News Briefs | Published Jan. 17, 2025
Coastal trail projects receive federal investment
Rep. Jimmy Panetta announced a new federal investment in coastal trail projects in California’s 19th Congressional District. The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded $19.5 million to the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) to support the segments of...
McPherson reflects on his lifetime of service
Dec. 30, 2024, Bruce McPherson’s last day as supervisor for the Fifth District of Santa Cruz County, dawned bright and blue. After bidding farewell to his team of analysts and taking down the last mementos from his office walls, McPherson traveled to Scotts Valley...
Community raises funds for Albert the Peacock memorial
The San Jose Sharks have Sharkie, the 49ers have Sourdough Sam, the Giants have Lou Seal, and until recently, Boulder Creek’s unofficial mascot was Albert the Peacock.
For decades, Albert lived his life as a persnickety bachelor-life peafowl in the streets and treetops of the...
Final paving, striping on Highway 9 continues this week
A major maintenance paving project continues on Highway 9 between El Solyo Heights Drive in Felton and California Drive in Ben Lomond.
Travelers on Highway 9 between Felton and Ben Lomond will encounter one-way reversing traffic control on Thursday, Jan. 9, and Friday, Jan. 10,...
Felton meeting to discuss Highway 9 preventative maintenance project
Caltrans will host a public meeting next week in Felton to hear project details and provide input regarding the upcoming South Santa Cruz Highway 9 capital preventative maintenance project.
The meeting will take place Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 5-7pm at the Felton Community Hall, 6191...
Scotts Valley High senior reflects on drone event
For a 17-year-old like Prathik Kurella, it can be hard to imagine exactly what your future will look like. The Scotts Valley High School senior has applied to University of California schools, California State University institutions and the University of Washington.
Kurella said his top...
New California laws take effect in 2025
California lawmakers in 2024 introduced 4,821 bills, but most of them were tossed or otherwise rejected during the months-long legislative process, during which most never saw the light of day. Just 1,206 made it to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk, with 1,017 getting signed into...
Light Up the Night dazzles with community charm
By the time Councilmember Allan Timms got to the Light Up the Night tree-lighting and performance art spectacle around 5pm on Dec. 7, it was already packed.
“It’s really nice to see so many people and kids,” he said. “It’s a very Scotts Valley event.”
You...
Santa Cruz County launches year-round Mobile Crisis Response Teams
Santa Cruz County Behavioral Health has announced that Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT) are now available 24/7 year-round to respond to behavioral health crises for youth and adults across Santa Cruz County, including the cities of Santa Cruz, Watsonville, Scotts Valley, Capitola and all...
5 injured in Scotts Valley’s first tornado on record
*Updated at 6:59pm Dec. 14, 2024
At least five people were injured in Scotts Valley's first-ever tornado on record, authorities said.
Capt. Jayson Rutherford, of the Scotts Valley Police Department, said six cars were overturned and another 10 or so were damaged by the twister.
"Looking at...
Central Coast Good Fire Fair returns Saturday to Henry Cowell Redwoods...
California State Parks will host the third Central Coast Good Fire Fair and demonstration burn Saturday, Oct. 10, at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.
The...





















