New homes are springing up in Scotts Valley in recent years, as no fewer than five housing developments — for a total of 159 new homes — are either under construction or have recently been completed.

Progressive-leaning Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley residents who are looking to become more politically active no longer need to go all the way to Santa Cruz to get involved in the Democratic Party.

More than 500 people packed the halls of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Boulder Creek on a rainy Saturday, Feb. 8 afternoon to celebrate the life of San Lorenzo Valley icon Annette Marcum. Marcum, who founded the nonprofit aid organization Valley Churches United Missions in 1982, passed away in January at the age of 75 after a long illness. The celebration included musical selections, as well as speakers such as Supervisor Bruce McPherson and Bishop Richard Garcia.

Seven hundred and twenty five miles later, a headstone found in a Felton backyard is safe and sound at its original resting place in Ojai, Calif. thanks to the intrepid research and stick-to-itiveness of three locals.

The controversy over single-use plastic bags arrived in Scotts Valley last week, as a group of 5thgrade students — along with parents, educators, and members of the Santa Cruz County environmentalist community — addressed the Scotts Valley City Council at its meeting about the topic.