One of the courses in etiquette I provide is called “Being a Gentleman 101.” We discuss the art of being a gentleman, skills needed to achieve this status, and the benefits socially, personally and professionally to a man.

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Every year, the stirrings of early spring excite me. There's even a name for it — spring fever. There are lots of early-season plants that can go in right now, or you can spend some time planning for later additions to your garden. Both are great ways to kick-start this gardening season.

Lately, there’s been a troubling chain email describing unrealistically high fees and charges attached to traffic tickets. It says something like: Your $20 ticket becomes $700 once the state adds it all up, and the California Highway Patrol is out to get us all, thus solving the state’s budget deficit.

Editor’s note: Rep. Anna Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, visited the Press-Banner office this week to discuss recent government policy. We asked her how the present Congress compares with those she has served with since she was first elected in 1992. Below is a transcript of her response. (The short answer: She is unsatisfied with this Congress.)

EDITOR,

The Scotts Valley High School girls soccer team earned the 2011-2012 league title and netted seven of the top honors on the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League all-league team. Senior captain Jordin Carlson was crowned the Most Valuable Player in the SCCAL for her outstanding play as a defender for the Falcons stingy defense.