McPherson: Input Needed on County’s Housing Element
Santa Cruz County recently received some unsettling, although not surprising, news that we are the most expensive rental housing market in the United States.
In rankings compiled by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the Santa Cruz-Watsonville market topped even San Francisco, San Jose, Salinas...
LETTER: Make Federal Protection for Voting Rights a Priority
Last week marked the 10th anniversary of the gutting of the Voting Rights Act by SCOTUS. The Shelby County Decision opened the floodgates to voting discrimination that targets people of color, native Americans, people in poorer areas and many more.
For those of us who...
County, 911 Launch Improved Alert and Warning System
The County of Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Regional 911 have announced the launch of CruzAware, an innovative and comprehensive community alert and warning system designed to keep residents informed and safe.
CruzAware represents a significant upgrade over the previous system, CodeRED, and introduces a...
Garden Drama with Large-Leafed Plants
Gardens have different personalities. Some gardens mimic nature with plants that attract birds and butterflies and other wildlife and look a bit wild. Some are neat and tidy with perennials lined up evenly along pathways and clipped hedges under the windows. Gardens are a...
United Way and Office of Ed Launch School Supply Collection Drive
On Wednesday, the United Way of Santa Cruz County said it had teamed up with the County Office of Education for a school supply collection drive.
The campaign, called “Stuff the Bus,” seeks to provide less fortunate children with the items they’ll need to succeed...
Armed Robbery Suspects Flee Highway 9 Crash Scene on Foot
Three suspects involved in an armed robbery this morning near Highway 9 and State Route 35—where Skyline Boulevard and the route between Saratoga and Boulder Creek intersect—were at large on Monday afternoon, authorities said.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office said a victim had their...
Owners of Scotts Valley Jewelers to retire in September
In a digital age obsessed by appearing luxurious, with BVLGARI watches flashed in magazine ads, rappers showing off necklaces worth more than your annual paycheck in music videos, and influencers hawking earrings of questionable provenance on Instagram, it can be easy to forget how...
Special Olympics flame passes through Scotts Valley
The Special Olympics Flame of Hope was on its way to Stevens Stadium, at Santa Clara University, where a packed Opening Ceremony—featuring former 49ers legend Bryant Young, Las Vegas showman Frankie Moreno and Lacey Schwimmer of Dancing with the Stars—awaited.
But first, it had to...
News Briefs | Published June 30, 2023
Temporary road closures announced for Boulder Creek 4th of July Parade
The County of Santa Cruz Department of Community Development and Infrastructure has announced that Boulder Creek Business Association will be blocking vehicle access on a portion of Highway 9 between South Street and Highway...
Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury digs into Sheriff’s spy tech
Learning about the dangers of surveillance technology can be empowering, the Santa Cruz County Civil Grand Jury writes in the introduction to the new report they published June 20.
Its latest 20-page look at spy tech and data collection at the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s...
Drainage improvement project on Highway 236 begins next week
The installation and replacement of new drainage pipes on Highway 236, from Boulder Brook Drive to Chipmunk Hollow Road in Boulder Creek, will begin...
