Local News

​​Since 2015, Santa Cruz Gives, the digital holiday fundraising program for local nonprofits, has provided financial support to an array of agencies that do good work for others. Whether providing meals, financial assistance or access to job opportunities, the 501c3 organizations selected by Santa...

If life is a compilation of goals dreamed and achieved, then the members of Santa Cruz’ Pop Warner Seahawks have set themselves up for a life of success.  On Dec. 12, the team of 24 Santa Cruz County kids rocked the Camping World Stadium in...

Lynn Robinson, the executive director of Valley Churches United, has a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. In addition to the success of their Sidewalk Holiday Gift Shop, the nonprofit has a new list of benefactors with whom to share its gratitude:...

Joining the gift boutique and taproom slated for the Hangar development—and the ice cream parlor that just opened—in Scotts Valley is a new fitness studio from Santa Cruz resident Peter Malek. The 40-year-old engineer and workout enthusiast says he’s thrilled to be able to bring...

Gabriel Barhell, 56, is a former Air Force medic from Tennessee who served in the first Gulf War. He came to Santa Cruz with his girlfriend, a traveling nurse. And when they broke up, he ended up living in the forest. “There was a glitch in...

A wrongful dismissal lawsuit brought forth by a long-time Scotts Valley Police Department officer accused of sexual harassment claims multiple instances of sexually-inappropriate behavior within the force were never properly investigated. While David Ball’s complaint is primarily centered on the assertion he was discriminated against...

Pacific Gas and Electric Company is moving into the next phase of wildfire clean-up efforts—clearing out thick tree trunks it chopped down previously. According to Santa Cruz County’s Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience, the electricity provider is taking action in the wake of a...

In the world of water districts, challenges abound. From fires and floods to earthquakes and droughts, there is a multitude of issues that can affect the safety and security of water sources for the population served.  San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) is certainly no...

After Santa and Mrs. Claus appeared outside the Scotts Valley Community Center on a fire truck and “lit” the Christmas tree during the Holiday Tree Lighting Festival on Dec. 4, the 200-300 people in attendance weren’t prepared for what would come next. Suddenly, as if...

Cindy Sekkel’s been volunteering for two years with the Felton Library Friends, and even sponsored the new library’s fireplace with her husband. On Nov. 27, amidst the fray of shoppers flipping through titles at the group’s book sale, the 70-year-old Ben Lomond resident was pleased...