Last week Scotts Valley Mayor Jim Reed sat down for an interview with the Press Banner to discuss some important issues he hopes to address in his third mayoral term. There is no question for Reed a key economic driver for the city will be the addition of new hotels. According to Reed’s estimates, one hotel can generate enough transient occupancy tax revenue equivalent to what 1,823 single family homes or 10 grocery stores would generate.

It’s been a weird winter, weather-wise, but aren’t they all one way or another? My flowering plum is blooming weeks early. I have an Autumnalis flowering cherry tree that blooms several times a year. The last blooming cycle started in late November and it’s still blooming now. This tree came into my life 20 years ago as a bare root tree. We’re old friends. Now is the time to add ornamentals and edibles like fruit, nuts, berries and vegetables while they’re available in bare root form. They are easy to plant, economical and establish quickly.

A proposed development for the area known as Gateway South in Scotts Valley brings with it a history of stops and starts.

Agape Dance Academy made a big donation to children battling cancer following fundraiser performances of The Nutcracker.

A group of mountain landowners hope to train a new generation of stewards to protect the forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains.