Santa Cruz County likely moving to orange tier March 31
Continued decreases in case and positivity rates have Santa Cruz County on track to enter a less restrictive tier of the state’s Covid-19 reopening plan on March 31, County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel said at Thursday’s weekly virtual press conference.
According to data released...
News Briefs | Published Aug. 15, 2025
BLM to celebrate grand opening of Cotoni-Coast Dairies
Bureau of Land Management is inviting the public to the grand opening of the Cotoni-Coast Dairies onshore unit of the California Coastal National Monument on Friday, Aug. 15.
A reservation-only guided hike will take place at 3pm; RSVP...
Scotts Valley Council begins its housing element journey
During the regularly scheduled March 15 council meeting, Scotts Valley began the challenging journey toward deciding how to plan for 1,220 new housing units in the upcoming Regional Housing Needs Allocation cycle.
Taylor Bateman, Scotts Valley’s community development director, introduced the item, noting Kimley-Horn and...
Powers Forestry scoops up contract for SLVWD tree work
Powers Forestry LLC has been tapped to complete tree work along a 1.3-mile section of Foreman Creek and Peavine Creek, as part of ongoing community efforts to rebuild after the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire.
San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) announced the emergency contract—approved...
Local quilt group has donated 1,000 covers to fire-impacted families
Firefighters throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains were blanketed in surprise on June 29 when three women showed up with a number of free, hand-made quilts.
Almost 80 firefighters from the Boulder Creek, Felton, Zayante and Ben Lomond fire protection districts received the gifts, which were...
Fire recovery permit center opens
The Recovery Permit Center (RPC) to assist CZU Lightning Complex survivors with all aspects of permitting for the rebuilding process recently opened, the County of Santa Cruz announced.
The County is offering technical assistance, streamlined permit processes, information about pre-application clearances and support as residents...
Jury to weigh verdict in $72M suit against Caltrans
Closing arguments began Wednesday in a $72 million lawsuit against the California Department of Transportation that seeks to pin the agency with the majority of the blame for the death of a pedestrian along Highway 9 in the Felton area.
Dana Scruggs, of Santa Cruz-based...
Big Basin gains 153 acres in first expansion in 15 years
California State Parks and Sempervirens Fund recently announced the permanent addition of the 153-acre NoraBella property to expand Big Basin Redwoods State Park, marking the park’s first acquisition in 15 years.
The $2.415 million purchase is the first addition to the park since 2011, when...
Santa Cruz County earns state fire risk reduction designation
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...
Overnight traffic control on Highway 9 in Felton begins Tuesday
Travelers on Highway 9 in Felton will encounter overnight traffic control beginning Tuesday, Jan. 20, as part of utility relocation work.
Between Kirby Street and north of Fall Creek Drive, Highway 9 travelers will encounter one-way flagging control from 8pm-5am. The overnight flagging control will...
Scotts Valley police receive $25K traffic safety grant
Scotts Valley Police Department has received a $25,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to support programs promoting bicycle and pedestrian safety.
The...
