Chili cook-off winners crowned
Boulder Creek resident Sven Gaskins and his chili — which he calls Gas Givers — won the inaugural SLV Chili Cook Off on Sunday, May 20, in Felton.
The cook-off featured 16 cooks at Felton Covered Bridge Park who were there to raise money for Glen Arbor School and show off their culinary skills. About 400 people attended and $1,500 was raised, according to event organizer Meghan Dunn.
“We really had a great day,” Dunn said. “We’re already talking about next year.”
Second place was Redwood Chili by Clint Cam, and third was Grower Centric by Daryl McCue.
Aimee Moore’s chili, Mamma Moore’s Heat, won the hottest chili category, and Cary Coleman’s Smokey Bowls of Chili won the people’s choice award.
Dunn said she hopes the event will be bigger, featuring more for visitors.
Local high school earns high national ranking
U.S. News & World Report ranked Scotts Valley High School the 259th best high school in America and 50th best in California in its annual rankings, which were released May 8.
The news publication reviewed 21,776 U.S. high schools, including 2,407 in California in 515 school districts. The ranking earned Scotts Valley High a gold medal, the U.S. News’ highest award.
Determining factors, according to the magazine, include student performances on state exit exams and internationally available exams on college-level coursework.
To produce the 2012 rankings, which are available at www.usnews.com, U.S. News teamed up with the Washington, D.C.-based American Institutes for Research, one of the largest behavioral and social science research organizations in the world.
A.I.R. measured data from Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate tests and statewide accountability “proficiency” exams. They also determined students’ preparedness for college by evaluating the course content of college-level courses.
“I am so very proud of our students and staff and all the hard work they do,” said Scotts Valley High Principal Valerie Bariteau. “From day one of their freshman year, students continually challenge themselves to take rigorous courses and do the very best they can. We have the most phenomenal staff, who strive to give their all in support of our students.”
Scotts Valley is the only comprehensive public high school in Santa Cruz County to achieve a ranking in the 2012 U.S. News awards.
Loch Lomond leadership looking for input
The city of Santa Cruz Water Department is hosting a public meeting Wednesday, May 30, to discuss how to serve the public best with recreational activities at Loch Lomond Recreation Area in Ben Lomond.
In recent years, boating has been limited in the reservoir because of the possibility of infecting the water — used as Santa Cruz’s drinking water — with zebra mussels. The lake has not been stocked with trout in the past three years because of cost.
These two issues have resulted in a 50 percent decline in revenue, according to city officials, and the city is looking for ideas to boost attendance.
The meeting will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Santa Cruz Police Department Community Room, 155 Center St., in Santa Cruz.
For information: Lydia Tolles, 420-5215 or lt*****@*************uz.com
SLV residents discuss safe paths to schools
A group of community residents and bicycling enthusiasts met Monday, May 21, to begin an organization with the goal of making safer bike routes for students of San Lorenzo Valley elementary, middle and high schools.
The meeting, organized by Bryan Largay and supported by Transition San Lorenzo Valley, was attended by about 14 people at the picnic tables at SLV Elementary. Those who gathered discussed community outreach, funding and overall planning strategies.
Eric Hammer, a 5th District county supervisor candidate, participated in the meeting and encouraged the organization to reach out to the community as early and as often as possible and include residents along potential bike routes.
The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. June 4, again at the picnic tables at SLV Elementary.
For information: http://transitionslv.ning.com/group/transportationactiongroup.
