There has been a lot of discussion and downright anxiety around the country, not so much in California, about so-called voter fraud. Mostly Republican-dominated state legislatures have tried to make it more difficult to vote and courts increasingly are tossing out the plans as inadvertently discriminatory at best and intentionally racist at worst, which disenfranchise thousands.

As the final Music at Skypark free concert day approaches, event sponsor Kiwanis of the Valleys estimates this year will close out as record year for the event and for its donations to music programs at local schools.

A three-month, 17-mile resurfacing of the entire length of Highway 236 in Boulder Creek is underway, from Boulder Creek to Big Basin State Park.

Saturday, Sept. 17, was not a good day for trash. It was a great day for the San Lorenzo River and for the Monterey Bay.

Homeowners in the San Lorenzo Valley can apply to save $1,000 or more for replacing old wood stoves or fireplaces with a stove fueled by natural gas, propane or pellets.

Dear Editor,

Goodwill Central Coast, which opened its new retail store and donation center in Scotts Valley last week, will continue to use its former site as a specialty retail center at least through the end of year.

Scotts Valley Police Chief John Weiss is retiring Dec. 31, after more than 26 years with the only department where he has served as a full time police officer, 10 years as chief.

Residential and business water consumers in Scotts Valley stepped up last year in response to state requests to use less water, reducing consumption by about 24 percent from 2013 levels. The local water district’s target had been 20 percent.