A former Scotts Valley resident returned to his hometown this week to film a scene for his original musical based on the music of the Beach Boys.

There is nothing quite as central to Bonny Doon as the elementary school. In an effort to fund essential science, music and art programs at Bonny Doon Elementary, the Bonny Doon Community School Foundation is preparing to host its annual art, wine and brew festival this weekend.

Many in Felton still miss the noon-time testing of the WWII-vintage civil defense fire siren that was discontinued back in 2016 after it got stuck on “on” and truly alarmed the community, according to long-time Fire Chief Ron Rickabaugh. 

    The summer I was five years old my Aunt Betty outfitted me in ‘berry-picking-clothes’ which consisted of my oldest pair of Buster Brown shoes, a long-sleeved shirt, and a thin rope which had an empty Hills Bros coffee can attached and tied around my waist.  I was now ready for my first berry-picking adventure.

Ah, it’s that most anticipated time of the year- the spring garden tour season and I’m really looking forward to being inspired and learning something new at the same time. What could be better?

I’d like to share some of my thoughts on making for a very safe summer for everyone.

A couple of months ago I met with local 4-H club members as they started to plan for their upcoming spring project. This year 4-H members from Felton, Scotts Valley and Quail Creek in the Zayante area are putting their minds and enthusiasm to good use to further educate themselves and the community about the importance of beneficial insects to our world. They will share their efforts at the upcoming Felton Library Friends Garden Tour on May 19th. Proceeds from the tour will benefit the new Felton Branch Library and Nature Discovery Park project slated to break ground this summer.

The fifth of May is just ‘around the corner’ and I have all of the ingredients needed for making Tamales, absolutely necessary in my opinion, to celebrate one of my favorite holidays. 

At the beginning of August 1897, Judge Logan tackled the task of converting 400 acres of former forest into a resort community.  It was decided to begin development of “Clear Creek” by concentrating on two tracts.  Cottage lots would be laid out between the county highway and the river.  The old skid roads leading to the railyard known as Reed’s or Bloom’s Switch would become streets.  The first job was to clear away the underbrush that had occupied the landscape.  The Mountain Echo applauded the idea of “leaving all tree growths, making a beautiful park of it.”  The founding families would build beside the creek, on either side of the main road.

I know many people who wait until the beginning of May to start their vegetable gardens for the summer. Conditions make not be right for them to grow cool season vegetables like beets, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, lettuce, unions, radish and spinach. Those plants don’t mind cold soil and chilly weather. But it you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to plant those scrumptious tomatoes you crave- wait no more. And if you plan your garden right you can still grow some of the cool season crops in the shade of your other sun lovers.