News Briefs

Boulder Creek art gallery opens
San Lorenzo Valley native, Lynn Anderson Markley, has opened a family-inspired gallery of arts in Boulder Creek. Sgt. Penguin’s Gallery features pottery and sculpture by Boulder Creek ceramic artists, Laurie and Dan Hennig
and Jennifer and Iver Hennig;  Paintings by Arline Anderson and Stephanie Allison; and tile works by Sam Markley.
Additionally, a mix of local artists and designers and Markley’s whimsical collectables add spice to the mix.
A grand opening will take place from Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 at the gallery, 12599 Highway 9 in Boulder Creek. The gallery’s open hours are Thursday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. and the first Friday of each month until 8 p.m.
Pack meals for the hungry in Boulder Creek
Members of Boulder Creek United Methodist Church plan to pack 10,000 meals for the Stop Hunger Now! program on Saturday, Nov. 2.
Community members are welcome to volunteer. Volunteers are asked to gather at the church, 12855 Boulder Street in Boulder Creek, from 1 to 4 p.m.
The church has raised nearly $2,500 to purchase the supplies for this project.
For more information call 338-6232.
New art exhibit at Scotts Valley Library
The Scotts Valley Library will open a new art exhibit on Saturday, Nov. 2 titled “The Great Outdoors.”
The installation will feature the work of seven local artists; Laurie Zaszut, Sylvia Valentine, Michele Hausman, Aaron Johnson, Maggie Renner Hellmann, Joao de Brito, and Tamarah Cucchiara-Sitka.
The program includes paintings, photography, and live plant sculptures that show the artist’s interpretations of nature, with a focus on plants and landscape. The show is set to run November 2 through January 25, 2014.
A special reception will be held by State Farm Agent Laureen Yungmeyer from 2 to 4 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 9 where the public is invited to meet the artists and view their work. Music by local musician jRj Rauche and refreshments will be served. Admission is free.
For more information call 427-7700.
PG&E warns of telephone scam targeting customers
Pacific Gas and Electric Company has alerted customers of a telephone scam demanding payment for overdue electricity bills. PG&E customers have reported receiving calls warning that their electricity will be disconnected unless they make an immediate payment.
PG&E said that its representatives will not ask for personal information or a credit card number over the phone. Customers who have provided credit card information over the phone should report it to the credit card company and to law enforcement.
Additionally, customers should ask PG&E representatives to provide identification before allowing them inside of their homes during inspections. PG&E employees always carry their identification and are willing to show it to customers.
The company is working with law enforcement to stop the scam. Anyone who has received a call or has a concern may reach PG&E at 800-743-5000.
For more information, visit www.pge.com.
Water district offers customers ways to harvest rainwater
Fifty gallon rain barrels are for sale by the Scotts Valley Water District for rain water harvesting.
The district is selling Ivy rain barrels for $35 to encourage water conservation.
“The District hopes the rain barrels will increase knowledge and interest in rainwater harvesting,” SVWD Board Director Chris Perri said in a press release.
In addition, the district is offering county-wide rainwater grants for homes and businesses that will pilot rainwater systems for indoor use such as flushing toilets. The grant offers up to $10,000 per recipient.
The rain barrels must be purchased online by November 17 and picked up at Scarborough Gardens in Scotts Valley between November 25 and December 8.  
To purchase visit www.rainbarrelprogram.org/ScottsValley
Applications for the county-wide grant are due December 1 and may visit the district’s website at www.svwd.org or call 600-1907 or email lr*******@sv**.org.