Scotts Valley News

California is finalist for education reform grants

Submitted by Elvia on Tuesday, July 27th, 1:08 pm

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - California is among 18 states and the District of Columbia that are finalists in the second round of the federal "Race to the Top" school reform grant competition.

U.S. Department of Education officials provided The Associated Press with a list of the finalists on Tuesday ahead of a speech by Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

California will have a chance to win as much as $700 million in the national competition, which rewards ambitious reforms aimed at improving struggling schools and closing the achievement gap. The U.S. Education Department is expected to announce the winners of the second phase in September.

Two states, Tennessee and Delaware, were awarded a total of $600 million in the first round.

http://www.kionrightnow.com/global/story.asp?s=12877471

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SmartMeter Controversy

By Leslie Rolander

Scotts Valley is trying to stop PG&E from installing SmartMeters before they even start. The Scotts Valley City Council approved a moratorium on the controversial meters Wednesday night. PG&E called the moratorium "unnecessary."

Neighbors are worried about billing discrepancies and health concerns.

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Back to School Charity

By Leslie Rolander

According to Press-Banner.com, Ben Lomond-based Valley Churches United Missions has launched its 2010 Back to School Supplies Drive to collect and then distribute backpacks full of school supplies to needy students.

Read the full story, and learn how you can help: Press-Banner - Local charity looks to pack up backpacks

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Neighbors Protest the SmartMeter

By Leslie Rolander

As Press-Banner.com reports, PG&E's effort to place SmartMeter devices at all California homes and businesses has been met with protests and concerns.

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Featured Businesses

Avon Representative - Robin Benites

The company for women.

Chamberlain Financial Planning LLC

Your Financial Peace of Mind is Our Goal!

Garden of Eden- Oasis in the Redwoods

Submitted by Anonymous on Wednesday, July 14th, 10:35 am

Recently on a weekend hike on the banks of the San Lorenzo River, I discovered Felton's best kept secret, "The Garden of Eden." I've asked many Scotts Valley locals who had also never heard of this oasis in the redwoods.

This is actually a deep swimming hole in the forest with a rock "diving board," small rapids and a tiny beach. It's difficult to find but worth the effort.

Click here for directions.

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West Nile virus found in birds in Mount Hermon, at Summit

Submitted by Elvia on Monday, July 12th, 1:43 pm

According to Press-Banner.com, two dead birds that appear to have died from exposure to the West Nile virus were found in Mount Hermon and the Summit area of Santa Cruz County at the end of June.

Read more: Press-Banner - West Nile virus found in birds in Mount Hermon at Summit

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BC Couple pleads guilty in molestation case

Submitted by Elvia on Monday, July 12th, 1:28 pm

According to Press-Banner.com, a Boulder Creek couple arrested on charges connected to the molestation of a child in their care pleaded guilty in court this week.

Ronald Eugene McDougal, 53, faces up to 17 years, eight months in state prison for the long-term sexual abuse and intimidation of the girl, who was 11 when he first molested her, according to Assistant District Attorney Andrew Isaac, who prosecuted the case.

Read more: Press-Banner - BC Couple pleads guilty in molestation case

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Oldest youth inmate soon to be released

Submitted by Elvia on Monday, July 12th, 1:18 pm

According to Press-Banner.com, sometime in the next several weeks, Donald Gerald Schmidt, the oldest inmate in the California Youth Authority system, will likely learn when and where he will be released.

Schmidt, now 38, was convicted as a 17-year-old in 1988 of sodomizing and drowning 3-year-old Mariah Sivola in Lompico the year before. He has been imprisoned as a minor since.

Read more: Press-Banner - Oldest youth inmate soon to be released

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Softball tournament sign-ups are open

Submitted by Elvia on Monday, July 12th, 12:58 pm

Sign-ups are going on for the 15th annual Jim Walters Memorial Softball tournament at Highlands Park in Ben Lomond.

The two-day tournament will be Aug. 7 and 8, and there will be men’s and coed divisions. The cost is $250 per team, and each team is guaranteed games on the second day.

For information: 475-5923.

Read more: Press-Banner - Sports Shorts

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Your Health: The lowdown on the whooping cough epidemic

Submitted by Elvia on Monday, July 12th, 12:53 pm

Check out this story from Press-Banner.com, according to a recent public health alert, California is experiencing an epidemic of pertussis. Santa Cruz County has had 20 known cases and probably many more that have not been reported or have yet to be diagnosed.

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