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Scotts Valley
August 22, 2025

California Natives for Spectacular Containers

the mountain gardener
Adding California natives to my collection of container plants has been a goal for a long time. Besides attracting birds and wildlife to the garden they use less water than most container plants, plus they are beautiful. Gardening in containers is easy. You can control...

Opinion April 17th

Do you need Personal Protective Equipment for protection from Coronavirus? Are you making masks, face shields or other protective equipment? Get what you need, or share what you make with those who need it. Visit our local Coordination Hubs for personal protective gear.

Letters to the Editor

Santa Cruz policies not to blame for homeless issues

Controlling diseases and pests on fruit trees

the mountain gardener
I love it when a nice reader takes the time to call me to suggest a topic they’d like to see me write about or remind them what needs to be done at a certain time of year. Take Helen, who lives in Spring...

Setting the Record Straight

Bruce McPherson
Recent information circulating in our community regarding both rail lines within Santa Cruz County has caused quite a stir. As many members of the public are aware, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) owns the rail corridor stretching from Watsonville to north...

OPINION | Where There’s Smoke: Felton Fire Faces Turmoil Amid Allegations, Resignations

felton fire firetruck
Since 1935, Felton Fire Protection District (FFPD) has had a storied history of excellence in its care for the community and engagement with its constituents. District members were known for their timely responsiveness, accommodating nature and continued support of and involvement in events within the...

Here we go again: Director’s resignation hurts community

Residents of the San Lorenzo Valley are blessed in many ways. The beauty of our surroundings greets us each day; our neighbors are generally kind and helpful, and, well, neighborly. Employees of local shops and restaurants know our names, our favorite drinks or our...

Making a holiday wreath

jan nelson mountain gardener
You can have chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose, but what would the holidays be without a beautiful wreath to decorate the door? Maybe you want to put together a swag for the mantle or candle holder...

Allergy mitigation landscaping

Jan Nelson The Mountain Gardener
According to historical records for our area the pollen count is mostly moderate in February. Depending on the weather, Pollen.com and Pollenlibrary.com show medium to high counts only for a few days this month. If you’re an allergy sufferer you don’t need a website...

The Mountain Gardener | Adding a Dry Creek Bed to Landscape

With so many people replacing their thirsty lawns with low water-use plants, I’m getting lots of requests for ideas about what to do with all that empty space. The sky’s the limit when you have a blank slate. Let me get you started. If your...

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Felton Fire Protection District

LAFCO examines governance solutions for Felton Fire Protection District

Santa Cruz LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission) directed staff on June 4 to conduct an analysis of all possible governance options for consideration and...