Fire Departments Local News 

Firefighters Receive State of California Governor’s Medal of Valor

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) CZU San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit firefighters among those honored. On Tuesday, June 25, 2024 ten CAL FIRE Firefighters received the State of California Governor’s Medal of Valor, the highest honor given to state employees, in a ceremony hosted by the California Highway Patrol in Sacramento. The prestigious Medal of Valor is… Read More
FIreworks prohibited Holidays Local News Public Safety 

Fireworks are Prohibited in Unincorporated County

Increased Fines in Effect for 4th of July Holiday Reminder that fireworks are prohibited in most of Santa Cruz County, including all unincorporated areas and on all beaches. Increased fines of up to $1,000 are in effect during the 4th of July holiday. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office will be increasing patrols and enforcement. Illegal fireworks can be a… Read More
Infrastructure Local News 

CPUC Rejects AT&T Landline Withdrawal Request

Santa Cruz Mountains Residents Will Stay Connected On June 20, 2024, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) rejected AT&T’s request to withdraw from the state as a carrier of last resort (COLR) following extensive, sometimes heated, public input. In a statement, the CPUC said, “Following review of AT&T’s request, which received over 5,000 public comments and for which the CPUC… Read More
low impact camping ordinance Fire Local News Outdoors 

Low Impact Camping Ordinance

UPDATE: Supervisor Zach Friend’s controversial “Low-Impact Camping Ordinance” was rejected at today’s county Board of Supervisors meeting. Supervisors Manu Koenig, Justin Cummings, Felipe Hernandez, and Bruce McPherson instead urged waiting for the result of Senate Bill 620 – the state’s camping ordinance, guidance from the insurance commissioner on impact to insured homeowners, and input from stakeholders. The final vote was… 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
SLV Museum Clampers Community History Local News 

Clampers Support the SLV Museum

By Julie Horner San Lorenzo Valley Museum Collections and Exhibitions Curator Lisa A. Robinson and SLV Museum Executive Director Laura DeAngelis accepted a generous donation from members of E Clampus Vitus Branciforte Chapter 1797 in a ceremony at the museum on Wednesday afternoon, June 19, 2024. The donation came from the Clampers Association of Roisterous Peddlers (C.A.R.P.), a branch of… Read More
blue water Commentary Local News Water 

Knowing Where your Water Rates Go is Valuable

By Bob Fultz I’d like to talk about a recent Facebook post by the San Lorenzo Valley Water District.  I’m a member of the SLVWD Board of Directors but am speaking only for myself.   I’ve advocated for years that the District needs to communicate its true financial position as part of an overall communications plan.  Recently, the District published a… Read More
Highway 9 Ben Lomond California Local News Transportation 

Local Officials Request Caltrans to Lower Speed Limits on Highway 9

By James Helmer The Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is made up of elected and appointed officials from the County of Santa Cruz, all four incorporated cities and Metro Transit District. Its role is long range county-wide transportation planning and distributing state and federal funds for roadway, transit, rail and pedestrian improvements for regionally significant projects. County Supervisor… Read More