Local News

Santa Cruz County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) approved the merger of the fire departments that serve Scotts Valley and Branciforte on Aug. 2. Scotts Valley Councilmember Allan Timms said he was glad to see the Scotts Valley Fire District absorb its beleaguered neighbor. “The Branciforte...

Just as the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District sorted out one inappropriate-behavior situation, another materialized. Trustees had voted to let teacher Eric Kahl resign, at their Sept. 14, 2021, board meeting, after learning he’d subjected female students to unwelcome sexual advances (in exchange, Kahl...

Travis Harris, a 40-year-old travel nurse from Scotts Valley, was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison on June 4 after being convicted by a jury on multiple charges related to child molestation. Judge Pamela Butler presided over the trial and sentencing. Harris was...

In alignment with the state, 11 Bay Area counties, including Santa Cruz County, and the City of Berkeley will lift universal mask requirements for most indoor public settings on Feb. 16. Unvaccinated individuals over the age of 2 will continue to be required to wear...

5th annual Holiday Lights brings sparkle to fairgrounds The fifth annual Holiday Lights event has returned to the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, and it’s bigger and brighter than ever. It features light displays including a 30-foot sea serpent, huge rooster, lighted tractors with turning wheels,...

Annual Holiday Gift Shop opens Nov. 1 The Annual Holiday Gift Shop at Valley Churches United in Ben Lomond opens Nov. 1. The gift shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10am-4pm.  Amazingly talented volunteers have created an exquisite display, making this year’s gift shop an...

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...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Health officials from eight Bay Area counties on Monday issued a set of guidelines created to keep families safe from Covid-19 during the holidays. The recommendations cover travel and gatherings. The health officers from the counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco,...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) Board of Directors at its May 21 virtual meeting unanimously approved a contract extension with CEO and General Manager Alex Clifford that will keep him at the head of the transportation agency through May 6,...

Plans to potentially put a bicycle track in Felton Covered Bridge County Park—which would replace an aging and unused volleyball court—has stirred a modicum of controversy in the small community, with supporters saying it would give a new recreation opportunity for young people.   Opponents, meanwhile,...