The Mountain Gardener: Christmas Lore from the Mountain Gardener
We all celebrate the holidays in a different way. Each family has its own traditions and memories from years gone by. Some of us celebrate Christmas, some Hanukkah, and some Kwanzaa. Many of our traditional Christmas customs originate from Winter Solstice celebrations. The plants associated with each are an important part of tradition and symbolism.
Exercise benefits — no excuses
The benefits of exercise are no longer theoretical. All recent studies concerning exercise and its effect on people conclusively state that exercise will help most people live longer and healthier lives. Whether you are young or old, overweight or underweight, or even if you have a disability, exercise will benefit you.
Cross country: Scotts Valley’s deep team has high hopes
After finishing 14thin the state last fall, the Scotts Valley boys cross country team has high hopes and expectations for 2013.
VCUM gears up for holidays
With Thanksgiving and the holidays right around the corner, that means it is once again all hands on deck at Valley Churches United Missions’ Ben Lomond headquarters, as volunteers work to acquire, sort, and distribute food, supplies, and other assistance to local residents in need.
It’s the law: What happens with wacky tenants
I represent a lot of residential and commercial landlords and, occasionally, a tenant or two. While much of this work is mundane, such as reviewing leases or advising landlords on the intricacies of security deposits, once in a while an eviction (unlawful detainers in legal parlance) livens things up. As the expression goes, “Keep Santa Cruz Weird.” Tenants are not necessarily excluded from this philosophy.
Commentary: Time for some political homework
In my unofficial poll — well, while talking with friends since Tuesday’s election, anyway — it seems the one thing all voters have in common is a sense of relief that the interminable (and disgusting) political attack ads have ended. Gosh, wouldn’t it be refreshing — oh yeah, and informative — if candidates ran on their résumés? Firing zingers at other office seekers isn’t really one of the qualifications we were looking for.
Valley Neighbors: Dream becomes a reality for rabbit rescuer
I first became acquainted with Heather Bechtel, founder and director of the Rabbit Haven, when our beloved 10-year-old rabbit was dying. She was able to provide a level of compassion and support that I was unable to find elsewhere.
News Briefs | Published Nov. 6, 2026
Scotts Valley water supply returns to normal
San Lorenzo Valley Water District has returned the Pasatiempo No. 5 well to service, allowing water quality in...











