Community members, city leaders, and cycling enthusiasts flocked to Skypark in Scotts Valley last Saturday to celebrate the grand opening of the long-anticipated mountain bike and BMX pump track.

When I think of autumn, I think of how the gold leaves of the sycamores and the big leaf maples illumine the forest and the river. And when I think of the river, I think of what Fred McPherson, local naturalist and videographer, has always said; “The river is my teacher.”

Throughout the year, I am asked for design help and plant suggestions, but it’s at this time of year that I especially hear the request; “I’d love to add more grasses to my garden.”

The Scotts Valley Wrestling Academy’s preseason folkstyle team has experienced a surprisingly high turnout with 14 girls on the club thus far.

With many opposing obstacles — including warm ocean water, lack of rain, and low river flows — the return of chinook salmon looks promising.

A duo of Scotts Valley teens from Troop 614 were recently honored with Scouting’s highest award, the Eagle Scout. Justas Venancio Rodarte and Matthew Norman Robinson were honored by their troop and families at a Eagle Court of Honor Ceremony, which was held at the Salvation Army Camp Redwood Glen on Aug. 24. There they received proclamations from the Mayor of Scotts Valley and special recognition from the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.