Opinion

You don’t need to look far to experience the best of the community stepping up to help those in need right here in our area. For over thirty-five years now Valley Churches United has truly shared the incredible generosity, support and passion of the local community helping our own residents facing hard times. As the Executive Director of Valley Churches United, located in the heart of Ben Lomond, I get to witness the magic of gratitude each and every day. During the holidays, imagine how special those moments are for those who are able to give and also for those who are receiving help in their time of need.

EDITOR,

EDITOR,

Editor’s note: This commentary was adapted from an interview the Press-Banner conducted with Assemblyman Bill Monning, D-Carmel, regarding California’s budget. The interview was July 21, shortly before the Legislature passed a budget with no tax increases and more than $26 billion in cuts.

Until it happens to your town, this sort of news seems like another distant struggle. When we — residents of Boulder Creek — discovered that a 50-foot cell tower had been proposed smack in the heart of their historic downtown, we were shattered. We are currently in a battle with Verizon over the location of a proposed cell tower. We are asking the county of Santa Cruz to uphold the county code and deny this application. The third hearing is set for 9 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20 at the county building, 701 Ocean Street, 5th floor in Santa Cruz.