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Scotts Valley
April 22, 2026

Your Health: Cigarette smoking hits record low in California

Good news has just come from the California Department of Public Health, which recently reported that the state’s adult smoking rate has hit a record low. Last year, 11.9 percent of the state’s adults smoked, down from 13.1 percent in 2009. By comparison, in 1984, 26 percent of our state’s adults smoked.

Club Roundup

Scotts Valley Exchange Club

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.

Teen time: Do the right thing

I know we all sometimes want to take the easy way out on some situations in life, but I’m going to tell you why you should think about the ending results and make the right choice.

Healthy Living: Picking the perfect peach

A peach that is fragrant and heavy for its size, has smooth skin and rich color, and gives under gentle pressure will be a juicy, sweet, delectable experience.

Comedy Corner: Another look at the Laundry Mat

What does that mean? I understand “laundry,” don’t get me wrong, but “mat”? Where does “mat” come from? So I Google’d it.

The Mountain Gardener: Grow your own herbs

I've been reading a book called “Green Thoughts” by the late Eleanor Perenyi. She lived until the age of 91, passing away in 2009. Her 72 essays on gardening will live forever. She's a hoot and her writing is delightful.

New Faces

Ethan James Wolff was born to Jennifer Anne and Ryan Peter Wolff of Scotts Valley at 4:10 a.m. June 22, 2011, at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz. He weighed 6 pounds, 13 ounces.

Valley Neighbors: From rodeo queen to G.I. ‘Jo’

Hinemoa Ruskin, a resident of Ben Lomond, is an unsung heroine who risked her life and left everything behind to serve as a U.S. Army nurse during World War II.

Let’s go fishin’: Albacore may be on the menu

Warm water is making its way closer to shore, and the highly migratory albacore are soon to follow. Private boats are looking for and commercial fishermen are already landing albacore. Salmon fishing, along with rockfish and halibut, are still providing good inshore action.

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News Briefs

News Briefs | Published April 17, 2026

Santa Cruz METRO celebrates Earth Day with free fares Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (METRO) is celebrating Earth Day by offering free fares countywide on...