News Briefs | Published March 21, 2025
Supervisors approve reforms to short-term rental ordinance
In a significant step toward balancing tourism with community needs, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has voted to advance a comprehensive overhaul of the County’s Vacation and Hosted Rental Ordinance.
The proposed reforms, which aim to curb...
MCT’s ‘Steel Magnolias’ blossoms on stage with heartfelt production
Get ready to have your heart teased and tousled as Mountain Community Theater (MCT) presents “Steel Magnolias,” opening this weekend at Park Hall in Ben Lomond.
Co-directed by Peter Gelblum and Susan McKay, and starring Manirose Bobisuthi as Truvy Jones, Sarah Mitchler as Annelle Dupuy-Desoto,...
3rd annual Scotts Valley Hitchcock Festival endears despite hiccup
Merrylou White, a 70-year-old resident of the Santa Cruz neighborhood of Pleasure Point, had purchased a pass for all three days of this year’s Scotts Valley Alfred Hitchcock Festival, held this past weekend, March 14-16.
White grew up in Los Gatos, attending Los Gatos High...
Scotts Valley PD: Don’t rely on luck, choose a sober way to go this St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate with friends, family and good cheer. However, as the festivities often include alcohol, Scotts Valley Police Department is urging everyone to prioritize safety and avoid driving under the influence. Don’t rely on luck—plan ahead and make...
History presentation to recount Ben Lomond’s early years
The rich and colorful history of Ben Lomond comes alive in the second of a three-part lecture series, “Tales of Ben Lomond, Gem of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Part 2” on Saturday, March 22. Doors open at 9:30am and the presentation begins at 10am...
News Briefs | Published March 14, 2025
Industry veterans to lead podcasting and streaming class series
Cabrillo College Extension, Community Television and SantaCruzVoice.com are offering an eight-part series of hands-on “Podcasting and Streaming – Concept to Creation” classes for those wishing to host their own digital media podcast and/or streaming radio show.
Classes...
Step into suspense during this weekend’s Hitchcock Festival in Scotts Valley
Santa Cruz County has been the backdrop for various horror movies, most famously “Lost Boys,” “Killer Klowns from Outer Space” and, more recently, Jordan Peele’s “Us.” But its deepest connection to Hollywood involves the ultimate master of the macabre.
Back in the 1940s, director Alfred...
Free screening of documentary ‘Fentanyl High’ set for March 20 in Felton
In response to growing concerns among families, health providers and educators about the rising fentanyl crisis, a collaborative effort is set to take place in Santa Cruz County.
Santa Cruz County Office of Education, in partnership with SafeRx Santa Cruz County, will host a free...
Rising golf star hosts junior charity tournament this weekend at Pasatiempo
In 2023, then-13-year-old Lucius Niesen from Scotts Valley was on fire on the links. Having taken first place in the Hurricane Junior Golf Tour’s 16th annual National Championship on the Panther Lake Course at Orange County National in Florida, Niesen seemed bound for greatness...
Scotts Valley man accused of child sexual assault pleads not guilty
On March 7, a 62-year-old Scotts Valley man pleaded not guilty to 12 felony aggravated sex assault of a minor charges, and denied additional special allegations, in Santa Cruz County Superior Court.
Anthony Pujals is accused of committing the offenses in 1998. According to a...
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground reopening delayed
California State Parks has announced the delayed reopening of the seasonal campground at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, now scheduled for Aug. 1, instead...
