News briefs

 
Fundraiser for injured mechanic a success
More than 500 people attended the Rally for Ricky, a Sunday, July 22, fundraiser to help Scotts Valley mechanic Ricky Dahill recover from injuries he sustained after being hit by a car in December.
The event, organized by Jeannette Larkin at Malone’s Grille, raised more than $26,000 to help with medical costs. A check was delivered to Dahill and his father Leland on Monday, July 23.
As part of the fundraiser, the bartenders at Malone’s donated their time and tips (more than $700) to the cause, and owner Patti Malone donated the entire day’s bar sales, which totaled $5,450. The business didn’t turn a profit that day.
“That was not the intention,” said Malone. “This day was about Ricky.” 
A 90-minute auction with donated prizes raised the remainder of the money.
To make a monetary donation: www.wepay.com/donations/rally-for-rick
 
Former blighted house in Felton sold
A home with a long history of drugs and blight on Felton Empire Road at Cooper Street in Felton was sold last month, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Department.
The home, previously owned by Jack Smith, was sold to a woman from San Jose.
Numerous arrests for drug offenses had been made at the residence on the 100 block of Felton Empire Road, according to the sheriff’s department, and the property was red-tagged for building code violations. The court later ordered all occupants off the property and was foreclosed.
The sheriff’s department noted that the new owner is eager to clean up the property and will likely rent it out.
 
Local author publishes romance novel
Rose Kahn, a San Lorenzo Valley resident, will release a contemporary romance novel, “A Place to Rest My Heat,” on July 30.
Published by Crimson Romance, a division of F+W Media, the book will be available on Amazon.com, BN.com and other e-book retailers. A print-on-demand version is planned and will be available later in the year. Kahn is publishing under the pen name Galen Rose.
Crimson Romance, a new e-book romance from F+W Media Inc., launched in June with 25 titles in five romance subgenres — contemporary, romantic suspense, paranormal, historical and spicy. Beginning in July, five new titles will be released every Monday. For information: www.crimsonromance.com
 
Church to collect backpacks
Felton Presbyterian Church, 6090 Highway 9, in Felton, will collect back-to-school supplies during Vacation Bible School from July 30 to Aug. 3.
The collection will benefit the Valley Churches United Missions 20th annual Backpack Project.
There will be a barbecue and carnival at the church Friday, Aug. 3, at 5:30 p.m. as part of the effort. The community is invited to participate by dropping off donations and backpacks and joining the celebration.
For information: 335-6900