Recent rainfall might have you thinking that El Niño conditions are indeed strengthening — as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association has predicted — and that this will be a wet winter. California does not always see an increase in precipitation during El Niño years, but we can always hope and be prepared.

Although many of us have shared a nature walk together this year, I am sometimes uncomfortable with the term “nature walk.” To really behold nature, one must sit quietly, still the mind, and listen and wait. Then, nature will reveal its humorous and tragic life to you.

Kyle Todd and Trevor Romele scored two touchdowns each as the San Lorenzo Valley High Cougars defeated Aptos High, 28-14, a weekend ago to even their record in league at 1-1.

Following a 21-3 win over Santa Cruz in last week’s Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League opener, the Falcons host another Friday night contest against Harbor for the school’s homecoming.

San Lorenzo Valley High School's volleyball team defeated Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League rival Scotts Valley by a match score of 3-0.

Many of us garden in the shade year-round. Others have sun in the summer, but shade from fall through spring, as the sun’s arc becomes lower in the southern sky. Here are some encouraging tips if this describes your garden.