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Scotts Valley
September 11, 2025

The Mountain Gardener: How to deal with frost, and winter gifts

Early on one of those freezing mornings I came across a large stand of California native toyon shrubs, every branch covered with juicy red berries. Dozens of songbirds were enjoying the feast, loading up and bracing for another cold night. You couldn't ask for a more Christmas-ey plant. Bright red and green — the Christmas colors. I made a note to put toyon on my list for gift ideas. What would be better than to give my loved ones something that feeds the birds and the spirit?

The Mountain Gardener: Garden lessons from the snowy northwest corner of the United States

SEATTLE — It was a snowy afternoon in the Seattle area when I attempted to ferry across the Puget Sound to Whidbey Island. Whiteout conditions got the best of us, so we chickened out and decided instead to go to a local arboretum and the garden of one of my sister's friends.

Datebook

Submit Datebook items to [email protected], or drop off press releases or photos at 5215 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste. F, Scotts Valley 95066. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Entries are subject to editing, and publication is not guaranteed.

Datebook

- Submit Datebook items to [email protected] or drop off press releases or photos at 5215 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste. F, Scotts Valley 95066. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Entries are subject to editing, and publication is not guaranteed.

Let’s go fishin’: Perch Tournament proves a success

On March 9, 225 contestants and 30 volunteers came together to fish, have fun and raise money for Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project at the Sand Crab Classic Perch Tournament.

The Mountain Gardener: Chocolate a boon to any garden

Gardeners are always on the look out for new plants. I recall when I worked at a nursery looking over the showy dahlia shipment for the one that was a deeper, more vivid shade than all the rest. One color that always gets my attention is chocolate. Whether I find it in the foliage of a plant or the flower itself, it's one of my favorites. You can imagine my delight when I discovered the Chocolate Flower Farm in Langley on Whidbey Island, Wash. while I was visiting the Puget Sound recently. I was a kid in the candy store.

Commentary: In support of SLV Water District rate increase

The rate increase proposed for SLV Water District customers is not only justified; it is necessary. Concern for low-income residents is shared not only by those opposed to the increase, but also by every SLV Water District Board Member, and every employee. They have been diligent and careful in their evaluation of the district’s needs for long-term efficiency, centralizing district operations, dealing with the threat of long-term drought years and possible emergencies, and maintaining a quality supply of water in sufficient quantity to meet our current and future needs.

Plain talk about food: All about ribs

My Hubby Norm and I have many long distance friends that come to visit us for several days at a time.

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Scotts Valley police arrest 8 for DUI during late summer enforcement

Scotts Valley Police Department arrested eight drivers suspected of driving under the influence (DUI) during a nearly three-week period through Labor Day weekend. The enforcement...