The Mountain Gardener | California Natives for Spectacular Containers
Adding California natives to my collection of container plants has been a goal for a long time. Besides attracting birds and wildlife to the garden, they use less water than most container plants, plus they are beautiful. Since I have limited ground to garden,...
Strictly Business | Helping Seniors Move Toward What Matters
When Heather Lewis Sebring asks older adults about moving, she does not begin with boxes, floor plans or what needs to go.
She starts with a much better question: “What would you like your life to be full of in the next 10 years?”
More travel?...
Mayor’s Message | Scotts Valley’s 60th Birthday Bash
The City of Scotts Valley celebrated our city’s 60th Birthday during the first week of August. It couldn’t have happened without the hard work and dedication of Parks and Recreation, particularly Division Manager Allison Pfefferkorn and her staff, as well as the Scotts Valley...
The Mountain Gardener | Planting Under Trees
Many of us live under oaks or are surrounded by redwoods. We know the value of trees in the landscape. Trees shade us in the summer. We anticipate their showy blossoms in the spring and enjoy their beautiful colorful foliage in the fall. You...
Finance | Planning Your Financial Future Under Socialism
“The weeds of socialism are better than the crops of capitalism.” —Chairman Mao Zedong
Bernie Sanders won Santa Cruz County primaries twice and now Ocasio-Cortez, Mandami, El-Sayed and Flanagan gain power. DSA friendly candidates threaten moderate Democrats and independent votes enough to give MAGA a...
Fitness | Build Your Strength in the Water
Take your workout in the water. Training in the gym or on land isn’t the only way to get in better shape. You can burn calories, fat and build muscle with aquatic fitness just as you do on land.
Aquatic fitness isn’t just for the...
The Mountain Gardener | Gardening During the Dog Days
My neighbor’s dog, Winston, is dealing with the heat of the summer during his walk and visit to my place. He can hardly wait for a drink of water and a flop on the cool hardwood floor. Even the plants outside aren’t happy when...
Plain Talk About Food | I Wish I Was 18 Again
“And going places I’ve never been. Time turns the pages and oh, life goes so fast, Lord, I wish I was eighteen again.” —George Burns, 1980
In Aberdeen, Wash., Uncle and Aunt’s old two-story and eight-bedroom boarding house sat on the edge of a slough;...
Letter to the Editor | Published Aug. 14, 2026
USPS Plans Single Daily Pickup
Regarding David Erickson’s letter in the Aug. 7 Press Banner (“Scotts Valley PO Mail Delays Draw Concern”):
USPS is in the process of implementing a plan to eliminate all but one daily pickup (Monday through Saturday) from all post offices that...
Scotts Valley School Bell | Back to School!
Wow… summer sure went by quickly. I hope you and your families have all had a chance to enjoy our great weather, take a vacation, celebrate July 4 and our city’s 60th birthday. Your Scotts Valley schools kicked off last week, and as you...
Three candidates vie for two Scotts Valley council seats
Mike Zeller, the director of programming and project delivery for the Transportation Agency for Monterey County, is the relative newcomer on the Scotts Valley...
