Columns

Reaching for a box of golden raisins for my persimmon puddings in Ben Lomond market the other day, I smiled, remembering the little box of raisins that was pressed into my hand, oh so many years ago, but forever in my memory. My Hubby Norm...

Our Santa Cruz County court will soon begin our process of interviewing and selecting our 2024-25 Civil Grand Jury, and we hope you will consider applying. Serving on the grand jury is a tremendous opportunity to support our local community and to contribute to the...

Recently I spent some time in a friend’s garden in Bonny Doon. This spectacular garden was included on Valley Church’s Garden Tour several years ago when several Bonny Doon gardens were featured. As in many gardens, there are some sunny spots and lots of...

The market dipped 1.7% today (Feb. 21, 2025) with fears of tariff wars and inflation, but I sleep well. This CFP generally encourages securities investors to buy diversified baskets of low load mutual funds and ETFs for stocks, options or bonds. Stockpickers usually won’t beat...

I have a cat named Archer. He’s a little too vocal sometimes but thankfully, he doesn’t chew on plants. If he did or if small children were about during the holidays I’d be sure to put some of my holiday plants out of their...

In November, we are focused on two issues that are often in the forefront of people’s minds throughout Santa Cruz County and especially in District 5—water and roads. Let’s start with water. My office has spent a great deal of time on shaping a better...

Easter Sunday was supposed to be spent with my visiting elderly parents. They had set out on a road trip from Arkansas to see friends along the way, spend time with other family in Clovis, Calif., and then make their way here for the...

“Be careful what you wish for, it might be more than you can handle.” That thought immediately came to mind, that late afternoon while staring down the hallway of my apartment building many years ago. Women and children were at each end of that hallway, some...

The calendar says summer starts next Wednesday, June 21, at 7:57am. To say it’s been a strange year weather-wise would be an understatement. I, for one, put away the flannel sheets and sweaters a little too soon.  But one of these days or weeks our...

One of the greatest privileges of serving as your mayor is having a front-row seat to the dedication and quiet heroism of those who serve our city every day. This month, I want to highlight the incredible work of the Scotts Valley Police Department—and...