Last Chance will get first crack at county’s fire rebuild pilot
Santa Cruz County is moving forward with a pilot program in a fire-thrashed area of the coast that would allow displaced residents to rebuild off-grid dwellings that otherwise wouldn’t be up to code. The Limited-Density Owner-Built Rural Dwellings plan slashes red tape for some...
In-person services return at local Methodist church
Since 1912, the crisp, white Methodist church surrounded by a riotous bed of wildflowers has sat atop its perch in Boulder Creek, and Pastor Clyde Vaughn sees the blessing that comes from being a staple in the community for so long.
“I’ve been pastor here...
City of Santa Cruz petitions to expand rights to San Lorenzo River water
The Santa Cruz City Water Department (SCWD) is seeking to expand its rights to store, distribute and use the water it diverts from the San Lorenzo River. SCWD currently has exclusive rights to the river’s water, whereas the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD)...
Members of Congress call for year-found federal firefighters
“California wildfire seasons, unfortunately, are turning into wildfire years,” said U.S. Rep Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) in a recent press release.
Panetta, along with two senators and 20 other members of Congress from California, called for the creation of a year-round wildland fire workforce in...
SLV teachers lawyer up as misconduct claims grow
Leann Anderson was still four months away from her 18th birthday when she proudly accepted her high school diploma. The Bonny Doon girl had struggled to overcome dyslexia. But in the end, she’d triumphed.
“You f****** did it! Congratulations!” came the supportive, if profane, message—allegedly...
Dave Poetzinger to retire after 28 years of coaching at SLV
FELTON—Dave Poetzinger, who has spent the past 28 years as a coach at San Lorenzo Valley High School, has put on the headset for the final time.
The Cougars’ lead man coached his final game on April 17 against Harbor High. His student-athletes gave him...
Valley residents ponder potential impacts of new statewide Fire-Safe Regs
From the red sign with twin suns beaming their gratitude toward hand-painted white letters spelling “THANKS FIREFIGHTERS” by a fire-survivors camp in Davenport, to the wildland battle scene depicted on the side of a beer distributor doing the rounds in Felton, wildfire danger remains...
San Lorenzo Valley Museum’s spring auction moves online
For all the historical icons in the San Lorenzo Valley (hello, Roaring Camp, Henry Cowell and Covered Bridge Park), there are some that seemingly fly under the radar.
San Lorenzo Valley Museum is one of them, says Director of Operations Nicole Berridge.
“The museum is one...
Johnson & Johnson’s ‘pause’ not expected to slow county’s distribution
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Though the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be delayed for an undetermined amount of time, the pause of the single-dose inoculation is not expected to significantly slow the county’s vaccination efforts.
That’s according to Santa Cruz County health officials, who...
Scotts Valley Art, Wine and Beer Festival returns in August
Danny Reber has a lot on his plate. As the Executive Director of the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce, Reber oversees a variety of annual events and fundraisers for the Chamber, and is an omnipresent force in the community.
He now has his next task...
Scotts Valley PD: Don’t rely on luck, choose a sober way...
St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate with friends, family and good cheer. However, as the festivities often include alcohol, Scotts Valley Police...