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Scotts Valley
October 16, 2025

The Mountain Gardener | Sheet Mulch Away That Old Lawn Effectively

I don’t know why I’m amazed when I come across an old lawn that was sheet mulched away. After all, it’s a tried and...

Guest Viewpoint | Building the Future Together: Thank You Scotts Valley for Supporting Measure O

Last November, the Scotts Valley community came together in an extraordinary way to support our schools by passing Measure O, an $85 million bond...

Mayor’s Message | Scotts Valley Community in Action: Demolitions, Leadership Changes, Fall Events

For the first time in all my years of public service, I’ve witnessed bulldozers tearing down buildings in our community without any input or...

The Mountain Gardener | Time to Plant California Native Species

Every year I vow to add more California natives to my little garden. Problem is I don’t have much sun, which is great on...

Finance | Planning for Longevity

“Forever young, I want to be forever young.” —Bob Dylan I now ask planning clients about time more than work cessation after 65. Sadly, my...

The Mountain Gardener | Combining Plants in Exciting Ways

Lately I’ve been looking at my garden and what’s blooming now while also thinking of what to recommend for new gardens. Seems I’m always...

Finance | Landlording in the Santa Cruz Mountains

In the San Lorenzo Valley, it is easier to admit dope smoking than 10 years of successful landlording. But I am not the only...

The Mountain Gardener | What to Do in the September Garden

When my bearded iris didn’t bloom much this year, I made a note to divide them in September. It’s on my to-do list. These...

Strictly Business | Spanky’s Café: Embracing Community in the Valley

On one of my regular hikes with friends, I mentioned I was looking for another business to feature in this column. They suggested Spanky’s....

The Mountain Gardener | Fragrant Plants in the Garden This Summer

While hiking recently in Oregon, I encountered many Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii) growing near the Jackson Creek. Their scent was noticeable from a long...

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Roadwork

Highway 9 accessibility improvements begin this week in Ben Lomond

Construction crews have begun work this week on a Caltrans project aimed at installing Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant curb ramps along Highway 9...