On October 7, 2011, Brookdale Lodge suffered substantial fire damage. On October 7, 2015, we still do not know the details of how that fire started at Brookdale Lodge, but we are finally seeing the burned sections of the lodge being torn down. Call this stage one of a renovation plan to restore the historic beauty of this landmark.

 Faraway Japan becomes much closer when teens have a chance to experience it for themselves through an exchange program managed by the City of Santa Cruz.

If you have ever been sent on a Snipe hunt, the corners of your mouth might be turning up as you recall having the “snipe hunt” prank pulled on you. If that experience sounds familiar, then you might be surprised to learn that, according California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Snipe season opens in California on October 17 and runs until January 31, 2016.

As many of you know, two years ago I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the plasma cells in the bone marrow. It was put into remission after 2 1/2 months of chemotherapy. It took awhile to get back to my old self again but for the past year, other than the neuropathy of my feet, I feel great. I returned to work half time last October and was happy to be "back in the saddle" again, doing the work that I love to do.

 I’m starting to see a little fall color showing in some trees and shrubs. Might not be much, but I’m always optimistic about such events. When I was in Wyoming, the aspen and maples were beginning to turn red and gold and shrubs with berries acted like bird magnets. During this fall planting season, look again at where a low water use plant that turns color or grows fruit in the fall, might be a great addition to your garden.