County and state agencies are planning a slate of road work for the Santa Cruz Mountains in preparation for a wet winter. Crews will clear ditches, ready plows and also continue working on a series of improvements to better protect cyclists and pedestrians.
San Lorenzo Valley
Posted inPolitics & Policy
San Lorenzo Valley Water District hires interim general manager
John Kunkel has been hired as interim general manager of the San Lorenzo Valley Water District, its board of directors announced Friday. Kunkel was most recently interim city manager of Huron in Fresno County. He’s a former police chief who has held city manager roles in several communities.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Like many small tax districts, Felton Fire faces its future — and could have to outsource to Cal Fire
Budget constraints and staffing shortages have made daily operations difficult for the Felton Fire Protection District. With just two full-time captains and two full-time firefighters, the district is mulling a shared-services agreement with state agency Cal Fire as it also considers a ballot measure to raise money that would allow the district to function as its own entity once more.
Posted inPolitics & Policy, San Lorenzo Valley
Rain-rich, faucet-famine: The irony of Boulder Creek’s ongoing water woes
After a year of heavy rainfall, Boulder Creek faces a paradoxical water crisis. Despite abundant natural resources, private utility Big Basin Water Company is grappling with infrastructure failures traced back to the 2020 CZU fire, leaving faucets dry and costing some residents thousands of dollars.
Posted inGuides
A driver’s guide to Santa Cruz County road delays to come
Major road work is coming in 2024, and three major east-west arteries — Murray Street, Highway 1 and Soquel Drive — will all see delays and potential closures over the next few years, which could make an already crowded commute even more time-consuming. Now, Carmageddon keeps you updated weekly on the projects that might slow your drive.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Sheriff Jim Hart makes decision on District 5 county supervisor race
What Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart might do was a big unknown in the race to replace the retiring Bruce McPherson in District 5, which stretches from north of the city of Santa Cruz to the Santa Clara County line. Nonprofit CEO Monica Martinez announced Oct. 30 that Hart had endorsed her candidacy, giving her a boost in a three-person field that also includes Christopher Bradford and Theresa Bond.
Posted inUncategorized
Court-appointed receiver pledges stability for troubled Big Basin Water Co. after potential buyer backs out
Big Basin Water Company, a private utility in Boulder Creek, had been plagued by problems for years before a prospective new owner abruptly backed out of a deal to purchase the company late last month. Big Basin’s court-appointed receiver told a packed community meeting Thursday that it is working to provide consistent drinking water, secure funding for essential repairs and find a potential buyer for the troubled utility.
Posted inCity Life
Brookdale Lodge, one of Santa Cruz County’s most haunted places, still spooks at 100-plus years old
The Brookdale Lodge is a legendary part of Santa Cruz County’s past, having hosted notable figures like Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, Herbert Hoover — and, allegedly, ghosts. Long believed to be haunted by several spirits, the 100-plus-year-old hotel still holds surprises for visitors and staff. Now, as owner Pravin Patel looks to restore some of the closed-off, run-down sections of the hotel, patrons might soon be able to experience the lodge as it was in its heyday.
Posted inFood & Drink
A bountiful fall: 23 foodie events happening in Santa Cruz County this month
Local calendars are filling up with food-themed fall events. Lookout food and drink correspondent Lily Belli collected them all in one place, and notes her picks for the best events of the season.
Posted inRecreation & Sports, San Lorenzo Valley
Controversial pump track proposal divides Felton residents
A plan by the Santa Cruz County Parks Department to replace the dilapidated volleyball court at Felton Covered Bridge Park with a 10,000-square-foot mountain bike training ground, known as a pump track, has driven a wedge between residents. Some feel the county — citing budget and staffing issues — has handed over too much control of the project to a private group.