News Briefs

Senator seeks new ideas for laws
Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, launched his 10th annual “There oughta be a law” contest last week.
The contest invites Californians to submit ideas for state legislation. A winner will lunch with Simitian, see his or her winning ideas introduced as legislation and have a chance to testify at a hearing on the resulting bill at the state Capitol. Simitian picks three winners each year.
In the nine years of the contest, 16 of the 27 winning ideas have become law, according to Simitian’s office.
To enter, people can submit ideas at www.senatorsimitian.com or request an entry form from Simitian’s district offices by calling 425-0401. Proposals are due Nov. 1.
A list of past contest winners signed into law can be found at www.senatorsimitian.com/oughta/laws.
SLV school board has an opening
The San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District seeks applications for the position of one school board trustee.
The vacancy is for Area 3, Ben Lomond. Susan Weber, the trustee for that area, resigned Sept. 15.
Applications are available at the district office, 325 Marion Ave., in Ben Lomond. Those who wish to apply should call the superintendent’s office at 336-5194 to confirm residence in Trustee Area 3.
All applications are due by 4 p.m. Oct. 15.
The board will interview applicants during a special board meeting at 5 p.m. Oct. 27 in the multipurpose room at the district office.
Helpers needed for Garrahan Park
The Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District seeks volunteers to help put up play structures next weekend at the newly renovated Garrahan Park.
Park work days will start at 9 a.m. Oct. 9 and 10.
Boulder Creek Rec is in the final stages of its Garrahan Park renovation. The park will have a walking track, a community-use barbecue, new landscape and hardscape, tables and benches, state-of-the-art irrigation, drains and a new play structure. 
During the weekend work days, volunteers also will help build gazebos and plant trees and other plants.
For information: Diane Hamilton, project coordinator, 338-3174.
Cabrillo College wellness center opens
The grand opening of the 59,000-square-foot Cabrillo Health and Wellness Complex was celebrated Saturday, Sept. 25, at Cabrillo College in Aptos.
The two-building complex has a state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab and viewing theater, advanced imaging technology for the radiologic technology department, 16 dental hygiene stations and five dental x-ray stations, a collaborative learning center for students and offices for all allied health program faculty.
In an adjoining building are the stroke and disability learning center (formerly at DeLaveaga Golf Course) and the health and wellness center, creating a central place on Cabrillo’s Aptos campus for all health and wellness programs.
Textbook hearing approaches
The San Lorenzo Valley School District Board of Trustees will meet to discuss the district’s textbooks and other instructional materials at 6 p.m. Oct. 6 at the district office multipurpose room, 325 Marion Ave., in Ben Lomond.
The hearing will determine whether the books and materials are adequate and are consistent with state standards.
For information: 336-5194.
Winner announced in landscape contest
The Scotts Valley Water District has named Santa Cruz-based Terra Bella Landscaping as the winner of its Water-Smart Landscape Challenge, a contest that called for landscape designers to plan a water-efficient garden for the district’s office.
Terra Bella’s design was selected by a panel of landscape professionals because of its balance between plant layout and water-saving capabilities.
The design incorporates many native and non-native plants, all organized into themed plant communities, to highlight different landscape options for homes in Scotts Valley. The proposal also showcases a number of water-saving features, and all of the plants in the design require little to no water maintenance.
Terra Bella Landscaping began landscaping the district’s office this week.
The district’s goal is to lead by example, as outdoor irrigation makes up a large part of water use in the area. Water-efficient landscapes can cut that down greatly, according to the district.
Cub Scouts looking for members
The Scotts Valley Cub Scouts are soliciting new members.
For information: www.pack-608.com; click on “New Scout Registration.”
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