Matt Machado, now on the job about five months as the new Director of Public Works for Santa Cruz County, gave a status report on road repair projects in the San Lorenzo Valley at a “meet and greet” event at Highlands Park on Nov. 19.  Early in his remarks, Machado said, “Thank goodness Proposition 6 failed in the election- proposing to repeal the gas tax- because that gas tax funding is our match for every one of our storm damage projects.” 

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.

If working in the garden Thanksgiving weekend is not high on your list then you’re in luck.  Here are some reasons why along with other information you need to know.

Once upon a time when our area was under water

Santa Cruz County sent a strike team on Thursday to the Camp Fire in Butte County. Five engines were sent with a leader and an assistant leader. The agencies participating are Scotts Valley, Branciforte, Santa Cruz, Central and Aptos/La Selva. The Strike Team leader is from Central and the Assistant Leader is from Aptos/La Selva. Four people are assigned to each engine.

Throughout the year I am asked for design help and plant suggestions but especially in the fall I hear the request, “I’d love to add more grasses to my garden.” There’s no doubt that the movement and sound of ornamental grasses in the landscape adds another dimension to our experience. Many grasses and grass-like plants use less water than other plants, too. 

There’s not a year that goes by that I don’t plant some new bulbs in the fall. I may battle squirrels, deer and shade but come spring it’ll all be worth it.  Daffodils and narcissus are safe but what would spring be without all the other gorgeous bulbs to welcome in the season?

                             ”…Double, double, toil and trouble,

Inspired by a website called “Dude, Autumn Happens Here, Too” (https://www.californiafallcolor.com/ ) I set off last week to see the quaking aspen groves in the Sierra. As I drove up Highway 4 and over Ebbetts Pass the aspen groves came into view. Markleeville and Monitor Pass displayed some nice color, too. As I enjoyed the fall display I wondered if they would be as beautiful for future generations or if our impact on the environment would cause these glorious trees to change in any way.