Measure D assured of victory
With more than 95 percent of all county ballots finally counted Tuesday afternoon, Measure D – the 30-year half-cent sales tax for transportation – was virtually assured of approval.
Let’s Go Fishin’: Halt to Sardine Fishery
State and federal agencies came to an agreement to stop all large volume harvest of sardines as a consumable resource until July of 2016.
City hires $100,000 consultant when applicants fall short
The lack of qualified applicants for a new deputy city manager position in Scotts Valley means the city will have to wait until at least next summer to fill the post, according to City Manager Jenny Haruyama.Haruyama isn’t waiting, however, to get assistance for a wide range of City Hall projects on her to-do list for the New Year.She has entered into a contract for $100,000 in professional services from ith national consulting firm Management Partners.The city had posted ads for the vacant position shortly after Haruyama took the helm last summer. Out of numerous applicants — all from California — three prospective candidates were interviewed. The new city manager was not impressed.“The candidates that were interviewed did not have the technical experience or depth needed in the area of finance and budget,” Haruyama said.Haruyama has held similar positions in three California cities.Steve Toler, a former assistant city manager and finance director, is the consultant who will be on site 20 hours a week for Haruyama and her staff.The city will also have access to several other Management Partner consultants who will provide project and analytical support as part of the contract, she said.The scope of work includes engaging employees in budget education, training, employee outreach, developing financial forecasts, conducting fee studies, and evaluating budget documents.“Taking steps to ensure that a strong financial management structure is in place, coupled with the implementation of budget development best practices will better position the city when it conducts its subsequent recruitment for a deputy city manager,” Haruyama told the city council at its Nov. 16 meeting.The contract cost will be covered through savings generated by the budgeted deputy city manager vacancy.About $135,718 (salary and benefits) was budgeted as part of the current operating budget. The remaining salary savings will be $35,718.Management Partners was founded in 1994 to help local government leaders improve their service to the public.The consulting firm has offices in San Jose, Costa Mesa and Cincinnati.
Junior Olympics comes to Felton
For the first time, San Lorenzo Valley High School will be a host pool for the United States Water Polo Junior Olympics that runs July 28 through August 5.
Healthy Living: Three delicious Kale recipes
Until about eight years ago, not a single bunch of kale, collards or Swiss chard made its way into my grocery cart. Those giant coarse leaves intimidated me. I had no idea how to cook them, and I wasn’t even sure if I would like them.
Boulder Creek gains federal Opportunity Zone status
Boulder Creek has received a federal Opportunity Zone designation, opening new opportunities to attract private investment, support local businesses and strengthen the community’s long-term...











