Alba Road Ben Lomond San Lorenzo Valley Santa Cruz Mountains Local News Road Conditions 

Alba, Empire Grade, and Jamison Creek Roads Resurfacing Schedules

Emergency route road resurfacing has been scheduled for Alba, Jamison Creek, and Empire Grade Roads throughout August and September. Schedule Alba Road from Empire Grade to Highway 9Monday, August 7 to Friday, August 18, 2023 Empire Grade from McGivern Way to Quarry Bend RoadFriday, August 18 to Thursday, August 24, 2023 Jamison Creek Road from Empire Grade to Highway 236Thursday,… Read More
county invoice Fire Recovery Local News 

Fire Victims Receive Debris Removal Invoices from the County

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
Cabrillo College Education Local News 

Felton Meeting: Cabrillo College Name Change

Cabrillo College is nearing the end of its name-changing process and they’re looking for input from north county residents. The Name Exploration Subcommittee will host a meeting at the Felton Branch Library this Wednesday, July 12 at 6 pm at 6121 Gushee Street, Felton. The options have been whittled down to five candidates:  Costa Vista CollegeSpanish for “coast view,” although… Read More
Big Basin Water Company Boulder Creek Local News Water 

CA Water Boards Meeting: Status of Big Basin Water Company

The California State Water Resources Control Board is hosting a public meeting on the status of Big Basin Water Company (BBW) Thursday, July 13 at 6 pm. The meeting will be held in person at Highlands Park Senior and Community Center and online via Zoom. BBW had been facing ongoing challenges that were significantly exacerbated by the 2020 CZU fires.… Read More
steam donkey in boulder creek History Local History Local News 

Journey Through Time: Historic “Steam Donkey” Logging Artifact Finds New Home

By Julie Horner A historic steam-powered logging winch, or “steam donkey,” has been moved from deep in the Santa Cruz Mountains to the San Lorenzo Valley Museum in Boulder Creek. SLV Museum President Lisa Robinson took receipt of this logging industry artifact on Friday, June 23, 2023, from tree professional Bruce Baker and a team of expert movers and heavy… 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
real estate adu santa cruz county Local News Real Estate 

County Launches Accessory Dwelling Unit Program

By Tom Andersen Good news for Santa Cruz Mountains homeowners. In May, the County of Santa Cruz announced a program to assist homeowners in the unincorporated areas of the county with the process of adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to their property. An ADU is a secondary, self-contained living unit with its own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, located… Read More