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Ten years ago, in a quiet Felton barnyard, Wes Modes, 58, a UC Santa Cruz lecturer, and a few friends began piecing together a modest, 20-foot shantyboat from piles of salvaged redwood. Originally conceived as a weekend escape from Modes’ daily responsibilities, this handcrafted vessel...

Board approves sales tax measure for March ballot Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Dec. 5 to place a half-cent sales tax measure on the 2024 March primary ballot. At 9%, sales tax in the unincorporated area is currently tied for the lowest among...

During the joint special meeting of the Scotts Valley Council and Planning Commission, held at the end of last month, the City’s plan for future residential development came into focus. Over the upcoming eight years, the City is required to plan for 1,220 homes, including...

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,...

This weekend, Kissed by an Angel Wines is teaming up with Horse Sense Education and Advocacy and Make-A-Wish Foundation to raise money to enrich the lives of horses and people. A full 20% of the profits over the “Wine & Whinnies” weekender will go to...

Volunteers of the global nonprofit Dr. Shri. Nanasaheb Dharmadhikari Pratishthan completed a conservation drive at Castle Rock State Park, located along Skyline Boulevard, on June 22. Efforts included removing Douglas fir saplings that officials said could promote the spread of flames during a wildfire. “This whole...

One day, during journalism school up in Canada, I headed down from my dorm to catch a glimpse of rising star Orlando Bloom on his way into a premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. I encountered a gruff tabloid photographer with a mustache...

If you’ve visited the new trails at San Vicente Redwoods or witnessed the rebuilding of Big Basin’s accessibility, you have the good people with Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship (SCMTS) to thank.  Founded in 1997, and initially known as the “Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz,”...

Valley Churches United begins 2025 Bucks For Hunger drive Valley Churches United is kicking off its 35th annual Spring Bucks For Hunger fundraising drive with a mailing that community residents are receiving this week. Its year-round food pantry success comes from community support that helps fill...

Do you set personal goals as you head into the new year? Did you know that people who set goals tend to have higher self-motivation, self-esteem, independence and confidence? Having goals gives us a sense of purpose and something to strive for—all important for...