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In a sleepy town like Scotts Valley, it’s par for the course that year-to-year crime percentages swing wildly. If no robberies happen one year, and then four go down the next (as was the case between 2023 and 2024), you don’t want to read too...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 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...

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...