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On February 9, the Ninth Annual Scotts Valley Idol contest that began on January 9, 2016 ended. Malone's Bar and Grille was packed with patrons who came from near and far to witness the karaoke competition.

Although the vote count is yet to be certified, Derek Timm, a newcomer to the Scotts Valley City Council, received the most votes in a three-way race with two incumbents seeking reelection. Jim Reed, a long-term incumbent and current mayor, came in second.  Stephany Aguilar, after more than 20 years of distinguished service on the council, was unable to successfully defend her seat.      

With students going back to school, my thoughts turn to young people and how to pique their interest in the plant world. Many schools have life lab gardens, and families growing vegetables and fruit trees have a head start.

It’s a chilly November morning as Ron Trader stands outside on the deck in Felton with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cigarette in the other. This is Trader’s morning ritual.

PonderosaHigh School and GreenCareersCenter is a vocational training school that focuses on green jobs in Santa CruzCounty. They are operated by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education Alternative Education Department. The school is located at 305 Marion Avenue, in Ben Lomond. The student’s ages range from 15 – 19 years and they are youth who seek education and employment training in ‘green’ careers as they earn credits towards high school graduation.