Talk about money: New life expectancy figures can be misleading
You may have noticed the new data recently released from the National Center for Health Statistics that shows U.S. life expectancy is at an all-time high — nearly 78 years.
A year of firsts: A mysterious intruder lurks
After two months living in a cabin above Scotts Valley, I’ve met dozens of friendly locals, including deer, rabbits, hawks, raccoons and, just the other day, a bobcat that raced down the driveway in front of my car.
Off hours: All is Fair
If you weren’t already hip to it, this is indeed late notice. But whatever your plan for the weekend is, if it doesn’t include a trip to the Santa Cruz County Fair — change it!
Wine lover: A great time to start making wine
With harvest time quickly approaching, the wine-making industry is abuzz with anticipation for the 2009 harvest.
Let’s go fishin’: Loch Lomond extends season
If you missed your opportunity to visit Loch Lomond Reservoir this year, it’s not too late. The season will be extended at the lake, and its recreational area will remain open to public through Oct. 11.
Nature Friendly: Journey to the Forbidden Sandhills
If you have seen strange lights coming from the Quail Hollow sandhills at night and wondered if those were UFOs or American Indian camps, it was probably just Dr. Jodi McGraw. Jodi is the diva of the Forbidden Sandhills — “forbidden” because only scientists are allowed in this fragile ecosystem.
Mountain Gardener: A peek into local gardening’s past
Editor’s note: This is Part 1 of a two-part series on historical gardening.
The straight dope: The jury is in
The recent Santa Cruz County grand jury report, “Alcohol, a Drug of Choice for Scotts Valley Teens,” provides the proverbial good news-bad news picture. Well, perhaps OK news and bad news is a better summary.
The good with the bad: Lawyers help pursue justice
In my most recent column, I covered some of the reasons people hate lawyers. This month, I promised to find reasons why lawyers aren’t utterly useless. If you ask a lawyer, most will say that they are vital to achieving justice and preserving freedom for the weak and oppressed.
Paddy Smith Park blooms with new garden at Santa Cruz County...
The beautiful Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds are growing even more beautiful thanks to a colorful landscaping project at Paddy Smith Park.
Jeff Rosendale, with Sierra...