The preliminary plans for two large, separate projects, both mostly housing projects, were discussed in two community meetings hosted by their respective developers in Scotts Valley recently—both of which were received with skepticism and questions the developers were unable to answer.

The Scotts Valley City Council received a report last week on the progress of the new General Plan- a document determining the “blueprint” and “vision” of growth policies in the city for the next 20 years. The current General Plan, adopted in 1994, is 24-years-old, and by state standards is somewhat overdue for a complete overall.

The prevalence of online neighborhood groups through websites such as Facebook or Next Door are popular ways for residents in the Santa Cruz Mountains to communicate about traffic delays, events happening in the area, list places offering services and more. Several weeks ago, one Boulder Creek resident, Jenny Bradford, saw an opportunity to create a Facebook neighborhood group to invite a conversation and dialogue concerning the concept of “white privilege” and ways to address the issue of racism locally and nationally.

Although the vote count is yet to be certified, Derek Timm, a newcomer to the Scotts Valley City Council, received the most votes in a three-way race with two incumbents seeking reelection. Jim Reed, a long-term incumbent and current mayor, came in second.  Stephany Aguilar, after more than 20 years of distinguished service on the council, was unable to successfully defend her seat.      

Kevin Collins, private citizen, resident of Lompico canyon and PG&E ratepayer, explained and defended his formal complaint to the California Public Utilities Commission about PG&E’s tree cutting program to an administrative law judge in a prehearing conference in Santa Cruz last Friday.

The San Lorenzo Valley Board of Directors will look completely different after the election. One of the more hotly contested races in the Valley ended with all three open seats for the SLVWD Board of Directors going to the non-incumbent challengers.

The terrible air quality from recent wildfires hundreds of miles away should serve as a reminder smoke from old, inefficient wood stoves have similar impacts, according to Chris Duymich, Air Quality Planner for the Monterey Bay Air Resources District.