Local News

When the CZU August Lightning Complex Fire tore through the Santa Cruz Mountains in August 2020, homes and their residents weren’t the only things impacted and destroyed by the heat, flames and airborne embers; Big Basin Redwood State Park was largely damaged, burning 97%...

On Dec. 3, 2025, Ben Lomond resident and owner of Boulder Creek Pizza and Pub (BCP&P), Justin Acton, was outside of his home when the unthinkable happened: He was hit by neighbor Charlotte Merrill Conklin, who was driving under the influence. Acton was tossed...

Santa Cruz County has earned statewide recognition through the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Fire Risk Reduction Community List, a designation that could help qualifying homeowners receive wildfire insurance discounts while improving the county’s competitiveness for future wildfire prevention grants. The designation was...

Ben Lomond hosts potluck, square dance Ben Lomond Village Alliance will host a community potluck and square dance on Friday, July 10, at Ben Lomond County Park on Mill Street. The family-friendly event begins with a free community potluck from 6:30-7:30 p.m., followed by a square...

An early morning fire at a duplex on Willis Road displaced residents Sunday after flames heavily damaged the attached garage and spread into part of the home, according to the Scotts Valley Fire Protection District. Firefighters responded at about 5:40 a.m. on June 28 to...

The Town Center mixed-use development is the lynchpin of the City of Scotts Valley’s homes plan. Previous iterations stalled-out. But the new vision has been making steady progress—with residents largely optimistic and an environmental report already on the books. It represents an opportunity to inject...

Cassidy Insurance Agency is celebrating the 25th work anniversary of Kami Cady, director of personal lines. Cady’s dedication, leadership and commitment to customer service have made a positive impact on the agency and the Santa Cruz County community. Cady joined Cassidy Insurance Agency in 2001 and...

Candidate forums planned ahead of November election Santa Cruz County Clerk/Elections Department and local city clerks are inviting residents interested in running for office in the Nov. 3 General Election to attend free Candidate Information Forums later this month. The forums will provide information on candidate...

Santa Cruz County announced plans to sign an amicus curiae brief supporting litigation filed by the state of California and Santa Clara County challenging a planned federal immigration enforcement facility near Gilroy. The lawsuit, brought by California's attorney general and Santa Clara County, seeks judicial...

Motorcyclist killed in Highway 9 crash A 30-year-old Martinez man died Sunday after his motorcycle crashed along Highway 9 north of Boulder Creek, according to the California Highway Patrol. The crash occurred at about 12:40pm on June 7 on northbound State Route 9 south of State...