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Scotts Valley
August 6, 2026

A gift from Santa’s postal elf

Every year for the past few years, in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve, I’ve enjoyed a very special duty. My mail carrier brings me all the letters that local children write to Santa Claus.

Wine lover: A Chardonnay for everyone

Chardonnay is a heck of a grape. It can be made into a buttery, full-bodied, creamy fruit bomb, or it can be made into a pristine, light-bodied, mineral-driven Burgundy. The amazing thing is that both of these styles are widely accepted and mass-produced.

Comedy corner: The Remodel

As you may know by now, my sense of humor is pretty quirky, and I don’t always see things in the normal way. For example, take the new Cialis commercial that seems to air 20 times a day.

New Faces

**Corin Avery Triona was born at 5:41 p.m. Nov. 25, 2010, to Lara Michelle (Meyer) and Eli Emmett Stevens of Felton. She weighed 6 pounds, 8 ounces at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center in Santa Cruz.

Money: Recapping the tax changes of 2010

When the famous Greek philosopher Heraclitus constructed his doctrine of change being central to the universe, with the thesis that “nothing endures but change,” he might have been peering into the future, witnessing the state of our tax and legislative system in the U.S., circa 2010.

Healthy living: Jump-start January resolutions by finishing the year right

It might feel early to begin thinking about New Year’s resolutions, but now is the perfect time to set yourself up for success.

Fishin’: Keep an eye out for the lawless

As a sportsman and resident of our community, I feel that it is my part to help observe and protect our resources.

Gardener: Stuff your stocking with natives

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here. The community trees are lit, homes and businesses are brightly decorated and Mother Nature is soaking up that much-appreciated rainfall. Santa is looking at the list you secretly keep, and if you've been good, you can probably add one more request. There's still time to get natives in the ground, so add some of these plants to your Christmas list.

Off Hours: Fighting the ennui of winter

Active snow-skiers and boarders are in the driver’s seat for the next few months. While they ramp up for what is projected to be a good year for snow-related fun, however, the rest of us typically alter and reduce our recreational activity in the winter months.

Talk about money: Bargain hunt for closed-end funds at the end of the year

Closed-end funds are not to be confused with their younger and more popular cousin, the exchange-traded fund.

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Father holding hands with his kids while on pedestrian crossing

Scotts Valley police launch school safety enforcement

Scotts Valley Police Department will be participating in “Operation Safe Passage” from August 6-14, with the goal of increasing the safety of students commuting...