Locally filmed movie with local stars shows at Park Hall
Dan Henning, 40 year resident of Boulder Creek announces that he played a role in a ‘coming of age’ movie that was shot in Santa Cruz and San Lorenzo Valley. The movie is about a high school graduate who overcomes tragedies and experiences personal triumphs when he takes a summer job with his art teacher selling pottery at a local Renaissance Faire.
It’s a community affair
Taking care of our gem, the Felton Covered Bridge Park, is a community affair. Centrally located, it is one of the first things you see when you arrive in Felton. It is the visible focal point for many who live in the area or who visit Felton. The park is easily accessed by all routes in and out of the valley whether by car, bus, bike or foot. The park nestles in next to many businesses making it convenient to shop for goods and services.Basically, the park is open during daylight hours. That should make it easy for people, both residents and visitors, to enjoy the park’s many features. It is a beautiful spot.Anyone in our community can enjoy this little green spot and lots of people do so. It is a communication center for many where they can meet with friends, walk their dogs, or take their families for outings. However, it has been reported that some members of the community are engaging in other types of activities that are of a nature to be cause for concern.Sergeant John Habermehl, Sheriff-Coroners Office, in Felton, said that there has been a recent increase of incoming calls from people reporting drunk and disorderly conduct being seen in the park. He observed that when good use of the park is replaced by a bad use of the park, then the whole community suffers and the park deteriorates in terms of usefulness to families and other peaceable visitors.“We want to encourage a good use of the park. When the community takes good care of the park by using it for proper purposes, criminal activity is discouraged. It is much more likely for visitors to engage in wrong when there is no one to see it,” he said. “We encourage people in the park who see criminal behavior to call and report it. The people in the park are our eyes and ears,” said Habermehl.“Homelessness or class distinction is not the issue, behavior is. People who live in a big house and have wealth can get drunk too — proper use of the park is the issue,” said Habermehl.Asked how the Sheriff department responds to reports of misconduct in the park, Habermehl described the legal process the deputies must follow. Drunk and disorderly conduct are misdemeanors. As such, circumstances of the violator are taken into consideration as to the outcome of the incident.Frequency of encounter with the person, and circumstances will influence a deputy when called to a scene when drunkenness is the problem. Maybe, the person is taken to a ‘sobering center’ where they can sleep for a few hours and then be released if this infraction merits the treatment. Otherwise, the person may be arrested and may have to go to court. There is a range of conditions and circumstances that are considered by the law enforcement agencies when it comes to non-violent misdemeanors. It is also possible for the arresting deputy to recommend that the person be allowed to participate in the ‘serial inebriate program’ for substance abuse counseling. “Most people who get drunk in public and are arrested do not end up in court. They stay in jail until they sleep it off. In that instant, it is the safety of the person that is important,” said Habermehl.The repeat offender is the person who receives different consequences. For non-violent misdemeanors, it is possible for an arresting officer to request prosecution and/or issuance of a stay-order from district attorney and the judge. “The repeat offender is a community problem.” At first, “the repeat offender is given the circumstances that could help them make different choices,” explained Herbermehl. He said the goal is to help them to make right changes.When asked about the repeat offender that does not respond to those opportunities, Habermehl explained that there is a County wide system of allied agencies that have to examine each situation on a case by case basis for effectiveness. He described a series of actions that can occur for repeat offenders that range from requesting that the judge include certain conditions in sentencing. He said “the judge can issue an order for them to stay away from certain locations, such as where alcohol is sold, or into the entry of a park.”“If a persons record shows they have been arrested five or more times within a six month period, they could qualify as a ‘serial inebriate’ candidate or they could get a higher level of stay order and bail,” said Habermehl. It is the type of evidence that qualifies a person for specific sentencing outcomes.Habermehl outlined what Jim Hart, Sheriff-Coroner, is doing about the situation. He said “we have a new ‘serial inebriate’ program; a ‘sobering center’; and Sheriff Hart is working to get another deputy for peak hours.”In caring for our park, our community’s increasing number of calls resulted in increased arrests. Habermehl acknowledges that the drunk, disorderly and drug problem continues. “I encourage the public to continue calling in their reports. The people are our eyes and ears,” he repeated. “We will follow up.”The community is encouraged to call 471-1121 to report criminal activity at the Felton Covered Bridge Park.
The main flavor was ‘fun’
Tasting Under the Redwoods was a fund raising event sponsored by Valley Churches United Missions on August 9, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Upon entry to the Bret Harte Hall at Roaring Camp in Felton, guests were enveloped by music and the scent of yummy foods.The delicious sound of jazz played by Soul Doubt kept the tasters swaying to the music as they sampled food provided by about 27 restaurants and confectioners while about eight wineries and 4 breweries poured beverages.If you were there, chances are that you bumped into many of your friends, maybe even folks that you have not seen in a while. Maybe some of the new people that you met turned out to be a friend of a friend. That is the kind of pleasant atmosphere that was experienced by the visitors."This is a great opportunity to enjoy our community," said Patty Malone from Malone's Bar and Grill in Scotts Valley. Across the aisle was Jessica Hix from Mama Mia's in Felton, "try our calzone?" It was delicious along with a sample of Queen Bee ale from New Bohemia from 41st Avenue in Santa Cruz. From Boulder Creek to Santa Cruz, yummy samples of food and beverages were available for tasting.Busy making sure that guests were enjoying themselves was seen David Mills, Executive Director of VCUM. "Glad to see that you made it," said Mills as he welcomed people to the event. Ed Lambing was busy photographing people as they enjoyed the party atmosphere, while Colly and Norm Gruczelak were busy directing foot traffic at the front door and answering questions. Many other VCUM volunteers were also actively welcoming people and making preparations for the silent auction.Having sold out all tickets for the event, VCUM can agree with those from the community who were fortunate enough to get a ticket, that Tasting Under the Redwoods, 2015, was a huge success. While the tasters work the extra calories off, they can take comfort that all of that nibbling was for a good cause. It was also a lot of fun!
The San Lorenzo Valley Leadership Academy opens in August
A progressive approach to teaching and leading youth into the culture of their future is what the SLVLA is all about. SLVA is a learning facility that provides an After School Leadership Program for the first through the fifth grades. The academy is targeted to open August 25.Mikey Henderson and Mike Herzog are the developers of this innovative program that features S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) projects. Henderson has a passion for technology and all that relates to it. He relishes the idea of discovery and how to foster that attitude in others. Being a software developer, he knows the value of involving children in an innovative culture that will ultimately prepare them with the mind-set and imaginative approach to problem solving and the challenges that characterize an increasingly technological world.SLVLA fosters the skill set necessary for successfully managing project-based learning techniques by teaching the fundamentals of creativity, which is the stuff from which technical solutions arise.Herzog, previous co-owner of Santa Cruz Soccer Inc., has spent the two years in an afternoon leadership program for San Lorenzo Elementary. He will lead F.A.S.T. (Fitness and Sports Training) activities for SLVLA. Herzog developed a leadership training program that was designed to teach the basics of coaching to older campers. That accomplishment formed the basis of a passion for leadership training.Henderson and Herzog teamed up to create the program taught at SLVLA. The two believe that developing personalized learning paths is founded in the outcomes learned by asking questions, experimenting and satisfying curiosity about a subject matter. Their program is designed to make sure that students have something to learn and something to contribute. A comprehensive learning experience is one that empowers students to develop the strength in all subjects and results in becoming excellent communicators and collaborators with outstanding critical thinking skills.Herzog said “my partner, Mikey Henderson, and I are opening up the San Lorenzo Valley Leadership Academy right across from the SLVHS.” They open August 25. An open house is planned two weeks earlier.For more information, call 421-1060
NEWSBRIEFS
Agape Dance Academy becomes a non-profitScotts Valley, CA. Agape Dance Academy is announces that they have received approval as a non-profit as recognized by the IRS. This is exciting news as Agape Dance fundraising resources will help fund good works in the community, create stunning performances including beautiful costumes, guest artists, technical support and more. Our dedicated dancers get to enjoy a professional dance experience locally while bringing beautiful art to our community.Recent graduate, Zac Egner, has been invited to stay full time at Rock School this year on a full tuition scholarship!For more information, contact Melanie Useldigner at 359-0850 [email protected] Health Officer reminds parents to vaccinate their kidsCalifornia Department of Public Health Director and State Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith reminds parents to make sure that their children are up-to-date on required vaccinations before the school year begins.“Parents should put vaccinations on their back-to-school checklists,” Dr. Smith said. “Vaccinations are the best way to ensure that students are protected and to stop the spread of measles and other serious diseases.”Children are required to have received certain vaccinations in order to attend school or child care in California. Dr. Smith urges parents to make an appointment now with their health care provider to help protect themselves and their families.Cost should not be a barrier for childhood vaccinations. If health insurance does not cover the recommended vaccinations, children may qualify for free vaccines under the national Vaccines for Children Program. Talk to your doctor or local health department for more information.On June 30, 2015, Governor Brown signed into law Senate Bill 277, which does not change procedures for the fall of 2015. Under this new law only medical exemptions to required immunization will be allowed for students entering school after January 1, 2016.To learn more about the law and the immunizations required for child care and schools, visit shotsforschool.orgNotice of Meeting to Adopt Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2015/2016 by the Felton Fire Protection DistrictNotice is hereby given that on Monday, the 14th of September, 2015, 7 p.m. at 131 Kirby Street, Felton, and the Board of Directors of the Felton Fire Protection District will meet for the purpose of adopting the Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2015/2016 of said District.Notice is further given that the preliminary budget of said District has been adopted and is available between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 131 Kirby Street, Felton, for review by interested persons.Notice is further given that at the time and place above designated for the meeting to adopt the Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2015/2016, any person may appear and be heard regarding the Final Budget for Fiscal Year 2015/2016.BOARD OF DIRECTORSFelton Fire Protection District335-4422 Comcast offers new levels of service in the Santa Cruz MountainsNew programming and Internet offerings will be available to residential homes and businesses which are Comcast customers in the following areas: Aptos, Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek, Bonny Doon, Brookdale, Davenport, Felton, La Selva Beach, Lompico, southern Los Gatos, Mount Herman, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, Seascape, and Soquel. Residential customers in these areas can simply re-start their modems to immediately start enjoying the faster speeds."Santa Cruz is one our most exciting and diverse communities and we're thrilled to make a substantial investment there that demonstrates our ongoing commitment to bring customers more choices for their media and technology needs," said Elaine Barden, Regional Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Comcast California. "We continue to innovate and increase Internet speeds as customer demands evolve, and we will continue to offer a wide range of communications options and TV networks to fit the diversity of our customers."In that spirit of continuous innovation, Comcast is increasing the speeds of two of its Xfinity Internet tiers at no additional cost to customers in the Santa Cruz area. The Performance tier speeds will jump from 16 Megabits per Second (Mbps) download speed and 2 Mbps upload speed (16/2), to 75 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload (75/5). The Blast tier speeds will also significantly increase, leaping from 25/4 to 150/10.Comcast also announced that it is launching four new tiers of Internet service for commercial business customers. In addition to the previously offered Starter (16/3) and Deluxe 50 (50/10) tiers, Comcast Business will now offer Deluxe 25/10, Deluxe 75/15, Deluxe 100/20, and Deluxe 150/20 speed packages to small and medium businesses in the area."By tripling the speeds and the number of Internet tier options for local Santa Cruz businesses, we're providing an even more robust suite of services that allows organizations of all sizes to match their communications needs," said Ted Girdner, regional vice president of Comcast Business. "Our continued commitment to bring businesses more choices for high-capacity network connectivity helps them lay the foundation for economic development and business growth."
Welcome the new director to St. Andrew’s Preschool
Saint Andrews Preschool in Ben Lomond is pleased to announce the appointment of Sherry Stone as their new director. Stone has over 15 years of experience as an educator. She graduated from Louisiana State University with a major in Primary Education and a minor in Visual Diverse Arts.“Each of us is an individual and we all learn differently,” says Stone. “My plan is that my staff and I will work individually with each child based on their learning style,” Stone said. Her objective is to implement creative academic learning with love of God and community as her foundation.Saint Andrews Preschool has been in operation for 32 years.Preschool enrollment is now open for the coming school year. Open house for Saint Andrews Preschool will be held on Wednesday, August 19 during the hours 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.. The preschool is located at 101 Riverside in Ben Lomond. Please call 336-5157 for more information.
From a fire in a trash can to music on the mountain
In 2006, the fire escaped from the trash can to destroy the library on the San Lorenzo Valley High School campus. Valley residents, led by George Wylie, a SLVUSD school board member, passed a bond measure in 2008. The proceeds were used to build a new library and make improvements to the then-existing Center of Performing Arts. Cost savings achieved in the library construction enabled the district to raze the old PAC and build a new and state-of-the-art PAC that seats 215 patrons. The new SLV PAC opened in February of this year.On September 13, at 4:00 p.m. the San Lorenzo Valley Foundation for Education will bring Music on the Mountain to the San Lorenzo Valley by inviting Espressivo, a 17 piece orchestra to perform at the new, state of the art PAC located on the SLVHS campus. Espressivo will be led in a program of works by Mozart, Ibert, Wagner and Hindemith by Michel Singher, who has conducted seventy operas in hundreds of performances in Europe and America, and has led many orchestras, including the Berlin Radio Symphony, Seattle Symphony and the Oberlin Orchestra in a performance at Lincoln Center. This concert will bring to the valley a first of its kind musical performance by world class musicians whose current and prior affiliations include orchestras from San Francisco to Belgium and Israel, and will feature Roy Malan, Espressivo’s concertmaster, recently retired concertmaster of the San Francisco Ballet — and current lecturer at UCSC; Arnold Gregorian, recently retired from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Julie Green Gregorian, Baltimore Symphony; Stephen Harrison, Ives Quartet at Stanford University; Susan Volmer, Sacramento Philharmonic; and Linda Burman-Hall, Santa Cruz Baroque Festival. The San Lorenzo Valley Foundation for Education supports San Lorenzo Valley students in The Arts, Math, Science and Technology through community sponsored grants, scholarships and contributions. This concert is a benefit for SLVUSD schools, and will mark the kick-off of a series of semi-annual performances being planned for the new SLVH PAC. Come listen to Music on the Mountain on September 13.
State attempts to help educators during Common Core transition
Ever since California implemented Common Core standards for public education, there has been a change in the way information is presented to students.As with all things, change brings about a learning curve on how to best implement the new program. The evolution in workbooks and overall curriculum only started to become noticeable to parents during the last school year.Common Core standards, which began to take root in 2009, aim to better prepare students for real life by improving their comprehension of language arts and math.Last week, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced an updated online publication to aid teachers in their transition to Common Core.“California is leading the nation by developing an integrated ELA/ELD Framework and making it widely available. This will help improve literacy instruction, a critical element of preparing California students for college and careers in the 21st century,” Torlakson said.According to Educational Therapist Cheryl Ruyle, Common Core is a necessary transition for students. And the change has even impacted her private practice in Scotts Valley.“The hardest part about teaching to the new standards is getting parents to understand what the standards are all about,” she said. “It’s just a huge, mental shift for parents — we didn’t learn this way, and we don’t know why our kids have to.”Part of the reason for the transition to Common Core is because today’s world exists in a digital age, where information is exchanged rapidly. The ways of the past no longer apply, and overall understanding of how things work together is now more crucial than ever.In her years of teaching, Ruyle observed that the students focus on memorizing the information, rather than comprehending it fully. And Common Core’s goal is to improve comprehension.“The process of reading a text, analyzing it, and taking notes for “The Great Gatsby” is at its core the same process of reading, analyzing, and taking notes for one’s science text book,” Ruyle said. “But students have trouble seeing the connection. They learn skills in isolation, and rarely learn to connect their content across subjects.”The most recent online update Torlakson unveiled specifically focuses on the English Language Arts/English Language Development Framework for California Public Schools (ELA/ELD Framework), which was originally implemented by the State Board of Education in 2014.The improvements, promised to be user-friendly, can be found online at www.cde.ca.gov/ci/rl/cf/elaeldfrmwrksbeadopted.asp.And though the improved framework is aimed to assist all students, Ruyle said that not everyone learns in the same way. In her practice, Ruyle faces students with learning differences, who tend to have the most trouble with the higher thinking expected from Common Core.“The difficulty of being a teacher is always having to find that middle ground, where you are targeting the “average” student and then differentiating for students who need more support and students who need more of a challenge,” she said. To delve further into Common Core and learn how to teach it, visit the government’s www.digitalchalkboard.org. The website, targeted for teachers, is open to explore. Homeschool and alternative education families may also glean from this resource.Be prepared to spend some time learning while there. From a quick look, Ruyle said she noticed it would take language arts teachers 27 hours of lessons to complete two ELA and Assessment modules. That learning time can become even longer for a teacher who works with non-native speakers.“I don’t see a lot of teachers being able to devote that amount of time to working through the modules, unless they were given specific professional development days to do so,” said Ruyle. “The modules seem like a good idea in theory — there are online discussion boards where teachers can collaborate together on teaching to the new standards — but I question how often teachers will actually use this.”For more information about the most current Common Core developments at California Department of Education (CDE), and Tom Torlakson, follow the organization at cde.ca.gov, Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.To learn about Ruyle, visit www.cherylruyle.com
A visit to the Felton Covered Bridge Park
If you are a visitor to Felton and want to know where to go, you might check out the Santa Cruz County’s web page to read about the local parks. It describes The Felton Covered Bridge Park as being “one of the few left in the state!” It says: you can “walk on the path, picnic or BBQ, play volleyball, use the playground, or one of the large, grassy areas.” It also promises that fishing with proper licenses is allowed and that restrooms are available.” You will also be told that the park is open from 8:00 a.m. to sunset and there are 32 parking spaces available.Maybe you plan to pick up supplies at the Safeway grocery store across the street from the park for a family BBQ. If so, you may have a hard time in locating the BBQ facilities once you arrive at the park.A 35 year resident of San Lorenzo Valley, Feltonian Ken Lewis is disappointed that he can no longer take his family to the Felton Covered Bridge Park to BBQ. Although he can still walk his dog there usually twice per day, he can no longer use the BBQ pits. They have been removed.Lewis believes that high level of vandalism and misuse of the park equipment is the reason why the BBQ pits were removed along with two of the park tables at either end of the park. Lewis said that he called Bruce McPherson’s office (5th District Supervisor) and talked to his assistant Robin Musitelli about the park issues.Lewis notes that there are many people who appear to be over indulging in alcohol and taking drugs who become belligerent when spoken to. He said he has seen the sheriff’s deputies approach them, but does not see the problem go away. “It is just disappointing for lack of enforcement. We need someone there all day writing citations,” he said.Lewis laments the irresponsible show of public drunkenness and the use of hard drugs. He recognizes that only about 20% of the homeless or near homeless from the Felton or San Lorenzo valley fit that description.
Obituary
Barbara Nancy (Martin) Guerrero Barbara Nancy (Martin) Guerrero made her way to heaven on June 9, 2015.Barbara was born July 23, 1941 in Syracuse, New York, where she grew up. In her early 20’s, her adventuresome sprit took her to San Francisco where she spent many years pursuing various occupations and eventually marrying. Barbara moved to Bakersfield in 1975 raising her five children.She was very creative. She enjoyed needlepoint and loved helping her kids redecorate their rooms in whatever colors they wanted. Barbara managed a clothing store; was co-owner of a diet food store; helped to manage El Chile Verde restaurant; and enjoyed many years working as a saleswoman at Best Rents. Barbara willingly relocated to help raise her grandchildren. She spent time living in Clovis and Fresno, taking care of her grandson. Eventually Barbara moved to Flagstaff, where she spent the balance of her years helping to raise her granddaughters. She also spent time in Santa Cruz with her baby granddaughter. She loved her animals and considered them to be her ‘children.’ Barbara had many friends in Flagstaff including people that lived in her apartment complex and her various doctors and therapists. Barbara’s family has received many condolences from these people. Barbara loved her children and grandchildren deeply and to her they were her greatest accomplishment. She was so proud of everything they did and was always their strongest supporter. She leaves behind two sons Emmett Guerrero and Tomas Guerrero, three daughters MaryAnn (Ron) Froehlich, Jennifer Guerrero and Christine (Karl) Rohrkemper and grandchildren, Jordan, Alec, Sage, Madison, Tanner and Stoli. Barbara is truly missed by those closest to her.
Scotts Valley police promote pedestrian safety this month
October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and Scotts Valley Police Department is urging drivers to exercise extra caution to protect pedestrians.
According to the National...
