Let’s Go Fishin’: Low water stress
As much as I wish creating rain is under my control, I have to remind myself it is out of my hands. The wonderful weather comes with pleasure until my mind switches from the beach to the river, then I begin to realize a slow underlining feeling of worry and fear. I think this concern is carried by many of us who have concerns that are greater than ourselves and the daily pleasure of nice weather. So many factors relay on regular rain and snow fall totals. It is hard to not wish for rain.
The Mountain Gardener: How to properly plant bare root trees
Growing fruit in your garden or home orchard may be even more important in the future than ever before. The lack of rainfall last year and this winter will probably raise the price of fruit at the market. If the water farmers rely on is rationed during this years growing season, fruit production will also suffer. You can start growing your own fruit by planting a bare root tree now. This is how to do it.
Plain talk about food: January screams “chili” — Chili Con Carne that is
With the winter’s sun dropping below the mountains, the temperature has been dropping into the twenties most nights. Chili weather calls for eating a bowlful of chili con carne, cornbread and a glass of Heineken beer by the fireplace at day’s end.
Talk about money: Take caution with bitcoin
I got some negative responses on my column last month about bitcoin, including one from a reader who said it was “totally irresponsible.” I need to clarify.
The Mountain Gardener: Bare root is the way to go
It's bare root season again. There's something magical about a small leafless tree with bare roots that will produce mouth-watering fruit when it grows up. Even ornamental shade trees, flowering shrubs like lilacs, and vines like wisteria, start out looking like twigs.
The Mountain Gardener: A new tree for my sister
Last fall my sister lost her favorite tree in a windstorm. She lives on Fox Island in the southern part of Puget Sound. I remember hearing about the extraordinary Pacific storm on the national news shattering records in the Northwest. Gusts up to 76 miles per hour closed bridges while falling trees hurt two people and thousands lost power. Her Silk Tree didn't stand a chance.
It’s the Law: Want to buy a beach?
About a year ago I wrote a column about Martin’s Beach near Half Moon Bay, an idyllic crescent shaped beach that many consider the most beautiful in San Mateo County. A billionaire named Vinod Khosla bought all the land fronting the beach and gated off the only road that leads to Martin’s Beach. Since the beach has 75 foot cliffs on both the north and south ends, the only realistic access is via that one road. A few foolish people have suggested that people can come in by way of the ocean. They have obviously never had the entertaining experience of landing or launching a boat through the breakers. Seaworthy individuals do it, but grandma may object to this form of exercise.
Let’s Go Fishin’: Out with the old in with the new
The New Year brings us to new Licenses, and mailing back the old “report cards”
News Briefs | Published Sept. 12, 2025
Fun run, emergency preparedness fair set for Saturday
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the City of Santa Cruz will be hosting Race the Wave, a 3K...