On August 9, at Bret Harte Hall in Roaring Camp, Valley Churches United Missions became the gracious beneficiary of a wonderful fund raising event. More than 25 restaurants, 10 wineries, and 4 breweries served up delicious tastes and sips straight from their respective kitchens to our donors. Nearly everyone that I spoke with was complimentary and all who were there had a good time. We sincerely thank the vendors who shared their goodies and we appreciate the hundreds of donors who sold out our event.When I arrived last fall to become the Executive Director of VCUM, the calendar was essentially set and all that I needed to do was support the existing plan and learn how to execute against our various program deliverables. I did that. When 2015 began, I was focused on how to find a ‘success’ that we could point to as a turning point in our evolution as an organization. After all, the new guy would eventually have to produce something that was, well, new. Sunday was new and I was delighted. To be sure, the fund raising is important, but just as important to me right now, is how we showed up in the community, and how we worked together as a team. I’m proud that we exceeded our fund raising goal and I’m even more proud about how we worked together as a team.“Tasting under the Redwoods” required some new volunteers, with some new expertise and a whole new set of personal contacts. When I arrived at Valley Churches I observed that we had a dedicated cadre of volunteers, and many were also board members. What we didn’t have was a large number of people who were volunteers. While I saw remarkable commitment to our organization, I also observed a fairly small circle of people. I believed then and now more than ever, that our organizational strength comes from our volunteers. If you’d like to become involved with Valley Churches, we have an “All Volunteer Meeting” at Park Hall on September 24. Show up there and we’ll try and find something good for you to do.For a non-profit organization like ours to thrive, we need the trust and support from our local business community. I view that as something to be earned and cultivated by spending the donated money wisely and keeping fundraising expenses to a minimum. “Tasting under the Redwoods” wouldn’t have happened without the direct support from the restaurants, wineries and breweries. You may not know that our business sponsors, Liberty Bank, Union Bank, and The Keller Williams Team, enabled us to fund the basic event costs. Our media sponsor, KSCO, was instrumental in turning out the sellout crowd. Yes, requesting that a restaurant prepare 350 bites of something delicious to donate for charity is a big ‘ask.’ The support that we received blew us away. However, it turns out that many in our community have a personal story or anecdote that triggers a good vibe when thinking of Valley Churches. My predecessor, Annette Marcum, and the hundreds of volunteers that have come before Sunday, built that goodwill. I recognize that is a tremendous asset for us to build upon, and it is a serious responsibility to keep that support alive and healthy.There was also a wee bit of organizational trepidation to overcome last Sunday. This was a new event for us. We had no experience to fall back on when we ran across the unforeseen hurdles and all the little hassles that inevitably surface when you doing something for the first time. Indeed, we’re a stronger organization today than we were just the week prior to “Tasting under the Redwoods,” because we proved to ourselves that we are capable of doing something new and in fact we can be “bigger” if we want to be. I have high hopes for evolving our services portfolio at Valley Churches. Thinking bigger, acting bigger, and bigger fundraising are all different things. We all feel a bit better now that we’ve actually delivered this event and satisfied our sponsors and donors. Whatever new thing that comes next, it won’t quite be as daunting because of that success. For that, I’m grateful.So, to what not-for-profit purposes will the money be used to fund? At Valley Churches our calendar-year’s fourth quarter is the busiest time of the year. Historically, that’s been true for both giving and receiving. Our Thanksgiving project provides literally hundreds of Thanksgiving meals, and our annual “Valley Christmas Project” is a really a collection of giving programs for families, seniors, and others. The truth is that the money raised from “Tasting under the Redwoods” won’t go to any one program, rather it will be used to offset expenses for food purchases, which we do for much of the year; build our storm preparedness capacity; and it will fund the other giving programs. Apart from food distribution, we have rent expense, transportation assistance, medical catastrophe expenses and other catastrophic services support. Having completed this event in the third quarter will provide us with the financial momentum for going into the fourth quarter and it will likely enable a few of our volunteers to work less hours this coming Holiday season. Again, for that I am grateful.

Dear EditorRE: New Funding Challenges for School Parent GroupsSafeway has been very good to our schools in the San Lorenzo Valley. The High School alone has raised over $50,000 over the last four years through the Safeway eScrip program, and the staff at our local Felton store have been very supportive and helpful during the Back-to-School fundraisers.Unfortunately, as of August 1, the corporate office of Safeway has decided to discontinue its relationship with eScrip. This means that the parent groups at BCE, SLE, SLVMS and SLVHS will be looking for other fundraising activities this fall and beyond, so that they can maintain support for the schools.If you have a student enrolled in any of our schools, please pay special attention to information on how you can sign up to the other passive fundraisers run by the school, and consider giving additional support to the fundraising events.Safeway has said it remains committed to funding projects which are important to local communities, so please show your support for our schools on www.Safeway.com and find the Contact Us page.Jill Collen, SLVHS Cougar Parents ClubMelissa Avilla, SLVMS Panther ClubBrandy Escott, SLVE Bobcat ClubTammy Schultz, BCE Parents Club   o The Editor,  As a hiker and 34 year Bonny Doon resident, I would love to see the Bureau of Land Management’s Coast Dairies unit added to the existing California Coastal National Monument.This will be accomplished by legislation just introduced by California’s Senators Boxer and Feinstein. I believe this upgrade to Monument status will bring additional protections and resources. Since I live adjacent to these BLM lands I want this higher level of protection as the unit is opened for public access.  As a State Parks volunteer docent, I appreciate that nearby Big Basin Redwoods and Wilder Ranch State Parks have extensive trail systems. However, continuing population growth means that additional high quality natural areas like this National Monument expansion need to be given maximum protection now. The National Monument will provide much needed educational and trail user opportunities with expansive ocean views from its coastal meadows, woodlands, creek canyons and upland redwoods, while protecting Native American cultural sites   Barry Grimm, Bonny Doon  Dear Editor,I want to thank Senator Boxer and Senator Feinstein for their effort and leadership in working with local community leaders to establish the Cotoni – Coast Dairies National Monument. This elevated status upgrade to the Coast Dairies property will allow for federal protections in perpetuity and make access free and open to everyone. It is of utmost importance that we protect this cherished land so that our communities can enjoy what the North Coast has to offer as well as pass on a legacy of environmental advocacy to future generations. Thank you, to Senator Boxer and Senator Feinstein, and thanks’ to you Congresswoman Eshoo for leading the way.Madeleine ConwaySanta Cruz  Dear Editor,I was walking Molly, my chocolate lab on Graham Hill Rd. near the corner of Sims Rd. this morning when two lovely ladies crossed the street coming toward us. Molly, who is very skittish about everything, got “spooked" by their presence and decided to bolt. Unfortunately, she took me with her. She weighs 109 lbs., almost as much as I do, so I landed flat on my face on the gravel path. A very kind young man named Rusty from Ben Lomond was driving on his way to go surfing. When he saw what happened, he got out of his truck. Not only did he help me get back on my feet, he walked me and Molly home. Thank you, Rusty, for your act of kindness. Perhaps one day I can help you in return.Dianne Kessler,Felton  

Recycled water fill-up station coming to Scotts ValleyBy Bill Maxfield On August 4, Scotts Valley Water District, a regional leader in the distribution of recycled water, announced plans to open, by late August, a recycled water fill-up station that will provide free recycled water to Scotts Valley residents.Believed to be the first of its kind in Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties, the station will provide Scotts Valley residents up to 250 gallons of recycled water per day, free of charge, that can be used to irrigate residential landscaping, fruit and vegetable trees, as well as to wash down hard surfaces and control dust from construction projects. Recycled water is wastewater purified through multiple treatment processes that meets California Department of Public Health quality and safety standards. Since 2002, the District has delivered about 530 million gallons of recycled water to customers, an amount equivalent to about a year’s worth of water used by the entire system, which serves 4,000 accounts. “We are excited about making recycled water more widely available to Scotts Valley residents, who we know are committed to helping us reduce groundwater pumping during the drought,” said District General Manager Piret Harmon. “Increasing our community’s use of recycled water for landscaping and gardening will help us maintain our target consumption level of 75 gallons of potable water per person per day.”The fill-up station will be located in a lot behind the Scotts Valley Library Branch on Kings Village Road, across from the Scotts Valley Senior Center. The operation schedule will be announced in late August.For more information about recycled water use within the District, visit http://svwd.org/your-water/recycled-water.About Scotts Valley Water DistrictScotts Valley Water District is a public agency providing water and sewer service over six square miles including most of the City of Scotts Valley and a portion of the unincorporated areas north of the city limits.  The community of Scotts Valley places a high value on livability, innovation and planning for the future.  Scotts Valley Water District is proud to play a vital role in supporting those efforts by providing a reliable, sustainable, high-quality water supply. Through partnership with our community, strategic investment in resources and pursuit of new ideas, Scotts Valley Water District is redefining its historic role in order to meet future challenges and turn them into opportunities. Learn more about Scotts Valley Water District at www.svwd.org or www.facebook.com/svwater. 

There was a collision on East Zayante Road on July 22 when a 19-year old man, Jacob Waring of Felton, let his 1989 GMC truck cross over the yellow line as he was traveling southbound. Dylan Hage, a 21 year old man from Boulder Creek, was Waring’s passenger. Waring collided with Patrick Goldie of Lompico who was driving northbound in a 2001 Saturn.Reportedly, witnesses said that the GMC truck was being driven recklessly prior to the collision. There is an ongoing investigation regarding this claim.All three men were transported to hospitals with major medical conditions. Both Waring and Hage were taken to Valley Medical Center, while Goldie was moved to Stanford for treatment.Investigating California Highway Patrolman M. Diaz reported that the incident occurred at 7:55 a.m. The road was still closed at 10:30 a.m. Traffic was diverted from East Zayante Road to West Zayante Road while the scene of the accident was made

Dear Editor, In your edition of July 24, Ms. Lois Roth asked the Board of Directors of Lompico Water District (not a company, by the way), to tell our constituents why we would approve the use of water to clean our office building and parking area.We have been doing a late spring cleaning at the office, organizing, scrubbing, dusting, polishing... In that spirit, John, one of Lompico Water's field staff, filled the pot holes in the parking lot. I went out to admire his work and thank him, and said that I wished we could power wash the building. John said that we could, using reclaimed and no longer potable water, so I asked him to do that.We were waiting for the calls from people asking why we were wasting water; we would have reassured them that we weren't.I did not expect to see the first question in the Press Banner, rather than asked of us directly. I wish Ms. Roth had not skipped that step. This does give me the opportunity, however, to remind everyone that we are still living in drought conditions, and need to practice severe conservation. At the same time, please don't rush to judgment about neighbors; many of us used recycled water for gardens, for instance.Please save water, and please ask before accusing.Merrie SchallerDirectorLompico Water District     

Dear Editor, I was curious after reading the opinion on vaccines and autism by Natasha Stephenson in the 7/24 Banner.The link she gave didn't work but I was able to find a site that lists 100 research projects which prove a link — so I dug in.The 1st related to vaccines with thimerosal, which is not used in pediatric vaccines, and rarely in adult. It had little to do with the current spectrum of vaccines children get, and adults can ask their doctor for thimersosal-free vaccines. The study was from 91 to 97. It concludes high doses of thimerosal in the first month of life increases risk of neurological impairment. The CDC reports "Since 2001, with the exception of some influenza (flu) vaccines, thimerosal is not used as a preservative in routinely recommended childhood vaccines. Parents can request thimerosal-free vaccines. The 2nd study reported some adverse results for the Hepatitus B vaccination when given in the first month of life.The 3d study found a correlation of frequency of vaccines with aluminum as preservative and ADS. But as aluminum is used more and more industry and common household products, the causal link is problematic. For instance there is also a correlation of autism and increased use of GMO foods, which contain the carcinogenic glyiphosate residues.  The 4th study speculates that AL in vaccines may have a role in causing ADS but it states: "Over the last 200 years, mining, smelting, and refining of aluminum (Al) in various forms have increasingly exposed living species to this naturally abundant metal. Because of its prevalence in the earth’s crust, prior to its recent uses it was regarded as inert and therefore harmless. However, Al is invariably toxic to living systems and has no known beneficial role in any biological systems. Humans are increasingly exposed to Al from food, water, medicinals, vaccines, and cosmetics, as well as from industrial occupational exposure. Al disrupts biological self-ordering, energy transduction, and signaling systems, thus increasing biosemiotic entropy. Beginning with the biophysics of water, disruption progresses through the macromolecules that are crucial to living processes (DNAs, RNAs, proteoglycans, and proteins). It injures cells, circuits, and subsystems and can cause catastrophic failures ending in death. Al forms toxic complexes with other elements, such as fluorine, and interacts negatively with mercury, lead, and glyphosate. Al negatively impacts the central nervous system in all species that have been studied, including humans."  (Note glyphosate, which is present in nearly 97% of all meat consumed in the US, through GMO feedstock, and is present in most soy and corn and other foods)Study 5 looked at the blood of Egyptian children with lead and mercury in their system. This study did not look at mercury, or lead, alone in the system, so its conclusions (that lead and mercury together) lead to an increase in autistic symptoms is problematic, since lead, alone is a well known, neurotoxin, and of course, except for the flu shot which parents can get mercury free, childhood vaccines in the US do not contain thimerosal.Study 6 found "an inappropriate antibody response to MMR, specifically the measles component thereof, might be related to pathogenesis of autism."I do not have the patience to go further but out of these 6 studies, none proves vaccines cause autism, and the issue of mercury can easily be addressed, as indicated, and studies of vaccines in the first month of life do not prove anything about vaccines given later.  These studies do raise concerns, however, and more study is indicated.I would certainly suggest that children never be given vaccines with mercury (i.e. ask for mercury free flu shots if given) and not in the first few months of life. The California law does not require vaccines until the child is ready for public school.The CDC recommends only one vaccine (HepB) in the first month and there is no law that requires it this early. Kids can get vaccines at any age. Vaccines can be waived with a doctor's recommendation but research shows that children with vaccine exemptions are 35 times more likely than others to contract measles.   The law requires vaccines for 10 diseases to attend schools.  I am 74, have not had a shot in over 60 years, and have no vested interest one way or the other, except I want our children and population to be safe from disease.  I think we need more research. However, fears of mercury, etc are often founded on ignorance of the elimination since 2000, in all but flu shots, which are available without mercury.  Much more dangerous is the widespread pollution of our air, our soil, and our water systems by the burning of fossil fuels, fracking and factory farming.  I think common sense can reduce most fears and concerns.  I am glad I don't need any more shots, but measles, in areas with no vaccinations, for example still kill thousands. "Approximately 145,700 people died from measles in 2013 – mostly children" according to WHO.  In the U.S., death from measles is extremely rare, but that is after decades of vaccinations.   Dale Ruff,Felton

We’re still in a drought, and that continues to be a major focus. The Governor mandated 25-percent water use reductions from a 2013 baseline, state-wide. The District’s goal is the same 25-percent reduction, and so far we’re doing great! To support conservation goals, the District has leak-tested more than 100 miles of District main line distribution piping and fixed dozens of leaks, representing about 10-percent of the District’s water production. To help customers conserve, the District has expanded its rebate program, posted roadside signage and conducted outreach through bill inserts, direct mail, Facebook posts and community events.Customers have responded enthusiastically to the District’s call for conservation, reducing water use by 40-percent from the 2013 baseline for the second quarter of 2015. On average, in April through June, District customers used about 65 gallons of water, per person, per day. As we head into the warmest months of the year, our creeks are critically dry, so we ask that our customers continue to conserve water and we thank you for your efforts.To ensure reliable delivery of high-quality water, the District is working on a number of important capital improvement projects focused on emergency preparedness, replacing old and leak-prone infrastructure, and protecting the watershed. Two major projects have recently been completed: the Olympia Circle integration and the state-funded emergency intertie in Felton. Other major capital projects are underway, including engineering and permit work for two storage tank sites, state-funded emergency interties in the Mt. Hermon/Graham Hill area and the Felton Fish Ladder.To help guide the District’s decisions on future capital improvement projects, community workshops were held in May and June, at which attendees provided input on prioritization. Stay tuned for additional community engagement opportunities that will take place in coming months.Beyond capital projects, a number of key administrative improvements have been implemented: an updated Strategic Plan, a new integrated financial management, billing and record keeping system, and automation of payroll and monthly customer billing systems as well as a review and update of District policies and procedures.On June 18, the District Board adopted a final budget for the 2015-2016 fiscal year, which began July 1. Establishing a budget is a critical element in the annual cycle of any organization because it describes the general direction of the organization and sets specific funding commitments.The budget was presented at six committee and board meetings where board members and the public discussed the details of the budget, line-by-line. The budget covers all anticipated operating and capital expenses. The District’s daily operations are projected to remain in the black. However, funding for capital projects is anticipated to be in the red. This shortfall is chiefly the result of reduced revenues due to water conservation. Because of the drought and how well District customers have conserved water, in fiscal year 2014-2015 District revenues were more than 16-percent below what was projected, and for the current fiscal year are anticipated to be more than 19-percent below those anticipated at the time present rates and rate increases were set in 2012.   To address the shortfall, the District is pursuing ways to trim expenses. Some savings opportunities may be in insurance coverage, postage and billing systems, and water meter changes. Trimming costs will help but the shortfall cannot entirely be cured by cutting costs. We know that in the long run, the District will need to adjust to rising costs, aging infrastructure and reduced revenues through instituting new rates and rate structures. Supporting this assessment, the State Controller has warned that Districts who don't raise rates in response to drought revenue reductions face credit rating downgrades.Looking ahead, the coming year includes work on several essential areas:Rate studies to carefully assess the full costs of District systems and services, and the environmental impacts of water diversions.New technology, including modern water meters and an upgraded monitoring system.Continued leak detection and repair.Work on major capital projects currently underway.Some of these projects will be very visible to the community and may impact motorists, especially the emergency intertie project. This summer the project will impact traffic in the Mt. Hermon/Graham Hill Road area. Please contact the District, visit www.SLVWD.com or check out the District’s Facebook page for project details.Community input and collaboration are vitally important to SLVWD as we respond to the drought, address funding shortfalls, make needed improvements, and tackle new projects. We invite our community to reach out and engage with us, and we commit to doing the same. Please visit our website for updates, follow us on Facebook, sign up for email updates and come to our board meetings and community events. Margaret Bruce serves as President of the Board of Directors of the San Lorenzo Valley Water District. Brian Lee serves as District Manager of the San Lorenzo Valley Water District.

Dear Editor: Thanks to early conservation efforts, vast areas of prehistoric redwoods have been protected from logging where they survive in our State despite generations of an industrial economy.  These redwood forests are now under threat and help is needed if we want these ancient trees to continue into the future.  Poachers are encroaching into protected government and private land to steal the burls from these trees.  By removing their protective layers of bark, these ancient redwoods lay exposed to disease and pests killing them quickly over time.  The burls are sold to lumber mills or craftsmen and this beautiful decorative wood is ultimately used to create high end consumer goods.  With the small number of rangers available to patrol the vast acreage of the forest, the risk of getting caught is limited.  Worse yet, if convicted, current penalties can be easily incorporated into the cost of doing business with minimal impact on the profitability of this enterprise. The California Federation of Women’s Clubs is asking for support of California Senate Bill 288 which increases penalties of burl poaching to include up to one year of imprisonment and imposes stiff fines on poachers in the hopes of making those who would kill our redwoods think twice before seeking this avenue for enrichment.  While this does not resolve the problem of catching poachers, it will reduce the spin of the courtroom doors for those convicted of this offense.  We ask that Californians contact their State Assembly representative to stand with the California Federation of Women’s Clubs to protect our redwoods by passing Senate Bill 288. Jennifer NickelLegislation & Public Policy State ChairmanCalifornia Federation of Women’s Clubs    Dear Editor,I am writing to publicly thank Valley Churches for their generous donation to our scholarship fund for high school seniors this past year. Because of their generosity we were able to help over thirty seniors attend prom, purchase yearbooks, and attend the senior trip. Senior year is such an important time for our students as they celebrate the culmination of their high school experience. To be able to help ensure that all our students and their families could afford these activities was an incredible gift to the Class of 2015. Thank you to Valley Churches and all its supporters.  Leslie Burns,Counselor/Activities DirectorSLVHS  Editor,Today, Wednesday, July 22, 2015, I decided to take a hike near my home.  I passed the Lompico Water Company at 10:00am and was quite surprised to see someone power washing the outside of the LWC building.  I was even more surprised on my return trip at 11:00am to see the same person washing the ENTIRE concrete pad in front of the building, including inside the cyclone fencing.My question to the LWC board of directors is:  Why during a severe drought would you either condone or approve this action?  I would like to see a response in the Valley Press so the entire Lompico community you ‘claim’ to serve understands why this action was taken? Regards,Lois A. RothFelton, CA   Dear Editor:Subject:  Vaccine Choice a Human Right The CDC’s vaccine schedule has tripled since the 1980’s.  Its cumulative effects have never been tested for safety against a control group.  A tax of 75 cents per dose goes into a fund to compensate families of vaccine injury and death.  To date, approximately $3.18 billion has been awarded.  Most injuries go unreported, because many parents and some doctors are unaware that the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) exists.  Vaccine manufacturers are protected from lawsuits.   Today’s children typically receive 49 doses of 14 vaccines by age 6.  For school and daycare entry, 10 vaccines are now mandated by law.  Beginning July 1, 2016, children will be denied access to daycare, preschool, public and private school for missing the vaccine for Hepatitis B or Chickenpox.  According to the CDC, “Hepatitis B is transmitted when blood, semen, or another body fluid from a person infected with the Hepatitis B virus enters the body of someone who is not infected. This can happen through sexual contact; sharing needles, or syringes.” Chickenpox is a mild childhood illness, and is not routinely vaccinated against in Japan, Great Britain and many other countries, yet Californian children will be forced to homeschool if their parents opt out of this vaccine.   The California Department of Public Health admits that 9 out of 10 cases of whooping cough occur in vaccinated children.  According to the CDC, having more booster shots increases the chance of infection by a certain strain of pertussis bacteria which the vaccine cannot protect against.   There are nearly 300 vaccines in human trials.  Obedience to the ever expanding vaccine schedule is not part of the social contract.  I have vaccinated my children, but do not judge parents who select or forgo vaccination, which is their basic human right. Barbara MatessaBen Lomond   Dear Editor,Response to a recent Letter to the Editor concerning vaccinations and autismAutism is a spectrum disorder and there is no one medical test for it yet I disagree that it is diagnosed by anecdotal evidence. In addition to behavioral testing, the affliction most often coincides with a number of medical/neurological issues including, but not limited to: digestive problems, autoimmune disorders (such as food allergies), seizure disorders, apraxia, dyspraxia, proprioception deficits, loss of or failure to develop language, and impaired social skills. Among other causes, research is finding connections between these symptoms and vaccine ingredients within a sub-set of the population due to an impaired ability to detox. As for supporting evidence, included below is a link to 100 research papers making the vaccine/autism connection: http://tinyurl.com/qadws9g I also recommend reading “Dissolving Illusions” by Dr. Suzanne Humphries and watching the movies Trace Amounts and Bought. In addition to Dr. Wakefield, other doctors and scientists that view vaccines as a possible cause for these symptoms can be found in the research papers noted above. Additional doctors include Toni Bark, Suzanne Humphries and Sherri Tenpenny. More can be found with a simple inter-net search.Regarding herd immunity, it is a theory originating in 1933 when a researcher named Hedrich observed epidemics occurred when less than 68% of a population had developed a NATURAL immunity to a disease. Keep in mind true herd immunity doesn’t require boosters.Lastly, live virus vaccines such as the MMR, Varicella, Rotavirus and Flumist are known to virally shed for up to several weeks and can infect the very people you are trying to protect. Those who consider the unvaccinated or under vaccinated population selfish, may wish to consider quarantining themselves after receiving these vaccines until such time has passed. Natasha Stephenson,Boulder Creek    Dear Editor, While I appreciate the balanced reporting and objective tone of the article by Kira Ruvo, on "The serum that fuels debate", I believe that there is no debate over the connection between autism and vaccines. It has been settled science for many years. There is no connection. None. Nada. Zero. Zilch. A single flawed study is still cited as evidence against vaccines, in spite of hundreds of respected, peer-reviewed studies since then that have proved otherwise. There may be some link between the flu vaccine and Guillan-Barre syndrome, due to the nature of that particular syndrome, and its relationship to the immune system. However the jury is still out. A vast majority of the connections made between vaccines and adverse reactions are based on anecdotal evidence. Most adverse reactions reported are so rare. in relation to the number of vaccines given, as to be considered coincidental. By citing the "debate", without citing the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting vaccines, it only serves to give power to bad science, mass hysteria, and the dumbing down of society. After having serious discussions with vaccine opponents, I gained a sincere respect for many of their positions. And, the legislature did address many of their concerns in the final legislation. However, putting science aside, the divide for us finally came down to their "personal choice" versus the "public good". The inevitable court cases will have to hinge on that debate for the vaccine opponents to have any chance at a reversal of public policy. The efficacy of vaccines is settled law. The question is how far do police powers extend when the public health and safety are at stake. Thank you for a thought-provoking article on an important public issue. And, welcome to the new editor! George HaasScotts Valley

Dear Editor,Scotts Valley entertained yet another successful 4th of July Parade and Fireworks Extravaganza at Skypark for its community and nearby counties!The fireworks and park festivities are the main fundraiser for the Scotts Valley Advocates, who in turn provide funds for the improvements of our parks. This year was by far the most successful and so much fun!As in every event, there are those volunteers who work tirelessly and whose images rarely appear. Kristin Ard, our SV Parks & Recreation Director leads our event with grace, support, and doesn't miss a beat! Ron Clements of Scotts Valley Market brings his staff of 20, trucks, hundreds of pounds of tri tip, chicken, pulled pork, bbq pits and they work on this holiday to give to their community. Ron donates all of the profits to the Advocates. This is more than a donation. The City of Scotts Valley with the help of SV Rotary gives away free watermelon. It is the heart of Ron and those in this city that make Scotts Valley a wonderful place to live. Thank you, Kristin, Ron, SV Police department, City Staff, volunteers in the food, parking, traffic, ticketing, security and all areas that make this event successful. Thank you for your hearts & support. Thank you to all the businesses that donate and sponsor this event. Thank you, Scotts Valley! Patti MaloneScotts Valley Advocates  Dear Editor,  We want to make you aware of a milestone occurring at Mount Hermon on July 18th at 12, Noon. Our long-time residents, Marge and Gil Gunn will be celebrating 75 years of marriage, and in a couple months, 95 years of good health. We would love the community to share in this celebration through the Press-Banner. Contact info:Paul IzorMount Hermon [email protected](408)377-5300  Dear Editor,  San Lorenzo Valley Water District is gearing up for another rate increase, probably by the end of the year. Notices of a proposed change in rates need to be mailed 45 days in advance of a public hearing.  Frankly, if we reduce consumption by 25-percent relative to what was expected at the time of the last rate increase in 2013, a one-third increase in consumption rates is needed to realize the expected amount of consumption revenue. (To get from 75-percent back to 100-percent of revenue takes a one-third increase.)  There are other factors: as customers conserve, some move into lower tiers with lower rates, and costs for chemicals to treat water and electricity to pump water are also reduced. But to a first-order approximation, a one-third increase in consumption rates is needed to support 25-percent conservation.  According to Prop 218, customers don't get to vote yes or no on a rate increase, but during the 45-day period they can file written protests. If more than 50-percent protest, a proposed increase can't go forward.  SLVWD's policy is that only property owners can participate and have their protests count, but many landlords don't even live within the District. The League of California Cities has a Proposition 218 Implementation Guide listing other alternatives consistent with Prop 218. Attorneys throughout the state contributed to that book.  One possible way is that only service customers get notified and can protest, whether they are owners or tenants. Another is that both property owners and service customers get the notice and can protest, but only one protest will be counted per service connection.  A question which came up in public meetings during our last rate increase process was, why aren't tenants' written protests counted? SLVWD should change its policy so they can be. Bruce HollowayBoulder Creek Dear Editor,Boulder Creek 4th of July Parade PieceWhen I pulled the Press Banner out of my mailbox and read the piece on our towns Fourth of July parade...Well to be honest, I was a bit taken aback when in print I read that Scarborough Lumber was hosting the Lumberjack Days. I knew this not to be the truth and when I went online I saw that it was reported online as Boulder Creek Hardware, which is correct. Going forward please ensure that your reporters are getting the right facts. I would like to add a big thank you for covering the parade at all & town activities, but again please give credit where it is due to the right folks.Thanks,Abby Rohrbough Dear Editor,Regarding the article:The Serum that Fuels Debate.I take issue with the comment that "locals polarized as bill injects itself into the community." I would like to see some actual numbers for that statement. I have a feeling it is a very loud minority who is upset and the majority of the locals agree with the bill. It also states that the autism debate has been "ongoing for more than a decade and is well documented online." What it fails to mention is 99% of the documentation is speculation and hypothesis. This issue has been thoroughly vetted and debunked by science.I challenge anyone to find a scientist beyond Andrew Wakefield (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Wakefield)who links vaccines to autism. What you have mostly is antidotal evidence of parents who do not understand that correlation does not imply causation.The article focuses mostly on the argument about freedom of choice, but it is not taking in account how not vaccinating is taking that right from the majority of folks who DO vaccinate. The anti-vaccination "choice" is relying on herd immunity which is a first world luxury and piggy-backs on the fact that the majority of Californians do vaccinate their children. It is a selfish choice, and not one that is considering the greater good of the community in which they live. Melanie Cordan,Boulder Creek   

Dear Editor,