Highway 236 in Boulder Creek opened to one-way traffic on July 14 after being completely closed since June 22 while Caltrans crews brought in heavy machinery to repair the two-lane highway.

Bargetto Winery’s 2006 Santa Cruz Mountains Reserve merlot was selected as California’s best merlot by judges at the California State Fair’s annual wine competition in June in Sacramento.

The Responsible Local Development political action committee’s Web site, www.rldpac.org, was bombarded with sexually explicit, racial and derogatory statements in its comments section last week.

Traffic delays are expected on Graham Hill Road between Treetop Drive and Henry Cowell Drive south of Felton for four months starting late next week and running through Oct. 30. Santa Cruz County is installing a 10-inch sewer main along the road.

Locals head to government summit

The point system used in wine judging is often viewed with a sense of suspicion and ambiguity. Are the points that are awarded legitimate, and should we care? Many people see a 92 or 93 from Robert Parker or the Wine Spectator and immediately think the wine must be high end. Typically, this is a fair assumption, but just because a wine receives a high rating doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the right wine for you.

A new library in Scotts Valley is quickly moving forward as the Scotts Valley City Council approved the money needed to purchase and remodel the Scotts Valley Sports Center — the future home of the library.

For years, you’ve been going to your dentist, and it’s always the same routine: cleaning, X-rays and an exam. Your dentist has told you about the harmful effects of periodontal disease, its correlation to heart disease, and the importance of brushing and flossing daily. But what your dentist can see in your mouth may just save your life.

Why do people choose organic? After speaking with many people, their answers to this question are simple: It tastes better. It’s more nutritious, and better for you. It doesn’t have all those nasty chemicals. It’s more sustainable for the planet. And those are just a few of the reasons.