Plain Talk About Food | Grilling Showdown: Men vs. Women
“A recipe has no soul. You, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe.” —Thomas Keller
“Are you free on Sunday?” this good-looking man I had just met asked, and then he said, “I’d like to invite you to my new home for a...
The Mountain Gardener | What Can You Do to Celebrate Earth Day?
The theme for Earth Day 2025 is “Our Power, Our Planet,” emphasizing the importance of renewable energy and aiming to triple global electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030.
Earth Day is a day of education about environmental issues. Celebrate it in your own backyard...
Mayor’s Message | Connecting Our Future: Skypark & Town Center
As we step into spring, I’m thrilled to share some exciting developments that mark a turning point for two of our community’s most beloved spaces: Skypark and the future Town Center.
After years of planning and negotiations, we’ve finalized the purchase of the remaining parcels...
Finance | Ride Out the Storm of Global Tariff Wars
Amidst great oceans encircling America, mighty walls rise out of foaming seas to divide neighbors at peace. Trump’s gilded statues, glaring condescendingly, adorn stone pedestals guiding only costly aircraft above. The walls will tumble, but when and how and what can you do?
This week...
The Mountain Gardener | Vegetables in the Shade
Being the type who doesn’t take no for an answer, I’m going to try growing veggies on my shady deck again. I wasn’t very successful a couple years ago. I thought that three hours of hot midday sun would be enough for green beans...
Plain Talk About Food | Chicago Means Kielbasa
It was 6 o’clock in the morning and I was putting my carry-on and a grocery bag in the United’s overhead container, when I noticed a gentleman chuckling. As I sat in my seat, this fellow leaned over and in a fairly loud voice...
The Mountain Gardener | All About Soil
The calendar shows it’s spring. The longer days definitely say “spring.” And the weather couldn’t be more “spring-like.” But I'm concerned about the soil in my small garden. Besides battling the gophers (what could they be finding to munch on down there?), my soil...
Strictly Business | Not Your Average Salon
Stepping into Montgomery’s Barbershop is like stepping into a time capsule. The scent of shaving cream lingers in the air, the hum of clippers creates a rhythmic background, and antique barber chairs with silver-plated footrests sit proudly, like thrones of tradition.
And, at the center...
Finance | Local Tax Impact in Santa Cruz County
According to the Tax Foundation, California is 34th in the country—not last—in property taxes and Proposition 13 gives us an effective tax rate of 0.7%. Houses are assessed with purchase or new construction and then tax increases limited to 2% yearly. The tax is...
The Mountain Gardener | Fragrant Plants Are Blooming Now
I’m ready for spring. Those few warm spells have given me spring fever. Many plants blooming now are fragrant. Mother Nature encourages pollinators to find sweet nectar thereby ensuring plant propagation. What makes flowers fragrant anyway?
Fragrance in flowers is nature's way of encouraging pollination....
San Lorenzo Valley’s Taylor Rae set to perform at Moe’s Alley
Music is one of the threads that connects human beings. Whether it’s pop, rock ’n’ roll or down-home country, the lyrics and rhythms of...