News briefs

Farmers market to open with free shortcake
The Felton Farmer’s Market will open Tuesday, May 3, with a grand-opening celebration featuring its traditional strawberry shortcake giveaway.
Guests will be served shortcake from Bechman’s Bakery along with fresh, locally grown strawberries.
The seasonal Tuesday market will run from May 3 to Oct. 25 in the parking lot of St. John’s Catholic Church, 130 Russell Ave., in Felton.
The market offers locally grown foods, sweets and more.
For information: www.santacruzfarmersmarket.org
Book sale raises $1,400 for BC library
The Friends of the Boulder Creek Library raised about $1,400 that will help with summer programs during the group’s annual book sale Saturday, April 23.
Organizer Darby Kremers described the turnout as “very good.”
“There was a bunch of people, and it was nice enough for us to have chili outside,” Kremers said.
Boulder Creek residents had donated materials to be sold at the book sale.
For information: bclibraryfriends.org
Injured Giants fan still sedated
The family of Bryan Stow, a San Francisco Giants fan from Santa Cruz who was beaten after a Giants-Dodgers Major League Baseball game in Los Angeles on April 1, has reported that Stow has been heavily sedated since Friday, April 22, and remains in a medically induced coma to keep his brain calm.
A fundraiser this month at Malone’s Grille raised more than $10,000 to help with Stow’s medical costs.
For updates or to donate: www.support4bryanstow.com
Paper Social Security checks to be phased out
The United States Department of the Treasury will retire the paper Social Security check Sunday, May 1.
Starting that day, all new applicants for Social Security, Veterans Affairs or federal benefits must choose an electronic payment method, such as direct deposit into a bank account. The move is expected to save taxpayers $1 billion over 10 years.
Those who receive federal benefits and Social Security by paper check must switch to direct deposit by March 1, 2013.
For information: U.S. Treasury Electronic Payment Solution Centers helpline, 800-333-1795; or www.godirect.org.
Charter school, nature academy accept applications
San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District Charter has begun accepting applications for the 2011-12 school year. Families can call for a classroom visit or get more information during a home-school field day May 23.
For information: 336-5167 or www.slv.k12.ca.us/charter.
Applications for the SLV Nature Academy middle school program also will be accepted until at 4 p.m. May 23.
For information:www.na.slvusd.org
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