News briefs

Cabrillo College receives reaffirmation of accreditation
Cabrillo College announced Wednesday that the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges has taken action to reaffirm the school’s accreditation.
The reaccreditation process takes place on a 6-year cycle. The reaccreditation cycle culminated with an accrediting team of community college peer administrators making a site visit to the College in mid-October, during which the accrediting team met with more than 200 members of the Cabrillo College community, including students.
“We are thrilled to receive this validation that Cabrillo continues to be a higher education institution of excellence that provides a wonderful service to our students and our community,” said Laurel Jones, president and superintendent of Cabrillo College. “Throughout the reaccreditation process it was apparent that the Cabrillo College community that includes students, faculty, classified staff and administration is deeply committed to student success.”
Bonny Doon author releases mystery novel
Bonny Doon mystery writer Nancy Lynn Jarvis recently announced the release of “The Murder House,” the fifth book in her Regan McHenry Real Estate Mysteries Series.
The novel focuses on Regan McHenry, a mystery-solving real estate agent who works to put together the clues to solving a bloody double homicide at a fictional house set in Bonny Doon.
The book is available for purchase in trade paper at Book Shop Santa Cruz and at The Craft Gallery in Capitola. The book is also available on Amazon for Kindle and in trade paper  and at http://www.goodreadmysteries.com
Health department announces healthcare workshop
With the March 31 deadline to enroll in health coverage through Covered California approaching, the Santa Cruz County Health Services announced that it would be hosting a series of workshops and educational seminars for those who still have questions about the program.
Throughout February, certified educators from the department will be available to answer questions in English and Spanish at these library branches:
– Friday, Feb. 14, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Aptos Branch Library
– Monday, Feb. 24, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at the Live Oak Branch Library
– Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Downtown Branch Library
– Friday, Feb. 28, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Branciforte Branch Library
The full schedule is available online at http://www.santacruzpl.org.
SLVWaterDistrict now accepting applications for 2014 education program grants
The San Lorenzo Valley Water District is now inviting proposals for Classic Watershed Education Grants to be funded under its 2014 Education Grant Program. Individuals, students, teachers, groups and/or organizations are eligible to apply.
Applications must be received at the District by Friday, March 14, at 5 p.m.
The grants will fund projects involving classroom watershed education for students, outdoor watershed education, such as educational hikes or science camps, and community/publiceducation.
The total amount available for 2014 Classic Watershed Education Grants is $17,500.
Each individual grant may be up to $2,500, with an additional $500 available for an optional public outreach component.
For additional information regarding Classic Education Grants, visit http://www.slvwd.com or call 338-2153.