The Halloween Garden
Halloween is just around the corner and besides deciding what you or the kids are going to be this year, it’s time to bring in any plants that you plan to overwinter in the house. Whether they're the houseplants that you put out on...
Oil, What’s it Good For?
“We should look for someone to eat and drink with
before looking for something to eat and drink.”
- Epicurus
While reaching for the mundane bottle of vegetable oil in the market, my eye caught the label on the bottle of avocado oil. Now, I love avocados...
Mayor’s Message | Smooth Roads Ahead in Scotts Valley
As a small city operating with only 6.5% of its residents’ property tax revenue, Scotts Valley faces significant financial challenges in providing essential services. However, thanks to the support of our community, we are moving forward with renewed optimism.
The passage of Measure X in...
Finishing a Tough Year Strong
Because this past year has been a very busy one for District 5, it is not at all surprising that we will end 2021 with a great deal of activity. Let’s start with the County’s ongoing response to Covid-19, which continues to be a...
Strictly Business | The Ultimate Trio: Fashion, Fun & Feel-Good Finds
Nestled in the heart of downtown Felton, SCM Clothing Glass & A$$ is redefining the shopping experience. It is located conveniently across from RiteAid on Highway 9. This unique store combines an extraordinary mix of themed T-shirts, custom hats, adult pleasure toys and premium...
Strictly Business | Leadership & Heart: Women’s Inner Strength Movement
Jennifer Young is a force of nature. She has an infectious wit and undeniable intelligence. Her love of working with details and structure and her visionary organizational skills are why she succeeds at customizing retreats for small business owners.
Several years ago, I met Jennifer...
Finance | Navigating Long-term Care: Hazards and Strategies
As my parents suffered lingering deaths from cancer and Alzheimer’s, they appreciated long-term care insurance, and their purchase enlarged my inheritance. I am a 62-year-old paraplegic planner receiving home care while working diligently—and subsidized retirement living terrifies me enough to save. After all, 70%...
Finance | Home Finance for San Lorenzo and Scotts Valleys Today
Homeowners may gloat at long-term home price growth, but others struggle to enjoy the blessings of mountain home ownership. Redfin states: “In November 2023, Santa Cruz home prices were down 20.8% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $1.2M.”
With interest rates...
New safety regulations
As our community continues its recovery from last summer’s CZU Lightning Complex fire, a new concern has emerged. Proposed changes to fire safe regulations by the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection could directly impact numerous properties throughout Santa Cruz County, not just in...
The Mountain Gardener | Growing the Best Dogwoods
When the dogwoods start to bloom, I’m torn between the flowering crabapples and cherries and wisteria and lilacs. But those huge dogwood flowers—or more precisely, bracts—get my attention every time I drive along the thoroughfares of San Lorenzo and Scotts Valley.
Most of us are...
Drainage improvement project on Highway 236 begins next week
The installation and replacement of new drainage pipes on Highway 236, from Boulder Brook Drive to Chipmunk Hollow Road in Boulder Creek, will begin...