Opinion

I represent about 150 hotel employees at Scotts Valley hotels as president of the Santa Cruz County Hotel and Lodging Association. They are outstanding ambassadors for our small town, many of whom have dedicated their careers to hospitality. Their livelihoods now face an uncertain future...

Are you drinking enough water each day? Water is one of the simplest ways to support your overall health. The average person should be drinking about 64 ounces (eight 8-ounce glasses) of water per day. However, your individual needs may vary depending on your...

Craig Winter Is Working to Make Felton, SLV Safer The tragic CZU fire was a wake-up call bringing our community together around an urgent question: What can we do now to reduce the risks of the next wildfire? It was time to act. Many of us...

Every day, community health centers ensure people can see a doctor, manage chronic illness, receive behavioral health support and get preventive care. In Santa Cruz County, that care is not an abstraction. It is a lifeline for nearly 14,000 patients served by Santa Cruz...

Hopefully, you are not panic-selling to move: California has awesome people, climate, entertainment, educational opportunities and business. For property taxes, see my “Local Tax Impact in Santa Cruz County.” IRS Capital Gains rates run 15% for couples making over $89,251 and 20% for those earning...

Every year I vow to add more California natives to my little garden. The problem is I don’t have much sun, which is great on a hot day but not so great for plant growth. Sure there are lovely native plants that are tolerant...

Why This Empty Nester Still Gives to SVEF I’m still getting used to this “empty nester” description as we recently moved our youngest daughter into her new home, aka dorm. While our daughters have graduated from Scotts Valley High School, my husband and I are...

… So wherever I am, there’s always Pooh,There’s always Pooh and Me.“What would I do?” I said to Pooh,“If it wasn't for you,” and Pooh said: “True,It isn't much fun for One, but Two,Can stick together, says Pooh, says he.“That's how it is,” says...

My friend, Evan, often shares interesting studies about plants. Did you know that older trees share intelligence with young trees? Scientists have recorded how birch trees use electrical signals to communicate. How do they do this? All living organisms have an electrical system. This study...

There’s something about fall that naturally invites a reset. Summer tends to run on a different rhythm. Schedules loosen, routines shift, vacations interrupt the usual flow, and longer days encourage us to squeeze in just a little more. Then fall arrives. School starts, calendars fill...