The holiday shopping season carries with it almost a frenzied atmosphere, with crowds of shoppers willingly enduring chilly conditions to wait in line outside stores in the wee hours of the morning, sometimes for hours, all in the pursuit of saving a few bucks in a troubled economy.

Free preschool for qualifying families

Light Up the Valley entries due Wednesday

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office

According to a recent survey, speeding and aggressive driving are the worst threats to safety on California’s roadways.

Christmas caroling, choir performances and hot chocolate, along with a visit from Santa, will all be part of Scotts Valley’s annual Christmas Tree Lighting Festival at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Scotts Valley Community Center, 360 Kings Village Road.