On January 7 Governor Jerry Brown proposed a $122.6 billion state budget. Spending was increased for education, health care, state infrastructure, debt pay down and increase the state’s rainy day fund to $8 billion. "Relative to budgets of the past, this budget is in good shape," Brown said of his 2016-17 spending plan. "We also ought to look at what's the capacity of the state, and what's the taxpayer willingness to spend more."

The Scotts Valley Police Department recovered a credit card "skimming" device from a gas pump at a local service station on Mt. Hermon Road. The device was located inside the pump by a technician doing routine maintenance.

On Tuesday, January 19, at 5:30 .p.m. to 6:30 p.m., County Supervisor John Leopold will be holding a neighborhood town hall for the ScottsValley, Granite Creek, and HappyValley neighborhoods in the First District east of Highway 17. The meeting will be an opportunity to discuss a broad range of issues within Santa CruzCounty including criminal justice, healthcare, transportation, and economic development.

Congressman Sam Farr invites all Central Coast Korean War Veterans to a attend an appreciation ceremony that will take place on Friday, January 22, 2016 at the Laguna Grande Hall in the Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Ave., Seaside, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Korean Consul General Han Dong-man will be there as a special guest.

In the San Lorenzo Valley, the ringing of melodious bells is a little-known, but locally historic, musical art is being rediscovered and celebrated at Saint Lawrence Orthodox Church, in downtown Felton. As part of a recent remodel to improve Americans with Disability Act access and the general usability of the facilities, the parish community also opted to adorn the church with a bell tower.

Scotts Valley's new Mayor, Donna Lind, has several high priority projects that require more than just her organizational skills to make them happen. To do what she is planning, requires someone who really cares about the success of the project's outcomes. Although her greatest concern is the governance of the City of Scotts Valley, her vision is focused on the welfare of each segment of the community.

A Caltrans project to resurface and widen the shoulders of Highway 17 in Santa CruzCounty was to begin on Monday, January 4, weather permitting. When the rain passes, Caltrans will need to reschedule their start date. In the meantime, their projected schedule is as follows:

Santa Cruz PONY Baseball serves youth baseball players residing in Santa Cruz, San LorenzoValley, and ScottsValley. We will host walk-in registration for the upcoming 2016 spring baseball season Monday, January 11, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Harvey West Park Clubhouse (located between the pool and Little League field). Coaches and league organizers will be on hand to answer questions from new and returning families.