News Briefs | Published May 23, 2025
SLV Rotary’s food drive supports Valley Churches
San Lorenzo Valley Rotary Club is sponsoring a Spring Feeding Food Drive for Valley Churches United, with the goal of providing non-perishable food for their food pantry during the month of May.
Convenient drop-off locations are located throughout San...
Scotts Valley Banshees win SVGS tourney after dramatic comeback
A real-life Hallmark movie unfolded for the Scotts Valley-based 10U Banshees recreational girls’ softball team at Siltanen Park last Wednesday evening.
After losing their first tournament game in devastating fashion (by giving up a five-run lead in the bottom of the last inning), the Banshees...
San Lorenzo Valley teacher announces benefit ride for schools
A local teacher-turned-author is making good on a promise to his former students in southern California.
Chuck Ross and his wife Jenn relocated to Scotts Valley from Oxnard, Calif., last summer. Before leaving, Ross promised his then seventh graders that he would be back to...
Santa Cruz County releases 2025-26 Proposed Budget
The County of Santa Cruz has released its Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26, outlining a comprehensive plan that balances fiscal responsibility with strategic investments in community well-being, infrastructure, and environmental resilience.
The $1.23 billion budget includes a General Fund budget of $793.5 million and...
Chamber gala honors Scotts Valley’s 2024 leaders
The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce last week took its supporters and benefactors on a Passport Around the World ride at its annual Community Awards Gala.
The playful theme of international travel was woven throughout the event, held at Bret Harte Hall at Roaring Camp...
Hands and hearts mix at valley nonprofit charity
When it comes to making a positive difference in the lives of seniors and low-income households in Santa Cruz County, Damians Ladder is moving rung by rung.
The nonprofit was established in 2023, celebrating the work of its namesake, Damian Lanctot of Ben Lomond. As...
Scotts Valley delivers funds for specialized autism aid
Scotts Valley is leading the way as the first community in Santa Cruz County to become officially named an autistic-friendly local government.
“The city as an organization just received our certification—that means that our staff have accomplished the training threshold required,” City Manage Mali LaGoe...
San Lorenzo Valley High School senior wins Congressional Art Competition
When it comes to her artistic talents, Claire Hamilton is a winner. Her recent piece of art, “Hearts at Rest,” won multiple awards at the 2024 Santa Cruz County Fair, including Best of Section and Best of Show.
So it was no surprise that when...
Mountain Community Theater’s ‘Curious Incident of the Dog’ play explores life’s complexities
Mountain Community Theater presents “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” a play by Simon Stephens—based on the novel by Mark Haddon—from May 16 to June 8 at Ben Lomond’s historic Park Hall, 9400 Mill St.
This show, directed by Simon Hayward, is...
Scotts Valley Police Department promotes bike safety in May
May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and Scotts Valley Police Department is urging everyone to prioritize bicyclist safety as warmer weather brings more riders onto the roads.
In 2022, over 1,100 bicyclists were killed and more than 46,000 injured nationwide, highlighting the critical need for...
Scotts Valley introduces $36M budget, as revenues come in at almost...
For City of Scotts Valley staff, preparing the budget is a year-long endeavor. That’s because it’s the critical financial document that provides a roadmap...
