Felton resident Lew Farris was unanimously chosen as a new director by the San Lorenzo Valley Water District Board from a field of eight worthy applicants. Farris has worn several hats in his long career that lend well to serving as a board member. He formerly worked at Beckman Instruments in the Clinical Division, where he received guidance from skilled mentors. One mentor asked only that at some point in his life he give back and invest in someone else’s future. Lew says that working for the community, is exactly that. “I want to listen to what people say because the District serves the ratepayers,” Farris said. He values inclusivity and meets with members of the public regularly. He is interested in how water systems, society and human interactions work and feels that joint opinions make for better, well-rounded decisions. 

On June 20, 2019, the San Lorenzo Valley Water District Board of Directors adopted the Budget for Fiscal Year 2019-20. The District’s overall balanced budget is $19.8M, which includes increasing reserves by $1.9M.

In California, suicide is the second leading cause of death in teens. While the subject is hard to think about — let alone talk about — it is important to be informed and educated on the warning signs so you can help loved ones when they need it.

It was one of those days when the light is soft as the fog burns off over Watsonville. My group of fellow landscape designers were gathered for a private tour of Sierra Azul nursery. The picnic tables were set by owner Lisa Rosendale and covered with delicious salads, chili, appetizers, desserts and beverages. We were in for a real treat.

Sometimes it seems that every gardener who asks me for advice has the same problem: “What can I do with my narrow planting area?” It might be a fence line that needs something pretty or an area against the house, but whatever problem spot you have there’s a solution for you.

Land of Dogs

The Democratic Club of North Santa Cruz County presented Miranda Aubry and Paris Shewfelt, both graduating seniors from SLV High School, with the Democratic Ideals Award for Outstanding Youth. The award recognizes students for civic mindedness, engagement and future civic aspirations. Aubry has worked to promote fairness and break down barriers between groups, as well as focusing on education about civic issues. Shewfelt has advocated for the environment and addressing the epidemic of gun violence.