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...
Ben Lomond youth theater returns to in-person shows
Each year, Ben Lomond’s Little People’s Repertory Theater (LPRT) for children 8-14 hosts its annual summer theater program, culminating in a public performance that’s part campy, part sci-fi, part Marvel-ous and 100% original.
In 2020, LPRT Executive Director Jannine Chadwick held her breath as she...
Plastic bag ban soon to take effect
Six months after gaining approval from the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, the county-wide ban on plastic bags will begin March 20.
Derek Timm and Jim Reed elected to Scotts Valley City Council
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.
Former SVPD Officer Files Another Suit Against City
Disgruntled ex-Scotts Valley Police Department officer David Ball has launched a new lawsuit against the city of Scotts Valley, Police Chief Steve Walpole, Jr. and his former trainee Pascale Wowak, claiming defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
It’s the third action Ball, who was...
Former Finance Director Named Scotts Valley Mayor
It was a festive scene of Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple-Cranberry and chocolate chip and sugar cookies, during a special Dec. 21 Scotts Valley City Council meeting as the new mayor and vice mayor were selected.
The evening marked the day Allan Timms—who became an American citizen...
School celebrates playground
A new play structure donated by the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation was dedicated at Brook Knoll Elementary School on Friday, Sept. 7. The Foundation donated $23,000 for the structure that will serve students in kindergarten through 5th grade.
MCT Presents ‘Now and Then’
When it comes to planning the perfect environment for a Mountain Community Theater (MCT) performance, Director Kathie Kratochvil’s got game. While the majority of the shows are staged at Park Hall in Ben Lomond, the upcoming “Now and Then” is taking place at the...
News Briefs | Published Sept. 12, 2025
Fun run, emergency preparedness fair set for Saturday
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the City of Santa Cruz will be hosting Race the Wave, a 3K...