Plain Talk About Food | Ocean’s Bounty
My entire life has revolved around our ocean’s bounty, whether it be in the fierce beauty of storms I’ve witnessed living next to its waters in Ventura or during my early years living in Aberdeen, Wash.
My winter memories are of fog lying low along...
Think Local First
Last year challenged us, not just globally and nationally, but, especially, locally. We know what happened here with the businesses shutting down and stay-at-home demands. Compounded by our local fires, we witnessed firsthand how small local towns band together and support their own. I...
Several Developments In The Fifth District
The month of May has gotten off to a great start with exciting developments throughout the Fifth District.
Last week, I was pleased to join other elected leaders in our county in celebrating the construction kick-off for the Highway 17 Wildlife Crossing, a project designed...
Pantone Color of the Year 2021
Apparently, there was some controversy in 2019 over Pantone choosing Living Coral as its Color of the Year because healthy living coral is in short supply. I thought the color coral worked just fine in the garden but then Classic Blue won the top...
The Mountain Gardener | Vegetables in the Shade
Being the type who doesn’t take no for an answer, I’m going to try growing veggies on my shady deck again. I wasn’t very successful a couple years ago. I thought that three hours of hot midday sun would be enough for green beans...
Guest Column | Scotts Valley Parks Await You
The official beginning of summer welcomes warmer weather, longer days and many opportunities to be active. Being outdoors makes us feel good and, as we have learned during these past few Covid-filled years, it benefits both our mental and physical health.
For years, I have...
Plain Talk About Food | Attitude Adjustment
“Attitude is the ‘little’ thing that makes a big difference.” —Winston Churchill
Each morning, I swing my legs over the side of my bed, slide my feet into “sadly worn” slippers and make my morning’s first cup of coffee where I will take my first...
The Mountain Gardener | Time Well Spent in the Garden
I’m so proud of myself. I write about all the important things to do in the early spring garden but often I don’t get to them myself. Seems there’s that book I’m reading or birding, hiking or wildflower walks that take priority. But this...
Plain Talk About Food | The Secret of Aunt Betty’s ‘Crust Dust’
Summer fruit season is upon us as those beautiful peaches, pears, plums and now apples are showing up at the local farmers markets. Sadly, I have had to turn down offers from neighbors to share in their bounty, as there is only myself now...
The Mountain Gardener | How to Use Phenology in the Garden
Always on the lookout for potential problems in my garden, I can use all the help I can get. Solutions are out there. One of my go-to websites that I use to diagnose those problems is UC Integrated Pest Management or http://ipm.ucanr.edu. You can...
News Briefs | Published July 11, 2025
‘Veterans’ Voices with VTC’ debuts on Santa Cruz Voice
The Veterans Transition Center (VTC) and Santa Cruz Voice have partnered to launch “Veterans’ Voices with...