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Redwoods in Maui?

Some things in the garden need to be planned out in advance while others happen by chance. For instance, this year when our spring rain stopped dead in its tracks, I gave up adding any more acidifier to my hydrangeas. You need to change the pH of the soil around hydrangeas well before they set buds. I like Mother Nature to water for me early in the season and she didn't cooperate. As luck would have it, the flowers this year are majestic purple, mauve and magenta where before they were sky blue. Frankly, I'm thrilled with this years color palette. Hooray for serendipity.

The Falcons earned the chance to play an extended season after they qualified for the upcoming Central Coast Section football playoffs. No. 8 Scotts Valley High (9-1) plays at No. 1 Leland High (8-2) in the Division III quarterfinals on Friday at 7pm. The Falcons, winners...

On Sunday, Boulder Creek resident Eric McFarland was unloading some items from the family vehicle when he heard some strange noises. The CZU Lightning Complex Fire survivor was distressed to see flames behind the house, climbing one of the trees and devouring the winter woodpile. “It...

Protests erupted throughout the country in response to the killing of George Floyd on May 25th.  Unrest against racist violence in the police force have ranged from peaceful to riots and looting throughout United States, and have even taken place in the UK, New Zealand, Japan, Australia, Germany, and Denmark.  While this worldwide phenomenon develops, it’s also occurring across Santa Cruz County.  We had our own moment in the spotlight, as a photo of the Santa Cruz City Police Chief, Andy Mills, kneeling during a protest has gone viral.  Many groups of protestors have gathered these past few days at the clock tower in Santa Cruz, marched down Pacific Avenue, Cedar, Soquel, and Water Streets.  Protests have moved into our valley as well.  On May 31st, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., a march took place from the Felton Covered Bridge Park to the intersection of Highway 9 and Graham Hill Road.  Look for an article in next week’s edition for further coverage.

Back in October, to the relief of many and real disappointment of others, the Mt. Hermon Association announced there would be no plans for a “Velocity Mountain Bike Park” on Felton Meadow. Mt. Hermon informed the Felton community via its website, stating, “The costs associated with developing the Felton Meadow property have exceeded our current capabilities and we have decided to forego any development.” Many residents in Felton remember the sharp community opposition to a large housing project proposed on the meadow back in 2008. Prior to Mt. Hermon buying the 15-acre property, situated between the Felton Faire shopping center and Zyante Road, it was considered a local treasure of open space. A holding aquifer of wetland that mitigates flooding and wildlife sanctuary. But the property is, nonetheless, the private property of the Mt. Hermon Association.   

The ocean has been calm and has warmed up, showing signs of summer. The swells have been flat and the ocean has turned clear along the shore. Rockfish enjoy the warmer temperatures and ideal conditions.

By the time you read this, your Scotts Valley schools will be educating our students on campus once more. Thanks to a significant effort from our teachers, principals, staff, Assistant Superintendent Michelle Stewart and Superintendent Tanya Krause, our district was the first in the...