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A three-alarm fire gutted most of the Bethany University cafeteria building Tuesday night, June 16.

 “Though nothing can bring back the hour

Becoming a grizzled vet is no easy task, but at 73 years old, Khartoon Brown is among the most grizzled of them all.

There is big excitement lately among the members of the local 4-H clubs – the Santa Cruz County Fair is being held on September 16–20, 2015 at the Fairgrounds outside of Watsonville. For the next two weekends, local 4-H groups are building booths and getting ready to participate in equestrian as well as various other events. They will also participate in presentations, entertaining, and leadership opportunities. These kids love their involvement in 4-H projects and community service and this is their chance to show off their talents and shine!

San Lorenzo Valley High junior Blake Bechtel sank five three pointers and scored 39 points in leading the Cougars to the consolation championship over Watsonville, 74-53, in the 54th annual Dad’s Club tournament at the Civic Auditorium in Santa Cruz last weekend.

Last fall my sister lost her favorite tree in a windstorm. She lives on Fox Island in the southern part of Puget Sound. I remember hearing about the extraordinary Pacific storm on the national news shattering records in the Northwest. Gusts up to 76 miles per hour closed bridges while falling trees hurt two people and thousands lost power. Her Silk Tree didn't stand a chance.

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

The Scotts Valley High School doubles team of senior Nicole LaPorte and sophomore Desi Rakela took second in the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League after making a surprise push into the finals.