Starting January 14, 2016, Santa CruzMountainsArtCenter in Ben Lomond, announced that a second session of “Art After School” enrichment classes will be offered at each of five local schools: Boulder Creek Elementary, Bonny Doon Elementary, San Lorenzo Valley Elementary, San LorenzoValleyMiddle School and ScottsValleyMiddle School.

Karen van Putten, the Principal of San Lorenzo Valley High School, applied an excellent principle of communication when she sent a letter to the families whose children were under lockdown on February 2. She reported that she had called for a lockdown on the three campuses and why she had done so.

A local grassroots advocacy organization is conducting a survey of cannabis growers in Santa CruzCounty. The SCM² Cannabis Cultivation Survey 2016 will seek to provide data that policy makers can evaluate as they continue to develop a local licensing program expected to roll out in the next year.

SCOTTS VALLEY

Bay Federal Credit Union is collaborating with Watsonville/Aptos Adult Education in offering personal financial education classes on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the GreenValleyCenter, Room 8, at 294 Green Valley Road. Although Watsonville may be a bit of a drive for North County residents, the five free classes offered once a month could make a decided difference in a person’s or a family’s financial life.

The California State Board of Equalization is offering a free all-day tax preparation class. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA is also known as the Free Income Tax Preparation and Family Resource Fair events) is hosted by the Internal Revenue Service, Franchise Tax Board, Board of Equalization, local colleges and elected officials throughout tax season.