There has been much hype about radiation danger since the recent tragic events in Japan. Right off the bat let me dispel several common fears. As of this writing there is absolutely no need for anyone on the west coast to take potassium iodide pills to prevent thyroid cancer. There has been no significant increase in the local levels of radioactive iodine here on the West Coast, and unless conditions at the Fukushima plant radically change, it is unlikely that we will receive dangerous levels here.

EDITOR,

Every child should have the opportunity to experience the sense of pride that comes with physical accomplishment. While not every kid will excel at sports such as baseball, soccer or football, all able-bodied kids can run. And most love it.

Recently, a well-known local high school coach made the news with the announcement that he had been admitted to a hospital for treatment of viral meningitis. Thankfully, other than feeling very miserable for awhile, he has had a full recovery.

Kylie Aquino Stasch was born to Hercell Aquino (Romero) and Jared Alan Stasch of Scotts Valley at 9:39 a.m. Feb. 12, 2011. She weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces, at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center in Santa Cruz.

The final game of the season was again a battle as the Falcons dropped the quarterfinals of the Northern California tournament to Piedmont High School of Oakland 57-48 on March 10.

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.