Letters & Shout-outs

Shout-out: Ham radio operator was school’s hero after 1989 quake
Editor,
I appreciated the article about the ham radio operators during the 1989 earthquake.
When I returned to work at Branciforte Junior High in Santa Cruz, we had a problem with the school phone service — the repaired phone lines under the Water Street (or Soquel) bridge over the river were crossed, and a local drywall contractor was getting the school’s phone calls, and the school was getting his.
For four days until the wires were corrected, one of the gentlemen from the ham radio group parked his car in front of the school, from opening to closing every day, allowing students who were ill to call home, and for school business to be handled.
At the end of the day, non-urgent messages were exchanged with our school and the contractor.
I don’t recall his name now, but he was certainly a hero and very appreciated.
Carol D. Simpkins,
Santa Cruz
Shout-out: Families celebrate community, SLV football, by giving to others
Editor,
After Saturday’s football game, some of the varsity football player’s parents got together for a party of “giving to others.”
Michele Gentry hosted a gathering to collect gifts for the Valley Churches United Missions’ Christmas toy drive.
The party was also to rejoice in the fact that SLV’s varsity football team has been amazing this year, and that this small community has a right to be proud.
So as usual, these spirited parents and friends gathered to share food, laughs, cheers, and toys for the less fortunate!
Three cheers to SLV and their wonderful parents, devoted fans, friends, families, and most of all the players with their incredible heart, spirit and drive.
We are very appreciative.
Carole Mello,
Ben Lomond
Shout-out: Haunted House a success thanks to sponsors and volunteers
Editor, 
There was another Howling Haunted House at the Satellite Workspace Center in Felton on Halloween.
Thank you to all our neighbors and friends for contributing candy, food, other good stuff, and your time.
We would especially like to thank: Cowboy Diner, Don Quixote, Felton Feed, Felton Hardware, Gary Winnick Art, Heads Up, Horse Sense, Mt. Girl Graphics, Mountain Spirit, New Leaf, Office Connection, Outback Trading, SLV Chamber, Surf City Media, White Raven, Doris Splettstoesser, Trendsetter Boutique, Mt. Spirit Belly Dance,  noType, Peacock Somatics, Santa Cruz Somatic Massage, Gratitude Pastries, Directions Real Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains Makers Market, Youngevity, Elevation Church, Nerium, and Insight Astrology.
If you have the event coupon book, use the coupons! It benefits all of us!
For those who were unable to attend, it was a screaming good time, and we plan to roll it again next year!
Ken Meshke,
Felton