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Scotts Valley
October 9, 2026

Avoid Coronavirus Scams

Here are some tips to help you keep the scammers at bay:Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes. The recording might say that pressing a number will let you speak to a live operator or remove you from their call list, but it might lead to more robocalls, instead.Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — online or in stores. At this time, there also are no FDA-authorized home test kits for the Coronavirus. Visit the FDA to learn more.Fact-check information. Scammers, and sometimes well-meaning people, share information that hasn’t been verified. Before you pass on any messages, contact trusted sources. Visit What the U.S. Government is Doing for links to federal, state and local government agencies.Know who you’re buying from. Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies when, in fact, they don’t.Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. The details are still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.

News briefs

The 16th Annual Environmental Town Hall

Highway 9 slow as storm blusters for second day

A winter storm that struck Santa Cruz County on Sunday night has continued through Tuesday, causing disruptions on main thoroufares in the San Lorenzo Valley and Bonny Doon. Various power-outages have also occured throughout the valley.

CARE-ing for METRO

On July 9th, the Santa Cruz METRO received a 20.6-million-dollar grant from the Federal Transit Administration, as a part of the CARES Act. Throughout the COVID crisis, METRO has provided vital and safe transportation for essential workers that otherwise would struggle to reach work.  Despite their great contributions to our community, a lack of funds has pushed the bus service into a perilous financial state.  Alex Clifford, the CEO of METRO, was greatly relieved for the funds, “First and foremost, we’re really grateful to Congress for providing economic relief to METRO early on with COVID.  It was incredible foresight.  So often you wait until it’s a problem to come up with a fix, but they have already provided a bridge to sustain service as much as we can throughout this crisis.  For now, this will help us stave off service reductions and layoffs.”

Dispatch Log

Scotts Valley Police Department

Business Notes

Hospital names new foundation head

Margot A. Sekkel Sept. 28, 1918 — May 23, 2011

Former Felton resident Margot A. Sekkel died May 23 in Capitola at the age of 92 with her family and friends by her side.

5th District race comes down to final votes

After election night, Tuesday, Nov. 6, only 26 votes separated the two candidates in the race for Santa Cruz County Supervisors 5th District.

Barbara Hanson Aug. 1, 1944 – Oct. 14, 2010

Longtime San Lorenzo Valley resident Barbara Hanson died Oct. 14 in Boulder Creek She was 66.

Renee Kellogg June 2, 1966 — April 15, 2012

A memorial service will be Saturday, April 28, for longtime Felton resident Renee Blendina (Romele) Kellogg, who died Sunday, April 15. She was 45.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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Violeta Dauksa

Scotts Valley graduate receives Teamsters scholarship

Violeta Dauksa of Scotts Valley has been named a recipient of a 2026 scholarship from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Scholarship Fund. Dauksa is a...