What could be lovelier than spending Christmas Eve at a botanical garden? After a windy, stormy morning, the clouds cleared and winter sun brought color to the golden heathers, early blooming rhododendrons and grevilleas growing in the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens. I’ve long wanted to visit this famous garden and here was my chance. I was not disappointed at what is described as 47 acres of beauty next to the coast.

In July, 1901, the summer guests of the Hotel Rowardennan enjoyed a glimpse of the future when a fine automobile pulled into its driveway. Joseph Kieley, a Klondike millionaire, and J. R. Burnham, who, according to the Sentinel, “has had much experience with autos,” made the run from Oakland in a little over eight hours, including an hour spent on the Big Tree Road between Santa Cruz and Ben Lomond.

Join with the Lock Lomond Celtic Society and their friends as they present an evening of dining, music, poetry, and whiskey. On January 23, they will celebrate Robert Burns' 257th Birthday with music by Jay Salter and Scott Peden.

Effective December 24, 2015 Certified Massage Therapist Wendy Selleck has moved her therapy studio to 6116 Highway 9, Felton. Wendy is a graduate of massage school and has been plying her craft for more than 22 years.

The Joint Hometown News Service of the Defense Media Activity in Fort Mead, Maryland notified the Press-Banner that San Lorenzo Valley High School Class of 2013 graduate Lucas C. Trader has completed basic infantry training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He is now Private First Class in the U.S. Army National Guard.