Columns

This month, the voters of the Scotts Valley Fire District will be asked whether to invest $22.2 million into a new fire station and multipurpose administration/disaster support building to improve community safety. The District currently operates out of two fire stations: the 22-year-old Glenwood...

“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone's life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.” —Roy T. Bennett, author I’ve begun preparing ingredients for a “thank you” dinner for our Volunteer Handymen, who...

There is a fine line between hope and expectations. In the latter, you are mostly depending on others to help you achieve an end to your desires, whereas hope is a positive feeling generated from within oneself—a desire that something might happen. Emily Dickinson’s metaphor...

I received a phone call just at sunset from my friend Rosemary “Rosie” Chalmers two weeks ago. Usually Rosie is in bed at that time as she rises at 3 a.m. Monday through Friday in order to open her broadcasting studio by 5 a.m. Rosie...

When we see people smile, we can often sense their health and happiness. Meet Rebecca Hazelton, founder, author, nutritionist and holistic health coach. Rebecca offers even more, so let me share her story. On ChoosingHealthNow.com, you’ll find her core qualifications. She is a Licensed Certified Nutritionist,...

Think of how much time in a day you spend sitting? You sit in your car to and from work. You sit at your desk working the majority of the time. Then you come home and sit down to relax. Did you know that...

Since launching Faves & Raves in 2007, the Press Banner has sought to highlight the best establishments in Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley. This year, we make the pivot to the Best of Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley, determined by the...

“Concision in style, Precision in thought, Decision in life.” —Victor Hugo We are a nation of consumers and investors, hemming, hawing and hedging with Trump, who flaunts law and principles. Unsure of securities? Avoid panicky flight to historically low-paying interest investments; seek principle. But balance...

“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...

“The weeds of socialism are better than the crops of capitalism.” —Chairman Mao Zedong Bernie Sanders won Santa Cruz County primaries twice and now Ocasio-Cortez, Mandami, El-Sayed and Flanagan gain power. DSA friendly candidates threaten moderate Democrats and independent votes enough to give MAGA a...