Sustainable living: Tough choices for over-the-hill commuters
Anyone who relies on a car to make ends meet (that is, nearly everyone in the U.S.) knows that gasoline is quickly approaching the $5 mark and may hit $6 a gallon by the end of the summer. With the lack of jobs in Santa Cruz County, especially in San Lorenzo Valley, we simply don’t have many choices other than driving “over the hill” for a paycheck.
Let’s Go Fishin’: Rockfish season adds to ocean fishing options
Salmon fishing has been taking the headline news space lately. But rockfish season opened Sunday, May 1, and that adds to our ocean fishing choices in the Monterey Bay. This is great news if salmon fishing is slow: People can switch to rockfish to fill the coolers with fresh fish.
Wine lover: Home winemaking in Boulder Creek
I recently interviewed a home wine maker in Boulder Creek who started his own co-op only a couple of years ago. His name is Ken Baurmeister, and he makes wine with Larry Hill, Eric Rice and Floyd Curtis. Their operation is quite small, but already they are having some success.
Mountain Gardner: A bounty of blooms
It's rewarding to grow your own fruit and vegetables, but more and more of us also want to grow flowers that can be cut and enjoyed inside, too. Growers are taking notice of this trend, and there are more cut-flower varieties available today than ever before.
Talk about money: Electricity viable on the streets
As I filled my gas tank and watched the meter on the pump roll past $50, then $60, then $70, I couldn’t help but think of Jay Friedland, who drives an electric vehicle and says the only time he pulls into a gas station is to fill his tires with air.
The Mountain Gardener: Plant natives to spruce up your garden
In celebration of Native Plant Week earlier this month, let's talk about using California natives in the garden. How do you pick the best plants for your situation, and what do they need to grow in your garden?
Felton Fire candidates outline priorities for new funding
With the passage of the 218 Benefit Assessment put to Felton voters in a special election this summer, that new funding is meant to...














