How does the County assess the value of single-family homes each year? Your valuation is based off two things. First, is “replacement cost new, less depreciation.” We generate reports to determine what it would it cost you to build your home now with the price of materials, and then subtract the depreciation based on the […]
Kat Crockett
Posted inLocal News
Residents Express Concerns at South32 Open House
Visitors to the South32 open house discuss the proposed route for mine traffic with South32 Community Manager, Melanie Lawson. Photo by Robert Gay The transportation route table drew the most visitors during the Open House hosted by South32 at Patagonia High School on March 24. The event was held to provide information and discussion with […]
Posted inLocal News
Questions Raised at County Study Session
Local residents, South32 representatives, and County staff and Supervisors discuss the mining company’s Cross Creek Connector project.
Posted inLocal News
Elgin Wineries Win Awards
Several local vintners brought home prizes from this years’s prestigious San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Kent Callaghan of Callaghan Vineyards won seven awards.
Posted inCommunity
Appealing Your Property Valuation
Taxpayers have the right to petition for a review of the Assessor’s valuation. A review by the County may be time well spent. Here’s how to do it.
Posted inPRT Newspaper
FBI Investigates Bribery Between Elected County Official and Large Property Owner
An FBI Special Agent filed a complaint in US District Court on January 28, 2022, against Luis Manuel Flores, an alleged bribery intermediary, stating he intentionally conspired with “Person A” to corruptly give something of value with intent to influence and reward an agent of the State or Local government valuing $5,000 or more. According […]
Posted inCommunity
Deciphering Your Tax Bill
Why do our tax bills keep getting higher and higher? A good start to answering that question is to look carefully at where your tax dollars go.
Posted inLocal News
Elgin Grape Growers Cope with Microclimate Challenges
George Whitmill and Kat Crockett trim vines in their vineyard in Elgin in preparation for the 2022 growing season. Photo by Marion Vendituoli Changes in weather have impacted vineyards and wine throughout the world, creating an element of uncertainty and an abundance of challenges, but also superior wines. “Wine grapes are extremely sensitive to climate, […]
Posted inLocal News
New Cell Tower Approved in Elgin
On December 16, 2021, Santa Cruz County’s Planning and Zoning Commissioners approved a conditional use permit for a communication tower at 286 Elgin Canelo Road, on a lot adjacent to Sonoita Vineyards. The property, which is zoned General Rural, is owned by Vina Sonoita, LTD, a Dutt family business. The structure, to be built by […]
Posted inLocal News
Hermosa Project Pre-feasibility Report Released
On January 17, 2022, South32 announced the completion of the pre-feasibility study (PFS) on the Taylor deposit, one of several exploration deposits on their privately owned land in the Patagonia Mountains collectively known as the Hermosa Project. The PFS is an early-stage analysis of a potential mining project, designed to give company stakeholders the basic […]