53.7 F
Scotts Valley
May 23, 2026

It’s that time of year again: flu season

 Since we are rapidly approaching the flu season, I'd like to answer common questions I hear about influenza and the flu shot.

Eat Food, Not Nutrients

I am a huge fan of Michael Pollan, journalist, activist, and author of numerous books, including The Omnivore's Dilemma and In Defense of Food. Eleven years ago, he won me over when I read his piece in the New York Times Magazine, called Unhappy Meals. Pollan's essay had a profound impact on me and was one of my inspirations for becoming a nutrition coach. He writes about food in a way that makes sense and simplifies the seemingly overwhelming and over complicated topic of what we should eat. In a nutshell, Pollan advises us to eat food, not nutrients. I live by this principle and teach my clients to do the same. 

Things you Didn’t Know about Mums

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.

SVHS students get first look at careers in law enforcement

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.

A local treasure: History of Felton Grove-compliments of Vicki Wees

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.

Plain Talk about Food Bruschetta Appetizers on a Train

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.

Planting California Natives this Fall

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.

Talk about Money: If the choice is death or taxes, consider charity

The bull market that started in 2009 is now the longest in history, and Silicon Valley stocks have been among the leaders. Some have gone up by 10 times or more. But it’s rare for anything to go up forever.

Adding Fragrant Plants to the Garden

It was an especially fragrant bouquet of roses on my dining table this week that got me thinking about what an incredible thing our sense of smell is. It’s the only sense that has a direct connection to our brains. We can detect at least a trillion distinct scents. Our scent cells are renewed every 30 to 60 days. Some of the most pleasurable scents, according to recent research, include vanilla, some orange scents, cinnamon, crayons and cookies. I don’t have any crayon or cookie scented flowers but wouldn’t that be a great addition in the garden?

This Just in- Plants Need Water to Survive

All plants need water- even those that are tolerant of our summer dry conditions. Water makes up 90-98 percent of every plant we grow. It's needed for photosynthesis, as well as reproduction and defense against pests.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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traffic safety roadwork signs and light

Highway 9 one-way reversing traffic control continues during week of May...

Travelers on Highway 9 will encounter daytime and overnight one-way reversing traffic control Tuesday through Friday at multiple locations during the week of May...