Madia Jamgochian Art 

Pieces of My Heart: Artist Madia Jamgochian

By Julie Horner Artist Madia Jamgochian draws creative inspiration from her life experiences. “It was kind of a strange year for everybody,” she said. During the health crisis, she said it was like, “Pick the four people you’re going to talk to, and that’s it.” Physical touch was looked down upon or forbidden, especially for those who didn’t have a… Read More
Roaring Camp Felton Music Hall stage Welcome 

Summer in Full Swing

By Julie Horner July 1, 2021 The Santa Cruz Mountains are vibrant with birdsong and the sounds of human endeavoring; warm days, windows flung wide, followed by foggy nights, the Big Dipper dancing in and out of view among winking stars in a silent forest. The air is fresh, the breeze is gentle. From everywhere music flows. Gratitude to be… Read More
CJ Runyon Walu International Columns Fire Recovery 

Walu International: Bringing It Back To Communities

By CJ Runyon, Walu International There are many reasons I love Community Driven Development, but it is mostly based on my love of communities and my belief they are capable of leading their development while getting assistance from local organizations and resources. I look forward to sharing my experiences, good and embarrassing, with you to explain why Community Driven Development… Read More
gravel garden path Column: Josh Reilly Columns Gardening 

Early Summer Gardens in Full Riot

By Josh Reilly It’s peak season in San Lorenzo Valley gardens. Roses, salvias, Jerusalem sage, irises, poppies, lavenders, yuccas, succulents, penstemons, sedums, Peruvian lilies and ground covers like creeping Thyme are all in full riot. Azaleas and rhododendrons are lighting up shady corners. Pelargoniums and geraniums (often confused) are going off like fireworks. Long blooming standbys like Erigeron will be… Read More
Scotts Valley Community Barn Columns History Water 

A History of Scotts Valley Water

By Randall Brown August 1958. The Scotts Valley Barn was practically empty on the night the residents were invited to learn about the upcoming water election. Engineers, county officials’ consultants, and public-relations men nearly outnumbered the ten interested citizens. There would be one question on the ballot, according to a spokesman: “Do you wish to buy a reserve water supply… Read More
Roasted Artichokes with Sage Blossoms and Lemon Balm Column Alison Steele Columns Food & Drink 

Roasted Artichokes with Sage Blossoms and Lemon Balm

By Alison Steele If you’ve been following along, you’ll notice that I love harvesting edible flowers to flavor our food. Reeling us in with color, then aroma, and capturing our taste buds with the melding of essential oils, flowering herbs are a complex flavor addition to any meal. Continuing the edible flower theme, this week’s recipe is nothing short of… Read More
alice in underland Local News Theater 

There’s Something About a Small Town: Little People’s Repertory Theater Preps for Summer

By Julie Horner There’s something about a small town. “My kids grew up doing this, they’re all adults now,” said Jennine Chadwick, Executive Director of Little People’s Repertory Theater. “They do this in the summer, help the new kids, go to college, come back.” It’s a touchstone in their lives, she says, and one of the things she loves best… Read More
The Winds of Beyond Literature Local News 

SLV High Alum Publishes Book: The Winds of Beyond

By Julie Horner It all started in 2016 at the White Raven coffee shop in Felton. “I had this little notebook with random ideas. I was supposed to be studying.” San Lorenzo Valley High School graduate Sampson Miller admits to being a horrible student. He would doodle in class – spaceships, otherworldly concepts, and “stories in his head.” By his… Read More