Tag: opinion
Guest Column | Rain! Rain! Rain!
On Jan. 14, Scotts Valley joined other local jurisdictions when City Manager Mali LaGoe issued a Proclamation declaring a local emergency, to be ratified...
The Mountain Gardener | Fight Air Pollution with Houseplants
So many power outages these days. I’ve needed to set up a portable propane heater as well as start a fire in the fireplace...
Plain Talk About Food | It’s ‘Tom and Jerry’ Weather
I was in the kitchen adding eggs to the batter in my Mixmaster when the lights began to blink, that tell-tale sign that our...
The Mountain Gardener | Rx for Sad Houseplants
It’s been a tough couple weeks for my houseplants. Power outages from recent storms made me move my African violet, which was just starting...
Guest Column | Santa Cruz County Saw Major Changes in 2022
As I reflect on 2022, it’s difficult to imagine another year that brought as much change to Santa Cruz County in terms of policymaking...
The Mountain Gardener | Magenta: Pantone Color of the Year for...
We are all drawn to different colors in a garden. Some of us like soft, pastel shades while others like strong, jewel tones. They...
Wishing All a Wonderful Holiday Season and Healthy New Year
As we approach the holidays and 2022 concludes, I want to express my appreciation for the great work of City Manager Mali LaGoe and...
The Mountain Gardener | A Christmas Poem
Twas the night before Christmas and all through the garden,The creatures were stirring, the deer got a pardon. The hummingbird feeders were hung by the...
I Can No Longer Stay Quiet: We Can Do Better
I have sat quietly on the sidelines for most of my life.
Quiet on the playground when kids would utter the words “beaner” or “spic”...
News Briefs | Published Jan. 2, 2026
Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau named ‘County of the Year’
Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau received the “County of the Year” award at the California...
