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The San Lorenzo Valley Post is your essential guide to life in the Santa Cruz Mountains. We're dedicated to delivering the latest news, events, and stories that matter to our community. From local government to schools, from environmental issues to the arts, we're committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased coverage. We believe in the power of community journalism and strive to be a platform for diverse voices.

Davenport Sheriff Substation Public Safety 

New Sheriff’s Substation Opens on North Coast

Davenport facility to enhance public safety as area sees increased tourism DAVENPORT — Santa Cruz County Sheriff Chris Clark and Third District Supervisor Justin Cummings will host a community celebration Friday to mark the grand opening of the Davenport/North Coast Sheriff’s Substation, a facility designed to bolster public safety and community services along the county’s rural coastline. The welcoming event… Read More
Highlands Park Senior Community Center Community 

Community Connection: Mix & Mingle Open House Celebrates SLV Senior Center February 12

By Bryan Chambers Ben Lomond — The Highlands Park Senior & Community Center invites the San Lorenzo Valley community to an evening of networking, discovery, and intergenerational collaboration on Thursday, February 12, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This free Mix & Mingle Open House, co-hosted with the San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce and Ben Lomond Village Alliance, promises to… Read More
Santa Cruz Baroque Festival Festivals 

Santa Cruz Baroque Festival Returns for 53rd Season: “Essentially Baroque”

The Santa Cruz Baroque Festival celebrates its 53rd season this year with an ambitious lineup of concerts, masterclasses, and competitions. Under the artistic direction of Jörg Reddin, who returns from the Bach Church in Arnstadt, Germany, the festival explores baroque music through programming from January through April.  Baroque music flourished from approximately 1600 to 1750, bridging the Renaissance and Classical… Read More
CalTrans speed limits Local News Traffic 

Caltrans to Lower Speed Limits on Highway 9 Through San Lorenzo Valley Communities

New limits target safety in Ben Lomond, Brookdale, and south Felton areas Drivers on Highway 9 will need to slow down in San Lorenzo Valley communities following a Caltrans announcement this week that speed limits will be reduced along an 11.63-mile stretch of the highway. The affected segment runs from just south of Exit Road in the City of Santa… Read More
French Broom Genista monspessulana Commentary Water 

Commentary: Making Sense of an Emerging Water District Controversy

By Mark Dolson I have recently become aware of a potentially significant political controversy brewing within the San Lorenzo Valley (SLV). The issue at the heart of this debate is the (highly selective and extremely limited) use of herbicide by the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD). The question for our community is: should we be concerned about this? My first encounter… Read More
Felton Meadow Music Valley People 

Singer-Songwriter’s New Single Born from a View of the Felton Meadow 

Elisabeth Carlisle’s new music emerges from transcontinental collaboration By Mary Andersen When Elisabeth Carlisle posted a photograph of mist rising over the Felton meadow and Santa Cruz Mountains on her Facebook page last December, she was simply sharing the beauty of a foggy mountain morning. Within hours, the post sparked an unexpected creative partnership that would become her latest single.… Read More
Pacific Coast Santa Cruz Environment Local News 

Santa Cruz County Formally Opposes New Offshore Drilling Plan

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has formally submitted comments opposing a proposed federal plan that could open new offshore oil and gas leasing off the California coast. The comments were sent to the U.S. Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) in response to a draft proposal that would allow new oil and… Read More
Monica Martinez Felipe Hernandez Government Local News 

Monica Martinez Selected as 2026 Chair of Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors

The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has selected District 5 Supervisor Monica Martinez to serve as Chair of the Board for 2026, marking a historic milestone for the county. Martinez will be the first openly LGBTQ+ and Latina person to hold the position. Martinez was chosen by her fellow supervisors following her first year in office, during which she… Read More