49.7 F
Scotts Valley
February 2, 2026

This Just in- Plants Need Water to Survive

All plants need water- even those that are tolerant of our summer dry conditions. Water makes up 90-98 percent of every plant we grow. It's needed for photosynthesis, as well as reproduction and defense against pests.

Local lawmaker champions the fight against illegal coastal development, plastic pollution

 Last week, Mattress Recycling Council (MRC) and the Bye Bye Mattress Program announced Assemblymember Mark Stone (D-Monterey Bay) as a recipient of the 2018 Environmental Stewardship Award for his outstanding commitment toward protecting California’s coastline from illegal development and advancing policies to strengthen clean water supplies. The Environmental Stewardship Award recognizes and commends California legislators who have made significant contributions toward protecting California’s environment and who best exemplify environmental stewardship.

Are the Dog Days of Summer Getting you Down?

They’re called the Dog Days of summer. You know those sultry days with the hottest summer temperatures. The Romans associated the hot weather between July 24th and August 24th with the star Sirius which they considered to be the “Dog Star” because it’s the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major (Large Dog). The Old Farmer’s Almanac uses slightly different dates but the Dog Days of summer are definitely here.

Why blue is so valued in the garden

While harvesting blueberries at a friends’ garden I started thinking of the color blue and why it appeals to all of us gardeners. I was taking care of this fabulous garden while the owners were out of town so I had a lot of time to enjoy all of the plants including the blue flowering ones.

CFOG: ‘slow down’ advocacy group in the making

Citizens for Orderly Growth in Scotts Valley (CFOG) is a recently organized, “educational and collaborative” advocacy group that has every intention of becoming a grassroots force to be reckoned with in the face of “uncontrolled growth” in Scotts Valley, according to its organizers .

Secretary of California’s Natural Resources Agency, visits Loch Lomond

Dealing with one of the worst droughts on record and then the largest, most destructive wildfires in California’s history, the Secretary of California’s Natural Resources Agency has his hands full. The Natural Resource Agency is a sprawling, cabinet-level state agency overseeing and coordinating 25 different departments, from Cal Fire to the Department of Water Resources with a lot to coordinate over the last several years. 

SLVHS alum stays positive after life-threatening accident, thanks to small town community

It’s a typical Friday for Chris Greenly, as he wakes up, gets ready and helps his girlfriend Sarah make breakfast at their home in Felton.

You can never grow too many tall bearded iris

 Last May I was fortunate to be able to spend the morning in Scotts Valley painting the tall bearded iris growing at Jim and Irene Cummins place. On their property they grow hundreds of varieties and if you are an aficionado of this regal flower you have a chance to add to your collection when the Monterey Bay Iris Society hosts their annual sale. Your first opportunity is at Deer Park in Aptos on August 4th from 9:00-noon and another sale takes place at Cabrillo Farmer’s Market on August 11th also from 9:00-noon.

SLVHS Varsity Football, preparing for upcoming season

It’s a beautiful, sunny Tuesday in July, but rather than spending the day at the beach, the San Lorenzo Valley Varsity Football players are lifting weights in the high school gym. It is all part of their training regime. The student athletes are preparing to improve on their 5-5 finish from last season. And while the players have been working hard all summer, the preparation for a successful season goes beyond the weight room. 

County offers limited amnesty for unpermitted dwellings, if certified as safe

The County Planning Department knows there are hundreds of unpermitted dwellings throughout the unincorporated areas of Santa Cruz County, especially up and down the San Lorenzo Valley. Aimed at insuring a basic level of health and fire safety in these living spaces, the county has rolled out a new “Limited Immunity Amnesty Program,” called the Safe Structures Program, to improve the safety of both residents and neighbors of these “not-entirely-legal” residential spaces, while trying to avoid the dreaded “Red Tag” that puts people out of much needed affordable housing.

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Scotts Valley City Hall

Scotts Valley Council clears surplus land step for Town Center project

Scotts Valley City Council’s Jan. 21 meeting made some serious progress on the Town Center development—essentially doing some of the housekeeping items needed to...