Opinion

Summer often brings longer days, packed schedules and the best intentions to slow down and soak it all in—but in reality, life often speeds up. Between travel, work, family plans and shifting routines, staying in touch with the people who matter most can fall...

Heartfelt farewell to a beloved writer and cook Dear Colly, I have shed many a tear as I read your column, and last week’s sweet goodbye was no exception (“Cooking and Loving It in the Valleys,” July 11). When sharing your memories, your warm tone and...

What time of day do you workout? In my experience and what studies have shown, the best time of day to train is in the morning. Training in the morning opens your body up to a list of benefits that can enhance both your...

Faced with what to use to keep down weeds when wood chips aren’t allowed? Well, you’re not alone. Although wood chip mulch is good for the health of your soil and your plants, it’s not recommended per new Cal Fire regulations within 30 feet...

“You are never wrong if you do the right thing.” —Mark Twain Dear Readers, The time has come, after writing this Plain Talk About Food column, to bring it to an end. I began writing under the direction of my editor at that time, Peter Burke....

“I think a bill can be big or it could be beautiful, but I don’t know if it could be both.” —Elon Musk Planning became possible when Donald Trump signed off a mega bill, which simultaneously decreases taxes and welfare spending while discouraging immigration; it...

I don’t have a dog of my own now. But I do get to pet sit for Winston, a French bulldog who is always into mischief. Since I have a lot of plants, I have to be aware if any are toxic to dogs. Gardens...

Summer is supposed to feel lighter. Longer days, warmer weather and maybe even a break in routine. But for many people, summer brings a different kind of pressure—one that can lead to a sneaky form of burnout. At TherapyWorks, we see it all the time....

Promoting civility at Scotts Valley parade Like many others who attended the Scotts Valley Fourth of July Parade in 2024, I felt very grateful to live near this community and enjoy the parade. Most of our family’s day-to-day business—from grocery and hardware store shopping, to eye...

“Look out!” grimaced Blue. “There’s the Trump supporter gulping Scotts Valley Coffee!” “Where else?” responded Red. “And you must be the Ben Lomond neighbor who erected the 50-foot lime green ‘Bernie Sanders Soviet Honeymoon’ statue over my yard?” “He jousts your greedy 50-foot gilded paper-mâché ‘Trump...