Ben Lomond Sign Local History Local News Main Street 

Volunteers Revitalize Iconic Ben Lomond Sign

by Blake Holiday In November, the town of Ben Lomond witnessed the culmination of a heartfelt community effort as the newly-refurbished “Welcome to Ben Lomond” sign was unveiled and reinstalled on Highway 9, near the entrance of Highlands Park. This cherished marker, originally erected in the 1960s has long been a symbol of local pride and nostalgia. Thanks to the… Read More
Supervisor Bruce McPherson Commentary Government Local News 

Bruce McPherson Reflects on Three Terms as 5th District Supervisor

Moving into the final month of a 12-year tenure as your Fifth District Supervisor, I can’t help but reflect on the many good things our community has accomplished – as well as the many hardships we have endured – all by working together. This District, and really the whole of Santa Cruz County, looks much different than it did when… Read More
Borelli book Books Local News 

Local Author Elizabeth Borelli Embraces the Mediterranean Lifestyle in Her New Book

By Mary Andersen Elizabeth Borelli, a local author and certified plant-based nutrition coach, is making waves in the wellness world with the release of her highly anticipated book, Tastes Like La Dolce Vita: Embracing the Mediterranean Lifestyle for a Healthier You. The book, slated for release this month, offers readers an inspiring journey into Mediterranean-inspired wellness, blending vibrant flavors, cultural… Read More
Local News Water 

Scotts Valley Water District to Drill New Well

The Scotts Valley Water District (SVWD) will begin construction of a new production well at 5299 Scotts Valley Drive this winter. The work begins by removing a former commercial building at the project site before the start of well drilling. Crews will install a temporary sound wall to reduce construction noise in the nearby neighborhood. In a statement, the District… Read More
Mary Hammer Local News Obituaries 

Mary Hammer 

Contributed by Mountain Community Resources  We at Mountain Community Resources, along with the entire Community Bridges family, are deeply saddened by the passing of Mary Hammer, a steadfast community activist and pivotal founder of Mountain Community Resources, originally known as the Valley Resource Center. On Thursday, November 6, 2024, Mary passed away after a brief illness, leaving behind a profound… Read More
slvwd water meters Local News Water 

San Lorenzo Valley Water District to Replace Aging Water Meters

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Federal Bureau of Reclamation to update hundreds of water meters in Ben Lomond, California. A total of 443 water meters are scheduled to be replaced with meters that meet current standards for leak detection, which will help reduce water waste. SLVWD is one of 36… Read More
Holiday Tree Ben Lomond Holidays Local News 

Ben Lomond to Spark Holiday Cheer with a Tree Lighting Party

By Blake Holiday The air in Ben Lomond will soon be filled with warmth and holiday spirit as the mountain community comes together for a brand-new tradition: an annual Tree Lighting Party at the Ben Lomond Fire Department. On Sunday, December 1, 2024, from 4 to 7 pm, the Ben Lomond Village Alliance (BLVA) will host this festive gathering that… Read More
Local News Wildlife 

Albert the White Peacock of Boulder Creek

By Julie Horner On November 23, 2024 Boulder Creek’s wonderful wild white peacock was predated by a mountain lion. Neighbors reported that Albert was taken by a puma in the area of the Redwood Resort campgrounds at the south end of Boulder Creek. Albert lived free in this quiet residential neighborhood in the Santa Cruz Mountains, choosing secluded backyards to… Read More
highway 17 wildlife crossing Environment Local News 

Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossings Project Moves Forward

The long-anticipated Highway 17 Wildlife and Trail Crossing Project reached a significant milestone with completion of the environmental review by the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (Midpen). This is a significant step forward for this project that will enhance both wildlife health and safety and recreational access across the heavily used Highway 17 in an area that is a known… Read More