The wine lover: Making sense of wine judging
The point system used in wine judging is often viewed with a sense of suspicion and ambiguity. Are the points that are awarded legitimate, and should we care? Many people see a 92 or 93 from Robert Parker or the Wine Spectator and immediately think the wine must be high end. Typically, this is a fair assumption, but just because a wine receives a high rating doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the right wine for you.
The Mountain Gardner: Some trees provide shade quickly
Midsummer heat can be brutal. Without shade from trees, the sun can turn a garden from an oasis into a spot not fit for man or beast. If you need to plant a tree that grows really fast and will provide shade quickly, consider one of the following. They’ll sprout 2 to 4 feet in a single year with good care.
As I leave, I remember why I do this
I’ll be moving to Oregon in a few days after a few years at the editorial helm of the Press-Banner. I’m going from one local weekly paper to another, the Wallowa County Chieftain in Enterprise, in the far northeastern corner of the state.
Off hours: Our vaunted health care system
Editor’s Note: This column is the first of a two-part series.
Mountains Challenge looms for the daring
Reading this right now, it might be too late to start training for the annual Santa Cruz Mountains Challenge bike tour. But for cyclists who regularly spend time in the saddle, there’s still time to register for the strenuous century ride.
New Scotts Valley Council members look forward to making their mark
After first-place finisher Donna Lind, the incumbent for Scotts Valley City Council, local voters selected Steve Clark—a retired law enforcer, known for volunteering around...