News briefs

Backyard burn ban rescinded
The Monterey Bay Air Pollution Control District and Cal Fire has decided that with recent rain, the backyard burn season is now open.
The backyard burn season for burning dry yard trimmings went into effect December 9 and will run through April 30, 2014.
Cal Fire reminds the public to review the air quality regulations for open burning prior to scheduling a burn day. In the San Lorenzo Valley, burn permits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis by the Air Pollution Control District. For information: www.mbuapcd.org or contact Cal Fire at 335-6742.
Redwood Riders race for aid organization
In November, members of the local gymkhana club, the Redwood Riders, bended around poles and sped around barrels to raise money for Valley Churches United Missions. Proceeds from the show and the raffle raised $700.
The Redwood Riders had voted to extend their normal season to include an extra show in November focused solely on raising funds for the local charity.
The group also collected food for the holidays.
The Redwood Riders gymkhana club is open to all ages and riders from the age of 2 to 65 raced their horses.
High Point winners of the day included Rebekah Crill and Cece Kerns, both of Boulder Creek; Coral Duggan of Ben Lomond; Tori Mount of Prunedale; K.C. Mullaney of Aromas; and Kyla Monroe of Salinas.
For information: www.calgymkhana.com
Mystery dinner nets $5K
The Murder Mystery dinner held October 31 earned $5,000 for the Scotts Valley Performing Arts Center, according to Scotts Valley Performing Arts, the organization that put on the event.
The organization’s treasurer Ray Gorski presented the $5,000 check to Lee Besse, President of the Scotts Valley Community Theater Guild.
“The funds raised illustrate our ongoing commitment to the Guild’s efforts to build and operate an affordable community theater in Scotts Valley,” Gorski said in a statement.
The SVPA thanked local merchants and farmers who donated food, wine, and prizes to the dinner, and the volunteers who ran the event.
The theater guild has a goal to build and operate a community theater in the space next to the Scotts Valley Library. The performing arts center would be available for local groups and professional performances.