“The redwoods, once seen, leave a mark or create a vision that stays with you always. No one has ever successfully painted or photographed a redwood tree. The feeling they produce is not…
By Happy New Year · Page 2
Sabbatical Minister
While I am away on sabbatical from January 5 through April 5, the congregation will have a sabbatical minister, Rev. Michael Patrick Ellard. Like me, Rev. Mike is a United Church of Christ…
By Reverend Melanie Weiner · Page 8
California’s high-fire-zone rezoning has evolved for years, but recent legislative changes have accelerated the impact on homeowners and landowners. With AB 3074 (2020) and SB 63 (2021)…
By Keith Kanady · Page 9
Fog: Thou Shall Not Pass
Mark and I took a class in terroir at the Wine Institute in Bordeaux, France. It was fascinating. It covered how elevation, exposure, climate, and soil affect wine. The class included…
By Robin Porter · Page 10
Redwood Amphitheater
Tucked beneath the redwoods on the north Loma Prieta campus, just beyond the gazebo at the newly-named Mountain Complex, lies one of our ’s hidden gems: the Redwood Amphitheater. For…
By Miriam Watson · Page 11
Complex: — A Community Resource
Many in our community have visited the north side of the Loma Prieta Joint Union School District campus, but few realize it now has an official name. This area, recently designated as the…
By Miriam Watson · Page 13
Building Blocks Preschool continues to make changes to support our children and strengthen our program. These shifts reflect a renewed commitment to community care. We are actively…
By Jessie Thorsen · Page 26
Lakeside in Wonderland — Auction
Mark your calendars for the Lakeside School Community Foundation’s “Lakeside in Wonderland” auction on Saturday, March 28. Follow the white rabbit to the party at the Lakeside Community…
By Kathy Williams · Page 27
95033 Community Night — at the Warriors
The Loma Public Education Fund is hosting a fundraiser at the Santa Cruz Warriors game on Sunday, March 8. A portion of ticket proceeds purchased through LPEF will support essential…
By Blyth Strachman · Page 5
January Events
Join us for two special events this month. On Friday, January 16, enjoy live music by Djangatos in the historical Burrell Schoolhouse. Gypsy jazz trio Djangatos will perform from 5:30 to…
By Rich Leonetti · Page 6
Drinks all Around. The Pacific Coast Railroad brought hundreds of strong- muscled Chinese and caucasian workers to the Santa Cruz Mountains in 1877 to build a railroad tunnel at Wright’s…
By Debra Staab · Page 19
Capitola Walk
I found a perfect winter hike. One that takes you through interesting environments in cold, wet weather with a minimum of mud, wind, and fatigue. See some interesting, even unique views…
By Neil Wiley · Page 22
Happy new year from Lexington School. We were busy in the final weeks of 2025. In November, we celebrated National Drummer Day. Our kindergarten students were exploring the idea that…
By Jason Deppong · Page 28
Cowrie
The image shows two unique creatures that I don’t typically see near each other. Giant plumose anemones are more common in the Monterey Bay, while chestnut cowries are more common in Carmel…
By Bruce Sudweeks · Page 25