79.4 F
Scotts Valley
October 6, 2025

Watch those delicious Holiday treats!

The holiday season is here with all the celebrations and indulgences that go along with it. It’s important to appreciate and partake in the joy of the season, yet at the same time be mindful of the not-so-jolly effects all of our celebrating can have on our health.

Dear Editor,

Kudos to the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce and Gateway Bible Church who partnered together on the recent Light Up the Night Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration. What a fantastic way to kick off the holiday season. On a beautiful December evening there was something for everyone to enjoy, from a carriage ride on a wagon pulled by a pair of Clydesdales , to wonderful music provided by Gateway Bible Church choir, the Scotts Valley Middle School choir, voice students of Bobbie Ward, and other groups including Victorian carolers, musicians, and dancers, all providing top notch festive entertainment. The time and effort put into this great event was much appreciated and seemed to be thoroughly enjoyed by the community. Thank you to those who worked so hard to make this event such a success.

Dear Editor,

We have decorated our yard with holiday lights and are hosting a canned food drive for Valley Churches United beginning December 1st.

Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope

In a region with the fifth-highest cost of living in the country, many Santa Cruz County residents struggle to afford rent, utility bills, medicine, or car repairs. While poverty is greater in other parts of the County, in our two valleys income also is too often inadequate to cover basic needs. Frequently hunger is a result.Of the 15 percent of County residents living in poverty, 35 percent or 29,000 are consistently unable to buy enough food. In our valleys, each week more than 400 meals are served and more than 1,000 individuals are given food to prepare for their families.Regrettably, roughly 7,500 people in our county are eligible for CalFresh (formerly Food Stamps) but do not take advantage of the program. Organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank and Community Bridges are working to increase participation. For those who are ineligible for CalFresh or who need additional assistance, there is plenty of help throughout our valleys.Valley Churches United Missions distributes food five days a week, giving out roughly 2,500 bags a month. Pantries serving smaller clientele occur weekly at Mountain Community Resources (MCR) in Felton (part of the Community Bridges Family Resource Collective), and in Scotts Valley at St. Philip’s Episcopal, GateWay Bible Church, and the Catholic Community of San Agustin. All of these programs aim for a good mix of produce, protein, and other essentials. Felton Presbyterian and St. John’s Catholic Church serve delicious hot meals weekly, SS Peter and Paul Orthodox and Redwood Christian Center do so monthly. Seniors have the additional options of Meals on Wheels (Community Bridges) and weekly food bags from Grey Bears.While these programs differ in their offerings, their suppliers, and their funding, two common features are their reliance on volunteers — hundreds of them — and their effort to address needs other than food. Valley Churches provides a range of services, including financial assistance, disaster relief, and vouchers for transportation and clothing. MCR’s programs include help with CalFresh and Covered California applications, classes for parents, and advocacy for individual needs. Second Harvest provides nutrition education countywide and the other organizations help with everything from utility bills to free showers. Each one strives to provide a welcoming environment, fellowship, and encouragement — GateWay’s motto is “Fighting Hunger, Feeding Hope.”At this time of holiday celebrations with friends and family, we may also celebrate our area’s commitment to those in need. If we are able, we might wish to donate to one of the organizations running these programs, knowing that our gift will directly benefit individuals struggling in this expensive county. Paul Machlis volunteers with the MCR Food Pantry and compiles the monthly list of food programs.

Datebook

Submit Datebook items to [email protected] Deadline is 11:30 a.m. Thursday. Entries are subject to editing. Publication is not guaranteed. Please send your information in the format shown below.

Let’s Go Fishin’: Ocean waters start to cool

We have started the winter pattern with a few shots at light rain and storm fronts that bring southerly winds, with that the ocean temperatures are starting to cool. We had record-breaking ocean temperatures this year as the MontereyBay buoy read 68 degrees the third week of July. At this time the current sea temperature reading is 57 degrees.

Interest rates go negative in European countries, will we follow?

Interest rates have dropped so low that savings accounts pay just above zero. Could those rates fall to below zero? In many countries, they have.

News briefs

SC County Finalizes New Universal Refuse and Recycling Law

Burglary suspect robs Santa Cruz home

The Santa Cruz Police Department is asking for the community’s help in identifying a burglary suspect who was captured on video surveillance inside the victim’s residence last Saturday.

Ashby Confections honored as finalist in 2016 Good Food Awards

ScottsValley’s Ashby Confections is one of only three Santa CruzCounty food businesses that have been officially named a finalist in the 2016 Good Food Awards. They are among 263 Finalists out of this year’s 1,937 entries. The other two local finalists are Friend in Cheeses Jam Company from Santa Cruz and Venus Spirits.

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Greg Wimp

Sandwich shop owner appointed to Scotts Valley Council

As Greg Wimp, the owner of multiple area Togo’s sandwich shop locations, stepped up Oct. 1 to address Scotts Valley City Council about why...