Valley school districts weighing return to class
By Todd Guild, Katie Evans and Christina Wise
California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Dec. 30 released a plan under which schools could reopen as early as February.
The plan, which streamlines the process of applying for a waiver to bring students back for in-person instruction, is...
Bay Area region hits ICU capacity ‘trigger,’ more restrictions loom
Growing strain on the health care system has triggered a stricter stay-at-home order for Santa Cruz County and the rest of the Bay Area region identified in Gov. Gavin Newsom’s recently issued regional order.
Intensive care unit (ICU) capacity in the Bay Area region, which...
Covid-19 outbreak linked to show at Felton Music Hall
At least four concertgoers have tested positive for the novel coronavirus after attending a Grateful Dead-themed performance in Felton, although none had to be hospitalized, Santa Cruz County health officials said Tuesday.
“That meets the definition of an outbreak,” said Santa Cruz County spokesperson Jason...
Toys For Tots cancels public donation sites
This year, because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Toys For Tots will not be hosting public collection sites for toy donations for the first time in its history.
Normally, the collection points at fire stations and businesses throughout the county are responsible for the lion’s share...
City officials view budget with cautious optimism, feel pressure from SVPOA
SCOTTS VALLEY—After declaring a fiscal emergency in January and facing unanticipated difficulties due to the pandemic, City of Scotts Valley officials made several budgetary decisions seeking momentary relief. They implemented a hiring freeze, reduced supplies and services and trimmed community services funding, among other...
Newsom: new stay-at-home order likely to hit Central Coast
SACRAMENTO—New stay-at-home orders issued by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday will be based on intensive care unit capacity in five regions in California.
Newsom said that much of the state will likely be under the stay-at-home orders within the next few days if ICU capacity...
Covid-19 restrictions loosen as Santa Cruz County sees fewer cases
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—California health officials on Tuesday moved Santa Cruz County into the less restrictive “Moderate” or Orange tier, meaning that several businesses can reopen and welcome in more customers.
The move means that the county is seeing 1-3.9 new cases per 100,00 in population....
State imposes more Covid restrictions as cases increase
SANTA CRUZ—Santa Cruz County on Tuesday moved back to the more restrictive red tier of the state's Covid-19 reopening plan, meaning that many businesses and services must once again take a step back in their services, and in the customers they can allow in.
According...
Understanding Emotions of Kids, Teens and Helping Them Cope
Maaliea Wilbur
TherapyWorks
Being a kid or teen is hard. It’s even harder in 2020. Kids are resilient, but they also have emotions just like adults. They get anxious, stressed, sad, angry and depressed. It is one of our goals at TherapyWorks to provide resources and...
New loan, grant opportunities arise for small businesses
After a greatly stressful year, 2021 will begin with many economic opportunities for small business owners in Scotts Valley.
The newest federal stimulus package, passed by Congress on Dec. 21, will begin to benefit small business owners and many others this January. The state has...
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground reopening delayed
California State Parks has announced the delayed reopening of the seasonal campground at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, now scheduled for Aug. 1, instead...