Museum in Boulder Creek. SLV Museum President Lisa Robinson took receipt of this logging industry artifact on Friday, June 23, 2023, from tree professional Bruce Baker and a team of expert movers and heavy… Read More
Dr Lisa Hernandez Santa Cruz County Public Health Officer Government Local News 

County Announces Dr. Lisa Hernandez as New Health Officer

County officials have selected Dr. Lisa Hernandez as the next Health Officer of Santa Cruz County. The appointment is pending approval by the Board of Supervisors. “Dr. Hernandez is well-suited to lead the Health Services Agency through challenges and opportunities to improve the health status of county residents,” said Health Services Agency Director Mónica Morales. “In addition to her other… Read More
Aroma Restaurant Ben Lomond California Business Main Street SLV 

Food, Friends, Laughter & Love! Welcome to Aroma!

By Julie Horner The Santa Cruz Mountains celebrates a new dining experience in sunny downtown Ben Lomond. After a series of soft openings to put on the finishing touches, Aroma Restaurant officially opened in March. Located where the iconic Tyrolean Inn had served up Bavarian and German cuisine since 1975, the establishment is updated and bright and welcomes the community… Read More
Bruce McPherson Election 2024 Government Local News 

Supervisor Bruce McPherson to Retire at End of Term

5th District Supervisor Bruce McPherson has announced that he will not seek a fourth term on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. McPherson was first elected in 2012, re-elected in 2016, and ran unopposed in 2020. His current term ends in December 2024.  “We have accomplished so much together and have weathered many challenges, from the CZU Fire to… Read More
real estate adu santa cruz county Local News Real Estate 

County Launches Accessory Dwelling Unit Program

By Tom Andersen Good news for Santa Cruz Mountains homeowners. In May, the County of Santa Cruz announced a program to assist homeowners in the unincorporated areas of the county with the process of adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to their property. An ADU is a secondary, self-contained living unit with its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, located… Read More
Pintly perspective Erin and Brian Valdivia Columns Food & Drink Radio 

Celebrating Craft Beer from The Pintly Perspective

By Julie Horner KBCZ 89.3 FM, the Santa Cruz Mountains’ own community radio station, highlights the art of craft brewing on The Pintly Perspective, airing Fridays from 5:00 to 6:00 pm. Husband and wife team, Brian and Erin Valdivia host the engaging hour long show sipping offerings from mostly local breweries and exchanging lighthearted banter while they examine fermented flavor… Read More
Newt Season Local News Wildlife 

Newt Season

By Ryan Okrant Newts, newts, they’re adorably cute, be aware of their migration route! The San Lorenzo Valley is home to multiple populations of newts. As residents on their turf, we need to lend them a helping hand. The California newt is not on any endangered species lists as of yet, though there are theories that are beginning to predict… Read More
Ryan Okrant and Lola Animal Rescue Columns 

Lola Finds Shelter From the Storm: Animal Advocate Ryan Okrant Facilitates Dog Rescue

By Julie Horner They found “Lola” wandering alone near Hollister’s flood-ravaged Lover’s Lane neighborhood in January. Boulder Creek animal rescue advocate Ryan Okrant got the text to help search for missing animals, and he and volunteer Omar Harasis made the trek. While surveying the scene, a woman flagged the two down: would they take a cold, shivering pup with a… Read More