Obituary
Theta Francis Armstrong Theta Francis Armstrong passed away on Sunday August 16, 2015, in Santa Cruz, CA. She was born in Cimarron, New Mexico on April 15, 1929. She was a resident of Scotts Valley for 32 years. Graveside services will be at the Oakwood Memorial Park at 3301 Paul Sweet Road in Santa Cruz on Friday August 21, 2015 at 11:00 am. If you would like to offer condolences to Theta’s family, share your memories and light a candle in her honor please visit www.scmemorial.com
Dispatch Log (August 21, 2015)
Scotts Valley Police Department August 12 3:08 p.m.: A texting related traffic stop resulting in the arrest of a suspect for possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia near Kings Village Shopping Center in Scotts Valley. 5:04 p.m.: A report of assault with a deadly weapon was taken after a road-rage hit and run incident involving a car and a motorcycle on La Madrona Drive in Scotts Valley. 8:17 p.m.: A purse was stolen from a locked vehicle after the window was smashed outside of a café on Scotts Valley Drive. August 13 8:37 p.m.: A traffic stop for reckless driving on Granite Creek Road near Highway 17 resulted in the suspect being cited for a misdemeanor. August 14 2:07 a.m.: A suspect was arrested after a deputy conducted a search of their vehicle pursuant to the terms of their probation and found controlled substances on Coast Range Drive in Scotts Valley. Later the suspect was found to be concealing methamphetamines on his person at the County Jail. Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office August 12 9:49 a.m.: A suspect was arrested on West Zayante Drive in Felton after failing to comply with his sex offender registrant terms. 10:50 p.m.: A suspect was arrested for public intoxication on the 6100 block of Highway 9 in Felton. August 13 7:52 p.m.: A fight occurred at Covered Bridge Park. A male was arrested for public intoxication and a female was arrested for local warrants. The male was transported to the Sobering Center and the female was transported and booked into County Jail. August 14 11:08 a.m.: A male subject was in possession of a meth pipe and in violation of his probation terms in Felton. 11:37 a.m.: A juvenile was detained on Glen Arbor Road in Ben Lomond after deputies determined them to be a danger to themselves or others. 3:01 p.m.: Suspect was arrested for public intoxication and a probation violation on the 13100 block of Central Avenue in Boulder Creek. 4:24 p.m.: Two males detained for public intoxication at the Felton Covered Bridge Park. 7:46 p.m.: A suspect on a searchable probation for paraphernalia was arrested after a motorcycle stop on the 11000 block of Highway 9 in Boulder Creek. 11:16 p.m.: A vehicle was burglarized while a victim was hiking in Henry Cowell State Park. August 15 8:37 p.m.: An intoxicated subject was detained in Felton after deputies determined her to be unable to care for herself. 11:02 p.m.: Two subjects were arrested for assault on Clear Creek Road in Brookdale after an altercation resulted in $500 in damage and injuries to both parties. August 16 8:48 a.m.: Suspect was arrested on Conference Drive in Felton after deputies found them to have two outstanding warrants while on probation for burglary. The suspect was also in possession another’s financial and insurance information, burglary tools, a controlled substance, and drug paraphernalia. 6:04 p.m.: A female was detained for public intoxication on Mills Street in Ben Lomond. August 18 4:10 p.m.: A wallet was stolen out of a parked car on Hihn Street in Felton.
Prostate Cancer Awareness
Santa Cruz County Prostate Cancer Support Group’s website says that after lung cancer, prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men.There are a lot of fund-raising efforts and information available for breast cancer; however, it is rare to see anything about prostate cancer awareness. Is it because women are more inclined to talk about their health issues and seek support but men tend towards macho silence?Thankfully, now in the 21st century, things are changing. Men are starting to open up and talk about their health issues. The Santa Cruz County Prostate Cancer Support Group’s website, with informational help from the American Cancer Society, is a source of vital information. Their newsletters are archived. The last issue talks abut the role of food in increasing/decreasing prostate cancer risks. There is also a list of useful online resources.The group meets on the last Tuesday of each month 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Dominican Hospital’s Bennett and Suzy Katz Cancer Resource Center in the Education Center, Room D. Dominican Hospital, located at 1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, is now called “Dignity Health.”From Dignity Health’s website: “Our certified oncology nurses (RNs) provide guidance in sorting through questions about cancer, assistance in coordinating care, and referrals to support services, individuals with cancer and their families may set up an appointment to meet with a KCRC (Katz Cancer Resource Center) oncology nurse to discuss and personalize a program for support education and guidance.”The SC County Prostate Cancer Support Group is presenting their 7th Annual Songfest for Prostate Cancer Awareness on Saturday, September 5, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Kuumba Jazz Center, 320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. This is a free concert. Donations will be accepted. Please see their ad in this paper.
Scotts Valley Art, Wine and Beer Festival a Big Hit at Skypark
It was hot! Temperatures ranged between the high 90's and low 100's, but that did not keep visitors home. Family groups were engaging with their children while the kids enjoyed the petting zoos and many other attractions. Some of the kids had their faces painted. Even leashed dogs were seen following or leading their families around the Festival grounds.
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.
Despite high temps and pile-burning setbacks, fire officials aren’t worrying just yet
Scott Weese, a division chief with Cal Fire CZU, spends plenty of time pouring over forest-fuel-environment maps and briefing safety crews on weather conditions.
The...
