Sometimes it's the little things that count — a cool breeze on a hot day, the song of a bird up in the trees, an orange sky at sunset.

About a year ago, Nikki Pettel arrived at NorCal Health and Fitness in Scotts Valley looking to do some training to build strength for water polo.

Each year, the Special Olympics is hosted to offer an opportunity to those with disabilities allowing them to athletically compete in the Olympic Games; this year it was hosted in New Jersey, where 3,500 participants demonstrated their strength and perseverance.

With a little help and advice from local racing legend Bruce Canepa, retired Scotts Valley Police Lt. John Hohmann cruised to victory last Friday at Ocean Speedway's "Top Cop of the Oval" series.

I am so glad to announce that this year the San Lorenzo Valley Water District has again awarded me a grant for six “Watershed Nature Walks.” Our first guided walk will feature Daniel Williford, Henry Cowell State Park interpreter, and Laurie Egan, stewardship coordinator for the Coastal Watershed Council.

Winning has become a way of life this year for Scotts Valley High wrestler Domino Parrish as her sensationally successful season has taken her well beyond the local competition to being considered among the elite high school wrestlers nationwide.