News briefs

Scotts Valley fireworks the only show in town
Scotts Valley’s annual Fourth of July parade on Scotts Valley Drive and the Fireworks Spectacular at Skypark will be the only public fireworks display in Santa Cruz County.
Skypark gates open at 3 p.m. on the Fourth, and at 5 p.m. activities begin, including game booths, a climbing wall, bungee jumping, a petting zoo, skate park activities and food.
Live music begins at 6:30, and the fireworks start at about 9:15.
Tickets, which cost $7 or $5 in advance, are available at the Scotts Valley Market, Ben Lomond Market and the Scotts Valley recreation office, 361 Kings Village Road. Children 5 and younger are free.
The events are organized by the nonprofit Scotts Valley Advocates to raise funds for park facilities. Sponsors include Easton Bell Sports, Seagate Technology and Scotts Valley Market.
To be a sponsor, contact Diane McNiel at [email protected].
Nominate a community hero
The United Way of Santa Cruz County is looking for nominations of local residents who have had a major role making their communities safer and healthier.
United Way will honor the 2009 “community heroes” this fall.
“It is so inspiring to celebrate the people who are making a positive difference in our county,” said Mary Lou Goeke, executive director of United Way.
Nominate a hero at www.unitedwaysc.org. The submission deadline is July 10.
Free music demo classes
Free introductory music classes for children 6 and younger will be offered in Ben Lomond and Scotts Valley. The classes, conducted by the Musical Me organization, follow the “Music Together” program intended to develop musical skills and a love for music.
The demonstration classes are 30 minutes long and include singing, dancing and instruments. Classes are at 9:30, 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, in Ben Lomond at the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District office, 325 Marion Ave., and at the same times Wednesday, June 24, at Scotts Valley Community Center, 360 Kings Village Road.
SVHS cheer camp
The Scotts Valley High School Cheer Squad will host its first Falconette Junior Cheer Camp from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 15 in the school gym. The camp is intended for participants ages 4 to 12 — no past cheer experience is necessary.
The Falconettes will learn motions, cheers and a short dance, which will be performed for parents at a barbecue at the end of the camp. Participants receive a T-shirt.
The deadline to register is July 17.
For information: [email protected].
Road improvements in Bonny Doon
Pine Flat and Empire Grade roads in Bonny Doon will receive asphalt overlays this summer in a $1.4 million project approved by the Regional Transportation Commission.
Santa Cruz County Supervisor Neal Coonerty said the paving will occur in July or August, “vastly (improving) these roads, benefiting the residents who drive on them, while also helping our economy by putting people to work.”