It was high-fives, ice cream parties and pat-on-the-back celebrations all around in the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District last month, as every school in the district saw an increase in its Academic Performance Index scores, surpassing the state’s target of 800.

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office 

San Lorenzo Valley High School students Ian Mallet and Caitlin Powell were nominated as semifinalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

Monet Salon and Spa will sponsor a Spa Day for four breast cancer survivors. Residents are invited to write an essay to nominate a breast cancer survivor to receive a facial massage, manicure, pedicure, hairstyling and makeup.

Scotts Valley will celebrate drug-free Red Ribbon Week from Friday, Oct. 23, through Oct. 31. The Scotts Valley Police Department and the Scotts Valley Sports Center have teamed up to host the annual Skate Night-Costume Contest for kids in kindergarten through eighth grade.

The phishing scam that has plagued the San Lorenzo Valley since the start of the month is still pestering locals, bank officials said, but customer information remains safe.

Children younger than 16 years old may not visit local hospitals during flu season this year, as a precaution to slow the spread of the H1N1 virus.

Gregory Wayne Gunn of Lompico was denied parole during a hearing at Folsom State Prison last week.

The Scotts Valley City Council approved another extension for Town Center developer Stanbery Development this week — a reflection that the anticipated project is taking longer than expected.