Scotts Valley PD to conduct DUI checkpoint Friday night
Scotts Valley Police Department will be partnering with Santa Cruz PD, CHP and State Parks to conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoint on Friday, Dec. 13, from 9pm-1am at an undisclosed location within the city of Scotts Valley.
DUI checkpoint locations are determined based on data showing incidents of impaired driving-related crashes. The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints are to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road.
“Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk,” Sgt. Sjon Tol said. “Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improve traffic safety.”
Scotts Valley PD reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Reimagined Winter Wonderland returns this Saturday
Join Santa Cruz County Parks for a free Winter Wonderland experience at the Simpkins Family Swim Center on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10am-2pm.
This year’s event has been reimagined, with added attractions and exciting new elements so families can celebrate the holiday season in style. Winter Wonderland 2024 will feature a Holiday Market with over 20 local craft vendors, live entertainment, festive holiday decorations and free entry for recreational swimming.
In addition, the Parks Department recreation team will host Breakfast with Santa on the same day, where the whole family can partake in a special pancake breakfast. Two seatings are available: from 9-9:45am or from 10:15-11am. To register or for more information about Breakfast with Santa, visit tinyurl.com/SCBreakfastwithsanta.
Stay after breakfast to enjoy the Holiday Market and other festivities.
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter participates in Empty the Shelters event
BISSELL Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization dedicated to ending pet homelessness, is bringing holiday hope to homeless pets by prompting a national call for adoption with its Empty the Shelters reduced-fee adoption event through Dec. 17.
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) will participate, along with more than 400 shelters in 45 states. To help deserving shelter pets find loving homes, BISSELL Pet Foundation is sponsoring shelters to allow reduced adoption fees of just $50 per cat or dog during this nationwide event.
“This is the first time our Shelter has participated in this nationwide effort,” said Amber Rowland, General Manager of SCCAS. “On average, only 15%-20% of people who have pets get them from animal shelters! Events like Empty the Shelters allow us to get the word out to a broader audience, letting them know that they can find a selection of wonderful, healthy companions at their local shelter, and that the low adoption fees include spay or neuter, vaccination, and microchipping, which can be very costly if obtained separately.”
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter will participate Dec. 1-17 at the 1001 Rodriguez St. location, offering $50 adoption fees for dogs and cats of all ages and breeds. The shelter is open every day from 11am-6pm.
Available pets can be seen at the shelter’s website scanimalshelter.org.
