Columns

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...

Wisteria are one of those vines that you either long for or lament ever having planted. They are all fragrant with a delicious sweet scent that varies from faint to strong to almost overpowering. Bees and hummingbirds love them. Here are some tips to...

Adding California natives to my collection of container plants has been a goal for a long time. Besides attracting birds and wildlife to the garden they use less water than most container plants, plus they are beautiful. Gardening in containers is easy. You can control...

In the San Lorenzo Valley, it is easier to admit dope smoking than 10 years of successful landlording. But I am not the only paraplegic who depends on passive income for caregiving. Landlords play two games: The Big Game: Capital Gains Landlords seek rising prices for...

Recent information circulating in our community regarding both rail lines within Santa Cruz County has caused quite a stir. As many members of the public are aware, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) owns the rail corridor stretching from Watsonville to north...

I love it when a nice reader takes the time to call me to suggest a topic they’d like to see me write about or remind them what needs to be done at a certain time of year. Take Helen, who lives in Spring...

You can have chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose, but what would the holidays be without a beautiful wreath to decorate the door? Maybe you want to put together a swag for the mantle or candle holder...

“The U.S. innovates, China replicates, and Europe regulates.” —The Christian Science Monitor Developed Markets, Frontier Markets and Emerging Markets Trump tariffs (roughly 25%) punish American consumers, suppliers and foreigners (who will seek new customers), so investors turn to Developed Markets, but since the 1990s European productivity...

“Really,” I thought to myself, what is Brainspotting? After Erin Burton, LCSW, finished her introduction at a local event, I decided to set up an interview with her, excited to better understand her work. In our country today, we recognize the importance of addressing mental...

With those big brown doe eyes and the cute fawns, who doesn’t enjoy seeing deer, as long as they’re not in your yard. Around my place they only visit very occasionally, which is the worst as I forget they might come at any time...