History Local News 

Waterman Gap Lumber Mill Turns 100

By Julie Horner with Scott Tucker and Derek Whaley On Sunday, November 5, 2023, local tree professional Bruce Baker took a group of local history buffs, backcountry trail hands, and the generally curious to the ruins of the Santa Cruz Lumber Mill near Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The Santa Cruz Lumber Company was formed by Santa Cruz native George… Read More
Downtown Ben Lomond Government Local News Politics 

Creating a Community Forum Requires SLV to ‘Choose Our Own Adventure’

By Jayme Ackemann Last month, I asked you to consider whether a Community Council (or forum) would help San Lorenzo Valley navigate tough conversations and policy decisions. This month I will tell you how to establish one and what a Community Council might do. A forum would function something like a city council — something we lack in the San… Read More
Brian Frus San Lorenzo Valley Water District Local News Valley People Water 

Brian Frus Appointed Interim General Manager at SLV Water District

Felton resident and registered civil engineer Brian Frus has been named as Interim General Manager for the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, replacing Rick Rogers, who retired this month after serving the District for 48 years. Brian told the San Lorenzo Valley Post, “My recent experience in Monterey County taught me the importance of sound water policy and regional resource… Read More
camp joy gardens Farms Gardening Local News 

Gathering in the Harvest at Camp Joy Gardens

By Julie Horner The comice pears have come in at Camp Joy Gardens. Windfall apples from several varieties of trees fill the air with a syrupy headiness; stalks of reddish-rose colored amaranth and fading sunflowers blaze against a cloudless blue sky; and pumpkins peek from their leafy umbrage. Towhee Nelson, daughter of Camp Joy founder Jim Nelson, grew up on… Read More
Big Basin Water company Boulder Creek Local News Water 

Big Basin Water Customer Meeting Nov 2

Big Basin Water customers are invited to attend a November 2 community meeting in Boulder Creek hosted by Supervisor Bruce McPherson and featuring Silver & Wright LLP, the Court-appointed Receiver. On October 5, Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Timothy Volkmann signed an order granting the California Water Resources Control Board’s request to appoint Silver & Wright as Receiver over… Read More
Dr Juko Holiday artist Art Local News 

Local Artist Juko Holiday Debuts New Artwork

By Blakeman Holiday Among the many accomplishments on Dr. Juko Holiday’s resume, we can soon add ‘Open Studios Artist’ to the list. This Ben Lomond resident, Ease Mountain Yoga founder, integrative mental health practitioner, and CZU fire survivor, will showcase her recent artwork during October’s Open Studios Art Tour. The event marks the first time she is sharing her abstract… Read More
water district rate increase Local News Water 

SLV Water: Rate Increases on the Horizon

By Bob Fultz The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) has started the process to raise rates, ultimately leading to a community vote.  I’m a member of the SLVWD Board of Directors but speaking only for myself.   Our community has a dual role with respect to District operations and governance.  We are customers purchasing water from the District.  But we… Read More
san lorenzo valley community council Commentary Local News 

Supervisor McPherson’s Retirement Opens Space for SLV Community Forum

By Jayme Ackemann Recently, Supervisor McPherson announced his decision to retire from public life. Bruce McPherson’s entire adult life has been dedicated, in one way or another, to the people of Santa Cruz County and there is much for which to be grateful. McPherson was an early adopter of the concept of “Community Choice” when it came to our community’s… Read More
Soquel Demonstration Forest Local News Outdoors 

Soquel Demonstration State Forest Reopening

The Soquel Demonstration State Forest is scheduled to reopen on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, after a lengthy closure due to winter storms. Since the closure, road repairs have been completed and roadways have been cleared of fallen trees and debris. Work is ongoing, so visitors will see trucks and heavy equipment in various locations in the forest. CAL FIRE requests… Read More
Felton Covered Bridge 1920 1930 History Local News 

A History of the Founding of Felton Covered Bridge Park

By Lisa Robinson Imagine driving into Felton across the covered bridge. Before 1938, that was the county road. Signs, attached to the bridge, cautioned drivers of vehicles over 10 tons. “Every time a heavily loaded truck crosses the covered bridge it gets spooky. It creaks, and groans and acts like it was about to pass all in.” But that all… Read More