News

Santa Cruz County has earned statewide recognition through the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Fire Risk Reduction Community List, a designation that could help qualifying homeowners receive wildfire insurance discounts while improving the county’s competitiveness for future wildfire prevention grants. The designation was...

A San Lorenzo Valley-based reggae group is on the up-and-up, with several appearances scheduled this month and an album that features an internationally known reggae artist.

After months of anticipation, Scotts Valley residents now have an answer to one of their burning questions. Target Corp. announced Monday it will be launching its Scotts Valley store on Sept. 25. “At approximately 55,000 square feet, the store will bring an easy, safe, and convenient...

Scotts Valley police say they don’t have much in the way of militaristic crime-fighting gear. During the April 6 Scotts Valley City Council meeting, Capt. Jayson Rutherford noted the Scotts Valley Police Department only has items that fall in a couple of the categories outlined...

Northern Boulder Creek has been a bustling area of development and activity so far in 2011. In just a few months, the area near the Mountain Store has gained two new neighbors: a revamped Garrahan Park and the new 9 Burger restaurant.

Randall Dennis BirchMarch 3, 1962 – August 7, 2015Randy Birch passed too soon from a world that needed him. He was born in Salinas, CA, but lived most of his life in Felton and Santa Cruz. Twenty minutes after he was born, the hospital staff pronounced him hyperactive and that’s how he lived his life, as if he had too much to do and not enough time.He was the first non-athlete to be voted Homecoming King at San Lorenzo Valley High School. He navigated a rainy football field in a white tuxedo without collecting a spot of mud.He was a founding member of San Lorenzo Valley’s Mountain Community theatre. He captivated audiences with his portrayals of Professor Harold Hill in The Music Man, Nathan Detroit in Guy & Dolls, and many others. Even with bit parts, he could steal the show. He coaxed his shyest friends — and even his mother — to join him on stage. He was known for his great singing, but even more for his infectious laugh. Actors loved to have him in the front row.He worked 70 and 80 hour weeks, first as manager at Color Tile, and later, as a Quality Assurance Manager at several computer technology companies, armed only with a high school diploma, amazing intelligence, and irresistible charm. In addition, he was a regular in a community TV program, The Chick Show, which ran for 8 years.His real family recently learned Randy was an honorary member of many other families, all of whom miss him terribly. He delivered warm soup when someone was sick, a listening ear when someone was troubled, and the unfailing patience to fix anyone’s computer.He is dearly missed by his parents, James and Rosemary Birch of Felton, CA, and his three siblings, Kathleen —Dan — Sherman in St. Joseph, MI, Luanne (Paul) Oleas in Cupertino, and William Birch in Cottage Grove, OR. He was adored by his two nieces, Katie Sherman and Natalie Oleas.If you were lucky enough to know him, his family requests your attendance at “Remembering Randy: A Musical Tribute” which will be held from 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Saturday, August 29, 2015 at Park Hall, 9400 Mill Street, Ben Lomond. Bring a song to share, a picture, or a memory.

Aug. 13 and 14 will bring the 12th annual Scotts Valley Art and Wine Festival, a celebration of local painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers, glass workers, brewers and vintners, to the fields of Skypark.