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Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Ben Lomond, and Felton are four beautifully unique towns. Together they make a monumental San Lorenzo Valley with a tremendous community. It’s a home to everyone who has been here for generations, and for those who have been here a short time. It has history that is both beautiful and triumphant; but also devastating and tragic.

- Hunter Legend Brown was born at 9:11 a.m. June 1, 2012, to Sara Jane Phillips and Charles Roth Brown Jr. of Ben Lomond. He weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces at Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center in Santa Cruz.

Leaving town for a summer vacation with the family?

Submit Datebook items to pbeditor@pressbanner.com 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. Publication is not guaranteed.Friday, August 28Pasatiempo Art ShowWhen: 4 to 7 p.m.Where: Historic Hollins House RestaurantDetails: Benefit for girls’ high school golf teams-artists all from Pasatiempo,Info: Karen at (831) 818-3028 Saturday, August 296th Annual Stuff the BusWhen: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Where: SLV High School Parking LotAddress: 7105 Highway 9, FeltonDetails: Supplies for all SLV schoolsInfo: lsbeasley@hotmail.com Sunday, August 30Music at Skypark – “Extra Large” & “Joint Chiefs”When: 2:30 to 6:30 p.m.Where: Skypark in Scotts ValleyCost: No cover – support school music programsInfo: KiwanisoftheValleys.org 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 by Barbara & Co.Talk by: Col. Brian Shiroyama, former security officer for Air Force One.Cost: $17Info: Call Dave at (831) 336-8481 by 8/31/15.  Thursday, September 3Boating Safety and Navigation Registration (three classes)When: 7 to 8:30 p.m.Where: Santa Cruz Harbor Public Mtg. Room, 365A Lake Ave. at Harbor near boat yardDetails: Boating Skills and Seamanship, Sailing and Seamanship, Coastal NavigationInfo: wscgaux@gmail.com. Friday, September 4Jazz MusicWhen: 6 to 9 p.m.Where: Casa Nostra in Ben LomondDetails: Live Jazz Music – “Joy of Jazz”Cost: FreeInfo: Casa Nostra at (831) 609-6132 or Joy at (831) 246-0349 Saturday, September 5Free SAT Practice ExamWhen: 8 a.m. sharpInfo: Call to Register (831) 515-7373 Saturday, September 57th Annual Songfest – Prostate AwarenessWhen: 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.Where: Kuumba Jazz Center, Santa CruzDetails: Musicians Joe Ferrara, + 6 MoreCost: No cover, donations welcomeInfo: joe@atlantisfantasyworld.com Sunday, September 6Jazz MusicWhen: 6 to 9 p.m.Where: Scopazzi’s Deck in Boulder CreekDetails: Live Jazz Music – ”Joy of Jazz”Cost: FreeInfo: Scopazzi’s at (831) 338-6441 or Joy at (831) 246-0349 Wednesday, September 9 (Entry deadline)“The Best Apple Pie in the County” ContestWhen: Opening Day of S.C. County Fair – Sept. 16Entry info: www.santacruzcountyfair.com, or260l East Lake Avenue, WatsonvilleCost: No entry fee Thursday, September 10Willing Suspension Armchair TheaterWhen: 7:00 p.m.Where: Scotts Valley LibraryCost: Free, donations welcomeInfo: suzansturn@sbcglobal.net Saturday, September 12Women with Mood Disorders Support GroupWhen: 3 to 5 p.m. (2nd Saturday each month)Where: Ease Mountain, 10090 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, Ste 7Info: Please call 831-345-7190  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 13Music on the Mountain – “Espressivo”When: 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.Where: Performing Arts Center, SLV High School7105 Highway 9, FeltonDetails: Benefit for SLV schoolsCost: $15-$50 @ slvfoundation.org; Ben Lomond MarketInfo: 234-0236 Friday, September 18Genealogy Society of Santa Cruz CountyWhen: 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.Where: Scotts Valley Branch LibraryDetails: Learn to use Ancestry.com Library EditionBring your own laptopsCost: FreeInfo: Reservations: pro@santacruzpl.org or call 427-7717 Sunday, September 20Santa Cruz Post Card and Paper Collectibles ShowWhen: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Where: The Hilton, 6001 La Madrona Dr., Scotts ValleyDetails: An intimate post card experienceInfo: josephemera@cruzio.com or 476-3262  Sunday, September 27Music at Skypark ConcertWhen: 2 to 6 p.m.Where: SkyparkDetails: “The Coffis Brothers” and “The Mountain Men”Cost: Donation: proceeds from refreshments sale go to schoolsInfo: Kiwanis of the Valleys – 439-8018 Friday, October 16Bethany Hamilton “Soul Surfer” Film & TalkWhen: 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. – Film at 3:30 p.m.; 5:30 to 6:30 Q&A6:45 to 7:45 p.m. VIP Ticket-holders meet BethanyWhere: 1500 Green Hills Road, Suite 101, Scotts ValleyTickets: $30 General Admission includes “Soul Surfer”$125 Meet & GreetInfo: Paige@changebound.org ONGOINGConcertsWhere: Don Quixote’s International Music HallDetails: Reservations available online. Under 21 must be accompanied by a parent.Info: www. donquixotesmusic.com Saturday, September 26 – December 12, 2015Ageless Art Project by Brookdale ResidentsWhen: September 26 – December 12, 2105Where: Scotts Valley Library, 251 Kings Village Road, SVInfo: 459-8917 x208 Mountain Community TheaterPark Hall in Ben LomondTickets: www.mctshows.org or 336-4777 Vegan PotluckWhen: First Friday of 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 earthInfo: 338-3544 to RSVP or email TamaraLynnScott@gmail.com. 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 & Education (CAPE)Recruiting foster families for dogsDetails: recruiting new foster volunteers for dogs awaiting permanent homes.Info: Nancy Eaton at 684-2421 Sound MeditationWhen: 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. First Sunday of month fromWhere: Mountain Spirit, 6299 Highway 9, FeltonDetails: Discussion, practice on the use of sound in meditation with Bruce ManakaCost: FreeInfo: Shelby at 335-7700 Gratitude WednesdaysWhen: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. First Wednesday of monthWhere: Mountain Spirit, 6299 Highway 9 in FeltonDetails: Mountain Spirit will donate 10% of sales to a local non-profit.Info: Shelby at 335-7700 Mountain Spirit’s Writing GroupWhen: 5 to 7 p.m First Wednesday of month.Where: Mountain Spirit, 6299 Highway 9 in FeltonDetails: Creative writing class led by Wendy Ledger.Info: Shelby at 335-7700 Kids’ Fun Night at Boulder Creek RecreationWhen: 5 to 9 p.m. TuesdaysWhere: Boulder Creek Recreation Center, 13333 Middleton Ave., 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: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays except for federal holidays,Where: The Satellite, 6265 Highway 9, FeltonInfo: 831-212-6641 or bloomofthepresent.org http:///h Touch Team iPad Memory Classes at the LibraryWhen: Monday and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.Where: Scotts Valley Public Library, 251 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: 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. 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. 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. - Meet at park headquarters.Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder CreekDetails: Fun and informative guided 1/2-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.Cost: FreeInfo: 338-8883 Old-Growth Redwood WalksWhen: Saturday at 1 p.m..Where: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 101 N Big Trees Park Rd., FeltonDetails: Guided forest adventure on a docent-led walk through the magnificent old-growth coast redwood forest.An.8 mile long stroll lasting around 1.5 hours. 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., 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 leads First Aid and CPR certification classes for community members. Times and registration details: Available online or by phone.Cost: Free for district residents, employees of businesses in the district; $36 for all othersInfo: 335-4422 or www.feltonfire.com TOPS Club MeetWhen: 10 to 11 a.m. WednesdayWhere: Meeting room in back of Felton Fire DepartmentDetails: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) is a group dedicated to losing weight by encouraging healthy eating and lifestyle habits.Cost: First visit is free Tai Chi and Chi GongWhen: 9 to 10 a.m. FridaysWhere: Sky Park behind Parks and Rec., 361 Kings Village Rd.,Scotts ValleyDetails: Gentle movement supporting balance, stress reduction, and strengthening.Cost: $8 drop-in feeInfo: Mary Mulligan 335-9390 Valley Churches United Missions Food PantryWhen: Tuesdays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.Where: Valley Churches United Missions Food Pantry, 9430 Highway 9, Ben LomondDetails: School supplies and back packs for low-income families in need.Cost: FreeInfo: Pre-register at 336-8258 x 221 Scotts Valley Senior Center Book WormsWhen: Third Friday of the month, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: Senior-oriented book club organized by the Scotts Valley Senior Center.Cost: $2 for members, $3 for non-membersInfo: 438-8666 Fridays at Five Food DistributionWhen: Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m.Where: GateWay Bible Church, 5000 Granite Creek Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: Food distribution to those in need. Every Friday, tables of groceries will be set up near the carport at the church office.Info: 3Guy@comcast.net or 438-0646 Line Dance ClassesWhen: Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.Where: Boulder Creek Recreation Center, 13333 Middleton Ave., Boulder CreekDetails: Line Dance Instructor Amber Blavin leads class. No partners are needed to attend.Cost: $5 per class or donationInfo: (408) 712-2287 or danceramber@sbcglobal.com SLV Museum exhibitWhen: Wednesday through Sunday 12 to 4 p.m.Where: SLV Museum, 12547 Highway 9, Boulder CreekDetails: “Crystals, Caves, and Kilns” explores natural and cultural history of limestone, lime, and marble in the Felton and Santa Cruz areas.Cost: DonationsInfo: 338-8382 Improv Theater Games and ExercisesWhen: Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Where: Boulder Creek Recreation Center, 13333 Middleton Ave., Boulder CreekDetails: Heidi Drew leads two hours of improvisation theater classes. Beginners are encouragedCost: $5Info: cheididrew@gmail.com Live Jazz at Casa NostraWhen: Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m.Where: Casa Nostra, 9217 Highway 9, Ben LomondDetails: Live jazz music.Cost: FreeInfo: 609-6132 SLVHS Bingo FundraiserWhen: Mondays, 4 p.m.Where: Portuguese Hall, 216 Evergreen Street, Santa CruzDetails: A weekly 18-game bingo program to benefit the athletics programs at San Lorenzo Valley High School.Info: 335-4425 Big Basin Trail Crew Volunteer DayWhen: 9 a.m. Second Saturday of monthWhere: Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder CreekDetails: Volunteers (18 years of age or older) meet at Park Headquarters to spend a day — rain or shine — working to maintain and preserve the park’s trails.Info: www.bigbasintrailcrew.org Boulder Creek ZumbaWhen: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. SaturdaysWhere: Boulder Creek Recreation and Parks District, 13333 Middleton Ave.,Boulder CreekDetails: Cecelia Kelly leads weekly class - great workout in dance party atmosphere.Cost: $10Info: http://ceciliakelly.zumba.com Senior Pinochle GameWhen: 2 p.m. TuesdaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: An open game of pinochle.Cost: $2 for members, $3 for non-membersInfo: 438-8666 Free Laughter YogaWhen: Sundays, 10:30 a.m.Where: Luminescence Day Spa and Tea Room, 13140 Highway 9, Boulder CreekCost: FreeInfo: Lizzie Lochner, 338-7546 Toastmasters Club – Redwood RamblersWhen: Wednesdays, 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.Where: St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts ValleyDetails: Redwood Ramblers Toastmasters meets weekly to help members build confidence as public speakers and leaders.Info: 435-9308 or http://8203.toastmastersclubs.org Poetry Circle, WorkshopWhen: Third Saturday of the month, 2 to 4 p.m.Where: Scotts Valley Branch Library, 251 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: Magdalena Montague, local poet and teacher, leads classes for prospective poets of all skill levels.Cost: FreeInfo: pro@santacruzpl.org or 427-7717 Senior Line DancingWhen: 12 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. FridaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: Biweekly line dancing and lessons Cost: $2 for members, $3 for nonmembersInfo: 438-8666 to confirm Zumba for SeniorsWhen: 6 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m. Tuesdays and 9:30 a.m. ThursdaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: Instructor-led class encourages exercise in a fun, rhythmic environment.Cost: $3 for members, $5 for nonmembersInfo: 438-8666 Beginning Ballet for FitnessWhen: 4:30 to 5 p.m. MondaysWhere: Agape Dance Academy, 104 Whispering Pines Dr., Room 5, in Scotts ValleyDetails: Introductory beginner class emphasizes fitness through dance.Cost: FreeInfo: 359-0850 Line Dance, WeightsWhen: 9:45 to 11 a.m.Where: Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, Ben LomondDetails: $2 for members, $3 for nonmembersInfo: 336-8900 BingoWhen: 1 to 3 p.m. WednesdaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: All adults welcome. Game is sponsored by Project Scout (Senior Citizen Outreach).Cost: 50 cents per card, one card free with purchase of four or moreInfo: 438-8666 Tai Chi ClassesWhen: 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. MondaysWhere: Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, Ben LomondCost: $3 members, $5 nonmembersInfo: 336-8900 Genealogical Society MeetingWhen: 1 to 3 p.m., first Thursday of monthWhere: Central Branch Library meeting room, 224 Church Street, Santa CruzDetails: Lectures for beginning to advanced genealogy enthusiasts.Cost: FreeInfo: 427-7707, ext. 5794, or Janine Charlton, ivclb@comcast.net Senior Exercise ClassWhen: 10 a.m. Mondays and FridaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd.Info: Class incorporates strength, balance, and coordination exercises for persons age 50 and older, led by retired physical therapist Cherry Nittler.Cost: $2 members, $3 nonmembers Drop-in Meditation GroupWhen: 7 to 8:45 p.m. MondaysWhere: The Satellite, 6265 Highway 9, FeltonDetails: Beginning and experienced students participate in 40 minutes of silent meditation, followed by a dharma talk and discussion by Carla BrennanInfo: http://bloomofthepresent.com Beginners’ Line DancingWhen: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ThursdaysWhere: Boulder Creek Recreation, 13333 Middleton Ave., Boulder CreekDetails: For dancers age 8 and olderCost: Donation; Drop inInfo: danceramber@sbcglobal.net Water Media Art ClassesWhen: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ThursdaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., in Scotts ValleyDetails: Watercolor and acrylic paints. Adults any age and all experience levels welcome.Cost: $7 for members, $8 for nonmembersInfo: Beverly Martin, 335-0425 or bevbcool@sbcglobal.net, or www.portrait-fineart.com. Body Freedom QigongWhen: 10 to 11 a.m. TuesdaysWhere: Felton Covered Bridge Park, 122 Covered Bridge Rd., on rainy days at The Satellite, 6265 Highway 9, FeltonDetails: Qigong is similar to Tai Chi and is like a standing yoga with gentle, easy movements for flexibility, strength, health and relaxation.Info: Bonnie Eskie, Qigong instructor, 515-4144 SLV Community Band RehearsalsWhen: 7 to 9 p.m. ThursdaysWhere: San Lorenzo Valley High School band room, 7105 Highway 9, in FeltonDetails: Dust off your instrument and try it out. Semester fee benefits school music programs in the San Lorenzo Valley.Cost: $25 per semesterInfo: Jon Christian, 335-3565 Bridge Players WantedDetails: Intermediate and advanced bridge players in demand for ongoing groups in the San Lorenzo Valley. Groups meet depending on availability. Please call.Info: Shelby Charette, 335-5956 Advanced Bridge Players WantedWhen: 12 p.m. MondaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: Participants can hone skills against other highly skilled bridge players.Cost: $2 for members, $3 for nonmembersInfo: 438-8666 Chair and Gentle YogaWhen: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. ThursdaysWhere: Balance Health of Ben Lomond, 231 Main St. Ste. A, Ben Lomond.Details: Gentle yoga program to increase circulation, mobility, balance, strength, awareness, and confidence.Info: Ruth Caudell, 336-3560 Healing Tai Chi for SeniorsWhen: 9 a.m. FridaysWhere: SV Community Center, 360 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyDetails: Gentle, easy movement for health promotionCost: $7 for members, $8 for nonmembersInfo: Mary Mulligan, 335-9390 or mary@marymulligan.com Together in the ParkWhen: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. WednesdaysWhere: Felton Covered Bridge Park, Graham Hill and Mount Hermon Roads, FeltonDetails: Parenting support, information and age-appropriate activities for children up to 5 years old.Info: Cori Burt, 252-1137 Mindfulness Meditation GroupWhen: 7 to 8:30 p.m. MondaysWhere: Satellite Telework Center, 6265 Highway 9, FeltonDetails: Beginning, experienced students welcome for silent meditation and talk.Info: Carla, 336-0136 BasicogaWhen: 9 to 10 a.m. MondaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyCost: $6Info: 438-8666 Beginning Line Dancing ClassWhen: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. FridaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Rd., Scotts ValleyCost: $2 members, $4 non membersInfo: 438-8666 Belly Dancing for WomenWhen: 7 p.m. MondaysWhere: Felton Community Hall, 6191 Highway 9, FeltonDetails: Experience the power of women dancing with women in a friendly atmosphere.Cost: $40 for four consecutive classes, $13 for drop in.Info: 335-4567 Life DrawingWhen: 7 to 9:15 p.m. TuesdaysWhere: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., Ben LomondDetails: Beginners, pros welcome to drop in. Features a different model each week.Cost: $10 for members, $12 for nonmembers, $8 for students with IDInfo: 335-5000 or www.mountainartcenter.org Raku ClassesWhen: 6 to 9 p.m. FridaysWhere: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., Ben LomondDetails: Class is weather-dependent, attendees should call a day in advance. Participants may take bisque ware or purchase pots at the center.Cost: $18 for members, $20 for nonmembersInfo: Dale Bates, 345-7565 Square Dance ClassesWhen: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. WednesdaysWhere: German-American Hall, 230 Plymouth St., Santa CruzDetails: Go alone, bring a partner, or come with a group.Cost: $5Info: 763-9825 or 408-353-4766 Kidz Korner Clothing ExchangeWhen: 10 to 11:30 a.m., third Saturday of the monthWhere: St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 101 Riverside Ave., Ben LomondDetails: Exchange is for children’s clothes for newborns through 5-year-olds. Those who don’t have clothes to donate may pick up what they need.Info: Rebecca, 408-875-3450 Overeaters AnonymousA 12-Step group program for those who wish to overcome compulsive eating habits. Please see our website for current times and locations: www.santacruzoa.org. Or call our Hotline at (831)429-7906.  

Each year, the great State of California institutes a buffet of new laws to (theoretically) improve our quality of life, our safety, and enhance our rights. While some recently passed laws are routinely ignored (hello, headlights-on-when-windshield-wipers-are-on), the general idea is, “As California goes, so goes the rest of the nation.” Keep reading, and you’ll note two different markers on the bill titles. AB means Assembly Bill; SB stands for Senate Bill. The designation helps consumers better understand where the new laws are generated, and can better illustrate which set of lawmakers is responsible for their creation and passage. Following is a list of the new state laws that will take effect on January 1, 2020. (Data provided by ABC7.com.) PRIVACY AB 375: Online privacyWant to know what information companies like Facebook or Google are collecting about you? The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) gives internet users more control over their data. Among other things, the law gives users the right to know what data is collected, the right to reject the sale of your information and the right to delete your data. (See addendum article for particulars on this very important law.) WORKPLACE SB 3: Minimum wageAnother pay hike is on the way for minimum wage workers. The minimum wage in California goes up by one dollar to $12 an hour for workers at companies with 25 or fewer employees and to $13 an hour for workers at larger companies. AB 5: Independent workersWhile aimed directly at gig workers (think Uber, Lyft and DoorDash), this new law may also apply to many more contract or independent worker in California. Under AB-5, workers would be considered employees, and are entitled to minimum wage, workers‘ compensation, and other benefits. (29th District Assemblymember Mark Stone was a co-sponsor of this bill.) SB 188: HairstylesCalifornia becomes the first state to ban workplace and school discrimination based on a person's natural hairstyle or hair texture. Protected hairstyles include braids, twists and locks. Remember the high school wrestler in New Jersey who was forced by the match referee to cut off his dreadlocks? California says, “Not in this state, you don’t.” SB 142: Lactation accommodationsWhile California has had a law requiring employers to provide breaks for nursing mothers, many were forced to express breast milk in a bathroom stall or office closet. This new law requires companies to provide appropriate lactation accommodations that is close to the employee's work area, has electrical plugs and is free of intrusion. All working mothers, say it with me: It’s about damned time. AB 51: Arbitration agreementsStarting January 1, workers can't be forced into mandatory arbitration by an employer. The law bans mandatory arbitration agreements with employees. The law does not apply to arbitration agreements entered into prior to January 1, 2020. SB 1343: Sexual harassmentRequires businesses with at least five employees to provide sexual harassment training to its employees within six months of being hired, and every two years after that. (Is anyone else surprised that this is JUST NOW a thing?) SB 83: Paid family leaveNew parents will have more time to care for their child. Benefits under Paid Family Leave will increase from six weeks to eight weeks starting on July 1, 2020. HOUSING AB 1482: Rent controlCommunities without their own rent control laws will now be covered by statewide rent control protections. The law limits rent increases to 5 percent each year plus inflation, but never above 10 percent total. The law does not apply to housing built in the 15 years prior. The limit is a rolling number so the date housing is excluded changes every year. AB 652: Religious displaysYou have more protections to display religious items like menorahs or crosses outside your home. The law prohibits landlords and homeowner associations from banning the display of religious items on entry doors or door frames. The items cannot be larger than 26 by 12 inches. SB 222: Housing discriminationThis law expands existing law to protect veterans and military personnel against housing discrimination. MARRIAGE SB 30: Domestic partnersWhat's good for same-sex couples is good for heterosexual couples. This law allows heterosexual couples to register as domestic partners instead of getting married. Currently, only heterosexual couples age 62 or older were allowed to register as domestic partners because of social security benefits. The new law could help couples with combined higher incomes avoid the federal marriage tax penalty. EDUCATION SB 419: School suspensionsStudents in elementary school can't be so easily suspended for causing trouble at school. The law bans schools from suspending students in grades 4-8 for disrupting school activities or defying teachers and administrators. Students in grades K-3 already have this protection. High school students must wait until 2025 for the same benefit. HEALTHCARE SB 104: Healthcare for undocumented immigrantsCalifornia becomes the first state in the nation to offer government-subsidized health benefits to young adults living in the country illegally. The law expands the Medicaid program to include low-income adults age 25 or younger regardless of their immigration status. AB 2119: Transgender youthTransgender youth in the foster care system will get appropriate health care. The law is the first in the country to include access to gender-affirming medical services, mental health counseling, hormone therapy and surgery. CRIMINAL JUSTICE SB 439: Juvenile hallThis law changes the age that a minor can be sent to juvenile hall. Minors under 12 who commit non-violent crimes would be released to his or her parent or legal guardian instead of being sent to juvenile hall. The law does not apply to minors who commit murder, rape, or great bodily harm. SB 970: Human traffickingOperators of motels and hotels in California must provide training to teach its staff how to identify victims of human trafficking. ANIMALS SB 1249: Animal testingProhibits the sale of cosmetic products with ingredients that were tested on animals after January 1, 2020. The law does not affect products sold globally where animal testing is required by law. AB 1762: Dog areasThe California Department of Parks and Recreation has until July 1, 2020 to establish a comprehensive list of state parks that allow dogs, including the specific areas that allow dogs and the total miles of trails that are open to dogs. WILDFIRES SB 167: Public safety power shutoffsRequires utilities like PG&E to devise plans on reducing the negative impact of planned power shutoffs to first responders and people with disabilities. AB 247: Tree trimmingGives the California Public Utilities Commission more oversight over tree trimming efforts by utilities. Power companies would have to submit timely reports on their brush and tree trimming work. San Lorenzo Valley residents may have helped to drive this legislation forward based on their responses to the 2019 spate of tree trimming. SB 209: Wildfire warning centerEstablishes a wildfire warning center to broaden the state's ability to predict and prepare for wildfire. The center would rely on a statewide network of automated weather stations and fire detection cameras. Want additional information on these new laws? Visit www.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov 

EDITOR,

EDITOR,

We all realize public education is in turmoil; however, we are all experts in hiding this. We provide a well-rounded, quality public education here in Scotts Valley, even as the state has continually dealt us a bad hand.

Bay Federal Credit Union is collaborating with Watsonville/Aptos Adult Education in offering personal financial education classes on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the GreenValleyCenter, Room 8, at 294 Green Valley Road. Although Watsonville may be a bit of a drive for North County residents, the five free classes offered once a month could make a decided difference in a person’s or a family’s financial life.