80.1 F
Scotts Valley
September 15, 2025

New Faces

Tyson Rylan Jordanwas born to Brienne Michelle Ruscoe and Skyler Steven McQueen of Ben Lomond at 2:43 a.m. on Thursday, May 22, 2014 at the Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center in Santa Cruz. He weighed 7 pounds.

The Mountain Gardener: “Edible Plants for Birds, Bees and People”

 With every rain forecast I hope for enough precipitation to give my garden a good soak. Last Monday I was not disappointed. I heard the pitter-patter of rain on leaves and jumped up in the morning to check the rain gauge. To my delight the last storm dropped 1.67 inches of the wet stuff on my garden in Bonny Doon. The prior three October showers had barely totaled a tenth of an inch. Last year, the hills and meadows were already greening up with three inches of the wet stuff. After this much needed precipitation, the deer are happy, the forest is happy, our gardens are happy, everybody is happy.

Datebook (April 3, 2015)

- Submit Datebook items to [email protected] or drop off press releases or photos at 5215 Scotts Valley Drive, Ste. F, Scotts Valley 95066. Deadline is 5 p.m. Tuesday. Entries are subject to editing, and publication is not guaranteed.Friday, April 3Shadowbrook StrollWhen: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way in Boulder CreekDetails: Join Docent Hal Anjo as he guides you on a less-traveled trail that takes you by Union Creek, to the Sempervirens Falls and back through the redwoods.Info: 338-8883 Jazz MusicWhen: 6 to 9 p.m.Where: Casa Nostra in Ben LomondDetails: Live Jazz Music featuring JOY OF JAZZInfo: 609-6132 Joan Hellenthal: Pastel & Oil Lanscapes ReceptionWhen: 6 to 8 p.m. Exhibition runs from April 1 to April 30Where: Artisans GallerDetails: An art exhibit of Pastel and Oil Landscape paintings by Joan Hellenthal. Saturday, April 4Old-Growth Redwood WalksWhen: 1 p.m.Where: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 101 N Big Trees Park Road in FeltonDetails: Experience a guided forest adventure on a docent-led walk through the magnificent old-growth coast redwood forest.Cost: FreeInfo: 335-7077 Wednesday, April 8Mayor’s BreakfastWhen: 7:30 to 9 p.m.Where: Café Carbonero on Disc Drive in Scotts ValleyDetails: Join the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Chamber Ambassadors and Mayor Dene Bustichi for our annual Meet the Mayor event!Cost: $20 breakfast buffetInfo: RSVP 438-1010 Thursday, April 9SLVHS Grad Night fundraiser at Scopazzi’sWhen: 5 to 9 p.m.Where: Scopazzi’s Restaurant and Lounge, 13300 Big Basin Way in Boulder CreekDetails: A percentage of all sales will benefit the SLVHS Grad Night.Info: (408) 334-8542 Eleventh Annual San Lorenzo Valley Poetry ReadingWhen: 7 to 8 p.m.Where: Felton Community Hall, 6191 Highway 9 in FeltonDetails: The public is invited to the Eleventh Annual San Lorenzo Valley Poetry Reading presented by Felton Library Friends.Info: 335-1135 Band of the Valleys to performWhen: 7 to 9 p.m.Where: SLV Performing Arts Center, 7105 Highway 9 in FeltonDetails: San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley High School bands will be collaborating for a performance in the new PAC, joined by local Community Band directed by Jon Christian.Cost: $5 donation recommended Son of Out West: Campfires, Coyotes, and CowboysWhen: 7 p.m.Where: Scotts Valley Library Branch, 251 Kings Village Road in Scotts ValleyDetails: Willing Suspension Armchair Theater heads toward the sunset for another round of writings and readings that reflect the myth, promise and characters of the Wild West.Cost: Free, but donations are most welcome and appreciated.Info: [email protected] or [email protected] Friday, April 10Jazz MusicWhen: 6 to 8:30 p.m.Where: Scopazzi’s Restaurant in Boulder CreekDetails: Live Jazz Music featuring JOY OF JAZZInfo: Scopazzi’s 338-6441 or Joy 246-0349 Saturday, April 11Flynn Post Fundraiser Cioppino FeedWhen: 5 to 9 p.m.Where: Gateway Bible Church, 5000 Granite Creek Road in Scotts ValleyDetails: Cioppino Feed benefiting the local Lynn Post and family who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Liver Cancer; Cioppino by Wayne with “4Men and a Clam”, Salad, Beverage & Desert with Live Music by Al James and Raffle!Cost: $35 per ticket, $40 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at Scarborough and ACE Hardware in the Kings Village Shopping Center. Sunday, April 12Santa Cruz Post Card & Paper Collectibles ShowWhen: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Where: The Hilton, 6001 Madrona Drive in Scotts ValleyDetails: Vendors will offer rare and antique postcards for sale.Cost: FreeInfo: 476-3262 or [email protected] Tuesday, April 14Teen Driver Safety ProgramWhen: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.Where: Aptos Public Library, 7695 Soquel Drive in AptosDetails: The California Highway Patrol is offering a traffic safety program for teenage drivers and their parents.Info: call 662-0511 to reserve a spot Friday, April 17Senior Driver Safety ProgramWhen: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.Where: Aptos Public Library, 7695 Soquel Drive in AptosDetails: The California Highway Patrol is offering a traffic safety program for senior drivers.Info: for more details and to make a reservation call 662-0511                                                                                                                                Saturday, April 25Casino Night at the Scotts Valley Community CenterWhen: 7 to 10:30 a.m.Where: Scotts Valley Community CenterDetails: Event precedes benefit Monterey Coast Preparatory located in Scotts Valley and will include Hors-D’oeuvres, wine, raffle tickets, and prizes.Cost: $75 per ticket Viva Vivaldi!When: 8 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m.Where: Holy Cross Church, 123 High Street in Santa CruzDetails: The Santa Cruz Chorale, conducted by Artistic Director Christian Grube and accompanied by the Monterey Bay Sinfonietta and Vlada Volkova-Moran (Organ), presents compositions by the great Baroque composer Antonio Vivaldi.Cost: $25 General admission, $20 seniors, $5 studentsInfo: 278-2391 or santacruzchorale.org Garden Planting and Wool DayWhen: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Where: Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Road in Santa CruzDetails: Celebrate Spring and help plant a organic heirloom vegetable garden at Wilder Ranch.Cost: $10 parking feeInfo: 426-0505 Sunday, May 17Spring Dog FestivalWhen: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.Where: Soquel High School, 401 Soquel San Jose Road in SoquelDetails: Fun and Games, Food, Demonstration, and Paw-some shopping; all proceeds benefit dogs in need.Cost: $10 per dog, $5 per personInfo: coastaldogs.com or 888-682-6972 Friday, May 29Boulder Creek Elementary Kindergarten VisitationWhen: 2 p.m.Where: Room 1 at Boulder Creek Elementary, 400 West Lomond Street in Boulder CreekDetails: Bring your child to Kindergarten Visitation, a mini kindergarten day.Info: 338-6413 ONGOINGFree Yard Waste Clean-Up EventsWhen: April 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, and 18Where: The Ben Lomond Transfer Station, 9835 Newell Creek Road in Ben LomondDetails: San Lorenzo Valley Residents are invited to drop off yard waste for free.Info: 647-9418 x227 “Damn Yankees” at Mountain Community TheaterWhen: March 27 to April 19, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday (April 5, 12, and 19 only) at 2 p.m.Where: Park Hall, 9400 Mill Street in Ben LomondDetails: This Big-League Broadway Musical tells the story of a middle-aged man who jumps at the chance to trade his soul to become the greatest baseball player of all time and guide his favorite team to the pennant. Cost: $25 general admission, $20 Senior/Student, and $15 for Kids under 12Info: 831.336.4777 Boulder Creek Elementary School Kindergarten Orientations and Tours (Adults only)When: March 24, April 23, May 12, and May 29 at 9 a.m.Where: Boulder Creek Elementary, 400 West Lomond Street in Boulder CreekDetails: Come to a BCE Kindergarten Orientation and Tour (adults only, please) at one of the times/dates listed above.  Please call ahead to reserve a spot.Info: 338-6413 SLVHS Fashion ShowWhen: Wednesday March 19 through Saturday March 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Matinee on Sunday March 22 at 2 p.m.Where: SLVHS Performing Arts Center, 7105 Hwy 9 in FeltonCost: $5 for students and seniors, $7 General Admission, and $10 VIP Sound MeditationWhen: First Sunday of every month from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.Where: Mountain Spirit, 6299 Highway 9 in FeltonDetails: Discussion and practice on the use of sound to connect in meditation with Bruce ManakaCost: FreeInfo: Shelby at 335-7700 Gratitude WednesdaysWhen: First Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.Where: Mountain Spirit, 6299 Highway 9 in FeltonDetails: Mountain Spirit will donate 10 percent of sales to a local non-profit.Info: Shelby at 335-7700 Mountain Spirit’s Writing GroupWhen: First Wednesday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m.Where: Mountain Spirit, 6299 Highway 9 in FeltonDetails: Mountain Spirit's Writing Group is a creative writing class led by Wendy Ledger.Info: Shelby at 335-7700 Creative Clay for KidsWhen: Wednesdays March 18 through April 22, and April 29 through June 3 from 4 to 5 p.m.Where: Art Room in the Scotts Valley Community CenterDetails: A class designed to expose kids to clay through a variety of projects and glazing.Cost: $60 for Residents and $68 for non-Residents, $15 materials feeInfo: Nora Sarkissian 335-2341 Creative Clay for AdultsWhen: Wednesdays March 18th through April 22nd and April 29th through June 3rd from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.Where: Art Room in the Scotts Valley Community CenterDetails: This clay class teaches a variety of clay techniques and projects, includes glazing.Cost: $60 for Residents and $68 for non-Residents; $15 materials feeInfo: Nora Sarkissian 335-2341 Art in the Library “The Original Selfie”When: Jan. 24 through April 25Where: Scotts Valley Public Library, 251 Kings Village Road in Scotts ValleyDetails: The Scotts Valley Library, through its popular ‘Art in the Library’ program, invites the community to view very original ‘selfies’ – an exhibition of self-portraits by 80 Santa Cruz County artists.Info: http://www.fsvpl.org/ Kids Fun Night at BC RecreationWhen: Tuesdays, 5 to 9 p.m.Where: Boulder Creek Recreation Center, 13333 Middleton Avenue in Boulder CreekDetails: Potluck please bring a dish to share. Fun filled evening for kids 2-11years. Movie, crafts, games, and fun.Cost: $20 per kid TEAM Dance/Fitness program for kidsWhen: Tuesdays, January 13 to February 17 from 3:30 to 4:30Where: Boulder Creek Recreation Center, 13333 Middleton Avenue in Boulder CreekDetails: Workout class for kids. Fitness, nutrition, and dance will be a part of this fun 6 week class.Cost: $55 for 6 weeks of $12 per classInfo: 338-4144 New Conscious Vinyasa Yoga ClassWhen: Tuesday nights, January 8 to February 26 at 7:15 p.m.Where: Boulder Creek Recreation Center, 13333 Middleton Avenue in Boulder CreekDetails: Focus on healing and mind-body connection.Cost: $10Info: Dawn Kay 776-3986 Cooking and Homestead Class for KidsWhen: Tuesdays 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.Where: Boulder Creek Recreation CenterCost: $15 per kid Amateur Radio Technician License ClassWhen: Mondays 7 to 9 p.m. from January 19 to February 28Where: St. Andrew’s Church, Glen Arbor and Riverside in Ben Lomond, CA 95005Details: The San Lorenzo Valley Amateur Radio Club is pleased to offer a licensing class to introduce people to the art and science of Amateur Radio.  In this class you will learn what makes Amateur Radio the most unique organization in the world of communications.  You will also be introduced to the information that you need to know in order to pass the FCC Technician level license exam.  We will schedule a licensing exam to occur after the course has been completed.Cost: Free!Info: 336-8421 or [email protected] Bloom of the Present Weekly Monday Evening MeditationWhen: Mondays except for federal holidays, 7 to 8:30 p.m.Where: The Satellite, 6265 Highway 9 in Felton Info: 831-212-6641  or bloomofthepresent.org Touch Team iPad Memory classes at the LibraryMonday and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.Where: Scotts Valley Public Library, 251 Kings Village Road in Scotts ValleyDetails: Join us in this supportive social setting, for a series of innovative workshops that use Ipads to engage the mind and activate memory. No experience is necessary and iPads are supplied by the library and individual coaches are present to help with activities.Info: Call to Register 427-7700 x 7615 Wilder Ranch Tours and Living History DemonstrationsWhen: Weekends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.Where: Wilder Ranch State Park, 1401 Coast Rd, Santa CruzDetails: Visit an early day dairy ranch and step back in time to the late 1800’s at Wilder Ranch State Park. You can also play Victorian games or bring a picnic to enjoy on the front lawn, visit the farm animals and see what activities are taking place on the ranch this weekend, You may learn about hand quilting, watch blacksmithing, or wood stove baking techniques.Info: 426-0505 Center for Animal Protection is recruiting foster families for dogsDetails: The Center for Animal Protection and Education (CAPE) is recruiting new foster volunteers for dogs awaiting permanent homes.Info: Nancy Eaton at 684-2421 Redwood Loop WalkWhen: Every Saturday at 1 p.m..Where: Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way in Boulder CreekDetails: Join us for this fun and informative guided half-mile stroll through a magnificent old-growth redwood forest. Meet the famous Mother Tree, the Father of the Forest and the incredible Chimney Tree on this 90-minute walk. Meet at park headquarters.Cost: FreeInfo: 338-8883 Old-Growth Redwood WalksWhen: every Saturday at 1 p.m.Where: Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, 101 N Big Trees Park Road in FeltonDetails: Experience a guided forest adventure on a docent-led walk through the magnificent old-growth coast redwood forest. This is .8 mile long stroll lasting around 1.5 hours. The trail is wheelchair and stroller accessible.Cost: FreeInfo: 335-7077 Embroidistry at Om GalleryWhen: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. dailyWhere: Om Gallery, 1201 Pacific Avenue in Santa CruzDetails: Hand-embroidered interpretations of well-known masterpieces, album covers, and original compositions by Ben Lomond artist Mardeen Gordon.Cost: FreeInfo: Mardeen Gordon at 252-7446 First aid-CPR classWhen: Third Saturday of each monthWhere: Felton Fire Protection District, 131 Kirby St., in FeltonDetails: Ray Soler will lead a class for First Aid and CPR certification for community members. Times and registration details are available online or by phone.Cost: Free for district residents and employees of businesses within the district, $36 for all othersInfo: 335-4422 or www.feltonfire.com TOPS club meetWhen: Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m.Where: Meeting room in back of the Felton Fire DepartmentDetails: Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) is a group dedicated to loosing weight by encouraging healthy eating and lifestyle habits.Cost: First visit is free Tai Chi and Chi GongWhen: Fridays from 9 to 10 a.m.Where: Sky Park behind Parks and Rec., 361 Kings Village Road in Scotts ValleyDetails: Gentle movement supporting balance, stress reduction, and strengthening.Cost: $8 drop-in feeInfo: Mary Mulligan 335-9390 Valley Churches United Missions Food PantryWhen: Tuesdays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.Where: Valley Churches United Missions Food Pantry, 9430 Highway 9 in Ben LomondDetails: School supplies and back packs for low-income families in need.Cost: FreeInfo: Preregister at 336-8258 x 221 Scotts Valley Senior Center Book WormsWhen: Third Friday of the month, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road in Scotts ValleyDetails: A senior-oriented book club organized by the Scotts Valley Senior Center.Cost: $2 for members, $3 for non-membersInfo: 438-8666 Fridays at Five food distributionWhen: Fridays from 5 to 6 p.m.Where: GateWay Bible Church, 5000 Granite Creek Road in Scotts ValleyDetails: Food distribution to those in need. Every Friday, tables of groceries will be set up near the carport at the church office.Info: [email protected] or 438-0646 Line Dance classesWhen: Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.Where: Boulder Creek Recreation Center, 13333 Middleton Avenue in Boulder CreekDetails: Line Dance Instructor Amber Blavin will lead a weekly line dancing class. No partners are needed to attend.Cost: $5 per class or donationInfo: (408) 712-2287 or [email protected] SLV Museum exhibitWhen: Wednesday through Sunday 12 to 4 p.m.Where: SLV Museum, 12547 Highway 9 in Boulder CreekDetails: “Crystals, Caves, and Kilns” explores the natural and cultural history of limestone, lime, and marble in the Felton and Santa Cruz areas.Cost: DonationsInfo: 338-8382 Improv theater games and exercisesWhen: Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.Where: Boulder Creek Recreation Center, 13333 Middleton Avenue in Boulder CreekDetails: Heidi Drew will lead two hours of improvisation theater classes. Beginners are encouragedCost: $5Info: [email protected] Live jazz at Casa NostraWhen: Wednesdays and Fridays from 6 to 9 p.m.Where: 9217 Highway 9 in Ben LomondDetails: Casa Nostra will host live jazz music.Cost: FreeInfo: 609-6132 SLVHS bingo fundraiserWhen: Mondays, 4 p.m.Where: Portuguese Hall, 216 Evergreen Street in Santa CruzDetails: A weekly 18-game bingo program to benefit the athletics programs at San Lorenzo Valley High School.Info: 335-4425 Big Basin Trail Crew volunteer dayWhen: 9 a.m., second Saturday of each monthWhere: Big Basin Redwoods State Park, 21600 Big Basin Way in Boulder CreekDetails: Volunteers (18 years of age or older) will meet at Park Headquarters to spend a day — rain or shine — working to maintain and preserve the park’s trails.Info: www.bigbasintrailcrew.org Boulder Creek ZumbaWhen: Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.Where: Boulder Creek Recreation and Parks District, 13333 Middleton Avenue in Boulder CreekDetails: Cecelia Kelly will lead a weekly Zumba class. Participants will get a great workout in a dance party atmosphere.Cost: $10Info: http://ceciliakelly.zumba.com Senior pinochle gameWhen: Tuesdays at 2 p.m.Where: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road in Scotts ValleyDetails: An open game of pinochle.Cost: $2 for members, $3 for non-membersInfo: 438-8666 Free laughter yogaWhen: Sundays at 10:30 a.m.Where: Luminescence Day Spa and Tea Room, 13140 Highway 9, in Boulder CreekCost: FreeInfo: Lizzie Lochner, 338-7546 Toastmasters clubWhen: Noon to 1 p.m. WednesdaysWhere: St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 5271 Scotts Valley Drive, in Scotts ValleyDetails: The Redwood Ramblers Toastmasters meets weekly to help members build confidence as public speakers and leaders.Info: 435-9308 or http://8203.toastmastersclubs.org Poetry circle, workshopWhen: 2 to 4 p.m., third Saturday of each monthWhere: Scotts Valley Branch Library, 251 Kings Village Road, in Scotts ValleyDetails: Magdalena Montague, a local poet and teacher, leads classes for prospective poets of all skill levels.Cost: FreeInfo: [email protected] or 427-7717 Senior line dancingWhen: 12 p.m. Tuesdays and 9 a.m. FridaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, in Scotts ValleyDetails: Biweekly line dancing and lessons are offered by the Scotts Valley Senior Center.Cost: $2 for members, $3 for nonmembersInfo: 438-8666 to confirm Zumba for seniorsWhen: 6 p.m. Mondays, 9 a.m. Tuesdays and 9:30 a.m. ThursdaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, in Scotts ValleyDetails: An instructor-led Zumba class encourages exercise in a fun, rhythmic environment.Cost: $3 for members, $5 for nonmembersInfo: 438-8666 Beginning ballet for fitnessWhen: 4:30 to 5 p.m. MondaysWhere: Agape Dance Academy, 104 Whispering Pines Drive, Room 5, in Scotts ValleyDetails: This introductory beginner class emphasizes fitness through dance.Cost: FreeInfo: 359-0850 Line dance, weightsWhen: 9:45 to 11 a.m.Where: Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, in Ben LomondDetails: $2 for members, $3 for nonmembersInfo: 336-8900 BingoWhen: 1 to 3 p.m. WednesdaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, in Scotts ValleyDetails: All adults are welcome. The game is sponsored by Project Scout (Senior Citizen Outreach).Cost: 50 cents per card, one card free with four or moreInfo: 438-8666 Tai Chi classesWhen: 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. MondaysWhere: Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, in Ben LomondCost: $3 members, $5 nonmembersInfo: 336-8900 Genealogical society meetingWhen: 1 to 3 p.m., first Thursday of each monthWhere: Central Branch Library meeting room, 224 Church Street in Santa CruzDetails: Lectures for beginning to advanced genealogy enthusiasts.Cost: FreeInfo: 427-7707, ext. 5794, or Janine Charlton, [email protected] Senior exercise classWhen: 10 a.m. Mondays and FridaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village RoadInfo: The class incorporates strength, balance and coordination exercises for complete body conditioning for men and women age 50 and older, led by retired physical therapist Cherry Nittler.Cost: $2 members, $3 nonmembers Drop-in meditation groupWhen: 7 to 8:45 p.m. MondaysWhere: The Satellite, 6265 Highway 9, FeltonDetails: Beginning and experienced students of meditation will participate in 40 minutes of silent meditation, followed by a dharma talk and discussion by Carla BrennanInfo: http://bloomofthepresent.com Beginners’ line dancingWhen: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. ThursdaysWhere: Boulder Creek Recreation, 13333 Middleton Ave., in Boulder CreekDetails: For dancers age 8 and olderCost: Drop in by donationInfo: [email protected] Water media art classesWhen: 9 a.m. to noon ThursdaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, in Scotts ValleyDetails: Participants will work with watercolor and acrylic paints. Adults of any age and all experience levels are welcome.Cost: $7 for members, $8 for nonmembersInfo: Beverly Martin, 335-0425 or [email protected], or www.portrait-fineart.com. Body Freedom QigongWhen: 10 to 11 a.m. TuesdaysWhere: Felton Covered Bridge Park, 122 Covered Bridge Road, on rainy days, The Satellite, 6265 Highway 9, in FeltonDetails: Qigong is similar to tai chi and is like a standing yoga with gentle, easy movements for flexibility, strength, health and relaxation.Info: Bonnie Eskie, qigong instructor, 515-4144 SLV Community Band rehearsalsWhen: 7 to 9 p.m. ThursdaysWhere: San Lorenzo Valley High School band room, 7105 Highway 9, in FeltonDetails: Dust off your instrument and try it out. The semester fee benefits school music programs in the San Lorenzo Valley.Cost: $25 per semesterInfo: Jon Christian, 335-3565 Bridge players wantedDetails: Intermediate and advanced bridge players are in demand for ongoing groups in the San Lorenzo Valley. Groups meet depending on availability.Info: Shelby Charette, 335-5956 Advanced bridge players wantedWhen: Noon on MondaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, in Scotts ValleyDetails: Participants can hone their skills against other highly skilled bridge players.Cost: $2 for members, $3 for nonmembersInfo: 438-8666 Chair and gentle yogaWhen: Noon to 1 p.m. ThursdaysWhere: Balance Health of Ben Lomond, 231 Main St. Ste. A, in Ben Lomond.Details: This gentle yoga program is intended to increase circulation, mobility, balance, strength, awareness and confidence.Info: Ruth Caudell, 336-3560 Healing tai chi for seniorsWhen: 9 a.m. FridaysWhere: SV Community Center, 360 Kings Village Road, in Scotts ValleyDetails: Gentle, easy movement for health promotionCost: $7 for members, $8 for nonmembersInfo: Mary Mulligan, 335-9390 or [email protected] Together in the ParkWhen: 10:30 a.m. to noon WednesdaysWhere: Felton Covered Bridge Park, Graham Hill and Mount Hermon roads, in FeltonDetails: Parenting support, information and age-appropriate activities for children up to 5 years old.Info: Cori Burt, 252-1137 Mindfulness meditation groupWhen: 7 to 8:30 p.m. MondaysWhere: Satellite Telework Center, 6265 Highway 9, in FeltonDetails: Beginning and experienced students are welcome for silent meditation and talk.Info: Carla, 336-0136 Basic yogaWhen: 9 to 10 a.m. MondaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, in Scotts ValleyCost: $6Info: 438-8666 Beginning line dancing classWhen: 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. FridaysWhere: Scotts Valley Senior Center, 370 Kings Village Road, in Scotts ValleyCost: $2 members, $4 non membersInfo: 438-8666 Belly dancing for womenWhen: 7 p.m. MondaysWhere: Felton Community Hall, 6191 Highway 9, in FeltonDetails: Experience the power of women dancing with women in a friendly atmosphere.Cost: $40 for four consecutive classes, $13 to drop in.Info: 335-4567 Life drawing classesWhen: 7 to 9:15 p.m. TuesdaysWhere: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben LomondDetails: Both beginners and pros are welcome to drop in. The class features a different model each week.Cost: $10 for members, $12 for nonmembers, $8 for students with IDInfo: 335-5000 or www.mountainartcenter.org Raku classesWhen: 6 to 9 p.m. FridaysWhere: Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, 9341 Mill St., in Ben LomondDetails: The class is weather-dependent, so attendees should call a day in advance. Participants may take bisqueware or purchase pots at the center.Cost: $18 for members, $20 for nonmembersInfo: Dale Bates, 345-7565 Square dance classesWhen: 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. WednesdaysWhere: German-American Hall, 230 Plymouth St., in Santa CruzDetails: Go alone, take a partner or go with a group.Cost: $5Info: 763-9825 or 408-353-4766 Kidz Korner clothing exchangeWhen: 10 to 11:30 a.m., third Saturday of each monthWhere: St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 101 Riverside Ave., in Ben LomondDetails: The exchange is for children’s clothes for newborns through 5-year-olds. Those who don’t have clothes to donate may pick up what they need.Info: Rebecca, 408-875-3450

The Mountain Gardener: Save Water — Save Trees

I had to do it. I couldn’t resist. Even though I’d vowed not to get any new plants until fall planting season when I saw the one gallon Pride of Madeira just begging for a new home I succumbed to my impulse. I rationalized this plant was on my wish list and will be drought tolerant so I wasn’t being totally irresponsible.I’ve always wanted an echium fastuosum on my hillside. I admire those huge spires of purple-blue flowers whenever I see them in other gardens. These are tough plants getting by with no summer water once established and the flower spikes are bee magnets. I covered it with a layer of shade cloth for a few days because it was so hot when I planted it. This will help it establish more quickly while the roots take hold in the soil.In your own garden it’s wise to establish a drought to-do list. I’m talking about what plants get your precious water and what to let go.Entering another dry year, many of our ornamental and fruit trees are dying because of lack of water. Others might have been surviving on natural rainfall. Whatever the case is in your garden, don’t let your trees die.Nature has already killed an estimated 12 million trees in our California forests since the drought began four years ago. Most of these have fallen victim to bark beetles that attack trees weakened by drought.In our own neighborhoods, trees are a long-lived asset. A tree is not something that can be easily replaced. It’s OK to appropriately water trees. Dying trees can be a safety hazard and removing a dead tree is expensive.It takes years to grow a tree to mature size. Save and use shower and cooking water to help them out. Maybe it’s time to install a simple laundry-to-landscape system to water your landscape trees. Or set up a separate drip or soaker hose for your trees and give them a good deep drink at least once or twice a month. Remember that the tree’s feeder roots are not at the base of the trunk but out at the drip line and a little beyond.A rule of thumb for determining when to irrigate is when 50-percent of the water has been depleted from the soil in the plants’ root zone. This rule allows a buffer of water in the soil in case the weather suddenly turns hot and windy. The rule also applies to trees, shrubs and perennials.Sandy soils hold less water than clay soils and must be irrigated more frequently. A common misconception is that it takes more water to grow plants in sandy soil than in clay soil. Actually the total amount required for the whole year is the same for both soil types. The amount of sunlight, wind, temperature and humidity control how much water a plants needs - the soil is only the reservoir.To check the water content in the soil: dig 8 to 16-inches down into the soil with a trowel, shovel, or soil tube, feel the soil. When you get to the level of about 50-percent available water, look for these conditions: course soil appears almost dry and forms a ball that does not hold its shape, loamy soil forms a dark ball that is somewhat moldable and can form a weak ribbon when squeezed between your fingersclay soil forms a good, dark ball and makes a ribbon an inch or so long and is slightly sticky.If you are planning to plant some new trees this fall, be sure they are drought tolerant natives or low water use non-natives. There are many nice specimens to choose from. Remember not to skimp on the mulch.It’s important to maintain our existing tree canopy and plants for the future. Even in times of drought, no especiallyin drought, planting and stewardship of trees is critical. Not just for their future but for ours as well.- Jan Nelson, a landscape designer and California certified nursery professional, will answer questions about gardening in the Santa Cruz Mountains. E-mail her [email protected], or visitwww.jannelsonlandscapedesign.comto view past columns and pictures.   

Mountain Gardener: Save Water in the Garden like they do in Carmel

 You can sum up a Carmel garden with one of two descriptions — hot and dry or mild and dry. Closer to the coast the weather is mild year round while further up Carmel Valley it can get pretty toasty.In either place, the people of Carmel are used to paying close attention to their water consumption. Monterey County water districts have some of the most stringent regulations around.On a recent trip to this beautiful part of the world, I took the opportunity to study their beautiful low water-use gardens. What makes for a successful garden that doesn’t include a lawn and lush perennial border? Here are some of the plants and strategies that I admired while in Carmel.Because many homeowners are replacing their lawns with low water-use landscapes, a well thought out design is more important than ever.Stone makes a garden look like its part of nature. Granite boulders are one of the go-to choices for accent rocks due to their lower cost and I saw many gardens with beautiful installations using granite. But it was the creamy yellow Carmel stone that caught my eye. It’s used for everything there from retaining walls and steps to veneer for homes.Carmel stone is sedimentary shale and can be found throughout the Santa Lucia mountain range. The best stone colors, however, come from quarries in Monterey County. With beautiful rust, orange, pink and caramel iron oxide striations it’s plentiful and relatively light by rock standards. That’s probably why it was the material of choice for the native Ohlone tribes who built the Carmel Mission.In addition to the beautiful stonework and boulders in Carmel gardens, plant selection is often unique and bold as well as easy on the water budget. I wasn’t familiar with Globularia sarcophylla ‘Blue Eyes’ when I first saw it blooming. Covered with hundreds of button size flowers of cream with dark blue centers it really stood out. This showy little Canary Island shrub is very drought tolerant and hardy down to 10 degrees.Another plant that looked great paired with old fashioned shasta daisies was the medium sized Gold Velvet kangaroo paw. Flowering for most of the year this variety has more resistance to black spot, needs less trimming and is frost tolerant. Plant kangaroo paws in a well mulched garden using chunky bark chips and ensure the crown of the plant is above soil level. Remove older flower stems and cut back foliage every 1-2 years. Kangaroo paw offer drought tolerant color in the garden.Dramatic purple leafed phormium ‘Guardsman’ accented one of the gardens. Leucophyllum frutescens ‘Los Alamitos’ -Texas sage - would complement this phormium. The gray foliage and pink flowers smother this plant in color from summer into fall. Succulents like aeonium ‘Sunburst’ and echeveria paired with agapanthus and statice made a nice vignette in another garden.A visit to several nurseries in Carmel Valley shed more light on what customers are buying in these times of drought. One of the smaller leucodendrons called Ebony is a favorite. This bushy compact shrub grows 3 to 4 feet tall and a bit wider with lustrous blackish-purple foliage and burgundy red bracts surrounding the flowers from late winter to summer. One of the great things about this species is its ability to tolerate only occasional to infrequent irrigation once established. Other low water-use plants featured at the local Carmel nurseries include California native Woolly Blue Curls, the stunning teucrium ‘Azureum’, Velour Pink Mexican Bush Sage and Wyn’s Wonder Australian fuchsia.There are lots of awesome gardens, nurseries and plants — so little time. Take some ideas from the people of Carmel and embrace low water-use gardens.-Jan Nelson, a landscape designer and California certified nursery professional, will answer questions about gardening in the Santa Cruz Mountains. E-mail her [email protected], or visitwww.jannelsonlandscapedesign.comto view past columns and pictures.

Press Banner, Chamber of Commerce to sponsor City Council candidate forum Oct. 6

The Press Banner and the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce will be joint sponsors of a public forum for Scotts Valley City Council candidates on Oct. 6.

Water rate increase on Monday agenda

Scotts Valley Water District’s board of directors will host a public hearing at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 12, after which it will consider adoption of proposed water rate increases and changes to the water rate structure.

Immediate 27 per cent water rate hike OK’d in Scotts Valley

Tap water in Scotts Valley now costs more than it did a week ago, about 27 percent more for a typical household.

ALL SLV schools closed Feb.9

FEB 8 UPDATE from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office:

SV football team looks to bounce back

The Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League gridiron clash that many preseason observers marked as one of the top contests of the year features two teams coming off disappointing weekends.

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News Briefs | Published Sept. 12, 2025

Fun run, emergency preparedness fair set for Saturday On Saturday, Sept. 13, the City of Santa Cruz will be hosting Race the Wave, a 3K...