I'm grateful to know the Banner staff did not write it, but I would like to point out some gross factual inaccuracies from the "Christmas tidbits" section in the December 4 paper. Jesus was not born in a shepherds' cave and they did not help Mary find shelter. The gospel of Luke actually says, "So they [shepherds] hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” Luke 2:16 NIV

Our actions can have unintended consequences. Rat poison kills indiscriminately and doesn’t stop with the first death. The rat, or someone’s pet, a raccoon, bobcat, or squirrel, eats the poison, then starts dying painfully, and often runs away. Even if the poison was indoors, it’s now outside in the dying animal. Often another animal finds it, perhaps a hawk; bobcat, raccoon mom with kids, someone’s cat, or even a mountain lion, and interprets the poisoned animal as an easy meal.

As we near the close of 2015, I want to share with you what an honor it has been to serve on the Board of Supervisors over the last three years. I know that we’ve accomplished many significant things together – from securing a site for a new Felton Library, adding more Sheriff’s deputies on our streets, and making our streets and Highway 9 safer.

Northern California rivers have had a positive return for fall Chinook salmon, as well as rainfall. The salmon run started out strong early while rainfall was slow to start but at this time appears to be ample.

If you go to the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce website, scottsvalleychamber.com, look under Scotts Valley, scroll down to the bottom and click on Historical Society, you will see a wonderful history of the Scott House. The history was written by Jan Bowman in 1977 as part of an unpublished Master’s thesis at San JoseUniversity.

The holiday season just wouldn’t be complete without a day spent with the Felton Christmas Wreath Makers at their annual get together at Barb’s house. Many of us who are regulars were anxious to get started. We arrived at midmorning eager to dig into the various piles of wreath-making greens graciously supplied by Barb and her husband, Reggie. We all shared stories and some laughs over glasses of sparkling cider or Champagne and French pastries.

Three Public Member committee positions are open at San Lorenzo Valley Water District The San Lorenzo Valley Water District announced the District is seeking applications...

POLICE DEPARTMENT

Thanks to a tip from the public, a home burglary suspect, Efrain Berulas, 49, was arrested by the Santa Cruz Police Department. On December 5, at approximately 6:15 p.m., Berulas was caught by video surveillance inside of the victims’ home. When the victims returned home the next day, they discovered the home had been burglarized. The suspect took electronics and tools while ransacking the home. The arrest was made on Thursday December 10, at approximately 11:00 a.m. Berulas was taken into custody without incident.