News Briefs

Light Up the Valley entries due Wednesday
The San Lorenzo Valley Chamber of Commerce will accept entries for its annual Light Up the Valley decorating contest until Wednesday, Dec. 8.
For information or to enter, people can call Ann Marie Conrad at 338-6833 or send e-mail to lu**@********er.org.
Judging will take place Dec. 11, and the winners will be announced at the awards potluck banquet at Felton Community Hall from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 12. Entry is free with a potluck dish.
Planning under way for SLV High grad night
The San Lorenzo Valley High Grad Night committee has begun raising money for the 2011 Safe and Sober Grad Night Celebration. The evening promotes a nonalcoholic, all-night party for graduating seniors.
Those interested in supporting the party can make a tax-deductible sponsorship donation in the amount of $100 (bronze), $250 (silver) or $500 (gold).
Donations may be mailed to SLV Grad Night, P.O. Box 44, Felton, CA 95018.
For information: Diane McClish, 338-4313.
Backyard burn season opens
Open burn season — aka backyard burn season — opened Wednesday, Dec. 1, in Santa Cruz County.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection declared burn season from Dec. 1 to April 30 in Santa Cruz County.
Even so, open burning is allowed only on designated burn days, as set by the Monterey Bay Unified Air Pollution Control District. Burn days are broadcast on local radio stations or by calling 800-225-2876.
Before starting to burn, people should check with the local fire department to find out if a permit is required. Burning out of season could result in a citation and liability for all related costs.
For information: www.mbuapcd.org.
Supervisor keeps office hours in December
Santa Cruz County Supervisor Mark Stone will continue to host open office hours from 9 to 10 a.m. the first and third Mondays of each month at Boulder Creek Fire Station, 13230 Highway 9, and from 9 to 10 a.m. the second and fourth Mondays at the Felton Sheriff’s Service Center, 6059 Highway 9. No appointment is necessary.
There will be no office hours Dec. 27, a county furlough day.
For information: 454-2200.
Aquarium seeks volunteer guides
The Monterey Bay Aquarium invites nature lovers to become volunteer guides.
Introductory informational meetings will run from 7 to 9 p.m. Dec. 7 and Jan. 6 at the aquarium. A guide training course will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Jan. 17, 19, 20, 24, 26 and 27 at the aquarium.
Volunteer guides rotate stations throughout the aquarium and help interpret the aquarium’s galleries and exhibits to nearly 2 million annual visitors.
This volunteer opportunity is open to individuals 18 years of age and older. Especially welcome are bilingual speakers and individuals who can work with the aquarium’s culturally diverse audience.
For information: 648-4867 or www.montereybayaquarium.org, under “About Us”
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