Bruce McPherson Election 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
Newt Season Local News Wildlife 

Newt Season

By Ryan Okrant Newts, newts, they’re adorably cute, be aware of their migration route! The San Lorenzo Valley is home to multiple populations of newts. As residents on their turf, we need to lend them a helping hand. The California newt is not on any endangered species lists as of yet, though there are theories that are beginning to predict… 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
elisabeth carlisle band scotts valley skypark Local News Music 

On the Copper Trail with Elisabeth Carlisle

Felton Singer-Songwriter Elisabeth Carlisle Launches Northwest Tour By Julie Horner How many times have we said throughout the course of our lives, why am I doing this? For Felton-born singer-songwriter and music education advocate Elisabeth Carlisle, it was never a question. “I never thought about anything else but being a musician,” she said. “That’s how I’m wired.”  The Santa Cruz… Read More
backyard burn permit Environment Local News 

CAL FIRE Burn Permits Required Beginning May 1

Starting May 1 CAL FIRE permits will be required for hazard reduction backyard burning. Obtain permits at burnpermit.fire.ca.gov. Applicants will be required to watch a short educational video in order to submit the application. Cal Fire will review the application then schedule a site visit to note stipulations on the permit depending on conditions at the burn location. Stipulations or… Read More
big basin water Infrastructure Local News Water 

New Developments for Big Basin Water Company Customers

By Mark Dolson Big Basin Water Company (BBWC) customers have been rocked in recent weeks by two dramatic developments in their years-long quest for a more reliable supply of water: (1) consolidation discussions between BBWC and the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) have been halted, and (2) the State of California is moving to place BBWC’s water system into… Read More