Santa Cruz Mountains Clouds Weather 

Wave‑Like Clouds Over the Santa Cruz Mountains

On a recent evening in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the sky looked more like the bottom of a rough ocean than a familiar blue dome. Those rolling, wave‑like clouds are an atmospheric feature called asperitas, shaped by invisible gravity waves and wind shear, and sometimes painted with pastel colors by a phenomenon known as cloud iridescence. Asperitas is a relatively new… Read More
Commentary Commentary Fire Departments 

Commentary: The Felton Fire Assessment Tax

By Luke Moeller We all support our local firefighters. When they run into a burning building, they are heroes. But the new funding system being pushed by the Felton Fire Protection District and their high-priced consultants, SCI Consulting Group, isn’t a standard public safety measure. It is a deeply flawed, legally shaky, and unconstitutional funding scheme that turns 300 years… Read More
Graham Hill Road work Traffic Water 

Newell Creek Pipeline Project Update

Now through August 6, construction crews will work extended hours, from 8:30am to 4pm, on Graham Hill Road as part of the Santa Cruz Water Department’s Newell Creek Pipeline Replacement Project. The extended schedule coincides with the San Lorenzo Valley School District’s summer break.   Pipeline installation is moving steadily, with crews now averaging 100 feet of pipe installed per workday.… Read More
Letter to the Editor Letters 

Take Control of Local Fire District

Felton homeowners are now facing a Yes or No vote for the Felton Fire benefit assessment. A YES vote will ensure professional and quick response time for those in the Felton district, replace outdated equipment, and hire staff while maintaining a volunteer force. LAFCO and the National Fire Protection Association agree that for small rural fire districts, the future is… Read More
Boulder Creek 4th of July Parade Community Holidays Local News 

Celebrate the 4th of July in the San Lorenzo Valley 

From pancake breakfasts to parade floats, the Santa Cruz Mountains come alive every 4th of July with traditions that run deep — some stretching back generation. Here’s your guide to celebrating Independence Day across the region this July 4th. Boulder Creek: Where the Valley’s 4th of July Tradition Began Boulder Creek’s celebration is one of the oldest and most beloved… Read More
roadside emergency call boxes Local News Transportation 

End of the Road for Santa Cruz County’s Roadside Call Boxes

If you’ve ever driven Highway 17 and noticed those little yellow boxes on poles along the shoulder, you may have wondered whether anyone still uses them. As of now, the answer is officially no. Santa Cruz County has decommissioned its entire roadside call box network. A brief history of roadside call boxes Emergency call boxes first appeared along California highways… Read More