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COVID-19 cases are surging both nationally and locally, and young people aged 18-34 are a major reason why. Did you know that between July 12-20th Santa Cruz County had over 200 new cases, the highest yet? Over half of those cases were in 18-34 year olds, so obviously we aren't getting the message. The Santa Cruz County Business Council is partnering with Santa Cruz Works, the Small Business Development Center at Cabrillo College, and the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County to host a special, virtual town hall aimed specifically at 18-34 year olds with our County Health Officer, Dr. Gail Newel, and UCSC Professor Marm Kilpatrick, who is an expert on infectious diseases. The virtual event is taking place Wednesday July 29th from 6-7:30pm, and will feature a current update on COVID in Santa Cruz, an overview of how you can still have fun with your friends SAFELY, and a question and answer session from the front line experts. Those who RSVP via Eventbrite will automatically be entered to WIN a Merge4 Mask after the presentation has concluded. We have 120 to give away! Must be present at the end of the event to be eligible. And, you must be able to get to our location on Pacific Ave to pick up your mask. These stylish cloth masks will keep you both in vogue and safe during this pandemic. As young people we sometimes feel invincible, and it's true that COVID is hitting older people much harder– but even if you don't wind up in the hospital reliant on a ventilator to breath, you can still spread the virus to the most vulnerable in our community. It's time for us to step up and take responsibility for stopping the spread. You can still have fun (!), and you can still see your friends (!!), but just stay outdoors and keep six feet away from each other. If you have to get close or go inside, wear a mask and limit that time as much as possible. DO THE RIGHT THING. #stopthespread #dontkillgrandma 

Scotts Valley Kiwanis

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.

Mayor and Police Chief Working Together On Gun Shop SafetyBy Chief John P. Weiss, City of Scotts ValleyThe Scotts Valley Police Department recently proposed an ordinance to address gun shop security and safety in our town. The increase in local gun shops prompted us to examine this issue.While gun shops are highly regulated by Federal and State law, there are no requirements for alarm systems and video cameras. The current gun shops in town are professionally run (all have alarm systems and cameras) but we want to insure that they remain that way. Rather than reinvent the wheel, police staff researched neighboring jurisdictions and proposed an ordinance similar to others in other jurisdictions.Unfortunately, the convenience in following other regulations led to a somewhat hasty staff report that lacked adequate analysis. Gun shop owners and council members had valid concerns about certain provisions of the ordinance and several council members felt there were too many unanswered questions. It became obvious to police staff that more work was needed for the city council to make an informed decision.The police department’s main objective is to insure that gun shops are properly alarmed and equipped with camera systems (an invaluable resource for theft investigations.) The police department is designing a burglary and robbery protocol so local dealers know how to respond to such incidents. A modified ordinance will be brought back to the City Council and the City will explore a reasonable permit process for firearms dealers.The City of Scotts Valley prides itself on our commitment to public safety. We consistently have a low crime rate, vigilant police department and excellent programs like DARE and our Junior Police Academy. To that end, we will work together to insure local gun shops are safe, secure and well protected by our police staff.   Mayor and Police Chief Working Together On Gun Shop Safety By Dene Bustichi, MayorCity of Scotts ValleyAt last week’s city council meeting, the issue of existing and future retail gun shops was discussed. After listening to many comments on the subject, the City Council decided to defer action on a proposed ordinance and study the matter further. The consensus among the council was that the police department should do more inquiries on this matter and that, as written, the ordinance would have exempted the current gun shops from any proposed changes.The priority of this council is and always has been public safety. We reserve nearly 50 percent of our operating budget to achieve that goal. We also strive to craft a balanced approach to any matter that comes before us. To that end, I have asked staff (in coordination with the police department) to put two items on our agenda for the September 2nd meeting.A revised licensing ordinance from our police department which fully addresses the security and safety of gun shops in our community.A 45 day emergency moratorium of any new gun retailers, to allow the City Council to consider creating a conditional use permit process for any applicant who is considering opening up a retail gun shop. Throughout this process, the City Council and the police department have been and will continue to be proactive in dealing with this issue. Public comments and dialogue are always welcome in implementing measured and thoughtful policies that are best for our city. 

The summer season of the IOOF San Lorenzo Valley softball league is well under way, with games at Highlands Park, 8500 Highway 9, on Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

I suspect that the majority of houses in Santa Cruz County front a public road. For those homeowners, their headache consists of begging Public Works to fix the potholes that appear.

Over the course of my emergency/urgent care career I’ve dealt with many different injuries and illnesses seen commonly during the summer months. I’d like to share some of my thoughts on making this a very safe summer for everyone.

The General Election is November 8, but for the elected public officials in four districts, two water districts, one recreation district and two school districts, there will be no votes. All 22 candidates for offices in these districts in Boulder Creek, Scotts Valley, Felton and Ben Lomond were “appointed in lieu of election” this week, because there were no opponents.

Gardens are living things that change over time.