In view of the “fiscal cliff” lying ahead for the City of Scotts Valley, the city council is keeping its promise of looking for every possible way to improve the city’s fiscal situation.  At last week’s city council meeting, these efforts included a workshop on city fees, aimed at getting closer to cost recovery for some city services, and a discussion about raising the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) or “local hotel room tax” from 10 percent of hotel room charges to 12 percent.  

After being denied in March, Nicky Ramos-Beban, executive director of Integrative Leadership Academy, with the support of several parents and teachers, submitted a revised proposal to build a new independent charter middle school as part of the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District. The SLVUSD board of trustees heard public comments on the petition at a board meeting on June 13.

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.

There is nothing quite as central to Bonny Doon as the elementary school. In an effort to fund essential science, music and art programs at Bonny Doon Elementary, the Bonny Doon Community School Foundation is preparing to host its annual art, wine and brew festival this weekend.

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.

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. 

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.