News

Much of the back section of the Kings Village Shopping Center will be abuzz on Saturday, Oct. 25, as art aficionados, craft connoisseurs, and libation lovers are invited to participate in Scotts Valley Artisans’ annual Halloween Sidewalk Festival and Auction.

A group of local musicians will gather for a tribute show and CD release this weekend to celebrate the life of one of their own, San Lorenzo Valley local Ben Laney, who died in June during the production of his final album, “Here in these Hills.”

There is big excitement lately among the members of the local 4-H clubs – the Santa Cruz County Fair is being held on September 16–20, 2015 at the Fairgrounds outside of Watsonville. For the next two weekends, local 4-H groups are building booths and getting ready to participate in equestrian as well as various other events. They will also participate in presentations, entertaining, and leadership opportunities. These kids love their involvement in 4-H projects and community service and this is their chance to show off their talents and shine!Ben Lomond’s Kristin Praly, owner of “HorseSense Education & Advocacy in Felton,” who regularly participates in 4-H events and Ag History Days with daughter Katelyn, said, “There will be a Scotts Valley Section in the Crosetti Building and all local 4-H clubs will have booths showing off their creative talents. Galena Cantey and Katelyn Praly will once again entertain the crowd by singing favorite songs. Claudia Scott of “Claudia’s Kitchen” will be there once again and many more local ‘4-H’ers’ are participating.” In the past, Kristin’s students have driven the beautiful Clydesdales owned by Fred Silva.Two of Praly’s students, daughter Katelyn Praly, and Jordan Randolph, are riding in the 4-H and Gymkhana events. Katelyn will ride “Slipn’Music” (also known as “Ginger”).She is the current President of the Scotts Valley 4-H Club. As a senior Onyx Star member of 4-H, Katelyn is the 2014-2015 All-Star. She just received the Golden Clover Award and Outstanding ‘4-H-er’ of the Year award. Her next goal is to become a 4-H State ambassador next year.Jordan Randolph, age 11, will be riding “Cheyenne,” owned by Mike and CharleneMcIntyre, local community members. Jordan is Treasurer-elect in her 4-H group and she is an intermediate Silver Star winner riding in her first 4-H Show at the Santa Cruz County Fair. Poultry is another one of her interests — she is the Junior State Champion for 4-H’s Avian Bowl.Rusty the Pony, well-known to locals from the memorial mural located on Highway 9 and Graham Hill Road, will be there wearing 4-H green and carting children around once again. He is 17 years old but still frequently teaches children the value of connection, support, and horsemanship from the horse’s point of view in the “HorseSense” program.There are five 4-H Clubs in Santa Cruz County-Boulder Creek, Corralitos, Felton, Scotts Valley, and Soquel. To contact a club near you, go to http://cesantacruz.ucanr.edu/files/161768.pdf

The Faye G. Belardi Memorial Gallery recently opened its doors for the first time since closing as the Felton Library.  During the past few months, volunteers and San Lorenzo Valley Museum (SLVM) staff have painted, rewired and floored the historic building for the gallery’s premiere....

Scotts Valley Fire Protection District has appointed Alex Titus to its Board of Directors, filling the seat left vacant by the resignation of Zach Raney. Titus has lived in Scotts Valley with his wife, Elana, and their two children since 2014. He is employed by...

Santa Cruz County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) approved the merger of the fire departments that serve Scotts Valley and Branciforte on Aug. 2. Scotts Valley Councilmember Allan Timms said he was glad to see the Scotts Valley Fire District absorb its beleaguered neighbor. “The Branciforte...