Columns

When you hear the phrase “self-care,” what comes to mind? For many of us, it’s bubble baths, spa treatments or elaborate routines we see online. While those can be enjoyable, they often make self-care feel like something time-consuming, expensive or unrealistic to keep up...

We’ve been told this all our lives, but today’s lesson came from a reader in Scotts Valley who shared a harrowing experience she and her husband had when removing the tall, massive flower spike of their century plant (Agave americana). The birds must have...

What happens when you bring together dozens of women leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs under one roof? I’m here to tell you. I interviewed four such women who helped organize the Women in Business (WIB) Leadership Summit, coming Oct. 30 at Mission Springs Conference Center. They...

“ou're also the most tech-savvy, adaptable, and values-driven generation to date. And that's your superpower in this new financial landscape.” —Paul White, “Financial Freedom for Gen Z” Zoomers adapt! Generation Z, born 1997-2012, grew up fearing the 2008 failure of centralized financial institutions and the...

I don’t know why I’m amazed when I come across an old lawn that was sheet mulched away. After all, it’s a tried and true method to remove a lawn and make way for a new spectacular, low water-use, pollinator-friendly garden that will also...

Last November, the Scotts Valley community came together in an extraordinary way to support our schools by passing Measure O, an $85 million bond dedicated to upgrading and modernizing our school facilities. On behalf of the Scotts Valley Unified School District, I extend my...

For the first time in all my years of public service, I’ve witnessed bulldozers tearing down buildings in our community without any input or approval from the City Council—or from you, the residents of Scotts Valley. The developer, Workbench—best known locally for their controversial clocktower...

Every year I vow to add more California natives to my little garden. Problem is I don’t have much sun, which is great on a hot day, but not so great for plant growth. Sure there are lovely native plants that are tolerant of...

“Forever young, I want to be forever young.” —Bob Dylan I now ask planning clients about time more than work cessation after 65. Sadly, my father just disappeared into television and disease quickly with a Judge’s pension. With finances and health intact, seniors travel broadly...

Lately I’ve been looking at my garden and what’s blooming now while also thinking of what to recommend for new gardens. Seems I’m always drawn to bright colors like coral, purple, dark pink, but then I love my yellow Flowering Maple and the hummingbirds...