News briefs

Utility box art completed in Scotts Valley
The Scotts Valley Arts Commission will have a dedication ceremony for the recently completed utility box art pieces on Mount Hermon Road and Scotts Valley Drive.
The ceremony will honor artists Vanessa Stafford, Mandy Spitzer and Alana Rey, who painted four boxes in Scotts Valley.
The ceremony will begin at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, at the box on the corner of Scotts Valley Drive and Disc Drive.
For information: Conrad Sudduth, 438-3251
Workers needed to spruce up Garrahan Park
The Boulder Creek Recreation and Park District will host a Kid’s Rock Round Up at Garrahan Park from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 16.
Adults will continue work to complete the renovation of the park, on Highway 9 north of Boulder Creek, and children will help prepare the soil for grass.
Last weekend, more than 120 community volunteers helped the district install a new play structure, build gazebos and add plants. The district seeks volunteers again this weekend, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, to help install another structure and some woodwork.
Other new features at the park include a walking track, a community-use barbecue, irrigation and parking space.
For information: 338-3174
Recycling free at county landfills
As part of Fall Clean-Up Day, Santa Cruz County Public Works will offer free recycling opportunities Oct. 23 and 24 at the Ben Lomond Transfer Station, 9835 Newell Creek Road, in Ben Lomond, as well as at Buena Vista Landfill, 1231 Buena Vista Drive, in Watsonville.
Normal discount recycling fees will be waived for all unincorporated county residents and residents in the city of Scotts Valley.
As many as four mattresses and box springs can be recycled free of charge. Fees also will be waived for tires. At Yerba Buena, concrete, brick and asphalt fees can be dropped off free, too. And residents can recycle two computer monitors or TVs free each day at both sites.
In addition, bulky items — refrigerators, furniture, appliances — can be scheduled for pickup for half price, $15.07. To schedule, call Green Waste Recovery, 800-665-2209.
Disposal fees for all other refuse and wood or yard waste will be charged as usual.
New SV library gets funds for solar tubes
The Scotts Valley City Council has accepted a gift of money to pay for 20 more solar tubes in the main area of the future Scotts Valley library branch.
Solar skylight tubes are an energy-efficient alternative to traditional skylights. The tubes capture natural light entering from any direction and diffuse it evenly into a room.
The library is expected to open in May.
The money for the $32,000 project comes from Friends of the Scotts Valley Library and a private donor, a family that increased its donation last week from $20,000 to $25,000.
Assemblyman to visit Davenport
Assemblyman Bill Monning, D-Carmel, will attend the North Coast Association Meeting in Davenport from 5 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20, to discuss state issues of importance to north coast residents. The meeting is at Pacific Elementary School, 50 Ocean St. in Davenport.
For information: 425-1503.
Student board applications due
Applications are due Oct. 18 for the Santa Cruz County Student Advisory Board. The board, founded by Congresswoman Anna Eshoo in 1993, is made up of high school students from Santa Cruz County communities in the 14th Congressional District, including Scotts Valley, the San Lorenzo Valley and Bonny Doon.
The students research topics and present their research to the congresswoman.
To apply, call 335-2020 or search for “student advisory” at www.eshoo.house.gov.