We must remain united
By Derek Timm, Scotts Valley Mayor
Our Scotts Valley Police Officers do so much for our community, and everyone in leadership agrees that we want to support them in every way we can. To say this year has been difficult is an understatement, not only...
A poem for gardeners
T’was the night before Christmas and all through the garden,
The creatures were stirring, the deer got a pardon.
The hummingbird feeders were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that the Anna’s soon would be there.
The flowering cherries were nestled all snug in their beds,
While...
The Mountain Gardener | Gardening Tips for the Allergy Sufferer
Several of my friends suffer from allergies nearly year round starting in January. Most of us don’t notice the amount of pollen in the air even when it’s cold, but my friends sure do.
Everybody blames the Acacia tree for their allergies, but they are...
California Natives for Fall Planting
Beautiful beginning-of-fall weather is here and you may be thinking of what plants you want to add to your garden this fall planting season. California native plants are well suited to planting at this time of year, acclimating to their new homes without much...
A Thanksgiving poem
Once upon a time when our area was underwater
there were no parks or trails or trees or gardens.
I'm thankful that our mountains rose from an ancient ocean
so we could enjoy this beautiful place we call home.
I'm thankful for the Bigleaf maples
that shower me with...
The meaning of our holiday traditions
We all celebrate the holidays in a different way. Each family has its own traditions and warm memories from years gone by. Some of us celebrate Christmas, some Hanukkah, some Kwanzaa. Many of our traditional Christmas customs originate from Winter Solstice celebrations. The plants...
There’s an Ornamental Grass for Every Garden
One of the most dramatic sights in a garden is an ornamental grass backlit by late afternoon sun. They seem to come alive as their tawny flowers spikes glow and sway in the breeze. Their gentle movement and soft whispering sounds can bring your...
Layering plants for wildlife
I confess, I’m a lazy gardener. In July, my idea of working in the garden consists of removing seed pods from the fuchsias and trimming a few parsley and basil sprigs for dinner. I didn’t have to spend time spraying for harmful insects and...
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...
Scotts Valley crime rates rise in some categories, but remain low...
In a sleepy town like Scotts Valley, it’s par for the course that year-to-year crime percentages swing wildly.
If no robberies happen one year, and...
