News Briefs

Ham Radios in the field Saturday
On June 27, radio amateurs across the country are participating in a field day. These amateurs, also known as “hams”, will set up their equipment in unusual locations – running on emergency power – to demonstrate their emergency communications capabilities.
The Santa Cruz hams will set up at the CAL Fire Ben Lomond Camp at 13575 Empire Grade Road in Bonny Doon.
The public is invited to visit and possibly take part in the communications from 11 a.m. until dusk.
During times of crisis ham radios are the primary emergency communications for the government, fire protection, health care, and other organizations.
Restoration of Big Basin campfire circle
Construction to replace old redwood benches at Big Basin State Park’s Campfire Circle will begin this fall.
Big Basin staff puts on free nighttime nature and history shows in the circle.
The benches are being replaced through a Sempervirens Fund grant of $175,000.
Construction on the 50-year-old benches is scheduled to be completed by next summer.
The Campfire Circle will remain open during the summer and nature programs will still be offered every Friday and Saturday at dusk.
Gateway School joins carpool network
Gateway School in Santa Cruz is now part of an online support group for carpooling at CarpooltoSchool.com.
Parents who wish to start or join a car pool now have an easy way to do so.
Visit: http://gatewaysc.carpooltoschool.com for information.
Water pamphlet mailed in SV
Some customers in the Scotts Valley Water District were confused by a National Geographic magazine they received in the mail titled “Water for Tomorrow: California Water, Our Responsibility.”
The informational pamphlet was mailed by the Association of California Water Agencies, an organization of which the Scotts Valley Water District is a member of.
“It’s talking about water issues across the state in general,” district manager Charlie McNiesh said.
District customers will receive three more pamphlets by the end of next year.
The publication broaches water issues in California and what can be done to lessen the impact of the droughts in the state.