In a lawsuit filed last week, California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office said it has lost confidence in the owners of Big Basin Water Company and wants to put the private utility into receivership until it can figure out its finances and provide adequate service to its customers.
San Lorenzo Valley
Posted inLatest News
Armed robbery suspects still at large after Santa Cruz Mountains car chase, crash
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office says a search continues for three suspects after they crashed a stolen car and fled the scene on foot following the alleged robbery of a Scotts Valley Cycle Sport mobile repair van near Highway 9 and Highway 35.
Posted inLatest News
Santa Cruz Mountains communities brace for turmoil as home insurers leave California over wildfire risk
As insurance companies like State Farm pull out of writing new policies in California over concerns about the cost of wildfires, homeowners in high fire-risk areas, such as the San Lorenzo Valley, can expect to pay higher premiums as they pick from a much smaller pool of property insurers. An insurance program that offers limited fire insurance may become the only option for many in the Santa Cruz Mountains — one that experts warn could be far too expensive for some low-income families.
Posted inGuides
Zip line the redwoods, take a forest bath, ride the rails, row a boat — choose your own Felton summer adventure
No matter your budget, the ages and size of your crew and how you like your fun (active, chill, noisy, peaceful, with or without an adult beverage at hand …), chances are you can find something in Felton to make summer memories to cherish. Take our quiz and let Ashley Spencer be your guide from there.
Posted inPolitics & Policy
Bruce McPherson will not seek reelection to Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors in 2024
Friday’s announcement that Bruce McPherson — whose Fifth District includes the San Lorenzo Valley, much of Scotts Valley and part of Santa Cruz — won’t pursue another term on the county board of supervisors cracks open the 2024 field in an already competitive race for county power in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Posted inFood & Drink
Santa Cruz Fungi brings an unusual twist to popsicles: mushrooms
With flavors including key lion’s mane pie, chagalate and cordy creamsicle, Paul Lazazzera and Katie Sarna are introducing their mushroom-infused frozen treats at pop-ups around Santa Cruz County.
Posted inFood & Drink
From cod to squid salad, H&H Fresh Fish offers more than just salmon at Santa Cruz County farmers markets
H&H Fresh Fish started off as a way for Hans Haveman to sell his salmon catch. Now, it mostly gets its catch from other local fishers. H&H has expanded to more than a dozen different farmers markets from Aptos to Oakland, as well as a main location at the Santa Cruz Harbor.
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Salmon release at wharf, expanding food systems and summer workshops
Hello eaters! Jessica M. Pasko here. While Lily is out on maternity leave, I’m pitching in on the latest local food news. A little about me — I’m a writer and a native of upstate New York, living in Santa Cruz for over a decade. Our rich food culture is just one of the many […]
Posted inFood & Drink
Summer school: A sampling of upcoming food, wine and gardening courses
Looking to grow your knowledge of food and agriculture? From fungi and lavender to cooking classes for adults and kids, Jessica M. Pasko checks out a few of Santa Cruz County’s offerings.
Posted inEnvironment
State Parks studies new amenities for Big Basin visitors center lost to CZU fire
Nearly three years after the CZU Lightning Complex fires severely damaged Big Basin Redwoods State Park, officials are embarking on a public process to determine how to rebuild some of the facilities lost to fire and make the park more resilient to climate change. The Sempervirens Fund will host a free online webinar Tuesday to kick off public correspondence.