The Mountain Gardener | What’s Sheet Mulching
Boy, was I impressed. Not long ago I was at a garden to consult with a new client on some upgrades they envisioned for their property. I love to meet new gardeners and give them “my two cents worth.” Well this homeowner had Googled...
Recognizing Down Syndrome Awareness Month
October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. This disorder has particular meaning to me because when I married my dear wife Beth, I gained not only a wonderful wife but also an equally incredible Down syndrome brother-in-law named Danny. Coincidentally, Danny had been a patient...
Letters to the Editor | Published Oct. 5, 2025
Questioning transparency in proposed mosquito fee
I just read your article titled, “Felton Fire District Faces Concerns Over Parcel Tax Proposal,” and I must say, similar concerns arise when considering the Santa Cruz County Mosquito and Vector Control proposal to levy an additional fee onto...
Water conservation doesn’t equal money savings
Like water customers throughout the Central Coast and many other parts of California, Scotts Valley Water District ratepayers have responded to the historic drought by sharply reducing their water use even as El Niño rains fall across our service area. Although El Niño is bringing some relief to the parched soil, it will take longer than a single year for our thirsty watersheds to recover. Water conservation is still necessary to assist in the recuperation of our watersheds.
Police-N-Pursuit for Rettland Foundation
Last Friday, September 26th, was an exciting night for everyone at Ocean Speedway in Watsonville! On this night, the Police-N-Pursuit wives and girlfriends drove in the race to help the Rettland Foundation raise $7,500 to fight against Rett Syndrome.
Plain Talk About Food | Happiness is Prime Rib of Beef
“Laughter is brightest where food is best.” —Irish Proverb
I love cooking for people, especially when the guests are people I have never met, or perhaps for people who have paid a large sum of money to be guests at my table, with the proceeds...
Letters to the Editor | Published July 10, 2026
Protect Felton Emergency Services
I live near downtown Felton and 24 years ago, while pregnant, I experienced a medical emergency early in the morning. My husband called 911 and while he was still on the phone with the dispatcher, he could hear the sirens coming....
Scotts Valley graduate receives Teamsters scholarship
Violeta Dauksa of Scotts Valley has been named a recipient of a 2026 scholarship from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Scholarship Fund.
Dauksa is a...
