Connie Moreno Peraza Santa Cruz County Health Services Department Government Local News 

Connie Moreno-Peraza Named New Director of Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency

The County of Santa Cruz has appointed Connie Moreno-Peraza, MSW, LCSW, as the new Director of the Health Services Agency (HSA), effective September 1, 2025. A seasoned health care leader with a career spanning multiple California counties, Moreno-Peraza brings expertise in behavioral health, equity-focused care, and public sector innovation. Most recently, Moreno-Peraza served as the Assistant Director for Behavioral Health… Read More
New growth quilt Laura Fogg Fire Recovery Local News 

CZU Lightning Complex Fire: Five Years Later, a Community Commemorates

Pictured above, a commemorative quilt titled New Growth by quilt artist Laura Fogg. For the Big Basin Art About project Laura wrote, “My assumption, upon visiting Big Basin for the first time after the fire, was that I would be witness to total devastation. Instead I found myself surrounded by health. Almost all of the burned trees are sprouting vigorous… Read More
San Lorenzo Valley Fire Safety Simulation Trailer Fire Local News 

Cutting Edge Fire Safety Training Comes to SLV Students and Community

Students in the San Lorenzo Valley have firsthand knowledge of the devastation fire can leave behind. The community is still far from recovery after the August 2020 CZU Fire. Fire safety and fire prevention in our communities are a top priority, now more than ever. Thanks to a federal grant, the community has access to specialized education that will empower… Read More
Supervisor Monica Martinez 5th District Santa Cruz County Government Local News 

Supervisor Monica Martinez In-District Office Hours

Supervisor Monica Martinez has scheduled in-district officer hours for the summer. Make reservations here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdM1N4G3N-qL9F8F9-LhBHdg_0rVTLtPZiQs6fTSeGEtv0B7w/viewform These sessions provide a platform for residents to share concerns, offer ideas, and learn about county initiatives. Constituents can raise a wide range of topics including disaster recovery and prevention, such as expediting CZU wildfire rebuilds, improving evacuation routes, and enhancing wildfire resilience through programs… Read More
Highway 9 pedestrian improvements Local News Public Safety Transportation 

Years After Fatal Crash, a Mother Awaits Change on Highway 9

Sidewalk construction is expected to start this fall on Highway 9 between San Lorenzo Valley High School and Graham Hill Road.  (Photo Jesse Kathan — Santa Cruz Local) By Jesse Kathan, Santa Cruz Local This story was originally published by Santa Cruz Local. Sign up for their weekly newsletters. FELTON >> Kelley Howard sat on the couch in her Scotts Valley home,… Read More
SLV High School 2025 Local News Schools 

Local Students Shine at Graduation

SLV High’s Class of 2025 Valedictorians and Salutatorians Announced  San Lorenzo Valley High School held its graduation ceremonies on June 6 at the campus in Felton. Prior to the event, the school announced this year’s Class of 2025 Valedictorians and Salutatorians. Pictured above l to r: Jorin Fields-Rapley, Keegan Hickey, Toryn Thompson, Amir Vered, and Abigail Gabrielson. Valedictorians Jorin Fields-Rapley… Read More
Jason Lillion San Lorenzo Valley Water District Boulder Creek Local News Public Agencies Water 

SLV Water District Appoints Jason Lillion as General Manager

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District Board of Directors appointed Jason Lillion as General Manager for the District at its regular board meeting on Thursday, June 5. Lillion is set to start on July 1 with a base salary of $250,000. “We’re pleased to welcome Jason as our new General Manager,” said Board President Mark Smolley. “His strong background in… Read More
Hermon Fire Felton Mt Hermon Road Scotts Valley Fire Local News 

Swift Response Contains Hermon Fire in Santa Cruz Mountains

On June 6, 2025, a vegetation fire, dubbed the Hermon Fire, ignited along Mount Hermon Road between Scotts Valley and Felton, scorching approximately 2.3 acres. Thanks to a rapid and coordinated response from multiple agencies, the blaze was fully contained by 1:36 p.m., preventing threats to structures and ensuring no injuries, according to Cal Fire CZU. The effort involved Cal… Read More
Felton FIre Protection District board meeting Fire Recovery Local News Public Agencies 

Felton Fire Loses Chief, Service Contract with Ben Lomond

Some Felton firefighters have said the agency is not prepared to respond to 911 calls without Ben Lomond Fire’s support. (Photo Jesse Kathan — Santa Cruz Local) By Jesse Kathan, Santa Cruz Local This story was originally published by Santa Cruz Local. Sign up for their weekly newsletters. Felton Fire Board of Directors meetings FELTON >> Ben Lomond Fire directors… Read More