News briefs

Taiko workshops in Bonny Doon
Shumei Santa Cruz Farm. 6040 Bonny Doon Road, in Bonny Doon, will host two drumming workshops taught by Taiko master Koji Nakumura next month.
The workshops will be from 10 a.m. to noon and from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 3, a Monday. Each workshop is $25 per person.
For information: 427-2672 or sa***********@***il.com.
 
Second extension granted for man accused of investment fraud
John Geringer of Scotts Valley has been granted a second extension to respond to accusations of investment fraud.
Geringer, who controls financial companies GLR Growth Fund, GLR Capital Management and GLR Advisors, was granted until Oct. 1 to respond to a complaint from the Securities Exchange Commission that claimed he and his companies raised more than $60 million from individual investors since 2005 by claiming false gains of 17 percent to 25 percent, despite actual losses. When some investors withdrew their investments, Geringer paid them dividends with money raised from other investors in a manner resembling a Ponzi scheme, the SEC alleged.
The SEC made its initial complaint May 24. At that time, Geringer had until June 19 to respond. That deadline was extended to July 30 and then to Oct. 1.
In the latest agreement, the court noted that Geringer, who was previously unrepresented, was working to hire a lawyer.
A case management conference with the judge and the two parties is scheduled for Nov. 7 in the San Jose Division of the Northern District of California’s U.S. District Court.
 
Propane co-op forming in Bonny Doon
The steering committee of the Bonny Doon Propane Buyers Co-op — a group of residents who hope to negotiate lower propane prices with companies that serve the rural area — wants to hear from others who might be interested in joining.
Bonny Doon residents can sign on at a Google Group Page at https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/bonny-doon-propane-co-op to express interest and sign up for future email bulletins.
Those who do so are not obligated in any way, and organizers promised that personal information would not be shared with propane suppliers or any other businesses or groups.
Residents who prefer not to use computers can call 423-7790 and leave a message including a name and telephone number.
When enough residents express interest, the steering committee plans to seek proposals from propane suppliers based on the number of potential customers.
 
4-H to host open house
Scotts Valley’s 4-H Club branch will have its annual open house at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 27.
Club members will display their accomplishments in projects such as archery, public speaking, robotics, crafts, emergency preparedness, market animals, cheese making, horse grooming and safety, hand spinning and ukulele.
New and prospective members are encouraged to attend. Anyone who signs up during the meeting will receive a free 4-H hat.
The open house will be at Covenant Church, 2700 El Rancho Drive, in Scotts Valley.
For information: 4h************@***il.com.
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