Boulder Creek Santa Cruz CZU fire photo by Mary Andersen Fire Recovery Government 

4Leaf Recovery Permit Center Services Will Transition to Planning Department

The County’s contract with 4Leaf is set to expire at the end of the year. The project management firm has been providing building permit assistance to residents who are rebuilding after experiencing loss or damage to their homes after the CZU fire. The Planning department will resume all Recovery Permit Center services by January 1, 2025. 3rd District Supervisor Justin… Read More
Forest pine fir Environment Fire Recovery Local News 

California’s Questionable Approach To Fire Mitigation

By Jessica Keating This story explores the interconnections between fire, native plant species, policy, and fire prevention.  The heat, smoke, and soil disruption following fire act as a catalyst to certain plant species which are referred to as ‘fire-following.’ Some of these plant species, such as native wildflowers, bring beauty and awe to our region. These flowers teach us that… Read More
Heavy Lifting Tour Events Fire Recovery 

Heavy Lifting Listening Tour: 4th Anniversary of CZU Lightning Complex Fire

Artist Felicia Rice and Poet Theresa Whitehill are hosting The Heavy Lifting Listening Tour, a program to honor the 4-year anniversary of the devastating CZU Lightning Complex Fire. The program will take place in the Felton Branch Library Community Room on Saturday, August 24 from 2 to 4pm. The event is free and open to the public. Felicia is an… Read More
Fire Recovery Local News 

Camp Krem on the Road to Recovery

A Bright Future in Sight: Camping Unlimited at Camp Krem Approved for FEMA Assistance By Julie Horner Many remember Camp Krem, a Santa Cruz Mountains recreational mainstay and American Camp Association accredited outdoor experience for children, teens, and adults with developmental disabilities. Founded in 1957, Camp Krem occupies nearly 100 acres high above Boulder Creek just a few miles west… Read More
Big Basin Redwoods State Park Fire Recovery Outdoors Parks Recreation 

Big Basin Redwoods State Park Update

California State Parks staff continues to move forward with the Big Basin Redwoods State Park Facilities Management Plan (BBFMP). Site planning and design considerations are in the works with the Reimagining Big Basin project team engaging stakeholders and the public in the recovery from the August 2020 CZU fires. A round of public meetings and an open house are to… Read More
eric hammer boulder creek fire recovery Fire Recovery Local News Valley People 

Proving Ground: Eric Hammer Navigates the Rebuild Process

By Julie Horner “From a percentage basis it’s terrible, it’s ungodly expensive,” Eric Hammer said. A longtime green builder and contractor, the Brookdale resident lost the 100-year old family home in the 2020 CZU fire. The homestead dates to 1904. “This was a historic house, one of the oldest standing structures in the valley. Judge Logan and my grandfather put… Read More
King Tides by Shanna Kuempel Art Fire Recovery Local News 

Light on Water: Veteran Firefighter Shanna Kuempel Celebrates Fine Art Exhibit

By Julie Horner Artist Shanna Kuempel loves to play with color and luminescence in her landscapes. “My career as a firefighter, I’m drawn to light on water,” she said. The flush of a Santa Cruz sunrise; the fiery sky, pure oranges and blues….color and smoke. Opalescent, unobstructed views of the ocean at Pleasure Point. The way the kelp wraps around… Read More
county invoice Fire Recovery Local News 

Fire Victims Receive Debris Removal Invoices from the County

By Mary Andersen This month marks the 3rd anniversary of the fire that burned 86,500 acres and destroyed 911 homes in the Santa Cruz Mountains. To date, only 36 homes have been rebuilt, the majority in Bonny Doon, along with 230 permits “in process.”  While the fire victims’ struggles with insurance, permitting, geology, water, septic, construction costs, and property damage… Read More
Nicole Sallak Anderson Books Fire Recovery 

Wildfire: Losing Everything, Gaining the World | New Book by Nicole Sallak Anderson

Compelling CZU Fire Memoir a Gift of Resolve and Remembrance By Julie Horner Nicole Sallak Anderson lived for thirteen years in her hamlet in the woods, under the “Big Trees” in Bonny Doon. Out from the burbs of Chicago to follow California jobs, Nicole and her husband Walt and their two youngsters found their dream. The main house with its… Read More