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Scotts Valley
October 10, 2026

Plain Talk About Food | It’s Time for Artichokes

Deep-fried artichoke hearts
Nothing piques my interest more than the roadside vegetable stands on Highway 1 while driving from Watsonville through Moss Landing and eventually diving through Castroville, the home of the Artichoke Festival. However, Hubby Norm did not feel my enthusiasm. Making this stop from this busy...

Finance | Annuities for Costly Security

Finance
“The more you read, the more you’ll know. The more you know, the more you can earn.” —Dr. Seuss. About those Annuities Investopedia speaks of investments growing recently with market fears, yet “Only about 11%-12% of retirement-age households own annuities, and even fewer rely on them...

The Mountain Gardener | Watering the Right Way

Salvia Hot Lips
Think like a plant. The weather might be cool one day, really hot the next day. And your plants are growing like mad in order to reproduce, which is their life’s work. All this takes water, which is the elixir of life for us...

Strictly Business | The Firefighter Octopus of Good Times

Danielle Ratliff
We often hear that multitasking is impossible. Experts tell us our brains are not wired to do several things at once. Then you meet someone like Danielle Ratliff and begin to wonder if she somehow missed the memo. When I arrived for our conversation, Danielle’s...

Mayor’s Message | Scotts Valley Street Repairs and Construction News

Council with Public Works
Having addressed the frequent questions about development, with the help of Public Works Director Rodolfo Onchi, I will attempt to address the second most-asked questions that council members receive—street repairs! Questions include: When will Scotts Valley Drive be upgraded? What about the manhole covers that...

Fitness | Why Strength Training Matters for All Ages

Fitness strength training
Strength training is not just for bodybuilders. Weight training is necessary for all ages whether the age is 7, 30 or 80 years old. Kids can begin strength training at age 7 using their own body weight, then can graduate to using light weights...

The Mountain Gardener | Great Flowers for Year-Round Bouquets

Flower bouquet
Want to be able to walk outside and pick some flowers to take to a friend’s house or bring inside to enjoy yourself? Not long ago I was looking around my own little garden for good flowers to cut for a bouquet. I had...

Plain Talk About Food | The Fifth Commandment: ‘Honor Thy Father and Mother’

Ribeye steak
This Father’s Day I have no plans to be cooking for a crowd. I am taking the weekend off. However, I have included a recipe for an absolutely delicious ribeye steak that would please any father on his special day. A wonderful way to...

Letter to the Editor | Published June 19, 2026

letters to the editor
Seek Facts Before Voting on Fire Measure As a resident and property owner in Felton Fire Protection District, I am concerned about the untruths, misconstrued information and out-of-date material being published in print and social media, and online, and via mail service about the proposed...

Guest Column | Keynote Speech to the Scotts Valley High School Class of 2026

Maroon graduation cap with tassel and rolled diploma tied with ribbon
As a long-time substitute teacher, Tutoring Club business co-owner and Rotarian in Scotts Valley, I was invited by the Scotts Valley High School graduating Class of 2026 to be their keynote speaker, an unexpected honor of a lifetime. On May 28, I gave the speech...

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Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Central Coast Good Fire Fair returns Saturday to Henry Cowell Redwoods...

California State Parks will host the third Central Coast Good Fire Fair and demonstration burn Saturday, Oct. 10, at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The...