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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.

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
Cabrillo College Education Local News Schools 

Cabrillo College Hosts Spring 2026 Registration Fairs in Watsonville and Scotts Valley

Prospective students can explore in-demand career programs and get personalized enrollment assistance Cabrillo College is making it easier for prospective, current, and dual-enrolled students to kickstart their spring semester by hosting two Spring Registration Fairs in Scotts Valley and Watsonville next week. The Watsonville Registration Fair will take place on Wednesday, January 14, from 3:30–7:30 p.m. at the Cabrillo College… Read More
Winter Storm Santa Cruz Mountains Local News Weather 

County Urges Storm Preparedness as Heavy Rain Approaches

Santa Cruz County residents should prepare now for a significant storm system expected to bring several inches of rain over the next week. The storm may cause localized flooding, hazardous travel conditions, and power outages – particularly as holiday travel increases. “This storm has the potential to be impactful,” said David Reid, Director of the Santa Cruz County Office of… Read More
weather december 2025 Local News Weather 

Series of Atmospheric Rivers Expected to Bring Heavy Rain to California Through Late December

A succession of atmospheric river systems is forecast to impact California over the next 10 days, bringing heavy precipitation to the state, according to meteorologists at the National Weather Service and The Weather Channel. These systems are expected to deliver heavy rain and mountain snow to Oregon and Northern California from Wednesday into the weekend and next week. The Sierra… Read More