Local News

The Felton Branch Library reopened some of its indoor services Tuesday. “I really enjoy being able to browse,” said 71-year-old Waldo Burford, a retired biology teacher who took in Devi Pride’s post-fire rebirth photoset outside the library on May 8. “That sense of the library...

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—The county’s tourist hotspots—along with its restaurants and hotels—can expect a slight uptick in business this summer from Californians seeking to hit the road for short road trips, according to a survey released Wednesday by Visit Santa Cruz County (VSCC). This prediction is...

When asked about how dire the situation is for local businesses despite the recent relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions imposed by the state, Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Danny Reber did not hold back. About a handful of businesses have already shuttered, and...

Last October, when Mayor Derek Timm learned the community had been selected by Target Corp. as the site of one of its next locations, he was elated. “I called the city manager and said ‘You’re not going to believe this,’” he said, remembering the exchange...

There are dream jobs, and then there are DREAM JOBS. Racing Formula 1 cars? Check. Playing for the NBA? Check. Stylist to the stars? Check. Head of marketing for Humble Sea Brewery? Check, if you’re Lee DeGraw.  Although she’s been driving the brand’s marketing for...

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...

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)...

“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...

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...