Local News

The Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit (CZU) had a plan of how to handle the lightning strikes that eventually set off one of the most destructive fires in the history of the state: the now-infamous CZU August Lightning Complex. “We followed the plan to...

Scotts Valley Police Department is emphasizing the importance of safe driving practices, aligning with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s NHTSA campaign: “Speeding Catches Up With You.” Speeding remains a leading factor in traffic fatalities nationwide. In 2023, nearly 12,000 lives were lost in speeding-related crashes,...

SCOTTS VALLEY—The Scotts Valley City Council at its March 17 meeting unanimously approved a detailed plan tabbed by City Manager Tina Friend as a tool that would bring the small city in the northern reaches of Santa Cruz County into the “next generation” of...

The following is a comprehensive list of restaurants open for takeout during the shelter-in-place order. Are we missing your business? Please contact [email protected] to have your establishment added to the list. Restaurants Bella’s Cafe: 13132 CA-9, Boulder Creek. Phone: 217-5070. Menu: bit.ly/2XbvcjS.Boulder Creek Country Club Bar...

San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) Board of Directors recently announced it has approved a contract for John Kunkel to be interim general manager. Kunkel has extensive experience in local government. A former chief of police, he has served as city manager in several communities....

An 85-year-old woman from Boulder Creek plowed into four bicyclists Tuesday on Highway 9 in the San Lorenzo Valley. Israel Murillo of the California Highway Patrol said CHP responded to a report of a crash at 6:21pm, south of Glengarry Road.  The woman was driving a...

Wandering through downtown Boulder Creek, visitors and locals alike can peek into mom-and-pop stores, pick up a pizza or enjoy a warm beverage from either of the coffee shops in town. What they haven’t been able to do, though, is find a welcoming place...

The signs draped on highway overpasses really do say it all:  “Thank you Firefighters”  “Thank you Cal Fire, Sheriff, Police, EMS.” The profound thanks and gratitude is from the heart and the feelings of appreciation are authentic and run deep.  I believe this outpouring reflects a realization that our homes and way of life in our city really did hang in the balance and our fortuitous escape from disaster made people reflect on their good fortune.

The San Lorenzo Valley has been plagued with power outages for as long as the area has had electricity.  Strong winds, downed trees and mudslides have taken out power time and again, and residents of the area recognize that living beneath the redwoods has its...