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Written by Mary Andersen

Mary Andersen is a journalist and Publisher of the San Lorenzo Valley Post, an independent publication dedicated to the people, politics, and cultures of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Her work as a writer and photographer reflects a deep understanding of the region and a commitment to thoughtful, community-based journalism.

spare parts joshua davis Books Community 

A Community United by Reading: Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries’ “Our Community Reads” Program

Mary Andersen
By Mary Andersen In Santa Cruz County, something special happens each year around one book: neighbors gather, ideas buzz, and connections form. That’s the essence of the program known as Our Community Reads, run by the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries (Friends). The premise is simple yet powerful: choose a single book for a community-wide read, then hold a series… Read More
Motos Jesus Beltran Boulder Creek Film Local News Valley People 

Motos: A Short Film in the Wake of Wildfire

Mary Andersen
Meet Boulder Creek Filmmaker Jesus Beltran By Mary Andersen In the rugged heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, where redwoods still bear scars of the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex fire, Jesus Beltran’s short film Motos captures a story of family and brotherhood. Released in March 2025 and currently on the festival circuit, this 20-minute drama, filmed in Boulder Creek, has… Read More
Felton Fire Protection District Fire Departments Local News 

Felton Fire Protection District Proposes Parcel Tax to Bolster Emergency Services

Mary Andersen
By Mary Andersen The Felton Fire Protection District (FFPD) has drafted a resolution for a 2026 election for a new parcel tax aimed at supporting the sustainability of its fire protection and emergency medical services. The resolution, posted now for public feedback, requests that the Santa Cruz County Elections Department conduct an all-mail election for residents within the district’s boundaries.… Read More
Valerie Mullen Felton Heart Rock Art Local News Valley People 

Courage, Dear Heart: One Felton Local’s Connection to a Beloved Landmark

Mary Andersen
By Mary Andersen On a sunny Wednesday afternoon in July, Felton resident Valerie Mullen could be found crouched beside Highway 9 south of town with a can of spray paint in hand, gently repainting one of the San Lorenzo Valley’s most quietly cherished landmarks: the Heart Rock. Tucked just south of downtown Felton, near the Santa Cruz Redwoods RV Resort… Read More
Reimagining Big Basin Fire Recovery Local News Parks 

Reimagining Big Basin: A Vision for Recovery 

Mary Andersen
By Mary Andersen Image above: The proposed Saddle Mountain welcome center will provide an entry to the park, welcome center and shuttle parking to access the park on weekends. The hub will will overlook a restored meadow and include a park store and bistro. Nearly five years after the CZU Lightning Complex Fire tore through California’s oldest state park, the… Read More
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan San Lorenzo Valley water District Infrastructure Local News 

SLV Water District Seeks Public Input for Local Hazard Mitigation Plan

Mary Andersen
The San Lorenzo Valley Water District released its draft 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) for public review. The draft plan will be presented at the district’s February 6 SLVWD Board of Directors meeting. Funded by a California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program grant, the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) seeks to: The planning process for… Read More
Borelli book Books Local News 

Local Author Elizabeth Borelli Embraces the Mediterranean Lifestyle in Her New Book

Mary Andersen
By Mary Andersen Elizabeth Borelli, a local author and certified plant-based nutrition coach, is making waves in the wellness world with the release of her highly anticipated book, Tastes Like La Dolce Vita: Embracing the Mediterranean Lifestyle for a Healthier You. The book, slated for release this month, offers readers an inspiring journey into Mediterranean-inspired wellness, blending vibrant flavors, cultural… Read More
slv mama bears Local News Recreation Sports 

SLV’s Mama Bears: A Growing Community of Empowered, Athletic Moms

Mary Andersen
By Mary Andersen In the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, a unique group of San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School moms came together in the middle of the pandemic to form Team Mama Bear — a volunteer-led triathlon club for local moms who want to challenge themselves and connect with one another. Founded in 2022, by Anne Less, Jackie Fogerty,… Read More