Boulder Creek Reindeer Run marks biggest year yet with record turnout
On Christmas Eve morning, as dawn broke over Boulder Creek and the last gusts of a fierce winter storm gave way to calm skies, hundreds of people poured into town wearing antlers, costumes, smiles and a shared sense of joy.
By the time the final...
Short plays deliver big stories in 8 Tens @ 8 theater fest
Each January brings a feeling of fresh motivation to Santa Cruz. While local residents attempt to adhere to their New Year’s resolutions by joining a gym, paying attention to their eating habits or finding a new hobby, the acting community celebrates the return of...
Mathnasium brings after-school math instruction to Scotts Valley elementaries
For years, Mathnasium has been on the ground to assist San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley families tackle one of the most common and stressful academic challenges: math. Now, the local learning center is taking a new step to meet students and families where...
Martinez reflects on first year as 5th District supervisor
When Monica Martinez reflects on her first year as Santa Cruz County’s Fifth District supervisor, one word comes up again and again: whirlwind.
“It’s been busy,” Martinez said. “But I’m really proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish.”
That sense of urgency has defined Martinez’s...
Boulder Creek feline rescue organization continues life-saving mission
Dec. 29 was laundry day at Kitten Kornher Rescue along Highway 9 in downtown Boulder Creek. The Christmas storms (and tornado warning) were in the rear-view mirror, as the sun beamed a balmy 60-degree day into existence. A tiny black kitty named Boo lay...
Ben Lomond history talk returns with new stories at Park Hall
This January, Park Hall will once again echo with stories of grit, ambition and larger-than-life characters who helped shape Ben Lomond and the greater San Lorenzo Valley.
On Thursday, Jan. 15, Park Hall and the Ben Lomond Village Alliance (BLVA) invite the community to gather...
Santa Cruz Museum presents inaugural 5 Minute Film Fest
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) has announced the inaugural MAH 5 Minute Film Fest, with the screening taking place on Thursday Jan. 15, at the MAH from 6-7:30pm.
More than 50 qualified films were submitted, and the jurors selected the top 15...
Damians Ladder marks 500th home repair, expands impact across county
Since 2023, Damians Ladder—a nonprofit that provides low- to no-cost small home repairs for seniors and people with disabilities in Santa Cruz County—has served hundreds of clients from Boulder Creek to Watsonville.
In November 2025, the organization closed its 500th case by installing new handrails...
In his final act as mayor, Timm presides over approval of Scotts Valley Town Center Specific Plan and EIR
For Scotts Valley City Council all to be in sync, it took a quick hand-off of a mystery item by Kirsten Maure to her husband, Greg Wimp, the body’s newest member, as the Dec. 17 meeting began.
It was a bag containing a Christmas sweater,...
Scotts Valley K-9 team surprised with Hometown Hero honor
During an event to celebrate the season, an unexpected moment of gratitude took center stage at the annual Scotts Valley Christmas Tree Lighting on the evening of Dec. 6.
Scotts Valley Police Officer Nick Lipari and his K-9 partner Sam were called forward—not knowing they...
Boulder Creek gains federal Opportunity Zone status
Boulder Creek has received a federal Opportunity Zone designation, opening new opportunities to attract private investment, support local businesses and strengthen the community’s long-term...
