Submit Datebook items to [email protected] or drop off press releases or photos at 5215 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste. F, Scotts Valley 95066. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Entries are subject to editing, and publication is not guaranteed. Friday, August 14SLV Museum Bear Exhibit and Networking MixerWhen 5:30 to 8 p.m.Where: SLV Museum, 12547 Highway 9 in Boulder CreekCost: $5 member, $7 non-membersInfo: Call or email Mary Andersen at 831-345-5972 or [email protected] if you need more information, would like to donate a raffle prize, or are interested in hosting your own networking event in the coming months.  Saturday, August 15Free ACT practice examWhen: 8 to 11:30 a.m.Where: Higher Standards Academy, 444 Scotts Valley Dr. #7A in Scotts ValleyInfo: 515-7373 to register 2015 Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer FestivalWhen: 6 to 8 p.m.Where: SkyparkDetails: Art, wine, food and fun.Info: 438-1010 Flea MarketWhen: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.Where: Felton Presbyterian Church, 6090 Highway 9, FeltonCost: $20 per spaceInfo: 335-6905 Sunday, August 162015 Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer FestivalWhen: 6 to 8 p.m.Where: SkyparkDetails: Art, wine, food and fun.Info: 438-1010 Poet/Speak: Open poetry reading featuring Nancy HofmanWhen: 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.Where: Santa Cruz Main Library, 224 Church St., Santa CruzInfo: 464-8983 Create your own Hupertufa planterWhen: 1 to 3 p.m.Where: Quail Hollow RanchDetails: Call for supplies and descriptionInfo: 335-9348 School Clean-up OpWhen: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Where: SLV Middle School, 7179 Hacienda Way in FeltonInfo: 335-3418 or [email protected] Sit Down, You’re Served Pancake BreakfastWhen: 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.Where: Highlands Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9 in Ben LomondCost: $6 for adults and $3 for childrenInfo: 336-8900 or [email protected] Monday, August 17Memory Loss seminarWhen: August 17, 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.Where: Scotts Valley LibraryCall for information: 334-0865 Tuesday, August 18“When Music Worlds Collide,” Felton, CACost: Call for informationInfo: 335-2526Details Wednesday, Aug. 19Workshop: Going Shopping with Your ChildWhen: 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.Where: Felton Covered Bridge Park, at Graham Hill & Mt. Hermon Roads, FeltonInfo: http://first5scc.org/workshop-going-shopping-your-child-1   Friday, August 21American Red CrossDetails: Blood donation opportunitiesWhen: 1:00 – 6:00 p.m.Where: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsAddress: 9545 Lovecreek Rd., Ben Lomond Sunday, August 23School Clean-up OpWhen: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.Where: SLV High School, 7105 Highway 9 in FeltonInfo: 335-3418 or [email protected] Wednesday, August 26Jazz musicWhen: 6 to 9 p.m.Where: Casa NostraDetails: Live jazz music featuring jazz duo Paul Trigg and Joe LeonardCost: No coverInfo: 609-6132 Thursday, August 27Willing Suspension Armchair TheaterWhen:7 to 9 p.m.Where: Scotts Valley LibraryDetails: Funny Ladies: Musings & Memoir from Hilarious WomenCost: Free, but donations are appreciatedInfo: [email protected] Sunday, August 30Music at SkyparkWhen: 2:30 to 6 p.m.Where: Skypark, Scotts ValleyDetails: Extra Large and The Joint Chiefs perform on outdoor stage, all food concessions support music programs in local public schools.Info: www.KiwanisoftheValleys.org   Cost: Free Wednesday, September 2Sons in Retirement LuncheonWhen: 11:30 a.m. to 1:35 p.m.Where: Portuguese Hall 216 Evergreen at Coral St. (3 blocks past COSTCO)Details: Catered lunch by Barbara & Co. Talk by:  Col. Brian Shiroyama former security officer for Air Force One, etc.Cost: $17Info: Call Dave at (831) 336-8481 by the Friday before the event.  Thursday, September 3Boating safety and navigation three classes for registrationWhen: 7 to 8:30 p.m.Where: Santa Cruz Harbor Public Meeting Room, 365A Lake Ave. at the Harbor near the boat yardDetails: Boating Skills and Seamanship, Sailing and Seamanship, and Coastal NavigationInfo: [email protected].  Friday, September 4Jazz MusicWhen: 6 to 9 p.m.Where: Casa Nostra in Ben LomondDetails: Live Jazz Music Featuring Joy of JazzInfo: Casa Nostra at (831) 609-6132 or Joy at (831) 246-0349 Cost: Free Sunday, September 6Jazz MusicWhen: 6 to 9 p.m.Where: Scopazzi’s Deck in Boulder CreekDetails: Live Jazz Music Featuring Joy of JazzInfo: Scopazzi’s at (831) 338-6441 or Joy at (831) 246-0349 Cost: Free  Saturday, September 12Women with mood disordersWhen: 3 to 5 p.m.Where: Ease Mountain Yoga, Ben LomondInfo: 440-6970 Sunday, September 139th Annual Emergency Preparedness DayWhen: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.Where: Home Depot parking lot, 2600 41st Ave. in SoquelDetails: Emergency communication demonstrationsInfo: 462-5650 ext. 145 Sunday, September 27Music at Skypark ConcertWhen: 2 to 6 p.m.Where: SkyparkDetails: Two bands, The Coffis Brothers and The Mountain MenCost: Donation proceeds from refreshments sale go to schoolsInfo: Kiwanis of the Valleys – 439-8018 Sunday, September 20Santa Cruz Post Card and Paper Collectibles showWhen: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Where: The Hilton, 6001 La Madrona Dr. in Scotts ValleyDetails: An intimate post card experience.Info: [email protected] or 476-3262 ONGOING Mountain Community TheaterPark Hall in Ben LomondWhen: August 21 through 22What: New Works Night: Frank and StellaDetails: An original play written by Ian McRae; Directed by Robin AronsonInfo and tickets: www.mctshows.org or 336-4777 Everest Vacation Bible SchoolWhen: Aug. 3 through 7 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.Where: San Agustin Catholic Church, 257 Glenwood Dr. in Scotts ValleyWhat: Games, crafts, experiments, songs, drama, and snacks.Cost: $60Info: 438-3633 Registration ends July 27 Vegan potluckWhen: First Friday of the month at 11:30 a.m.Where: Saint Michael’s Community Hall in Boulder CreekDetails: We are the only location around trying to save all life on earth — now declining by over 100 species a day due to 8 billion humans killing everything that lives.Info: 338-3544 to RSVP or email [email protected]. Together in the ParkWhen: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. WednesdaysWhere: Felton Covered Bridge ParkDetails: Parenting resources, craft projects, music, stories and healthy snacks. Parents, family members or caregivers, and their children meet for play and group activities.Cost: Free Center for Animal Protection is recruiting foster families for dogsDetails: The Center for Animal Protection and Education (CAPE) is recruiting new foster volunteers for dogs awaiting permanent homes.Info: Nancy Eaton at 684-2421 San Lorenzo Valley “Women with Mood Disorders”When: The second Saturday of the month from 3:30 to 5:50 p.m.Where: FeltonInfo: [email protected] for details Sound MeditationWhen: First Sunday of every month from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.Where: Mountain Spirit, 6299 Highway 9 in FeltonDetails: Discussion and practice on the use of sound to connect in meditation with Bruce ManakaCost: FreeInfo: Shelby at 335-7700 Gratitude WednesdaysWhen: First Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.Where: Mountain Spirit, 6299 Highway 9 in FeltonDetails: Mountain Spirit will donate 10 percent of sales to a local non-profit.Info: Shelby at 335-7700 Mountain Spirit’s Writing GroupWhen: First Wednesday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m.Where: Mountain Spirit, 6299 Highway 9 in FeltonDetails: Mountain Spirit's Writing Group is a creative writing class led by Wendy Ledger.Info: Shelby at 335-7700 Kids Fun Night at BC RecreationWhen: Tuesdays, 5 to 9 p.m.Where: Boulder Creek Recreation Center, 13333 Middleton Ave. in Boulder CreekDetails: Potluck please bring a dish to share. Fun filled evening for kids 2-11years. Movie, crafts, games, and fun.Cost: $20 per kid Cooking and Homestead Class for KidsWhen: Tuesdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.Where: Boulder Creek Recreation CenterCost: $15 per kid Bloom of the Present Weekly Monday Evening MeditationWhen: Mondays except for federal holidays, 7 to 8:30 p.m.Where: The Satellite, 6265 Highway 9 in Felton  Info: 831-212-6641 or bloomofthepresent.org Touch Team iPad Memory classes at the LibraryMonday and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.Where: Scotts Valley Public Library, 251 Kings Village Rd. in Scotts ValleyDetails: Join us in this supportive social setting, for a series of innovative workshops that use iPads to engage the mind and activate memory. No experience is necessary and iPads are supplied by the library and individual coaches are present to help with activities.Info: Call to Register 427-7700 x 7615 Wilder Ranch Tours and Living History DemonstrationsWhen: Weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Where: Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Rd, Santa CruzDetails: Visit an early day dairy ranch and step back in time to the late 1800’s at Wilder Ranch State Park. You can also play Victorian games or bring a picnic to enjoy on the front lawn, visit the farm animals and see what activities are taking place on the ranch this weekend, You may learn about hand quilting, watch blacksmithing, or wood stove baking techniques.Info: 426-0505 Redwood Loop WalkWhen: Saturdays, 1 p.m.Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way in Boulder CreekDetails: Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 90-minute walk. Meet at park headquarters.Cost: FreeInfo: 338-8883 Old-Growth Redwood WalksWhen: every Saturday at 1 p.m.Where: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 101 N Big Trees Park Rd. in FeltonDetails: Experience a guided forest adventure on a docent-led walk through the magnificent old-growth coast redwood forest. This is .8 mile long stroll lasting around 1.5 hours. The trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.Cost: FreeInfo: 335-7077 Embroidistry at Om GalleryWhen: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. dailyWhere: Om Gallery, 1201 Pacific Ave. in Santa CruzDetails: Hand-embroidered interpretations of well-known masterpieces, album covers, and original compositions by Ben Lomond artist Mardeen Gordon.Cost: FreeInfo: Mardeen Gordon at 252-7446 First aid-CPR classWhen: Third Saturday of the monthWhere: Felton Fire Protection District, 131 Kirby St., in FeltonDetails: Ray Soler will lead a class for First Aid and CPR certification for community members. Times and registration details are available online or by phone.Cost: Free for district residents and employees of businesses within the district, $36 for all othersInfo: 335-4422 or www.feltonfire.com TOPS club meetWhen: Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m.Where: Meeting room in back of the Felton Fire DepartmentDetails: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) is a group dedicated to loosing weight by encouraging healthy eating and lifestyle habits.

The Scotts Valley City Council is the fourth jurisdiction is Santa Cruz County to pass a tobacco retailer license to discourage teenage smoking. Retailers caught selling the product to minors can be fined or have their licenses revoked.

Putah Creek Wildlife Area Closed to All Public AccessDue to Wragg FireThe Putah Creek Wildlife Area in Solano County will be closed until further notice due to impacts from the Wragg Fire. The Wragg Fire has burned 8,051 acres in Napa, Solano and Yolo counties, including the entire Putah Creek Wildlife Area.The closure affects all public uses including, but not limited to, hunting, fishing, hiking and nature viewing. The closure is intended to allow the landscape and wildlife to recover, minimize erosion, and ensure public safety. As a result of the fire, potential hazards such as loose rocks and falling tree branches exist in the area. CDFW will reassess the Putah Creek Wildlife Area in spring 2016 to determine if it is suitable for public access. Putah Creek Wildlife Area is located in Solano County just east of Lake Berryessa.Felton Fire Protection District Budget for Fiscal year 2015-2016The district will meet on Monday, September 14, at 7:00 p.m. at 131 Kirby St., Felton, for the public to discuss the new budget.For more information call 335-4422Wind Acre Farm Floral opens in Scotts ValleyAs the owner and principal designer of the new Wind Acre Farm Floral, Erin Schwartz uses locally grown flowers and botanicals to create custom floral arrangements for any occasion. Wind Acre Farm Floral offers a spectrum of services from everyday arrangements to special orders for weddings, private parties, and corporate events.  “I’ve always loved to create beautiful things for people to enjoy. Making others happy feels good to me and that really is my inspiration,” says Schwartz.    Prior to opening Wind Acre Farm Floral, Schwartz worked under established local florists and trained with floral designers in the Los Angeles and Seattle areas. She also attended interior design school where she specialized in floral arrangements for home and office settings. Wind Acre Farm Floral is located on Glen Canyon Road in Scotts Valley.  For more information call 212-9032Man reported taking pictures of nude childSanta Cruz Police Department ask or help in identifying man that was reportedly taking pictures of a naked 7-year old girl in a public shower near the Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf on July 13. The suspect is described as a white male about 5 feet 8” with medium build. He appears to be 65-70 years old with white hair. He was wearing a cowboy hat and sleeveless shirt at the time of the incident.Anyone with information relative to the suspect’s identity is encouraged to contact the Santa Cruz Police Department Investigations Unit (831) 420-5820Teen injured at Garden of Eden in Henry Cowell ParkOn August 4, a teenage female dove off of a hill into the Garden of Eden pond in Henry Cowell Park. The water in the pond was very low. The diver injured her back and feet which required a Cal Fire helicopter to provide rescue services, said a dispatch person at Felton Fire Department Protection District.“Usually the local people know how dangerous it is to dive into the Garden of Eden during a drought. It is the people from out of the area who get hurt,” said the dispatch person.

There are 21 active fires across California with well over 9,000 firefighters battling them. Twenty two firefighters from Santa Cruz County were sent to the Wragg fire in Napa and Solano Counties. Scotts Valley Fire Chief Dan Grebil is reported to have said that five fire engines from Zayante, Santa Cruz, Central and Branciforte fire departments were deployed. The firefighters are scheduled for 14 days depending on the fire outcome. Coastal fire departments between Monterey and Del Norte counties have sent 12 strike teams to the location.“Thousands of lightning strikes have occurred since last week, sparking several hundred small wildfires. A slight chance of thunderstorms will continue in far northern and eastern areas today, but the majority of the region will see more sunshine and slightly higher southwest to west winds, which could fan any lightning strikes from over the weekend,” said Daniel Berlant of CAL FIRE.Berlant stated that a Red Flag Warning remains in effect as of August 3, in the upper part of California, due to lightning and wind. These storms will be on the dry side so a high risk has been issued for dry lightning for these areas on Tuesday.

The 2015-2016 school year begins August 24 for the San Lorenzo Unified School District. While parents and teachers are busy shopping for school clothes and supplies, instructors and school administrators are preparing to welcome the students back.This week the Press-Banner looks at some of the new developments in our schools. This year, we are doing something different. In this issue, we visited a few of the schools in both San Lorenzo Valley and some in Scotts Valley. Next, week we will visit the other schools.San Lorenzo Valley High School7105 Highway 9 in Feltonhttp:hs.slvusd.org/335-4425Karen van Putten is pleased to note that she starts her fourth new school year as the Principal of SLVHS. Assistant Principal, Keri Billings, is commencing her sixth year. Together, they are happy to lead the school forward into this new academic year. Under this consist leadership, the school has several new developments in staff and programs to be proud about.First, they are pleased to announce that there are new faces on the staff. Education Specialist, Lisa Andersen, will be teaching Special Education. New also is Karina Alvarez as Instructional Assistant for Special Education.Gene Knipe joins the high school staff to teach in the new Technology Pathway. He will be teaching the Introduction to Computer Science and Computer Programming.“The Agrigculture and Natural Resources Pathway is partnering with SchoolGrown to build a state of the art aquaponics greenhouse,” said van Putten.Principal van Putten is also very proud of the athletic track that was just resurfaced. She believes that the over 700 students that will attend this year will get good use from this improved track — and a lot of fun.This year the District is continuing the BYOD/lap top initiative for grades 6-12.They hope that every student will soon be working on their own device for learning and collaborating.In addition to continuing to implement Common Core standards, van Putten said “the school is dedicted to helping its students prepare for their college and career pathways.”Also new this year, said van Putten, “is a collection of touch-screen Google Chrome computers designed for use by math students.” Students will also be able to participate in the Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) program, a 4-year elective course designed to equip them with college-level study skills.San Lorenzo Valley Middle School7179 Hacienda Way in Feltonhttp:/ms.slvusd.org/335-4452About 500 sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students are expected at SLVMS this year, said Principal Jeff Calden.Joining the staff this year will be two new science teachers, Rachel Hager and Jessica Curzio, while Tony Purtscher will teach social studies and Dereck Seymour will teach a sixth grade core class. Marisol Briones will teach special education. Tamara Smith will be teaching art classes for the sixth grade and Jennifer Lahey will teach eighth grade art. “We will also be offering the first ‘honors language classes to the eighth grade and they will be taught by Matt McMillan,” Caulden said.“Moving forward, our ‘one-to-one’ device program for laptops is for ages 6-12 only. They will be on a ‘school-to-home’ basis. We will also have loaners in the classrooms although the program is not mandatory,” said Caulden.Proudly, Caulden announced that they also have new lockers.Students can also participate in AVID, a high school and college-prep class that serves as a precursor to the program in place at the high school.Scotts Valley Middle School8 Bean Creek Road in Scotts Valleyhttp://www.svms.santacruz.k12.ca.us/438-0610Principal Mary Lonhart said that she expects approximately 600 sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students to arrive on campus when this Gold Ribbon award winning school opens.Lonhart welcomes three new teachers: Michael Belli, part-time English 8 and Letricia Marquardt, math 8. Mark Andres, will be shared with the high school for science 8.“SVMS continues our full implementation of the Common Core with increased infusion of technology in the classrooms with the use of Chromebooks. All but four of our core subject area classrooms have a full set of Chromebooks available for student use at all times,” said Lonhart. “The majority of these have been funded through our generous PTA! Additionally, we will continue the use of our new Carnegie math materials,” she said.“We are continually grateful that the Scotts Valley community supports our construction project. Planning is moving forward,” she said. “Regular updates on the project will be provided at Board meetings, via the school and district websites and the SVUSD Facebook page. Thank you for your patience as we work through this very important process,” said Lonhart.

Santa Cruz County Sherriff’s Office August 03 10:22 p.m.: A suspect was arrested driving while intoxicated on Jonathon Way in Scotts Valley. July 317:55 p.m.: A suspect was arrested for contempt and disorderly conduct on the 9700 block of East Zayante Road in Felton. July 303:25 a.m.: A suspect was arrested for probation violation, possession of unlawful paraphernalia, possession of stolen property, and possession of a controlled substance on Mount Hermon Rd. in Scotts Valley. July 309:36 p.m.: A suspect was arrested for violation of parole in Ben Lomond.

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.