New Law to Address Cancer Detection for Women with Dense Breast Tissue

Dense breast tissue makes cancer more difficult to detect on a mammogram, and it increases a woman's risk of cancer, according to cancer specialists.

Mark Stone: Register for Transitional Kindergarten Now

The assemblyman sent out a reminder for parents to get their kids signed up.

How Long Is the ER Wait at Santa Cruz County Hospitals?

A federal Medicare database shows how two of the three major hospitals in Santa Cruz County compare for emergency care.

Scotts Valley's Assemblyman Stone to talk Massive California Poverty

A new census tool reveals that poverty in California is out of control.

Donations for Families of Slain Officers Can Now Be Made Online Via PayPal

Whole Foods at 911 Soquel Ave. in Santa Cruz is also accepting donations to the Santa Cruz Police Officers Association, a store manager said Friday.

Santa Cruz County Will Lose $8.7 Million in Defense Spending

Sequestration seems inevitable and Santa Cruz County will feel some of the effect.

Assemblymember Stone To Chair Select Committee on Coastal Protection

Mark Stone, whose district includes Scotts Valley, will help lead the public conversation about coastal protection.

State Supreme Court Hearing On Pot Clubs Could Affect Scotts Valley

The community is one of many cities whose dispensary ban on medical marijuana facilities will be affected by the ruling.

Lawmaker, Earthquake Scientists Call for Statewide Early-Warning System

The initial cost estimate of $80 million would help pay for ground sensors and relays that could provide text and mobile alerts in the event of a quake on the San Andreas Fault near Scotts Valley.

NRA Issues Response to Obama, Bay Area Gun Vault Owner, Others in Vegas

One of the nearest large firearms dealers to Scotts Valley is the Bay Area Gun Vault in Mountain View.

Scotts Valley Earns ‘D’ for Its Tobacco Policies

The state of California also received failing grades from the American Lung Association.

Walgreens Settles Lawsuit Over Pricing Discrepancies, Will Pay $1.4 Million

The retailer agreed to terms after being sued by district attorneys in four Northern California counties.

Rep. Eshoo Hails Passage of Law Pushing For More Research on Deadliest Cancers

The law is meant to push cancers such as pancreatic to the frontline of research.

Postage Rates Increase This Month

But a new stamp will allow customers to mail letters anywhere in the world for one set price of $1.10.

Derek Timm Adds Library Honcho to Impressive Resume

The Scotts Valley parent is involved in countless local causes.

PG&E To Charge Ratepayers For More Than Half of $2.2 Billion Pipeline Project

The approval angered officials from San Bruno, where a pipeline explosion killed eight people in 2010.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement Seek Suspected Child Porn Producer

The unidentified woman's photos have been posted online, to Facebook and Twitter by investigators who hope the images go viral, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Ag Rakes in Most State Subsidies in Santa Cruz County

Five cents of every dollar in the state budget goes to incentive programs in California, a new study by the New York Times shows.

Taxpayers Group Suing: Fire Fees on Rural Santa Cruz County Homeowners

State officials emphasize the fee will help cover the cost of fire prevention for people who live in rural areas, but some lawmakers have criticized the fee as an unfair tax.

Final Election Results Expected Tuesday Evening

The closest race is for County Supervisor in Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley.

Library Patio Takes Form

Backyard BBQ season may be ending, but the library is cooking up a hot new spot to hang out.

RECALL: Some Nesquik Chocolate Powder Has Been Recalled

The consumer protection chief is urging the public to check some Nesquik labels.

Locals Named to County Fair Board

Gov. Jerry Brown announced the appointments this week.

Scotts Valley Elections Uncertain with Uncounted Ballots

Over 30,000 ballots are left to be counted, leaving local races like the County Board of Supervisors race up in the air.

Scotts Valley Election Results 2012: Supervisor Race Lead Just 26 Votes

Also, Scotts Valley Fire Board incumbents appear safe.

Scotts Valley Patch 2012 Election Guide

Before you head to the polls, know the federal, state and local candidates and issues you will be voting on.

Where Do I Vote in Scotts Valley?

Don't forget to vote! Find your poll location and ballot summary in Scotts Valley, CA.

Presidential Debate Schedule 2012: What Time Is the Final Presidential Debate?

The third and final presidential debate between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney is scheduled for 6 p.m. PST on Monday, Oct. 22.

Democratic Insiders Say Obama Won Debate, GOP Responders Split

Patch surveyed influential California Republicans and Democrats for their opinion on the second presidential debate on Tuesday.

What Time is the Presidential Debate?

Here are details on Tuesday's round two between President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney for Santa Cruzans.

Recall List of Peanut Butter Products Expands Further—Salmonella Outbreak Grows

The recall of products has more than doubled to 240 products, with the FDA reporting a "fast-moving outbreak" of salmonella-induced sickness in 19 states.

Governor Brown Orders Air Board to Allow Winter Blend Gasoline

The move is intended to increase gas supplies across the state.

After Successful Year, Community Organizers Set Agenda for 2013 Sunday

COPA will meet with Sam Farr, Bill Monning, Luis Alejo and Santa Cruz and Monterey supervisors Sunday. All are welcome to join.

Letter to the Editor: Fifth District Candidate Hammer is Voice for Community

Scotts Valley Patch would love to publish your letters to the editor. Please send your missives to shannon.burkey@patch.com.

Phone Books—Who Needs 'em?

The Santa Cruz county Phone Book 2012-2013 was delivered on Wednesday.

Crowd Fills Britannia Arms for Patch's Debate Viewing Party

Britannia Arms in Capitola was packed as people from across the county showed up to watch the Presidential Debate.

Presidential Debate Schedule 2012

The first debate between President Barack Obama and Republican Candidate Mitt Romney will be held Oct. 3 at 6 p.m. Pacific time.

The 'Jetsons' Future is Finally Here—Are You Ready?

Nope, not the jetpacks or the moving sidewalks. Gov. Jerry Brown drove in a driverless car yesterday and signed legislation about the futuristic vehicles.

How To: Online Voter Registration Launches in California

Voters whose signature is already on file with the California Department of Motor Vehicles can submit their voter registration forms electronically.

Fewer Families Living In Poverty, Census Survey Shows

Santa Cruz County's economics appear to have improved slightly in 2011.