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Skateboarding contest on tap in SV

Each year I wait for them in my garden and so do the robins, varied thrush, jays, spotted towhees, grosbeaks and band-tailed pigeons. The fruit of sambucus mexicana, a California native plant, is relished by an incredible number of songbirds. The creamy flower clusters in the spring are a favorite of bees and other beneficial insects. My Western Elderberry grows tall and gangly in the shade of a California bay tree, shorter and more compact in the sun. Their exuberance for life makes me happy just to watch them provide for so many other species.

Four San Lorenzo Valley boys track and field runners qualified for the first California indoor track and field invitational, which will be Feb. 6 at Fresno State University.

It has been one week short of a year, since I began working for the Press-Banner in beautiful Scotts Valley.Since that time, I have enjoyed reporting on numerous events, people, and historical places throughout the Valleys. Getting to know this community has been both and honor and a delight, and I appreciate everything that I have learned from this experience.In the fall, I will be attending Santa Clara University to earn my BA in Communications. My time with the Press-Banner has come to an end, but I will surely keep my ties with the area strong. Although I am leaving now, I get the feeling that I will be back, especially after witnessing the kindness, strength, and creativity that this community inhabits.While interning for KSCO Radio, I boarded the historic steam train at the Beach Boardwalk to collect a sound bite for a Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission event. When I walked off that train I had a job — my first as an official reporter.For that, I will be forever thankful to Joe Shreve — former Press-Banner editor — for giving me this opportunity and always believing in me.The wonderful staff at the Press-Banner have become my family and I am extremely grateful for having had such a lovely working environment.I will miss visiting the Scott House with the Scotts Valley Historical Society and learning about local places like the Lost World and Santa’s Village, and I will long for the excitement of covering local events, plays, businesses, and schools.Thanks to everyone that I have interviewed and or worked with on a story, and especially to the readers who keep the Press-Banner alive.