Picnic in the park with some homeless folks
It would have been nice if a table had been available for the food, but Jonney Hughes explained that the maintenance people from the Santa Cruz County Department of Parks had removed the one that used to be in that spot.“They said they were going to fix the table and bring it back, but we could not see that anything was wrong with it,” explained Hughes.The picnic was spread on a cement area under the trees and the hosts sat in canvas folding chairs around a spread of sandwiches, salads, fruit and desserts. “Those of us who can, pool our money and food so we can share with others,” said Hughes.Asked what it was like to be homeless, Teresa Fitzpatrick said “I am not homeless and not all of us are. Some of us have jobs, but don’t earn much –– not enough for rent and food,” said Fitzpatrick. “We all have different stories. Some of us are retired and get social security but it’s not enough for everything so we get stuck in this wilderness,” she said.“We are people who have raised families. We are good people who have fallen on hard times. It happens,” said Fitzpatrick. “The picnic table that used to be here was like a social center where we met to eat, sew, and visit,” said Hughes. She said “we have even held memorial services here for friends who have passed away.”The New Life Church in Santa Cruz provides some help to these folks. Richard Franconi distributes food to people that has been donated by the New Life Church. He walks around the park and hands out burritos. He said “I have been doing this for 15 years. I used to give about 30 and now it is only about 10.” He gives the food to hungry people even if they are not homeless.The people at the picnic were all wearing neat, clean clothes. Lise Lafontaine said that she was one of the homeless. She is a licensed hair stylist who cannot find work. “I cut hair for these people for free,” she said as she gestured at the circled of people. “I never thought that I would become homeless because I am a professional haircutter,” said Lafontaine. “Sometimes we get to shower at the Presbyterian Church,” she said. Otherwise, they have no access to water in order to stay clean.They told their stories and when it was time for lunch, the circle of people bowed their heads while Hughes led the group in a thank you prayer. Lunch was good. It would have been nicer if the picnic table had been there.The good news is that Alan Galran from Santa Cruz County Department of Parks said that the table will be replaced within two weeks.
Dangerous driving on East Zayante Road
There was a collision on East Zayante Road on July 22 when a 19-year old man, Jacob Waring of Felton, let his 1989 GMC truck cross over the yellow line as he was traveling southbound. Dylan Hage, a 21 year old man from Boulder Creek, was Waring’s passenger. Waring collided with Patrick Goldie of Lompico who was driving northbound in a 2001 Saturn.Reportedly, witnesses said that the GMC truck was being driven recklessly prior to the collision. There is an ongoing investigation regarding this claim.All three men were transported to hospitals with major medical conditions. Both Waring and Hage were taken to Valley Medical Center, while Goldie was moved to Stanford for treatment.Investigating California Highway Patrolman M. Diaz reported that the incident occurred at 7:55 a.m. The road was still closed at 10:30 a.m. Traffic was diverted from East Zayante Road to West Zayante Road while the scene of the accident was made
News briefs
NEWSBRIEFSETR Associates announced today that it has acquired Select Media, a producer, publisher and distributor of award-winning and evidence-based programs for promoting positive health behaviors among communities at risk. Select Media has pioneered culturally targeted, award-winning, effective materials used by community groups, health departments, schools, government agencies, and departments of education, youth groups and clinics nationwide. ETR, a leading publisher, educator and designer of science-based health and education prevention programs, will now feature the largest global offering of sexual and reproductive health interventions.City of Scotts ValleyThe Scotts Valley Advocates invites the community to a free movie night at Skypark on Friday, August, 7. The showing of “Big Hero 6” will be at 8:20 p.m.Bring blankets or outdoor chairs for lawn seating. Aunt Lali’s Ice Cream Truck will be there and popcorn and juice will also be available for purchase.
Vern Billington
Vern Billington was born on March 31, 1966, to Joan and Ron Billington. Raised in Boulder Creek, Vern graduated from San Lorenzo Valley High School class of 1984. He joined the United States Army in 1985. He served at Fort Hood, Texas and Wurzburg, Germany. He was a Tracked Vehicle Mechanic and Recovery Specialist. After his service, he attended the College of Oceaneering where he specialized in underwater welding and inspection.Vern worked for Pan Marine Constructors, Inc. performing underwater construction and welding; Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute as a Dock Foreman and Crane Operator, where he was responsible for placement of research submarines; and most recently as a Ride Mechanic for the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.To all those that knew him, he was a great man. But to some, he was even more — a: son, father, husband, brother, family member, friend, coworker, or a stranger who would lend a hand to anyone in need. He was kind and generous, loving and caring, strong and protective, and an inspiration to all of us.He was passionate about his beliefs, lived life the way he wanted, worked hard at everything, and never apologized for who he was. He loved our country and our military; he was a true patriot, a real American, and a hero to all that knew him.Every day, no matter where we go, we will be reminded of the man he was.Vern is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Gina; daughter, Cherina; step-daughter, Shannin (and Jacob) Hunter; step-son Joe (and Summer) Carmack; mother, Joan Billington; sister Melissa (and Matt) Brown; grandchildren: Onyx! , Carly, James, and Anna; niece, Cambria; and nephews, Carrick and Cameron. He was preceded in death by his father and best friend, Ron Billington, and his granddaughter, Julie.We are all better people for having Vern in our lives – his impact on us will never be forgotten. We will miss Vern every day for the rest of our lives, but he will live on in our hearts.A Celebration of Life for Vern will be held at the Boulder Creek Fire Department, 13230 Highway 9, Boulder Creek on Saturday, August 1st at 2 p.m. Everyone who knew Vern is invited to join us.In lieu of flowers, a family friend has set-up an account to honor Vern’s wish for his daughter to finish college at www.gofund.me/zy2677qTo send your condolences to Vern’s family, share a memory or photo, or view his full obituary please visit www.scmemorial.com
Dispatch Log
Scotts Valley Police DepartmentJuly 214:44 p.m.: Three women reported a naked man for indecent exposure after he pulled up next to them in a car near Victor Square in Scotts Valley. July 2210:54 a.m.: $450 in merchandise was stolen from Scarborough Lumber on El Pueblo Road in Scotts Valley.3:24 p.m.: A man was arrested for being under the influence of controlled substances near the 7-11 on Mount Hermon Road in Scotts Valley. July 257:08 p.m.: A purse was stolen from an unlocked vehicle along Mount Hermon Road in Scotts Valley between 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.8:06 p.m.: A window was broken and a large screen TV was stolen from a residence on Disc Drive in Scotts Valley. July 267:58 p.m.: Juveniles were detained in a store on Mount Hermon Road in Scotts Valley after being caught trying to steal laxatives to poison their drug counselors. Santa Cruz County Sherriff’s OfficeJuly 175:33 a.m.: A fire led deputies to discover a BHO lab on Visitar Street in Felton and to the arrest of a suspect.4:05 p.m.: Two suspects for arrested for public intoxication on the 13000 block of Central Avenue in Boulder Creek. July 208:46 a.m.: A purse was stolen from an unlocked vehicle on the 9400 block of Central Avenue in Ben Lomond. July 218:30 a.m.: A woman was arrested for trespassing and unlawful lodging at the Hanson Quarry in Scotts Valley.12:15 p.m.: A man was arrested for violating a restraining order against him on the 13000 block of Central Avenue in Boulder Creek.12:23 p.m.: A suspect was arrested for public intoxication in Ben Lomond. July 2211:41 a.m.: A suspect was arrested for assault on Hillcrest Drive in Ben Lomond.6:04 p.m.: A Suspect was arrested for public intoxication on the 13200 block of Highway 9 in Boulder Creek. July 236:25 p.m.: A suspect was arrested for public intoxication in Felton.9:12 p.m.: Deputies were called after two unknown suspects shoplifted from the 6200 block of Graham Hill Road in Felton. July 255:03 p.m.: The CHP arrested a man for driving while intoxicated after crossing onto the wrong side of the road while speeding in Ben Lomond. July 268:39 a.m.: Deputies arrested a man for probation violation on the 13000 block of Central Avenue in Boulder Creek. July 274:50 p.m.: A man was arrested for being intoxicated in public on the 6700 block of Highway 9 in Ben Lomond.5:42 p.m.: A suspect was arrested for battery, preventing the victim from calling the police, and resisting arrest on Bean Creek Rd in Scotts Valley. July 288:42 a.m.: A shed was robbed on Fernwood Avenue in Ben Lomond and $3000 of ammunition, tools, and a RC drone were reported stolen.
43rd Annual Wharf to Wharf Race
Thousands crowded the street from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk’s Cocoanut Grove to the Santa Cruz Wharf.This year’s annual Wharf to Wharf race took place on July 26th. The six-mile race that was run from the Santa Cruz Wharf to the finish at Capitola’s Wharf Road began at 8:30 a.m.Other racers were there to do their best while enjoying a fun atmosphere. Many wore costumes or carried flags, like San Lorenzo Valley High School graduate Kaila Gibson who raced with the elites and was decked out in Superman running gear.Organized by expected finish time into corrals of runners, the competitors chatted, prepared, and warmed up with the help of upbeat music and warm-up dancers.It was 43 years ago when Santa Cruz’s Wharf to Wharf was only able to claim 273 runners. “I was here at the very first one in 1973,” said Ken Thomas, President of the race’s Board of Directors, “Today we’ve registered 16,000 runners.”This year’s race was especially important to the race’s future. “We are evaluating start and finish lines to see if we can add more people or if it’s going to stay the same,” said Race Director Scott McConville.“The elite athletes are really fast this year,” said McConville, “The depths of the men’s field is probably it’s strongest in the past ten years.”Elite level competitors come from around the globe to compete in Santa Cruz’s Wharf to Wharf, and many are hosted by local families. “The country that’s had representatives with the most success has been Kenya,” according to Thomas.One of these international runners, Shadrack Kosgei, hails from Kenya. This year’s race was not Kosgei’s first run in Santa Cruz, “I’ve won three times, second two times it’s going to be my sixth time [racing],” Kosgei said while warming up in front of the Boardwalk Bowl.Kosgei came in second behind Sam Chelanga, just missing what would have been his record-winning fourth win.Kosgei, Chelanga, and Risper Gesabwa, the women’s winner, all come from Kenya.Local volunteers play a huge part in making this race happen. Many of them come from the county’s high school sports teams. In the spirit of giving back, some of the proceeds from the race are given to help fund our local high school’s sports programs including San Lorenzo Valley Middle School, Scotts Valley’s Middle School and many other schools.The race also sponsors two scholarship funds. Two students are awarded scholarships annually from each fund; one fund is for two-years and the other for four years. Scholarships are awarded to high school scholar-athletes. Two recent recipients are San Lorenzo Valley’s Claire McMillan in 2014 and Scotts Valley’s Vanessa Fraser in 2013.Whether running for gold or to have a good time, the festive atmosphere of the race brings runners back year after year.
Fall Creek Running Club’s takes their annual trip to Mammoth Lake
Every year in mid-July a group of over 30 teenagers make their annual pilgrimage to Mammoth Lakes, California for the Fall Creek Running Club’s high altitude training camp. From s’mores around the campfire to movie nights and hot springs, these kids enjoy the best that nature can offer while training for their upcoming cross country and track season.This year’s camp was held at the Shady Rest Campground from July 18 to 24 and hosted 34 teens and 12 parents.“I’d have to say getting to experience different trails and new places to train was really cool,” says first year camper Sophia Zachau, “Being able to do other things like going to the hot springs and June Lake while we were there was also nice; that way we were able to take a break from training constantly.”Brendan Fitzgerald, another camper, described his experience by saying, “Mammoth is a beautiful place with sun and flat land, a great town, lakes, hot springs, and many more things to do.”Rob Collins, coach of the Fall Creek Running Club and SLV track team, has been going on the trip since 1999. “A lot of the parents actually run it, I just show up and enjoy myself,” says Collins.The Fall Creek Track Club is not the only training group to have fallen in love with this location and all it has to offer. The Mammoth Lakes area is also the favorite training grounds of many of the nation’s top Olympic marathoners like Meb Keflezighi and Shalane Flanagan, and as many as two dozen other high school and college teams from across California.SLV alumni Anna Maxwell, one of the many returning runners, said “From dealing with the bears every night, to ghost stories and jokes around the campfire, to listening to the stories from battered and hairy Pacific Crest Trail hikers in the local volcanic hot springs; it’s all part of the experience. It’s a great place to get quality summer training in, but it is also a place that brings kids together and helps foster the team mentality that has lead the legacy of successful runners Coach Collins has produced.“Some of the campers are not even runners. Collins says, “We’ve had other kids from other sports — you don’t have to be a distance runner to do this; it’s just kind of a camping trip.”More information about the Fall Creek Running Club can be found at www.fallcreekrunningclub.org.
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor, In your edition of July 24, Ms. Lois Roth asked the Board of Directors of Lompico Water District (not a company, by the way), to tell our constituents why we would approve the use of water to clean our office building and parking area.We have been doing a late spring cleaning at the office, organizing, scrubbing, dusting, polishing... In that spirit, John, one of Lompico Water's field staff, filled the pot holes in the parking lot. I went out to admire his work and thank him, and said that I wished we could power wash the building. John said that we could, using reclaimed and no longer potable water, so I asked him to do that.We were waiting for the calls from people asking why we were wasting water; we would have reassured them that we weren't.I did not expect to see the first question in the Press Banner, rather than asked of us directly. I wish Ms. Roth had not skipped that step. This does give me the opportunity, however, to remind everyone that we are still living in drought conditions, and need to practice severe conservation. At the same time, please don't rush to judgment about neighbors; many of us used recycled water for gardens, for instance.Please save water, and please ask before accusing.Merrie SchallerDirectorLompico Water District
Letters
Dear Editor, I was curious after reading the opinion on vaccines and autism by Natasha Stephenson in the 7/24 Banner.The link she gave didn't work but I was able to find a site that lists 100 research projects which prove a link — so I dug in.The 1st related to vaccines with thimerosal, which is not used in pediatric vaccines, and rarely in adult. It had little to do with the current spectrum of vaccines children get, and adults can ask their doctor for thimersosal-free vaccines. The study was from 91 to 97. It concludes high doses of thimerosal in the first month of life increases risk of neurological impairment. The CDC reports "Since 2001, with the exception of some influenza (flu) vaccines, thimerosal is not used as a preservative in routinely recommended childhood vaccines. Parents can request thimerosal-free vaccines. The 2nd study reported some adverse results for the Hepatitus B vaccination when given in the first month of life.The 3d study found a correlation of frequency of vaccines with aluminum as preservative and ADS. But as aluminum is used more and more industry and common household products, the causal link is problematic. For instance there is also a correlation of autism and increased use of GMO foods, which contain the carcinogenic glyiphosate residues. The 4th study speculates that AL in vaccines may have a role in causing ADS but it states: "Over the last 200 years, mining, smelting, and refining of aluminum (Al) in various forms have increasingly exposed living species to this naturally abundant metal. Because of its prevalence in the earth’s crust, prior to its recent uses it was regarded as inert and therefore harmless. However, Al is invariably toxic to living systems and has no known beneficial role in any biological systems. Humans are increasingly exposed to Al from food, water, medicinals, vaccines, and cosmetics, as well as from industrial occupational exposure. Al disrupts biological self-ordering, energy transduction, and signaling systems, thus increasing biosemiotic entropy. Beginning with the biophysics of water, disruption progresses through the macromolecules that are crucial to living processes (DNAs, RNAs, proteoglycans, and proteins). It injures cells, circuits, and subsystems and can cause catastrophic failures ending in death. Al forms toxic complexes with other elements, such as fluorine, and interacts negatively with mercury, lead, and glyphosate. Al negatively impacts the central nervous system in all species that have been studied, including humans." (Note glyphosate, which is present in nearly 97% of all meat consumed in the US, through GMO feedstock, and is present in most soy and corn and other foods)Study 5 looked at the blood of Egyptian children with lead and mercury in their system. This study did not look at mercury, or lead, alone in the system, so its conclusions (that lead and mercury together) lead to an increase in autistic symptoms is problematic, since lead, alone is a well known, neurotoxin, and of course, except for the flu shot which parents can get mercury free, childhood vaccines in the US do not contain thimerosal.Study 6 found "an inappropriate antibody response to MMR, specifically the measles component thereof, might be related to pathogenesis of autism."I do not have the patience to go further but out of these 6 studies, none proves vaccines cause autism, and the issue of mercury can easily be addressed, as indicated, and studies of vaccines in the first month of life do not prove anything about vaccines given later. These studies do raise concerns, however, and more study is indicated.I would certainly suggest that children never be given vaccines with mercury (i.e. ask for mercury free flu shots if given) and not in the first few months of life. The California law does not require vaccines until the child is ready for public school.The CDC recommends only one vaccine (HepB) in the first month and there is no law that requires it this early. Kids can get vaccines at any age. Vaccines can be waived with a doctor's recommendation but research shows that children with vaccine exemptions are 35 times more likely than others to contract measles. The law requires vaccines for 10 diseases to attend schools. I am 74, have not had a shot in over 60 years, and have no vested interest one way or the other, except I want our children and population to be safe from disease. I think we need more research. However, fears of mercury, etc are often founded on ignorance of the elimination since 2000, in all but flu shots, which are available without mercury. Much more dangerous is the widespread pollution of our air, our soil, and our water systems by the burning of fossil fuels, fracking and factory farming. I think common sense can reduce most fears and concerns. I am glad I don't need any more shots, but measles, in areas with no vaccinations, for example still kill thousands. "Approximately 145,700 people died from measles in 2013 – mostly children" according to WHO. In the U.S., death from measles is extremely rare, but that is after decades of vaccinations. Dale Ruff,Felton
San Lorenzo Valley & Scotts Valley Meal and Food Programs
Tuesdays, noon. Felton Presbyterian Church, 6090 Highway 9, across from Rite-Aid, 335-6900. “Free Lunch Tuesday.”Tuesdays through Saturdays (also 4th Mondays). Valley Churches United, Food Pantry and Food Distribution programs. Tues-Thurs 9-12 andSaturday 10-12. 1st and 3rd Fridays 9-11 are for seniors only. USDA Distribution on 4th Monday 10-1. For SLV, Scotts Valley, and Bonny Doon residents. Ben Lomond, corner of Highway 9 across from Ben Lomond Market, 336-8258.Wednesdays, 12-2, San Agustin Catholic Church, 257 Glenwood Dr, Scotts Valley (next to the fire station), 438-3633. Food Distribution.Thursdays 9:30-2:30. St. John’s Catholic Church, down from Rite-Aid, Highway 9 and Russell, Felton. 335-4657. “Thursday Lunch.”Thursdays, 11-12. Mountain Community Resources, 6134 Highway 9, across from Rite Aid, Felton. 335-6600. Food Distribution.Thursdays, 5:00-6:30, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, Scotts Valley. 438-4360. Food Distribution.Fridays, 5-6 p.m.. GateWay Bible Church, 5000 Granite Creek Road, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. 438-0646. "Fridays at Five" food distribution.Sunday, August 16, 12:30-2:30. Redwood Christian Center, 6869 Highway 9, Felton (at Fall Creek Dr., near San Lorenzo Valley High School). 335-5307. Lunch.Sunday, August 30, 2:00. SS Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, 9980 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, north of town, 336-2228. Dinner.Meals on Wheels, hot meals at dining centers in Ben Lomond (M-F) and Scotts Valley (Wednesday). Meals delivered (if eligible). Reservation required, $2.50 requested donation, for age 60+ (limited exceptions). www.communitybridges.org/meals (464-3180)Grey Bears Brown Bag Program, weekly bag of produce to be picked up in Ben Lomond, Felton, or Scotts Valley. Delivery available for homebound seniors. $30 annual membership fee, for age 55+. www.greybears.org (479-1055). Except as noted, all programs are free of charge -- Schedules are subject to change. Contact: [email protected]
News Briefs | Published Oct. 31, 2025
Community Bridges WIC remains open during government shutdown
Community Bridges Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program remains fully funded and operational ensuring continued support for...
