slvpost.com, Author at San Lorenzo Valley Post

Written by slvpost.com and Thomas Andersen

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.

Food & Drink

Persimmon Wine

February 15, 2026February 15, 2026 slvpost.com and Thomas Andersen

By Tom Andersen ‘Round about January when the Hachiya (heart shaped) persimmons begin to ripen on the trees, persimmon lovers, realizing the end is near, snap into action. We’ve done about all we can do with the Fuyu (flat) ones. We’ve eaten our fill fresh from the tree; we’ve made a few – maybe more than a few dozen –… Read More

Public Safety

New Sheriff’s Substation Opens on North Coast

February 12, 2026February 12, 2026 slvpost.com

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

Community

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

February 11, 2026February 11, 2026 slvpost.com

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

Libraries

More Hours at Felton and Scotts Valley Libraries

February 7, 2026February 7, 2026 slvpost.com

Starting February 1, getting to your favorite Santa Cruz Public Library branch just got easier. The library system is rolling out new hours designed to fit busy schedules – including Sunday service at two more locations and later weeknight hours at others. Sundays are back at Felton and Capitola branches, which will now welcome visitors from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.… Read More

Local News Traffic

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

February 6, 2026February 12, 2026 slvpost.com

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

Commentary Water

Commentary: Making Sense of an Emerging Water District Controversy

January 30, 2026January 31, 2026 slvpost.com

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

Music Valley People

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

January 25, 2026January 26, 2026 slvpost.com

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

Local News Obituaries

Barbara Ann Carlisle 1936-2026

January 20, 2026February 3, 2026 slvpost.com

Barbara Ann Carlisle, a longtime resident of Felton, California since 1960, passed peacefully on January 6th and went home to be with her Lord. She leaves behind a rich legacy of love and care for her family and community. Barbara was born on a snowy January night to Henry and Gladys Ruppel in Twin Bridges, Montana. She and her twin… Read More

Environment Local News

Santa Cruz County Formally Opposes New Offshore Drilling Plan

January 14, 2026January 31, 2026 slvpost.com

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

Government Local News

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

January 13, 2026January 30, 2026 slvpost.com

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