Local News Photography 

Fallout Continues After Moss Landing Battery Fire

Sarah Williams of Sarah Star Photography captured this haunting view of the recent lithium battery fire — called the world’s largest — which ignited at Vistra Energy Corporation in Moss Landing on Thursday, January 16, 2025. The image shows the Santa Cruz Breakwater (Walton) Lighthouse at the Santa Cruz Small Craft Harbor with the fire approximately 23 miles in the… Read More
Ben Lomond Sign Local History Local News Main Street 

Volunteers Revitalize Iconic Ben Lomond Sign

by Blake Holiday In November, the town of Ben Lomond witnessed the culmination of a heartfelt community effort as the newly-refurbished “Welcome to Ben Lomond” sign was unveiled and reinstalled on Highway 9, near the entrance of Highlands Park. This cherished marker, originally erected in the 1960s has long been a symbol of local pride and nostalgia. Thanks to the… Read More
Supervisor Bruce McPherson Commentary Government Local News 

Bruce McPherson Reflects on Three Terms as 5th District Supervisor

Moving into the final month of a 12-year tenure as your Fifth District Supervisor, I can’t help but reflect on the many good things our community has accomplished – as well as the many hardships we have endured – all by working together. This District, and really the whole of Santa Cruz County, looks much different than it did when… Read More
Borelli book Books Local News 

Local Author Elizabeth Borelli Embraces the Mediterranean Lifestyle in Her New Book

By Mary Andersen Elizabeth Borelli, a local author and certified plant-based nutrition coach, is making waves in the wellness world with the release of her highly anticipated book, Tastes Like La Dolce Vita: Embracing the Mediterranean Lifestyle for a Healthier You. The book, slated for release this month, offers readers an inspiring journey into Mediterranean-inspired wellness, blending vibrant flavors, cultural… Read More
Local News Water 

Scotts Valley Water District to Drill New Well

The Scotts Valley Water District (SVWD) will begin construction of a new production well at 5299 Scotts Valley Drive this winter. The work begins by removing a former commercial building at the project site before the start of well drilling. Crews will install a temporary sound wall to reduce construction noise in the nearby neighborhood. In a statement, the District… Read More
Mary Hammer Local News Obituaries 

Mary Hammer 

Contributed by Mountain Community Resources  We at Mountain Community Resources, along with the entire Community Bridges family, are deeply saddened by the passing of Mary Hammer, a steadfast community activist and pivotal founder of Mountain Community Resources, originally known as the Valley Resource Center. On Thursday, November 6, 2024, Mary passed away after a brief illness, leaving behind a profound… Read More
slvwd water meters Local News Water 

San Lorenzo Valley Water District to Replace Aging Water Meters

The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Federal Bureau of Reclamation to update hundreds of water meters in Ben Lomond, California. A total of 443 water meters are scheduled to be replaced with meters that meet current standards for leak detection, which will help reduce water waste. SLVWD is one of 36… Read More