slv water district rate increase Government Local News Water 

San Lorenzo Valley Water District Rate Increase: How the Public Process Works

Public meetings are scheduled for January 20 and February 15 By Mary Andersen  The San Lorenzo Valley Water District has announced that its Board of Directors voted on December 7, 2023 to initiate a two month Proposition 218 process for a rate increase. According to the District, the new rate hike will address impacts from the August 2020 CZU Lightning… Read More
Downtown Ben Lomond Government Local News Politics 

Creating a Community Forum Requires SLV to ‘Choose Our Own Adventure’

By Jayme Ackemann Last month, I asked you to consider whether a Community Council (or forum) would help San Lorenzo Valley navigate tough conversations and policy decisions. This month I will tell you how to establish one and what a Community Council might do. A forum would function something like a city council — something we lack in the San… Read More
Dr Lisa Hernandez Santa Cruz County Public Health Officer Government Local News 

County Announces Dr. Lisa Hernandez as New Health Officer

County officials have selected Dr. Lisa Hernandez as the next Health Officer of Santa Cruz County. The appointment is pending approval by the Board of Supervisors. “Dr. Hernandez is well-suited to lead the Health Services Agency through challenges and opportunities to improve the health status of county residents,” said Health Services Agency Director Mónica Morales. “In addition to her other… Read More
Bruce McPherson Election 2024 Government Local News 

Supervisor Bruce McPherson to Retire at End of Term

5th District Supervisor Bruce McPherson has announced that he will not seek a fourth term on the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors. McPherson was first elected in 2012, re-elected in 2016, and ran unopposed in 2020. His current term ends in December 2024.  “We have accomplished so much together and have weathered many challenges, from the CZU Fire to… Read More
cruzaware Government Local News Public Safety 

CruzAware Replaces CodeRED Alert System

CodeRED, the County’s community alert and warning system has been upgraded with new features and rebranded as CruzAware. The system provides information during emergency and non-emergency situations, including roadwork and neighborhood-level disruptions.  Users can select how they receive information whether via phone calls, texts, and/or email.  “We are excited to introduce CruzAware as the next generation of our community alert… Read More
San Lorenzo Valley storm recovery Government Local News 

Storm Recovery and Big Basin Water Meetings | Supervisor Bruce McPherson Updates

By Supervisor Bruce McPherson Severe storms that have pelted Santa Cruz County for the last three months have caused a great deal of damage to public and private property, resulting in prolonged power outages and difficulty traveling throughout the San Lorenzo Valley. I invite you to a joint SLV Town Hall with Congressman Jimmy Panetta from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April… Read More
Column: Antonia Bradford Fire Recovery Government Local News 

Fire Sprinkler Code is the New Geology for Fire Victims

By Antonia Bradford It is no secret that the path to recovery for the fire families of the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex event has been difficult, expensive, and painful. The battles with the County of Santa Cruz regarding geology and septic have been well documented in the press with Board of Supervisors meetings packed and intense with public outcry. Through… Read More
County of Santa Cruz Commentary Government Local News 

Why are So Many Frustrated with Local Government?

By Jayme Ackemann Stay with me. I promise to end this on a hopeful note. You probably overheard similar sentiments at holiday parties and family gatherings this past year – people groaning at any mention of Congress or scoffing at the ineptitude of local policy makers. Apathy is an adversary that we will need to expel in 2022 – there… Read More
County of Santa Cruz governmental building Government Local News 

County Urges Those with Mild COVID and Non-Serious Illness to Avoid Emergency Rooms

In light of a current 121% surge in coronavirus cases in Santa Cruz County, public health officials are requesting that residents with mild cases of COVID and non-serious seasonal illnesses avoid overburdening local hospital emergency rooms. A statement released on January 5 states, “Most individuals who contract COVID-19 do not need to visit the hospital’s emergency department and can effectively… Read More