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.

The autumnal equinox happens on Saturday, September 22nd this year. It's the official start of fall when the sun crosses the celestial equator and moves southward. The earth's axis of rotation is perpendicular to the line connecting the centers of the earth and the sun on this day. Many people believe that the earth experiences 12 hours each of day and night on the equinox. However, this is not exactly the case.

Can it be? Already I’m seeing my dogwood and crape myrtle showing signs of fall color. Pictures on Instagram and Facebook from other gardeners show early color on sumac and lilac. I know fall is in the air when the pink amaryllis belladonna bloom and I’m ready.

Beginning promptly at 7:40 a.m. on Friday, retired Police Lieutenant John Hohmann begins his criminal justice class with a “behind the scenes” tour of the Scotts Valley Police Station. As part of the regional occupation program, 32 students from Scotts Valley High School are offered an opportunity to learn about the criminal justice system with hands on experience.

Rarely does a person give back so much to the neighborhood she settled in as Vicki Wees. Wees, now 64-years-old, first moved into a rented house in the Felton Grove neighborhood in 1979, when she was 25. Except for a few years here and there, Wees has lived in Felton Grove ever since. About 10 years ago, as something of a hobby, Wees began collecting historic photographs, documents and maps of the Felton Grove neighborhood.

The greatest defeat in life is to miss riding on a train.  One day we will have to quit this life filled with music, laughter, leaves turning golden in the fall, the touch of a loved one’s hand.  Never having had the joy of riding on a train falls somewhere in between.

The chill is in the air. At least as I write this. Next week ti could return to summer-like weather but for now I’m thinking of what plants I want to add to my garden this fall planting season. California native plants are well suited to planting at this time of year and acclimating to their new homes without much stress. Here are some ideas to get you started.