In a Ponzi scheme, someone who claims to be a financial adviser creates the illusion he’s getting high returns for clients. Really, he’s just paying off early investors with money from new ones. He can keep the deception going for years before it collapses, leaving investors burned.

A tree in full bloom is a breathtaking sight. A flowering shrub covered with fragrant blossoms is awe inspiring, too. But it's a spectacular group of plants in a great container that never fails to get my attention.

Scotts Valley Exchange Club

- 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.

- Brevin James Holbrook, born at 2:35 p.m. May 16, 2012, is the new son of Jessica Lynn and James Edward Holbrook IV of Felton. He was born at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz, where he weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces.

May is National Asthma Awareness Month. It is estimated that more than 8 percent of the U.S. population suffers from asthma, and the numbers are rising yearly.