Every drop of rain that hits bare soil is destructive. Over 3000 years ago the Chinese knew how to protect their soil from erosion and increase fertility by planting cover crops. Early Nile Valley inhabitants also practiced this method of agriculture as did first century Romans. Lupines were planted in poor soil when no animal manure was to be had. Planting a cover crop is another way to improve and retain your soil.

 When fire season slows and the winter rains roll in, the Ben Lomond Fire (BLFD) remains the go-to department for emergencies in the community and throughout Santa Cruz County.

When I think about my home and garden what often comes to mind is sharing. “Wouldn’t so-and-so love this plant or flower or meal, too?”  Besides my adult friends I get to borrow some children occasionally to share my little piece of paradise up here in Bonny Doon. This is the story of my day at home and in the garden with 3 1/2 year old Scarlett Biles.

As a horticultural consultant and certified master arborist, Ruth Stiles has gained experience working with water efficiency in the landscape setting. It was her interest in water efficiency that first prompted her to apply for an appointed position to the Scotts Valley Water District (SVWD) board of directors in December 2014 after Jay Mosley vacated the seat. Now, Stiles is up for re-election this November to continue as a board of director for SVWD.

The town of Felton is 150 years old, and townsfolk are gearing up to throw a grand anniversary bash. The town party will include historical presentations of Felton's early days, which will be on display at Felton Community Hall and the Felton Fire Station, 4 bands, dancing, various other entertainment and of course, lots of local food and drink, shopping, kids events, crafts and more.

Running for his third full term as a member of the Scotts Valley City Council,  Jim Reed says the city is “right on the cusp” of realizing some major long term goals, particularly the Town Center Project, and after all these years of planning and preparation, Reed wants to be part of getting it built.

The idea of mixing a physics college curriculum with the humanities is nothing new, but for one UCSC lecturer the concept intrigued her enough to spearhead a collaborative art exhibit, opening this spring.

The ground was officially broken for the new Felton Library last Saturday, which brought together a large group of dedicated community members, several local elected officials and many county staff members to celebrate. The symbolic act of turning a shovel of dirt didn’t take long, but represented the culmination of more than a decade of collaborative effort to build a brand new, 8,900 square foot library in Felton.

Some people wait all year for fall weather to arrive. The heat of summer is over and the tourists are gone along with that pesky fog along the coast. For us up here in the Santa Cruz Mountains, this is one of the best times to be outside. Here are tips for early fall in the garden.

Mountain Community Theater is proud to present a black comedy about white trash, Sordid Lives, by Del Shores, directed by Hannah Eckstein.    The production opens at Ben Lomond's historic Park Hall, 9400 Mill Street, on Friday, September 21, and continues on weekends through Sunday, October 14.  Friday and Saturday performances are at 8:00 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2:00 p.m. (no Sunday matinee on September 23).  Thursday, September 27 at 8:00 pm is Community Night, with two tickets for $20.00.  For all other performances, General Admission tickets are $20.00, Students and seniors are $17.00. There will be a champagne reception after the show on opening night.  There will be a special talk back with the cast and director after the Sunday matinee on September 30.  The performance is rated PG-13, and contains adult language and subject matter that may not be suitable for young children.  Tickets will be available to the public at www.brownpapertickets.com.