The big wind we experienced not long ago was just the beginning of the wild weather that is coming our way. Looking up at the trees violently swaying from one side to the other I wondered how they could survive such strong wind gusts. Not all of them do survive, as they come down and block driveways, roads and sometimes land on a house or a car. There are ways of trimming, pruning and managing trees that can help them stay upright in a strong wind. Don't endanger yourself, your family, your property or your valuable trees by mismanaging this valuable resource.

The Scotts Valley varsity girls volleyball team advanced to the semifinals of the Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League tournament with two wins this week.

Scotts Valley High School bounced back from a shut-out loss to Aptos by scoring seven touchdowns in a 50-19 win over valley rival San Lorenzo Valley High School last weekend.

The house sits empty now. Its lace curtains are still in the windows and the grass is being mowed by a man I don’t recognize. The sign on the truck’s door reads “Lopes Hauling and Gar…” the rest is worn off, the numbers no longer legible.