2026 Scotts Valley Community Awards Gala J
oin us for an unforgettable evening of celebration at the Scotts Valley Community Awards Gala on Friday, May 8 from 5:00 to 10:00 PM at Roaring Camp’s beautiful Bret Harte Hall. This year’s theme is My Fair City, and the evening promises a little elegance, a lot of fun, and plenty to celebrate, while honoring the remarkable individuals, businesses, and organizations who help make Scotts Valley special. The evening will be filled with excitement, appreciation, and community spirit, complete with a ton of fantastic raffle prizes, exclusive silent auction items and experiences. We’re very excited about this years line up! This year’s gala will be catered by one of Santa Cruz County’s most beloved names in hospitality, Barbara & Co, led by owners and
Calendar of Upcoming Community Events Friday May 8
5–10 p.m. – Scotts Valley Community Awards Gala Roaring Camp Railroads – Bret Harte Hall 5401 Graham Hill Rd., Felton Tickets Required
Thursday May 28
chefs Marina Camarlinghi and Victor Cuevas Sanchez, alongside Head Chef Greg Menu. A local favorite for nearly two decades, Barbara & Co is celebrating 20 years this year, with roots in family hospitality that go back even further. For Marina, great food is simply in the blood. Her father, Robert Camarlinghi, and Uncle Rudy Camarlinghi were
2025 Gala Celebration longtime local culinary legends, known for Adolph’s and years of memorable catering throughout the county. If the name Barbara & Co sounds familiar, it should be. They have become one of the county’s most trusted catering teams, known for creating meals guests talk about long after the last plate is cleared. For Marina and her team, that is always
5:30 – 7 p.m. — Kissed by an Angel Wines Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening
the goal, the greatest compliment. From the very first bite, they want guests to have an unforgettable experience. That is exactly what Barbara & Co brings to an evening like the Chamber Gala. Their approach is elevated and thoughtful but welcoming. “Gala Celebration” page 14
222 Mt Hermon Rd. Ste I, Scotts Valley
Saturday August 15 Sunday August 16
Scotts Valley Art Wine & Beer Festival Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. –5 p.m. Skypark 361 Kings Village Road
Educators of the Year: Scotts Valley Unified School District Counselors Lauren Hicks, Vine Hill Elementary
Lauren is one of the district’s MTSS (Multi Tiered Systems of Support) Specialists. She works at Vine Hill Elementary providing academic, behavioral and social-emotional support to students. She works alongside school staff, parents/ caretakers and admin to address student needs, and works with students individually and in small groups. As a parent of a Vine Hill student and a former classroom teacher, Lauren feels fortunate to bring multiple lenses to the work. She brings 19 years experience in both classroom teaching and reading intervention in 1st through 8th grades and holds a National Board Certification in teaching literacy.
Abbie Stevens, Scotts Valley Middle School both a challenging and formative time and
Abbie is honored to be recognized as Educator of the Year alongside her fellow counselors across the district. Now in her ninth year as a school counselor at Scotts Valley Middle School, she came to the profession as a second career she truly loves and holds a master’s degree in school counseling. As a parent of three, with her youngest set to join Scotts Valley Middle School next year, she feels a deep personal connection to the students and families she serves. She is especially proud to have founded the Hope Squad, a suicide prevention program that empowers students to build connection, support one another, and strengthen their school community. She recognizes that middle school is
Happy Mother’s Day!
feels grateful each day to support students as they navigate it. She often reflects how meaningful it would have been to have this kind of support when she was younger and considers it a privilege to now be that source of guidance for her students. While there are difficult days, she would not trade this work for anything. She remains deeply grateful for her colleagues, administrators, and students who make the work so meaningful.
Grace Wahl, Scotts Valley High School
Grace is in her fourth year as a school counselor at Scotts Valley High School. She earned her master’s degree and PPS credential in counseling and guidance from San José State University during the COVID 19 pandemic, experiencing the challenges of remote learning alongside her students.
She began her career at Scotts Valley Middle School and has found it incredibly rewarding to work and collaborate with the dedicated counselors across Scotts Valley Unified. She appreciates the variety each day brings in her role, with no two days ever quite the same. Among all the moments in the school year, graduation day stands out as her favorite. For her, it is not simply the start of summer, but a powerful and emotional milestone. Watching students take the next step in their journey, seeing their hard work come to fruition, and witnessing the pride they share with their families makes the day especially meaningful. “Educators” page 14
Call the Chamber Today or Visit www.scottsvalleychamber.com
www.tpgonlinedaily.com Scotts Valley Times / May 2026 / 11