News briefs

Burn ban reissued for Santa Cruz County
A burn ban was issued by Cal Fire on Dec. 30 and will suspend all open burning within the Santa Cruz County and neighboring counties.
In December a summer burn ban was rescinded, but due to record-breaking low cumulative rainfall, low humidity, dry fuel moisture levels and increased fire activity in Santa Cruz County, Cal Fire deemed the ban necessary.
The recent burn ban began December 30 and will continue until Cal Fire officials determine conditions safe to burn again. Campfires and some commercial burning may be allowed. Contact Cal Fire for more information or visit www.readyforwildfire.org.
New groups in Hospice of Santa Cruz County
Hospice of Santa Cruz County has openings in new grief management groups that start this month. The Loss of Parent group is Saturdays morning from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Loss of Spouse or Partner group is each Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Loss of Spouse or Partner group for seniors is a Friday morning group from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The group for Loss of Sibling meets Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Loss of a Loved One, family or friend, group meets Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
All the groups are eight weeks long and will be held in Scotts Valley. For information: 430-3000.
Boating classes offered
Three boating classes will be offered by the Santa Cruz and Capitola Flotillas of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. The classes being offered are Boating Skills and Seamanship, Sailing Skills and Seamanship, and Coastal Navigation.
Boating Skills and Seamanship begins at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 15, and meets each week for 13 weeks. There are no prerequisites for the $60 class. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of operating power vessels and gain a basic understanding of safe vessel and boat trailer operation.
Sailing Skills and Seamanship begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, and meets each week for 15 weeks. There are no prerequisites for the $70 class. Participants will learn the fundamentals of sailing and gain a basic understanding of safe vessel operations.
Coastal Navigation begins at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13, and meets every week for 15 weeks. The course is $70, and participants are required to have completed either Boating Skills and Seamanship or Sailing Skills and Seamanship prior to taking the course. Attendees will learn all aspects of coastal navigation, including electronic navigation using Radar and GPS.
To register, arrive at 7p.m. the first evening of the desired class.
For information, email Wally Smith at ws*****@gm***.com.