Kristopher Payopay has failed to evade attempted murder charges. He’s accused of shooting at California Highway Patrol officers in Scotts Valley with a machine gun during a pursuit. He was held to answer by Judge Hector Ramon for 10 crimes, …
A rainbow flag was waving above Scotts Valley City Hall by 10:15am on June 2—it marked the culmination of a year of work on a ceremonial flag policy. Still, a surprise political tactic the previous night at the council meeting …
Residents of the Redwoods on the River trailer park in Ben Lomond were told to flee as fire consumed a pair of mobile homes on June 1. The blaze sent toxic plumes of smoke into the canopy above. Sgt. Jason …
A three-way race in the 28th State Assembly district had candidates swapping places throughout election night, with Gail Pellerin rising as more precincts reported in. While Los Gatos Rob Rennie had been in second place in early results, with Republican …
Liz Lawler jumped out to an early lead over Rob Rennie in the 28th Assembly District race, according to election results released at 9pm June 7. Lawler, a Monte Sereno city councilmember who is the lone Republican in the race …
The small outdoor pool at Siltanen Park will remain closed throughout the summer as renovations continue. Upgrades have been in the works for months, but when crews got to the site, they discovered things were worse than City staff had …
Recently I spent some time in a friend’s garden in Bonny Doon. This spectacular garden was included on Valley Church’s Garden Tour several years ago when several Bonny Doon gardens were featured. As in many gardens, there are some sunny …
It costs big bucks to ensure one of life’s essential components is fit for human consumption. And on May 25, local officials and media got to taste the $3.5 million upgrade results to the Scotts Valley Water District’s Orchard Run …
San Lorenzo Valley High School junior Gianna Schwarzbach has always been an athlete. From the soccer pitch to the campus pool where she plays varsity water polo, Schwarzbach’s constitution is tough as nails. For those who know her, it is …
The end of the month seemed to approach faster than usual for Shirli McLaughlin. The 76-year-old Felton resident, a longtime Ben Lomond shopkeeper, was told her current rental was being sold. “It’s an important word, ‘home’—don’t you think?” she asked …
Scotts Valley High senior Jeremy Kain and sophomore Ashlyn Boothby have soared sky-high for the Falcons track team this season. The dynamic duo made quite the splash after winning both the boys and girls 1,600-meters at the Central Coast Section …
The San Lorenzo Valley High softball team’s amazing season was capped off with a league title and a trip to the Central Coast Section playoffs. The Cougars (17-8, 10-2) defeated Soquel High in the regular season's finale, helping them capture …
Editor’s Note: The reporter’s son is Andrew Wise. On Thursday, May 26, Central Fire, Santa Cruz City Fire and Watsonville Fire departments welcome nine recruits to their rosters following Santa Cruz City Fire Department’s Regional Academy graduation—six graduates, including Felton’s …
I regularly visit my burned parcel in Bonny Doon to monitor the progress of the redwoods and understory plants. It will take 30-50 years for the forest to regenerate, but it’s trying. Amazing how Mother Nature takes advantage of voids. …
“Future Agenda Items” is usually one of the least contentious portions of a council meeting. But on May 18, Councilmember Derek Timm proposed looking at raising the Pride Flag.
Scotts Valley is trying to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products and, if successful, would be the last municipality in the county to do so. The city has been looking at taking action since 2020 to keep youth from …
The Scotts Valley High girls’ lacrosse team had a historic run in its first full season. The Falcons were co-champion of the Pacific Coast Athletic League’s Gabilan division alongside Pebble Beach powerhouse Stevenson School. Leading the way for Scotts Valley …
Hallie Greene knows what it takes to bring a community together. From her work as the district manager of the Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District to helping create the Santa Cruz Long Term Recovery Group, Greene is looked upon …
Colly Gruczelak, a Ben Lomond resident, shares family memories and recipes.
Union organizer Joe Thompson is fresh off the May 11 news that his push to unionize the first Starbucks stores in California—something that seemed unlikely just a few years ago—was successful. The 19-year-old, running for Assembly District 28, says the …
