By historical standards, the year 2009 will likely be remembered most as President Obama’s first in the Oval Office. Congress passed stimulus packages of all shapes and sizes, and the nation’s military presence in Afghanistan increased in an effort to quell rising violence there. But in the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley, the ebb and flow of the economy seemed to drive the news this year. Here’s a look back on the year’s biggest events in our community.

Santa Cruz County supervisors have authorized the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection in Santa Cruz County to purchase a new Type 1 fire engine that will be stationed at the McDermott Station in Bonny Doon.

To save residents money on trash pickup, Scotts Valley will haul its garbage nearly 40 miles to Marina, instead of taking it to the county-run landfill in Watsonville.

Elementary school sells historical calendars

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office

An appeal to a federal appellate court could be the final option for Ben Lomond’s Michael McClish after the California Supreme Court turned down his petition to have his case reviewed by the highest court in the state.