Valley Churches United Missions: What the job entails
I’ve been on the job as the new executive director at Valley Churches United since August of last year. When offered the chance to write a column for the Press-Banner, I jumped at it, as it’s a way to let the community inside this great place. I figured I’d start at the beginning; How is it I ended up here in the first place? When I heard of Annette Marcum’s illness and then passing (we never met), I felt in my gut the organization must carry on.
The Wine Lover: Give some thought to how you store wine
Storing wine correctly is important, even for those who never keep a bottle of wine in the house for more than a week or two. A variety of dos and don’ts will ensure that your wine stays good until you’re ready to drink it.
Enriching the Soil With Cover Crops
Every drop of rain that hits bare soil is destructive. Over 3,000 years ago the Chinese protected their soil from erosion and increased fertility by planting cover crops. Early Nile Valley inhabitants also practiced this method of agriculture as did first century Romans. Lupines...
Nature Friendly: High school junior makes his mark as a birder
A great hunter must think like his prey. Where does it nest and when, where does it feed, what is unique about its behavior, and what sounds does it make?
Fall Color Happens Here, Too
Inspired by a website called “Dude, Autumn Happens Here, Too” (https://www.californiafallcolor.com/ ) I set off last week to see the quaking aspen groves in the Sierra. As I drove up Highway 4 and over Ebbetts Pass the aspen groves came into view. Markleeville and Monitor Pass displayed some nice color, too. As I enjoyed the fall display I wondered if they would be as beautiful for future generations or if our impact on the environment would cause these glorious trees to change in any way.
Datebook (June 5, 2015)
- 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.
Your health: Stay safe on Halloween
Halloween will be here in a few days, and many kids will be out trick-or-treating. It’s an exciting night for all of the costumed children. To help ensure safety, I’ll share some tips from the American Society of Pediatrics, as well as some of my own thoughts.
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...