Columns

After the stroke, and now in long-term care, the State has become the legal conservator of her estate. Her checking accounts were depleted, and a court-appointed executor was assigned to ensure that the care facility is paid first. She had discussed putting her home in...

The student loan crisis makes credit repair seem all the more urgent, with interest restarting in 2023, payments marked late in 2024 and collections beginning May 5, 2025. Smartasset.com says the average 2025 California student loan balance is $38,354. With 42.5 million borrowers, roughly...

As the weather heats up and summer swings into full gear, Scotts Valley is buzzing with activity. The parks are alive, the music is playing and our local shops are filled with that energy only summer can bring. But with the sunshine comes a...

My friend, Evan, often shares with me interesting studies about plants. Did you know that older trees share intelligence with young trees? Scientists have recorded how birch trees use electrical signals to communicate. How do they do this? All living organisms have an electrical system....

Summer often brings longer days, packed schedules and the best intentions to slow down and soak it all in—but in reality, life often speeds up. Between travel, work, family plans and shifting routines, staying in touch with the people who matter most can fall...

What time of day do you workout? In my experience and what studies have shown, the best time of day to train is in the morning. Training in the morning opens your body up to a list of benefits that can enhance both your...

Faced with what to use to keep down weeds when wood chips aren’t allowed? Well, you’re not alone. Although wood chip mulch is good for the health of your soil and your plants, it’s not recommended per new Cal Fire regulations within 30 feet...

“You are never wrong if you do the right thing.” —Mark Twain Dear Readers, The time has come, after writing this Plain Talk About Food column, to bring it to an end. I began writing under the direction of my editor at that time, Peter Burke....

“I think a bill can be big or it could be beautiful, but I don’t know if it could be both.” —Elon Musk Planning became possible when Donald Trump signed off a mega bill, which simultaneously decreases taxes and welfare spending while discouraging immigration; it...

I don’t have a dog of my own now. But I do get to pet sit for Winston, a French bulldog who is always into mischief. Since I have a lot of plants, I have to be aware if any are toxic to dogs. Gardens...