Torched Trees Given New Life as Fencing For Landmark
Those familiar with the popular Vancouver Island lumberjack show “Big Timber” on Netflix, know the riveting storylines that emerge from working with giant trees—and the care it takes to do historic preservation right.
Down here in California, in the state’s oldest state park, officials experienced...
Santa Cruz County awarded $8M grant for mental health, substance use services
The County of Santa Cruz has received an $8 million grant from the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Proposition 47 Grant Program to enhance mental health, substance use disorder and diversion services for individuals involved in the criminal justice system.
Under the...
News Briefs | Published Feb. 6, 2026
Volunteers needed for Olympia Watershed stewardship
San Lorenzo Valley Water District is seeking volunteers to help with land management at its Olympia Watershed property.
Volunteers will assist with removing nonnative plants, such as French broom, and learn about the unique plants and animals that inhabit the...
Cleanup ongoing after storm hits Santa Cruz Mountains
About 17,000 Pacific Gas and Electric Co. customers across the county were out of power on Wednesday as Department of Transportation (Caltrans) crews worked to clean up the mess of wires rendered like spaghetti by downed trees in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
A number of...
April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month in Scotts Valley
As April marks Distracted Driving Awareness Month, the Scotts Valley Police Department (SVPD) is emphasizing the crucial need for drivers to remain focused and vigilant on the road.
With a marked increase in incidents related to distracted driving, the SVPD is urging motorists to keep...
Scotts Valley taps former Capitola official following surprise departure of Public Works director
The City of Scotts Valley has turned to a former Capitola official to fill the considerable gap left with the surprise departure of Public Works Director Chris Lamm, who resigned to take a job with Santa Clara County.
Steve Jesberg, who retired in 2022 from...
County health officials: avoid the ER unless seriously ill
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County public health officials are asking that anyone with asymptomatic or mild coronavirus cases—or other non-serious illnesses—stay home and avoid unnecessary trips to already burdened hospital emergency departments.
The county also renewed its call for everyone eligible to get vaccinated or...
Art, Wine & Beer Fest saved at ‘11th hour’ with help of new council member
Planning for the two-day Scotts Valley Art, Wine & Beer Festival, scheduled for Aug. 16-17, was about to be derailed when discussions between the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce and the City got back on track with the help of Councilmember Steve Clark, who...
SVWD rebuilds largest water treatment plant
The Scotts Valley Water District (SVWD) has begun construction on its largest water treatment plant, Orchard Run.
GSE Construction demolished the 38-year-old plant in December and plans to finish construction by May 1.
The new plant, which provides 1 million gallons of water per day, will...
Arukah Project presents 3rd annual Natasha’s Run for Justice this Saturday at Skypark
In the fight against human sex trafficking, Loreal Weitzel not only talks the talk, she walks the walk, and she and her team from Arukah Project will be on their feet this Saturday at Skypark in Scotts Valley for the third annual Natasha’s Run...
Three candidates vie for two Scotts Valley council seats
Mike Zeller, the director of programming and project delivery for the Transportation Agency for Monterey County, is the relative newcomer on the Scotts Valley...
