News briefs

Stone gets Democratic Party OK for Assembly run
Santa Cruz County Supervisor Mark Stone has won the California Democratic Party’s official endorsement to seek the 29th California Assembly District seat.
Stone is running to replace incumbent Bill Monning in the newly drawn 29th Assembly District, which includes most of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties and parts of Santa Clara County.
“I am honored to have received the approval and endorsement of the California Democratic Party,” Stone said after the party’s convention, which was Sunday, Feb. 12, in San Diego.
Japanese reading circle, chants start up
Shumei Farm, 6040 Bonny Doon Road, in Bonny Doon, has begun to offer a reading circle and chanting sessions from 2 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays at the farm. The group will read from “Meishusama’s Teachings,” written by Shumei’s founder, Mokichi Okada.
Shumei believes in enhancing the quality of life through natural agriculture, art and beauty.
For information: 425-3880.
Whooping cough vaccinations mandatory for preteens
As part of a statewide effort to remind families of preteens about recommended and required immunizations for 11- and 12-year olds, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency is promoting Preteen Vaccine Week from Feb. 12 to 18.
“It’s not too early to protect your child,” said Dr. Poki Namkung, health officer. “I encourage families of preteens to schedule a preteen doctor visit and get the shots they need to stay healthy and meet the school entry requirement.”
According to state law, all entering seventh-grade students must provide proof of immunization against pertussis, known as whooping cough, before they may start school.
Restaurant to contribute to Habitat homes in SV
On Tuesday, Feb. 21, Shadowbrook Restaurant will be the scene of a Community Tuesday fundraiser benefiting three Habitat for Humanity homes being built on Blake Lane in Scotts Valley.
That night, Shadowbrook will contribute a third of its food and beverage sales from Habitat for Humanity supporters who dine at the restaurant that night.
The project broke ground in Scotts Valley in October, and all three townhomes have foundations and subfloors and are ready for framing. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Kayla, 469-4663.
For dinner reservations: 475-1511.
Scholarship contest open to SLV students
Seniors at San Lorenzo Valley High School are being offered a chance to compete for a $2,000 scholarship in De La Rosa & Co.’s fourth annual Fabric of Society essay competition.
Seniors on track to graduate in 2012 are challenged to write an original and creative essay between 600 and 800 words reflecting on the observation by Maya Angelou that “Each of us, famous or infamous, is a role model for somebody, and if we aren’t, we should behave as though we are — cheerful, kind, loving, courteous. Because you can be sure someone is watching and taking deliberate and diligent notes.”
SLV High is one of 25 schools participating in the contest, which will award at least one scholarship at each school.
Essays must be emailed, faxed or postmarked before March 1. Contest rules and entry forms are online at www.ejdelarosa.com.