mallard motherhood Column: Gale McCreary Columns Wildlife 

The Miracles of Mallard Motherhood

By Gale McCreary As raucous blue jays argue over nesting sites and crows convene in swarthy flocks, a lone duck can be seen drifting along the river’s edge quacking. She is announcing her availability, not that common for a Mallard hen. These drab-coated females usually are claimed by handsome green-headed drakes early in the season and remain paired with them… Read More
Mary Andersen Photography San Lorenzo River Local News Water 

Water District Consolidation Process

What the public can anticipate as officials begin discussions and take actions toward a potential San Lorenzo Valley/Scotts Valley water district consolidation By Mary Andersen The San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) Board of Directors will meet today, Thursday, February 4, 2021. After opening the meeting at 5:30 pm, the board will enter a closed session period for one hour.… Read More
Jayme Ackemann Ben Lomond California Columns Fire 

From Denial to Grief and Gratitude

A firsthand perspective on surviving a fire that “couldn’t happen”  By Jayme Ackemann Every fire evacuation isn’t as dramatic as those middle-of-the-night knocks our neighbors in Boulder Creek got, but mine was every bit as terrifying. The CZU Lightning Complex fire evacuation order came down for Ben Lomond, the San Lorenzo Valley town where I live, on August 18. It… Read More