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Cross country: SLV shines in Hawaii

Through nine league games, the Scotts Valley Falcons girl’s soccer team had not tasted defeat, and in eight of those contests the Falcon defense was near perfect, allowing just one goal.

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

In order to serve 44,000 customers in the Felton and Santa Cruz area, PG&E has had to activate “the largest portable LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) job in the known universe,” according to Austin A. Hastings, and he was only partly joking. Hastings is PG&E’s Professional Engineer / Senior Manager of the LNG/CNG Engineering & Operations Group. Starting in mid-August, fifty-one of his department have been working on the project, most of them on the Graham Hill Road cordoned-off secure site near the Roaring Camp Railroad and San Lorenzo Lumber. They hope to be finished mid-week after Labor Day.

Rene Schlaepfer, senior pastor of Twin Lakes Church in Aptos, has an incredible ability to reach out and transform others with his message about God's unconditional love and grace. He is known for his practical, relevant teaching, and contemporary style as well as for the enthusiasm and high energy he brings to his countywide congregation — which includes many from the Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley.

Santa Cruz County historians have a few bragging rights regarding famous residents of the past.  Zasu Pitts and Alfred Hitchcock represent the movies; Jerry Garcia, Janis Joplin, and Neil Young left us a musical legacy.  Sports not so much.  A few baseball players reached the big leagues.  Harry Hooper eventually was enshrined at Cooperstown—Hal Chase will never be.  This year, however, we can applaud another Hall of Famer—a golfer—and it’s about time.