As the high tide started to recede, the deeper holes of the San Lorenzo River lagoon filled with coho salmon and steelhead as they wait for rain.

The unusually warm January weather has made the early flowering trees and shrubs bloom even earlier this year. Actually it's not so unusual for us to have a warm streak around here in January. What is unusual is the prolonged dry and stable conditions we have encountered. The high pressure system that blocks our usual winter rains does not usually last more than 2 to 3 weeks even in the heart of the rainy season. The persistent ridge has not behaved in a typical manner. We can only hope the ridge breaks down in the next few months and brings us more than a smattering of rain here and there. What should a gardener be doing in February?

The finish line is near for four San Lorenzo Valley High School seniors who signed letters of intent to run for Division I universities in the fall.

Despite a scoreless tie with Harbor High School, the Scotts Valley High School girls soccer team was not satisfied with their effort or the final result on Tuesday, Jan. 28.