The Mountain Gardener: Small spaces can be wonderful places
He told me that his was a one-of-a-kind garden. Unique in such a small space. He asked if I would I be interested in visiting some time. I love being invited to tour all types of gardens, but I had an inkling that the garden of Rich Merrill, former Director of the Horticulture Dept. and Professor Emeritus at Cabrillo College, would be something special.
Geraniums – Wallflowers of the nursery, workhorses of the garden
I feel sorry for them. They are the wallflowers of the nursery. Shoppers barely glance their way before moving on to attention-getters like dinner-plate dahlias.
Wine Lover: Pinot noir, terroir in the Santa Cruz Region
If I asked you to find a Santa Cruz winery that didn’t produce a pinot noir, you would be hard pressed. Almost every winery in our region is not only producing pinot noir, but also growing or buying the pinot grapes locally.
City of Scotts Valley fills 2 key vacancies
A couple years back, Scotts Valley was reeling from a series of departures, while struggling to attract new staff during the Covid-19 pandemic.
But now, with two key hires—Building Official Nelson Alfaro and Public Works Director Bret Swain—the City has filled 93% of its roster.
“Scotts...
2014 Holiday Guide: Guest column: A stocking full of wishes or stuff
Guest column: A stocking full of wishes or stuff
Datebook
Submit Datebook items to [email protected], or drop off press releases or photos at 5215 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste. F, Scotts Valley 95066. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Entries are subject to editing, and publication is not guaranteed.
Nature Friendly: UCSC professor teaches science with reptiles and amphibians
We will be celebrating the recent ascension of the red-legged frog to California’s official state amphibian on our next Watershed Walk with Dr. Gage Dayton of UC Santa Cruz, an expert on reptiles and amphibians.
Your Health: Swimmer’s ear a painful but temporary affliction
For what seems to be a minor health problem, swimmer’s ear results in nearly 2.4 million doctor visits annually and costs our health care system $500 million a year.
Datebook
- Submit Datebook items to [email protected] or drop off press releases or photos at 5215 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste. F, Scotts Valley 95066. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Entries are subject to editing, and publication is not guaranteed.
News Briefs | Published Sept. 12, 2025
Fun run, emergency preparedness fair set for Saturday
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the City of Santa Cruz will be hosting Race the Wave, a 3K...