News Briefs

SV library remodel bid approved
Scotts Valley’s coming library made headway as the Scotts Valley City Council approved a remodel contract with Hayward-based D.L. Falk Construction on Wednesday, July 7.
The $2.6 million contract will convert the former Scotts Valley Sports Center on King’s Village Road building into a library equipped with book walls, a fireplace, a teen platform and skylights. The parking lot will be retrofitted and storm drains will be built. The bid also includes outdoor landscaping. The contract keeps the project within its established budget, according to city staff.
County announces road delays in BC
Drivers on Kings Creek Road, Meadow Drive, Sylvan Way, Oak Way and Old County Highway will experience traffic delays and possible road closures through Sept. 16 as Santa Cruz County public works crews improve drainage culverts in the area.
Delays of up to half an hour are likely between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
For information: www.sccroadclosure.org.
Road maintenance in Felton
Traffic will be delayed in both directions on Lakeview Drive between Highway 9 and Fern Avenue in Felton until July 16 as the county public works department completes road maintenance on that section of roadway.
Delays could reach 30 minutes between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
For information: www.sccroadclosure.org.
SV police launch updated website with text alerts
The Scotts Valley Police Department has launched a redesigned website that provides more up-to-date information from the department.
The site now allows people to sign up for Nixle, an information service that sends text messages in emergency situations or to announce important road closures.
For information: www.scottsvalleypd.com.
Courts change hours
The Santa Cruz County Superior Court hours are shifting as state-mandated furloughs ended last week.
The court will close clerks’ offices in Santa Cruz and Watsonville at 2 p.m. and courtrooms and jury offices at 3 p.m. each Friday. Many court departments will also be closed on county furlough days, the fourth Friday of each month.
Previously, the state required the courts to close the third Wednesday of each month. The Wednesday closure is no longer in effect.
Grief group to begin
Hospice of Santa Cruz County will offer an eight-week grief support group for seniors who have lost a partner or spouse beginning Aug. 6 in Aptos.
For information and to register: 430-3000.
New port director hired
The Santa Cruz Port Commission has hired Santa Cruz resident Lisa Ekers as the new port director of the Santa Cruz Port District. She replaces Rick Smith, who has worked for the district 26 years.
Ekers’ responsibilities include all harbor operations and departments, including operations, accounting, maintenance and grounds, and dredging.
She is an experienced sailor and most recently worked for the Menlo Park Department of Public Works as engineering services manager and city engineer.