Spotlight: Lacy J. Dalton
Former Santa Cruz area songbird Lacy J. Dalton says she’s always had a fond place in her heart for Santa Cruz and San Lorenzo Valley, where she grew her folk-country-Americana sound in the hippie era of the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Man moves in while couple is out of town
When Ben Lomond couple Tom Decker and Maria McArthur drove up to their house on Hubbard Gulch Road after six weeks out of the state, they were greeted by a stranger who walked out of the front door.
Fight the loss of Medi-Cal benefits
The recent passage of the state budget resulted in the loss of Medi-Cal “optional benefits” effective July 1, a $129.4 million spending cut designed to reduce California’s budget deficit.
Keeping your identity your own
About five years ago. I was checking my credit card account when I noticed a purchase in Albany, New York, with a vendor I didn’t recognize. Since I haven’t been to Albany in about 40 years, I had a sneaky suspicion something was awry. It turned out to be a purchase at an adult bookstore.
Cramped for space? Try compact plants
You know that growing your own fruit and vegetables can supply your family with fresh-tasting and nutritious food. But what if you don’t have much space for a big garden or an orchard of fruit trees? Nowadays there are many dwarf and compact varieties available for smaller yards and containers. Here are some good ones to try.
Fall in love with Fall Creek Park
The weathered sign that points to the hidden park stands unnoticed by the traffic moving up the mountain. In the small, dusty parking lot, tan oaks and poison oak surround the few cars.
Trout season makes welcome return
The third Saturday in April has been a date that marks the spring opening for trout season for decades. But with more privately owned lakes, there is less water regulated by the state and more areas that do not rely on the traditional opening day. The communities that do rely on opening day have been anticipating the opener and have increased stocking programs and set up derbies to bring more visitors.
Scotts Valley graduate receives Teamsters scholarship
Violeta Dauksa of Scotts Valley has been named a recipient of a 2026 scholarship from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Scholarship Fund.
Dauksa is a...













