Big Basin Redwoods State Park launches summer shuttle service for weekends, holidays
Just in time for the busy Memorial Day holiday weekend, California State Parks and Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks have announced that access to Big Basin Redwoods State Park will increase this summer with the addition of a free pilot shuttle program, a...
County health officials: avoid the ER unless seriously ill
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County public health officials are asking that anyone with asymptomatic or mild coronavirus cases—or other non-serious illnesses—stay home and avoid unnecessary trips to already burdened hospital emergency departments.
The county also renewed its call for everyone eligible to get vaccinated or...
UPDATE: Pile burning in Ben Lomond and Scotts Valley now set for Feb. 18-28
Two pile burns are now planned for Feb. 18-28 in Ben Lomond and Scotts Valley on Land Trust of Santa Cruz County land and easement properties. (The burning was originally planned for Feb. 10-12.)
The 12-acre project in Ben Lomond is toward the south end...
Cabrillo College president/superintendent announces retirement
After more than seven years of dedication and service to Cabrillo College and the Santa Cruz County community, President and Superintendent Matt Wetstein has announced his retirement.
Wetstein will continue working for Cabrillo College until Dec. 31, 2025, to allow the Board of Trustees time...
Messy December weather leads to crashes in Santa Cruz County
With rain descending on Santa Cruz County in earnest over the past week, first responders have had their hands full.
On Sunday, just after 8:15pm, a California Highway Patrol officer was rear-ended while responding to a rollover on southbound Highway 17 near La Madrona Drive.
“As...
San Lorenzo Valley friends, family remember victim of VTA mass shooting
Even as his life slipped away, Ben Lomond native Alex Fritch gave his wife Terra one final gift: A goodbye.
“It’s the biggest gift,” she told the Press Banner, describing how they got to embrace in the hospital. “He grabbed my hand. He cried. And...
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...
Woman dies in early morning fire at former Sobering Center
SANTA CRUZ—A woman died early Wednesday in a two-alarm fire that broke out in the former Sobering Center in Santa Cruz.
Around 2:30am 9-1-1 dispatchers received numerous calls about a fire spreading through the two-story Victorian wood structure that had been boarded up since the...
Covid-19 variant found in Santa Cruz County
The Santa Cruz County Public Health Division is monitoring confirmed reports of Covid-19 cases involving variants found in Santa Cruz County, spokesman Jason Hoppin said in a press release Monday.
Two cases of the B.1.1.7 variant, known generally as the U.K. variant, have been identified...
A tour through Scotts Valley’s vast wastewater facility
According to the National Research Council, efforts to provide clean drinking water, and dispose of waste, goes back to ancient societies in Pakistan, Egypt and Mesopotamia. A decline in hygiene went hand-in-hand with the dark ages. Scotts Valley is trying to come up with...
Local tourism reaches more than $1.4B in Santa Cruz County region
As National Travel and Tourism Week reaches its midpoint in the United States, Visit Santa Cruz County (VSCC) announced that the local tourism industry...
