New Briefs: Target requests $700K from La Madrona property owner

Target Corp. filed a complaint with the Santa Cruz County Superior Court last month requesting that Title Two Investment Corp. return more than $700,000 the company paid the La Madrona Drive landowner in the past two years.
According to a court briefing filed by Target attorneys, Target made escrow payments of $200,000 and $300,000 to Old Republic National Title Insurance Company and a $200,000 deposit directly to Title Two as it prepared to purchase 18 acres on La Madrona Drive to build a 143,000-square-foot superstore. However, that plan has since been nixed.
According to the complaint, Title Two failed to secure the necessary approvals from the government in time to meet a May 31, 2009, closing date. Because of this failure, the complaint states, Target was entitled to terminate the purchase agreement, which it did in a letter dated June 4, 2009.
When the agreement was terminated, Target became entitled to the return of the money including interest, its attorneys argue.
As of Jan. 7, when the complaint was filed with the court, no money had been returned.
SLV Class of 1985 reunion
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the graduation of the San Lorenzo Valley High School Class of 1985.
A class reunion is scheduled for June 26 and 27. The Saturday night event will be at Bittersweet Bistro in Aptos, and tickets are $75 per person.
For tickets and information: www.slv25threunion.com.
Red Cross takes hero nominations
The American Red Cross of Santa Cruz County is accepting nominations for heroes who live or work in the county.
According to the Red Cross, heroes can be friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers, professionally trained life-savers like firemen, paramedics and police or Good Samaritan role models who have performed a heroic act in the past two years.
Nominations are due by April 7 at www.sccredcross.org or 462-2881.
Ten heroes will be honored at the Red Cross’s fifth annual Heroes Breakfast on May 19.
Open Studios application opens
The application deadline for the 2010 Open Studios Art Tour is at 5 p.m. April 26.
Along with established artists, the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County encourages new and emerging artists to apply for the October art tour that allows artists to showcase their studio and artwork to the public.
The self-guided tour lets visitors take a peek at the more than 300 artists who typically open their studios for the first three weekends of October.
For information: 475-9600, ext. 17, or www.ccscc.org.
Mental health plan under review
The Santa Cruz County Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services has made available the Mental Health Services Act 2010 — 2011 Plan Update.
The plan discusses how money given to Santa Cruz County through Proposition 63, the state-wide Mental Health Services Act, will be spent in the upcoming year.
The public can review and comment on the plan until March 17.
For information: 454-4498 or www.santcruzhealth.com.
Kindergarten registration opens in the valley
San Lorenzo Valley Elementary School is accepting kindergarten registration for the 2010-11 school year. Parents of children who are 5 years old by Dec. 2, 2010, may pick up a registration packet at the school, 7155 Highway 9, in Felton.
For information: 335-4475.