Columns

National Public Works Week is from May 21 to 27, so let’s take a look at what Public Works does here in Scotts Valley. We have around 20 staff members in Public Works who take care of wastewater, streets, parks, engineering and recreation services. Wastewater Did...

In today’s news and on social media, you've probably heard the phrase, “The Genie is out of the Bottle,” referring to Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a “new” technology. But let’s take a step back in time. AI research dates back to the 1950s and...

I was such a little thing when Uncle picked me up and sat me down on a red leather stool that swiveled. Honestly, I remember clutching the counter in front of me because of any movement on my part, I would be going “down.” It...

Today’s the day I’ve been anticipating for months. It’s the day I go to the Felton Holiday Wreath Makers get together to create another masterpiece (hopefully). I plan to make several for friends and neighbors, although some of those prior recipients are coming with...

Water is a precious and vital resource. Our bodies are about 60 percent water and our brain—a whopping 70 percent. Less than 1 percent of the water on the Earth, however, is suitable for human consumption. With the population increasing and the water supply...

“ollege graduates enjoy lower unemployment rates and higher incomes than do those without college education…those with college degrees consistently score higher in life satisfaction and happiness surveys. They are more likely to marry and less likely to divorce. College graduates even live longer and...

As a new year approaches, many people find themselves inspired by the idea of a fresh start, and contemplate the changes they want to make in their lives. Along with that enthusiasm comes the question—should I set goals or make resolutions? While the terms are...

If I were looking for cool Halloween decorations or inspiration for breathtaking combinations of plants that shout “Fall is here,” I couldn’t have gone to a better place than Scarborough Gardens, the Scotts Valley nursery extraordinaire. Every vignette of plants along with the Halloween...

Having been raised by my elderly aunt who ran a boarding house for the workers at the nearby sawmill in the small town of Aberdeen, Wash., my younger days were spent primarily in the company of older people. Our house was the last house...

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” - Theodore Roosevelt I know exactly the time and date and where it was that I realized I was aging.   It was on my 50th birthday. I sitting at my dressing table when I discovered my first grey hair on...