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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.

Rosemary Chalmers Good Morning Monterey Bay Radio Valley People 

Rosemary Chalmers and Good Morning Monterey Bay Find a New Home at KBCZ

After more than three decades as a Central Coast radio fixture, Rosemary “Rosie” Chalmers is turning the page on a new chapter. The longtime host of Good Morning Monterey Bay — most recently broadcast out of Santa Cruz Voice for the past three years — signed off from that station in February alongside broadcasting partner Bill Wolverton. But good news… Read More
Felton Fire Tax Assessment understanding Proposition 217 Fire Departments 

Understanding Proposition 218 and the Felton Fire Benefit Assessment

Felton Fire’s benefit assessment taxing mechanism is underway. If the board votes to proceed on May 11, ballots will mail May 20. Here is what every Felton property owner should understand before that ballot arrives — including a legal deadline that could permanently strip your right to legal recourse, and a tension at the heart of this assessment that Proposition… Read More
Felton Fire Department Fire Departments 

Felton Fire Assessment Would More than Double District Budget, Shift from Volunteer to Paid Staffing

Property owners could receive ballots as early as May 20 The Felton Fire Protection District is asking property owners to approve a $1.7 million annual benefit assessment that would transform the district from a historically volunteer-based agency into a fully paid department. If the board votes to proceed on May 11, ballots are expected in mailboxes May 20. The assessment… Read More
Ben Lomond Slide Infrastructure Local News 

Fire Chiefs and Residents Push for Permanent Highway 9 Slide Repairs

By Jim Helmer In December, the Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) released its draft 2050 Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) — a 25-year spending plan that is a first step in securing federal, state, and local funding — for public review. Fire Chiefs from Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek, and Zayante were dismayed to find no funding identified for permanent repairs to the… Read More
Roaring Camp Fire Recovery Local News 

Roaring Camp Works to Protect Forest and Neighboring Communities from Wildfire

Roaring Camp Railroads has been taking steps to protect its old-growth forest, and the neighborhoods that border it, from wildfire. The railroad has partnered with Boulder Creek-based Cosentino Timber Enterprises to construct shaded fuel breaks across roughly 180 acres of forestland adjacent to the Henry Cowell and Mount Hermon communities, with work expected to continue throughout 2026. The project involves… Read More
Douglas Iris Iris virginia.png Hikes Local News 

April in Bloom: The Best Wildflower Trails in and Around the San Lorenzo Valley

Spring is the best time to explore wildflower trails in the San Lorenzo Valley and nearby hills, where redwood shade, sunny ridges, and serpentine soils create very different bloom patterns. The strongest bets are Big Basin, Fall Creek, San Vicente Redwoods, and a few Scotts Valley and Santa Cruz Mountains preserves that usually show a good mix of native flowers… Read More
Felton FIre Tax Fire Departments Local News 

Felton Fire Protection District Updates

Latest News Felton Fire Assessment Would More than Double District Budget, Shift from Volunteer to Paid Staffing Understanding Proposition 218 and the Felton Fire Benefit Assessment Parcel Tax Attempt Sept. 17, 2025 Details of Proposed Felton Fire Parcel Tax Remain Unclear (Santa Cruz Local) Sept. 9, 2025 Felton Fire Floats Parcel Tax to Save District (Santa Cruz Local) Aug. 6,… Read More
Bridgets Gambit Ben Lomond author Craig Harwood Books Local News 

Local Author Craig Harwood Uncovers a Fascinating Chapter of the American West

Ben Lomond resident Craig Harwood spent four years reconstructing the extraordinary life of his Irish immigrant ancestor By Mary Andersen When Craig Harwood was growing up, his family told stories about a remarkable woman, a tough, sharp-minded matriarch who seemed larger than life. She was his third great-grandmother, Bridget Miranda Evoy, and the more Harwood dug into her history, the… Read More
The Road I Call Home 800 Exhibitions Local News 

The Ripple Effect Arts Festival Comes to Life in Felton

As part of the new Ripple Effect Arts Festival, the San Lorenzo Valley will host a deeply moving and socially impactful exhibition rooted in compassion, storytelling, and community connection. Presented by the San Lorenzo Valley Museum and the Felton Library Friends, “The Road I Call Home” brings the work of renowned humanitarian and award-winning photographer Randy Bacon to Felton. This… Read More