At a special meeting of the San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) Board of Directors convened at 3:30 in the afternoon last Friday, June 1, the board formally accepted the resignation of Director Eric Hammer, submitted by email on May 23 that was effective immediately. At the meeting, the board approved a schedule for applications, interviews and appointment of Hammer’s successor.

A former Scotts Valley resident returned to his hometown this week to film a scene for his original musical based on the music of the Beach Boys.

Syda Coglaiti and Zach Schwarzbach, candidates for Superior Court Judge, squared off in a face-to-face community forum on May 17th – answering the same, wide-ranging questions read to them by the moderator Brenda Griffin- responding with often similar but somewhat nuanced answers, but also with answers that differed substantially.   

A proposed senate bill is aiming to abolish the bail bond system. A system that has resulted in poor people remaining locked up in jail awaiting trial.

The Santa Cruz County Planning Department has published an online, comprehensive guide to the planning regulations, permit fees, estimated building costs and financing of accessory dwelling units (ADU’s), also known as granny flats, in-law units or “Tiny Homes”, for the unincorporated areas of the county.

Skepticism about growth and questions about water and traffic were common concerns of the neighbors who attended an open house on the Valley Gardens Golf Course last week. The open house showed revised project plans of the proposed development of 142 relatively high-end, single family homes and 51 apartments on the golf course, which is scheduled to close at the end of the year.

Many in Felton still miss the noon-time testing of the WWII-vintage civil defense fire siren that was discontinued back in 2016 after it got stuck on “on” and truly alarmed the community, according to long-time Fire Chief Ron Rickabaugh. 

The Brookdale Lodge, full of history, urban myth and reports of the paranormal, will be open to the public on Memorial Day- for a look around at what the old, iconic Highway 9 hotel looks like after approximately $4 million have been invested in its renovation.

Vicki Nohrden, evangelical director of the nonprofit Wind and Fire Ministries in Carmel, is challenging three-term incumbent Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay) for the 29th State Assembly District seat in Sacramento in the June 5th primary.

One Boulder Creek family is trying to tackle the county’s homelessness issue by providing what they can to a person who needs it most.