Fire Recovery Archives

Esak Ordonez, a Mutsun Tribal member and local resident lights a prescribed burn.

The Scientific Benefits of Prescribed Fire and Forest Stewardship

January 11, 2025January 26, 2025 slvpost.com

By Barbara Satink Wolfson, David Benterou, and Jared Childress On a recent crisp fall day, we had the privilege to assist a cultural burn with Yurok Tribal members on their ancestral lands in Northern California. During a conversation about goals with the Yurok burn boss in charge, he suggested we take a field trip to a nearby ridge where the… Read More

Boulder Creek Santa Cruz CZU fire photo by Mary Andersen

Fire Recovery Government

4Leaf Recovery Permit Center Services Will Transition to Planning Department

December 4, 2024December 9, 2024 slvpost.com

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

Environment Fire Recovery Local News

California’s Questionable Approach To Fire Mitigation

August 29, 2024September 7, 2024 Jessica Keatingfire 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

Events Fire Recovery

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

August 12, 2024August 29, 2024 slvpost.com

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

June 24, 2024July 15, 2024 Julie HornerCZUFire, fire recovery, Local News0 comment

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

Art Fire Recovery Local News Outdoors

Art in the Park: Big Basin’s Transformation

June 14, 2024June 19, 2024 slvpost.com0 comment

From Devastation to Inspiration Through Art By Jennifer Mount This past Mother’s Day, I asked my children to take a hike with me in Big Basin Redwoods State Park. Big Basin had been a longstanding camping tradition for our family but the boys had refused to return since the fire. I thought Mother’s Day would be an opportunity where I… Read More

Fire Recovery Outdoors Parks Recreation

Big Basin Redwoods State Park Update

March 29, 2024April 6, 2024 slvpost.com0 comment

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

Fire Recovery Local News Valley People

Proving Ground: Eric Hammer Navigates the Rebuild Process

October 5, 2023October 14, 2023 slvpost.com0 comment

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

Art Fire Recovery Local News

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

August 11, 2023August 27, 2023 slvpost.com0 comment

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

Fire Recovery Local News

Fire Victims Receive Debris Removal Invoices from the County

August 3, 2023August 7, 2023 slvpost.com0 comment

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