Community

Santa Cruz Public Libraries has launched its 2026 Summer Reading Program, inviting adults, children and families to participate in a season of reading, learning and community activities. The program, themed “Plant a Seed, Read,” began June 1 and runs through July 31. Participants can earn...

For nearly four decades, the Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center has been more than just a gallery tucked along Highway 9 in Ben Lomond. It has been a gathering place, a classroom, a ceramics studio and, for many mountain residents, a creative lifeline. But today,...

For one weekend each spring, the towering redwoods of Roaring Camp Railroad transform into something more than a concert venue. They become the nexus of connection in the San Lorenzo Valley. The Redwood Mountain Faire returns May 30-31 at Roaring Camp Railroads, bringing two days...

Saturday, May 23, dawned cool and misty, but the weather didn’t dampen attendees’ smiles at the 2026 Felton Remembers Parade in downtown Felton. Highway 9 was lined with spectators who were treated to the sights and sounds of a hometown tradition, starting with the local...

California State Parks officials have announced the return of the shuttle program at Big Basin Redwoods State Park for summer weekends and holidays beginning Saturday, May 23, ahead of Memorial Day weekend. The shuttle program, operated in partnership with the Friends of Santa Cruz State...

Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries is issuing a spring call for volunteers, highlighting opportunities to serve on branch committees across the county library system. The organization supports all 10 branches of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, each of which reflects the character and...

Upon entering the Faye G. Belardi Memorial Gallery at the San Lorenzo Valley Museum in Felton, the bright history of the San Lorenzo Valley is dwarfed by the panoply of photos reflecting the museum’s latest exhibition. Photographer and writer Randy Bacon has compiled an eye-opening...

The San Lorenzo Valley community is invited to join the fifth annual SLV Music and Art Festival, taking place Wednesday, May 20, from 4-8pm at Roaring Camp Railroads in Felton. This beloved tradition hosted by the SLV High School Music Boosters brings together student musicians,...

Mountain Community Theater in Ben Lomond has tackled some heavy-hitting pieces of acting in its 40-plus year history: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “Twelve Angry Jurors” and “August: Osage County.” This year is no exception as the community-based group adds “Who’s Afraid of...

San Lorenzo Valley middle schoolers Farley Blackmun and Petra King met at Taqueria Vallarta in Felton on Sunday morning, ahead of this weekend’s Queer Leadership Awards gala in South County where they both have been nominated. The students gathered to reflect on their nominations and...