ScottsValley’s Ashby Confections is one of only three Santa CruzCounty food businesses that have been officially named a finalist in the 2016 Good Food Awards. They are among 263 Finalists out of this year’s 1,937 entries. The other two local finalists are Friend in Cheeses Jam Company from Santa Cruz and Venus Spirits.

In August, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors directed a 13-member ad hoc committee to develop recommendations for local commercial cannabis regulations. The move came after prior efforts to find a balance that protected neighborhoods, protected the environment and assured an adequate supply of medical marijuana for patients failed to reach community consensus.

The San Lorenzo Valley Foundation for Education, in collaboration with parent-volunteer school clubs, has launched ‘Fund Education!’ This fundraising campaign provides an easy way for community members to make tax-deductible donations to help provide essential resources and innovative programs in support of San LorenzoValley public schools.

Around the community, what you hear is “El Niño is coming.” Like a dark hooded monster looming up from behind, the specter of flooding and property damage is daunting. Popping up to combat the threat is a variety of Preparedness Workshops.

The end of an old year and the beginning of a new one signal the time to make some changes in our lives, especially in our eating habits. The Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency and the Go for Health! Collaborative are taking this opportunity to bring back the “Golden Carrot Award” (GCA) in 2016. This is a list of restaurants that “feature healthy menu options to help members of the community make healthful decisions about where they choose to eat away from the home.”

Dr. Ariana Ebrahimian was inducted as the President of the Monterey Bay Dental Society on November 20. She is reportedly the youngest person to hold that title. She worked in different positions on their Board for the past eight years and received accolades for managing their continuing education program for 2015.