Scotts Valley water supply returns to normal
San Lorenzo Valley Water District has returned the Pasatiempo No. 5 well to service, allowing water quality in the affected Scotts Valley service area to gradually return to normal.
While the well was offline, the district supplied the area with water from other sources that had higher mineral content, including calcium and magnesium. Some customers noticed changes in taste or increased scale and spotting.
As the well returns to service, the water will gradually blend back to its usual chemistry. The transition may take several days to a week as the water moves through the distribution system.
In its Nov. 3 announcement, the district said all water supplied during the period remained safe to drink and met state and federal drinking water standards. For questions or to report unusual water conditions, contact the district at 831-338-2153 or jg*****@***wd.com.
Veterans can visit local state parks for free on Nov. 11
California State Parks will offer free admission to 145 state parks on Nov. 11 in honor of Veterans Day, including several in Santa Cruz County and the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Participating local parks include Castle Rock State Park, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Manresa State Beach, Natural Bridges State Beach, New Brighton State Beach, Seacliff State Beach, The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park and Wilder Ranch State Park.
Eligible visitors include military veterans, active-duty personnel and reservists. Visitors must present a valid military ID or proof of discharge other than dishonorable or bad conduct to receive free admission.
“Veterans Day is an opportunity for us to honor the courage, commitment and sacrifices of the men and women who serve to protect our nation,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “With our endless gratitude, we invite veterans, service members and their families to enjoy the beauty and peace their state parks have to offer. Truly, a wonderful way to honor our nation’s veterans.”
Visitors are encouraged to check park websites or social media pages before their trips for operating hours, local conditions and guidelines. A full list of participating parks is available at parks.ca.gov/VeteransDay2026.
Pellerin set to speak at 25th Environmental Town Hall
Assemblymember Gail Pellerin will discuss environmental legislation and issues affecting the San Lorenzo Valley, Santa Cruz County and California during the Valley Women’s Club Environmental Committee’s 25th Annual Environmental Town Hall on Nov. 14.
The free event runs from 1-3pm at Felton Community Hall, 6191 Highway 9, in Felton. Pellerin’s presentation will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience.
Representatives from local environmental organizations and agencies will be available to share information and answer questions. Participating groups include the Mountain Parks Foundation, San Lorenzo Valley Water District, City of Santa Cruz Water Department, California Native Plant Society, Sierra Club Santa Cruz Group and other regional organizations. Informational displays will be available before and after the presentation.
“The Environmental Town Hall gives our community a chance to learn about important issues, ask questions and connect with the organizations and people working to protect this place we call home,” said Nancy Macy, chair of the Valley Women’s Club Environmental Committee.
Light refreshments will be provided. For more information, contact Macy at 831-345-1555 or visit valleywomensclub.org.
Omega Nu accepting middle school grant applications
Omega Nu is accepting applications for its Funds For Fundamentals grant program, which serves the seven public middle schools in Santa Cruz County.
The online application, which opened Oct. 26, must be submitted by Nov. 20. Organizers aim to notify applicants of their grant status before winter break.
For more information, email om**********@***il.com or visit duckyderbysantacruz.org.
Felton Library seeks volunteers for activities
Felton Library Friends is seeking volunteers for upcoming activities, including a flower-arranging program for seniors and a seed library project.
The Flowers for Seniors program will meet at 11am on Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the library’s Community Room to arrange flowers for delivery to residential care facilities. Flowers and vases will be provided.
On Friday, Nov. 13, volunteers can help label seed packets for the library’s seed library and get first dibs on seeds for their spring gardens. The activity will take place in the Community Room from 11am-12:30pm.
