Community Infrastructure Local News 

SLV Fire Officials Respond to RTC: Oppose Forced Abandonment of the Felton Branch Line

January 26, 2022 Dear Supervisor McPherson and members of the SCCRTC: We write you today to urge you not to proceed with any efforts to abandon freight service on the Felton Branch Rail Line or the Santa Cruz Branch Rail Line. These rail lines ensure there is a rail connection for Santa Cruz County and the rest of California, which… Read More
Attractions Infrastructure Local News 

Roaring Camp’s Future in Question: Transportation Commission Considers Forced Abandonment

By Jayme Ackemann In January, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that thanks to surplus budget revenues and a massive federal infrastructure investment package our state would make more than $2 billion in funding available for rail and transportation projects. This seems like a less-than-ideal time for Santa Cruz County’s Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) to consider abandoning some of the rail corridors… Read More
Alba Schoolhouse Ben Lomond California Community Fire Recovery Local News 

Rebuilding Community in Ben Lomond: The Historic Alba Schoolhouse to be Rebuilt

By Julie Horner It’s full steam ahead for rebuilding the historic Alba Schoolhouse in Ben Lomond, which was destroyed in the 2020 CZU fire. Last August, the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees voted unanimously to replace the structure, which has served as a school, a library, and most recently as a community center for the mountain… 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
PGE Wood Haul Program County of Santa Cruz Fire Recovery Local News 

PG&E Wood Haul Program 1/12 Meeting and 1/31 Deadline

PG&E will begin implementing their Wood Haul Program with an informational meeting on Wednesday, January 12. The program is PG&E’s solution to a PUC complaint in response to CZU fire victim outrage at the utility’s post-fire tree removal operations. The program is opt-in and application must be made by the property owner by January 31, 2022. Details on the program… 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
Wee Kirk Ben Lomond California Health Local News 

Santa Cruz Mountain Health Center to Open in Ben Lomond January 2022

The nonprofit Santa Cruz Community Health (SCCH) will open a new clinic in the historic Wee Kirk Church building in Ben Lomond on Monday, January 24 offering primary care services. “We strive every day to improve the health of our patients and the community,” said Leslie Conner, Chief Executive Officer of SCCH. “We are proud and excited to bring health… Read More
Downtown Felton Community Local News 

Shopping and Gathering in the Walkable Towns of the San Lorenzo Valley

By Steven Robins and Julie Horner Felton Sun-soaked and surrounded by lush forest, downtown Felton is a natural meeting place at the gateway to San Lorenzo Valley’s small town corridors. It is here residents and visitors gather to enjoy shopping and sipping local. Simpatico (home décor), Mountainside (handmade jewelry), Tomboy Outpost (western vintage), Wild Iris (floral), Crooked Beauty (crafting), Heads… Read More