eric hammer boulder creek fire recovery Fire Recovery Local News Valley People 

Proving Ground: Eric Hammer Navigates the Rebuild Process

By Julie Horner “From a percentage basis it’s terrible, it’s ungodly expensive,” Eric Hammer said. A longtime green builder and contractor, the Brookdale resident lost the 100-year old family home in the 2020 CZU fire. The homestead dates to 1904. “This was a historic house, one of the oldest standing structures in the valley. Judge Logan and my grandfather put… Read More
Derek Whaley PhD Books Local History Local News 

All Aboard the Laurel and Glenwood Line

Historian Derek Whaley Celebrates New Book By Julie Horner Sidetracked: Laurel and Glenwood, by Derek R. Whaley, PhD is the third in the Santa Cruz Trains series of authoritative books about the history of Santa Cruz area trains, tracks, tunnels, stations and stops. Released in March 2023, the 127-page softbound volume brings the colorful lore of the ridgetop railways of… Read More
Al Keuter Quail Hollow Ranch Park Community Local News Valley People 

In Praise of Al Keuter: A Quail Hollow Ranch Volunteer

By Lee Summers Some people strive toward self-interest; others choose altruism instead. You can distinguish the two by the fruits of their labor. Did they make a difference in their community?  Take Quail Hollow Ranch County Park. This back road gem has maintained an active volunteer program since the 1990s. Over the years, volunteer efforts divided into various specialties. In… Read More
big bason water company receivership Local News Water 

Judge Authorizes Big Basin Water Company Receivership

Cheers erupted in the courtroom on Friday, September 29, when Superior Court Judge Timothy Volkmann approved a ruling to move forward with a receivership for beleaguered Big Basin Water Company (BBWC). Originally scheduled for November, the hearing was expedited to September due to the ongoing decline of the water system. A receiver will now be appointed to step in and… Read More
public art installation felton branch library artist lea de wit Art Local News 

Teen Public Art Workshop with Artist Lea de Wit | October 21, 2023

Felton librarian Jackie Danziger invites local teens to leave their mark at the Felton Branch Library. The branch has partnered with Santa Cruz Public Libraries for an exclusive Teen Public Art Workshop on October 21 with artist Lea de Wit. Participating teens will create a public art installation that will be a permanent feature in the library’s Teen Room. “De… Read More
Felton Covered Bridge Park Commentary Letters Local News 

Unveiling Concerns: Valley Women’s Club’s Take on the Proposed Pump Track

Addressing Community Concerns: Our Letter to the Supervisor We want to bring your attention to an important matter at the heart of community well-being. The Valley Women’s Club has taken a step forward by addressing their concerns in a heartfelt letter to Supervisor Bruce McPherson, shedding light on the proposed pump track in Felton Covered Bridge Park. Our focus is… Read More
Water Infrastructure Local News Water 

Big Basin Water Crisis | Receivership Hearing Scheduled 

By Christopher Bradford The ongoing issues with Big Basin Water have reached a tipping point for Boulder Creek residents, and we’re now in an emergency situation. Recently many residents went without water for weeks, and some have lost water again. The most recent outage, one of many which are increasing in frequency, was caused by a large main line leak. This… Read More
Felton Covered Bridge Park Community Local News Parks 

Felton Pump Track Proposal Raises Concerns

By Mary Andersen  Debate is in full swing over a proposed pump track in Felton Covered Bridge Park. The proposal, shepherded by Santa Cruz Mountains Trails Stewardship (SCMTS), Santa Cruz County Parks Department, and County Park Friends, calls for a 13,871 s.f. footprint with an asphalt track 6 to 8 feet wide and several feet tall.  SCMTS describes the pump… Read More