City of Scotts Valley fills 2 key vacancies
A couple years back, Scotts Valley was reeling from a series of departures, while struggling to attract new staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.
But now, with two key hires—Building Official Nelson Alfaro and Public Works Director Bret Swain—the City has filled 93% of its roster.
“Scotts...
Man arrested in Ben Lomond on Scotts Valley rape and imprisonment charges
Scotts Valley police arrested a 36-year-old San Lorenzo Valley man on burglary, rape and false imprisonment charges on Oct. 18.
When the call for service came in at 2:24pm, the day before, the Scotts Valley Police Department dispatched three officers to the location, in southern...
Post-pandemic learning-loss picture comes into focus for North County schools
In recent weeks, North County educators have highlighted positives in data emerging from standardized tests taken since the end of the pandemic.
But they also highlighted how Covid-19 dealt a serious blow to learning in this idyllic corner of California, with bad marks in math...
Boulder Creek family loses second house to fire
On Sunday, Boulder Creek resident Eric McFarland was unloading some items from the family vehicle when he heard some strange noises.
The CZU Lightning Complex Fire survivor was distressed to see flames behind the house, climbing one of the trees and devouring the winter woodpile.
“It...
News Briefs | Published Nov. 3, 2023
Supervisor attends White House executive order event on AI
Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Chair Zach Friend participated in a White House executive order event Oct. 30 on artificial intelligence (AI), recognizing the County’s leadership in developing AI policies on behalf of the public.
The...
TEDxSantaCruz announces call for speakers and volunteers for Spring 2024 event
TEDxSantaCruz organizers have launched a call for speakers, volunteers and sponsors for the next TEDxSantaCruz: RISING TOGETHER, slated for Saturday, April 13, 2024, at the Crocker Theater on the Cabrillo College campus. The call is open to everyone who lives or works in Santa...
RTC seeks input for project aimed at adapting county transportation network for climate resiliency
Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) is seeking community input through an online survey on its Climate Adaptation Vulnerability Assessment and Priorities Report (CAVA) project.
The RTC, the County of Santa Cruz Department of Community Development and Infrastructure and the Santa Cruz County Office...
Open Studios Art Tour ends strong despite rainy conditions
On Sunday, residents and visitors from further afield fanned out across Santa Cruz County for the final day of Open Studios Art Tour 2023, where people get to peek inside spaces integral to creation.
For Gina Firpo, a 31-year resident of the San Lorenzo Valley...
State appoints receiver to run Boulder Creek water company
A Southern California law firm, Silver & Wright LLP, has been appointed to assume possession and control of Big Basin Water Co. following the Santa Cruz County Superior Court's approval of a receivership request by the State Water Resources Control Board.
The privately owned drinking...
Santa Cruz County offers free safety inspection to reduce fire dangers
Whether it’s the 2017 Thomas Fire in Ventura, the 2018 Camp Fire in Butte County or the 2020 CZU Fire in Santa Cruz County, hundreds of thousands of Californians have been impacted by the ravages of wildfires, resulting in the destruction and loss of...
News Briefs | Published July 4, 2025
Tree removal leads to temporary closure on Big Basin Highway
Caltrans will temporarily close a section of southbound Highway 236 (Big Basin Highway) left on...
