SC County Finalizes New Universal Refuse and Recycling Law
Staff
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors passed a Universal Services ordinance mandating refuse and recycling services for many residents living in unincorporated areas. In order to keep our county beautiful, the new law bans illegal dumping of household refuse into unauthorized bins or carts or into public receptacles.
Tim Goncharoff, resource planner for the County of Santa Cruz, said, “Illegal dumping is among the most common complaints from neighbors. This (ordinance) won’t eliminate the problem completely, but we really do believe this is going to help with some of the unauthorized use and illegal dumping issues.”
It was explained that the proliferation of illegal dumpsites in the rural areas of the county threatens the health and safety of residents and the environment. It also costs taxpayers about $160,000 each year to clean up the dumpsites. This is money that could instead be spent in repairing roads and on other urgent needs.
Those residents who currently have refuse and recycling services are not affected by this law. However, countywide, more than 3,000 properties are potentially impacted and would be required to sign up for trash hauling services. The new rule only affects parcels within the “Urban Services” and “Rural Services Line.” To see if your property is affected, go to www.santacruzcountyrecycles.org and look under “Universal Service.” The complete ordinance and other information can be found there.
This law, which takes effect January 1, 2016, brings the county into accord with common practices throughout the region. Recycling and trash service is mandatory in all local cities, as well as neighboring counties.
There are exceptions for undeveloped or unoccupied properties, or if a person can demonstrate financial hardship. However, residents who haul their own refuse to a local landfill or transfer station may also obtain an exemption, but they will need to establish an account and pay a modest annual fee.
For more information or to set up service, please contact Greenwaste Recovery at 426.2711 or by email at [email protected].
English and Spanish from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
Having a “Blue” Christmas? Reach out for comfort
Staff
During this time of year while people are preparing for the annual holiday cheer events, there are some individuals for whom holidays are extremely painful for one reason or another. Perhaps they have lost a loved one to illness or to suicide.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention declared November 21, 2015 “International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.” Affected individuals were able to join with a community of suicide loss survivors in various areas to find comfort and gain understanding as they shared stories of healing and hope.
An event for people who do not find the holidays “the most wonderful time of year,” is a special “Blue Christmas” service at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 20th, at St. Stephen’s LutheranChurch, 2500 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz.
The “Blue Christmas” service has been held each December for a number of years. It is “for individuals and families suffering the recent or impending death of loved ones, those in crisis due to illness, unemployment, separation, family estrangement, or other experiences of loss, seasonal affective disorder, depression, or other mental illness.”
All those who are not having a very Merry Christmas for whatever reason, and the friends who support them, are invited to come and be with one another in a liturgy that speaks of the compassionate love of God for His hurting people.
For more information, call Vi Olly at 454-6395 or the church at 476-4700.
Dr. Seuss comes to Felton!
Staff
Come join 46 San Lorenzo Valley Middle School students as they celebrate the wonderful characters of Dr. Seuss in”Seussical Jr,”the musical.
Performed in the new San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District Theater located on the San Lorenzo Valley High School Campus the shows are as follows:
– December 10, 11, and 12 at 7:00 p.m.
– December 13, at 2:00 p.m.
You will be treated to an array of songs from the “Cat in the Hat,” and see your favorite characters, such as Horton the Elephant, Gertrude, Mayzie, the Bird Girls and the Wickersham Brothers and more.
This is a true family outing you do not want to miss. Tickets available at the door: $15 General, $13 seniors, & $10 Students.
For more information: Will Guilford, Director 234-2511
Local Hero gets recognized
Staff
Local Hometown Hero, Charlene Panighetti McIntyre of Santa CruzCounty, will be recognized for countless hours of service to the community on December 17 by the local Modern Woodmen members.
Panighetti McIntyre will be recognized for her volunteerism, involvement and leadership with the Scotts Valley Rotary, California Gymkhana Association Redwood Riders, the Santa Cruz Literacy Program, and the MountainBibleChurch through Modern Woodmen’s Hometown Heroes Program.
“The Hometown Heroes Program gives thanks to those who give back to the community and encourages others to volunteer,” says Brenda Tealer, local Modern Woodmen chapter activities coordinator. As part of this program, members of the Aptos Modern Woodmen chapter will present the recipient with a certificate and a $100 award grant, to be presented to the charitable organization of the honoree’s choice.
Coordinated by local Modern Woodmen members, chapters provide opportunities to take part in social activities and community service projects to meet local needs.
As a tax-exempt fraternal benefit society, Modern Woodmen sells life insurance, annuity and investment products not to benefit stockholders, but to improve quality of life for their members, their families and their communities. This is accomplished through social, charitable and volunteer activities.
For more information, contact: Brenda Tealer, 588-1743, [email protected].
Christmas Tree Lighting Festival
Scotts Valley Community Center
Staff
The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce is very excited to have started off the holiday season with ScottsValley’s annual Light Up the Night Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration.
Santa arrived in a Scotts Valley Fire Department truck while Mrs. Claus was waiting on the sidelines with a workshop for the kids. There were Carolers, and dancers and much frivolity.
It was a wonderful night for all.
Having a “Blue” Christmas? Reach out for comfort
Staff
During this time of year while people are preparing for the annual holiday cheer events, there are some individuals for whom holidays are extremely painful for one reason or another. Perhaps they have lost a loved one to illness or to suicide.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention declared November 21, 2015 “International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day.” Affected individuals were able to join with a community of suicide loss survivors in various areas to find comfort and gain understanding as they shared stories of healing and hope.
An event for people who do not find the holidays “the most wonderful time of year,” is a special “Blue Christmas” service at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 20th, at St. Stephen’s LutheranChurch, 2500 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz.
The “Blue Christmas” service has been held each December for a number of years. It is “for individuals and families suffering the recent or impending death of loved ones, those in crisis due to illness, unemployment, separation, family estrangement, or other experiences of loss, seasonal affective disorder, depression, or other mental illness.”
All those who are not having a very Merry Christmas for whatever reason, and the friends who support them, are invited to come and be with one another in a liturgy that speaks of the compassionate love of God for His hurting people.
For more information, call Vi Olly at 454-6395 or the church at 476-4700.
