News Briefs

Community pool at high school opens to public
The San Lorenzo Valley High School pool opened for its summer season Monday, June 14.
The pool is open to the community from 1 to 4 p.m. daily until Aug. 8 at 7105 Highway 9 in Felton. Drop-in swimming costs $5, and family and multiple-use passes are available for a discounted fee.
The pool has lap lanes, a children’s area and space for people who just want to take a dip.
For information: Kurt Edwards, 239-4228.
Siltanen pool opens
The Siltanen Family Swim Center in Scotts Valley is gearing up for the summer swim season.
Swim lessons for all ages began Monday, June 14, and are taught in three-week sessions that meet two days a week, either Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday. Each session includes six 30-minute lessons. Classes run between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Group lessons have no more than four students, and private instruction is available.
Daily recreational swim is from 1 to 4 p.m. through Aug. 29. Entry cost is $3 per person age 5 and older and free for younger children. The pool can also be rented.
Scotts Valley’s Heidi Sussman, with more than 20 years’ experience, runs the swim programs.
For information: Scotts Valley Recreation, 438-3251.
Fireworks volunteers needed in SV
The Scotts Valley Advocates seek help with the city’s July 4 Fireworks Spectacular.
Volunteers are needed for 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. shifts. All get dinner and free admission to the show.
Tickets are $8 at the gate or $6 ahead of time at Scotts Valley Recreation, 361 Kings Village Road. Money raised goes toward Scotts Valley parks.
For information: 438-3251.
Mercury-laced skin creams declared a danger
The California Department of Toxic Substances Control warns that any face creams that might contain mercury should be discarded at a local household hazardous waste facility.
The California Department of Public Health recently issued a health alert about some skin-lightening face creams imported from Mexico and other countries that contain enough mercury to cause health problems.
The creams are advertised to lighten skin, fade freckles and age spots, remove wrinkles and treat acne. Many are sold in unlabeled containers, while others have labels that list “mercury,” “mercurio,” or “calomel” (mercurous chloride).
Mercury is highly toxic and can cause nerve damage resulting in tremors, memory loss, weight loss and fatigue. It can also damage the kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
For information: 800-728-6942.