News briefs

Neighborhood Watch gets boost in SLV
In response to a September meeting to discuss crime in downtown Boulder Creek, Sheriff’s Sgt. Jim Ross will lead a presentation on organizing Neighborhood Watch in the San Lorenzo Valley.
Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program that enlists the participation of residents and business owners, in cooperation with law enforcement, to reduce crime, solve problems and improve quality of life.
The free meeting is sponsored by the San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce. It will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 26, at Satellite Telework Center, 6265 Highway 9, in Felton.
For information: www.slvchamber.org or 345-5972.
Valley Churches holiday donation boutique opens
The Valley Churches United Missions Holiday Boutique and Santa’s Workshop is open for holiday food and gift donations every day through Christmas at 9400 Highway 9 in Ben Lomond.
The boutique will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. After-hours drop-offs can be left at Ben Lomond Gas Station.
The Valley Christmas project is in its 29th year.
For information: 336-8258
Independent study open for more students
The Scotts Valley Independent Study home-schooling program has openings for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
For kindergartners through eighth-graders, independent study is designed to give students the opportunity to study at their own pace, achieve competency in basic skills and challenge themselves in areas of special interest in an alternative learning environment.
At the high school level, independent study is designed for students who want to earn credits in an alternative-education setting. The program structure allows time for students to pursue interests outside of the classroom, be employed or take classes online or at a community college.
For information: Peggy Edwards (kindergarten through eighth grade), 439-9555, ext. 144 or pe******@**************ca.us; or Anita Long (high school), 439-9555, ext. 132 or al***@**************ca.us
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