Highway 17 reopened Friday afternoon in both directions after an hourslong closure. More storms hit Santa Cruz County on Thursday night, bringing 6 to 12 inches of snow to parts of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The storms closed three of the region’s major highways — 17, 9, and 152 — at one point during the day, causing travel chaos. Thousands were without power across the region Friday afternoon as heavy snow and fallen trees took out power lines and cut off public access to Bonny Doon.
Scotts Valley
Posted inFood & Drink
Lily Belli on Food: Cooking for Capitola a smashing success, Burger Week is nigh & Valentine’s rib-eye
This week, Lily recaps the team effort by Capitola and Soquel chefs and their staffs that raised $40,000 to help workers affected by post-storm restaurant closures, previews Santa Cruz Burger Week and reveals a meaty splurge. All-star fundraiser Cooking for Capitola raises $40K for restaurant employees “When a disaster comes, chefs have a great opportunity […]
Posted inFood & Drink
‘Seven days of burger love’ right around the corner in Santa Cruz County
Santa Cruz Burger Week kicks off next Wednesday, Feb. 22, and runs through Feb. 28, with participants including Bruno’s Bar and Grill in Scotts Valley, Hula’s Island Grill in Santa Cruz and Parish Publick House in Aptos.
Posted inScotts Valley
‘One more step toward healing’: Scotts Valley High community commemorates suicide death of Mateo Deihl
One year ago, a 15-year-old freshman who exuded universal kindness took his own life. His parents say they detailed in multiple letters to the Scotts Valley Unified School District, over many months, incidents of harassment, discrimination and bullying at the middle and high schools. Those who attended the celebration of Mateo Deihl say they’re hopeful that an increase in kindness and acceptance in a community that has struggled with those virtues will be his legacy.
Posted inFood & Drink
EATERS DIGEST: Ice cream for breakfast, winter citrus and seeking out the cheeseburger from ‘The Menu’
As we enter the first week of February, stave off winter colds with a citrus smorgasbord, enjoy Ice Cream for Breakfast Day at the Penny Ice Creamery, and Lily Belli looks for a local take on an iconic burger.
Posted inFood & Drink
EATERS DIGEST: Betty Noodles returns, Pizza Series pops up and El Vaquero Winery wins double gold
Betty Noodles returns to downtown Santa Cruz after closing in 2019, with bowls of soup that are bigger and better than ever. El Vaquero Winery wins two double gold medals for its carignan and cabernet franc, and The Pizza Series pops up in Scotts Valley with Detroit-style pies.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
I’ve spent years being bullied in school, but now I’ve found hope. I want to bring it to others.
Maddy Rutherford is a ninth grader at Scotts Valley High and says she has been bullied since elementary school. Her experiences filled her with self-doubt and made her not want to go to school. This year, her first in high school, she was selected to be in a new program at Scotts Valley High called Hope Squad, which makes her part of a team of students who help students in need of friendship or someone to talk to. Scotts Valley is the only Santa Cruz County school with this program. She thinks that should change.
Posted inLatest News
Storm damage tops $36 million across Santa Cruz County, but local officials warn estimates could double
Santa Cruz County and its four cities sustained more than $36 million in damages to public infrastructure in storms that also damaged at least 200 homes. Local officials say they expect that figure to grow dramatically in the weeks to come as they continue to assess the devastation wrought by storm surges, floods and landslides. And more rain is on the way.
Posted inFood & Drink
Unsung Santa Cruz: Restaurant workers share stories from the back-of-house and thrive in a difficult industry
Post-pandemic, the restaurant industry is more challenging than ever, but within it are stories of hardworking employees that keep these businesses open despite the odds. Here, we celebrate two back-of-house workers doing just that.
Posted inScotts Valley
At Scotts Valley City Hall, Santa Cruz County’s oldest documented archaeological site display gets an update
While most Santa Cruz County residents might not realize it, one of the oldest documented archaeological sites in California is located under the Scotts Valley City Hall and police department. Local archaeologists and community members are upgrading a display at the Scotts Valley City Hall to reflect its importance.