Columns

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you’ll land among the stars.” —Norman Vincent Peale Whether you are going to be cooking for a graduation party, Father’s Day or readying for a picnic on the beach, you had better be prepared ahead of time. Doing...

What is functional fitness? Functional fitness is a way of exercising that mimics real life movements, in addition to offering numerous benefits for daily life by enhancing strength, coordination and stability. These movements improve balance, flexibility and endurance, making everyday activities easier and safe. Functional...

As I drove down Scotts Valley Drive last week, I smiled seeing all the happy faces of graduating high school seniors on banners lining the street. It’s that time of year when our community is filled with hope and excitement about what’s ahead. And...

A couple weeks ago I wrote about including California native plants in your garden. Since I have limited ground to garden, I mostly have containers and have been quite successful as long as I match the sun or shade to the right plant. You’ve...

Every garden I visit these days has at least one gorgeous rhododendron in full bloom. They can’t help but be spectacularly covered with those huge flower trusses. They sure make you stop and take notice. I still miss the two old ones I had...

If you want to save on taxes, do what the government wants you to do. Indeed, save for retirement so you don’t burden your family or neighbors as you limit your livelihood in old age, and encourage employees to save. Once standard, today government employees...

I suppose if a ‘good’ witch stood in front of me and asked, which one person from your past life would you bring back today, that one person would be my Aunt Betty. Not my mother, who left me as a small child on...

Most of us would love to have a garden containing all California native plants growing happily in an ecosystem where everybody wins—birds, bees, insects, wildlife and us, of course. Our garden would contain flowers, shrubs, grasses, ground covers and trees all providing food, water,...

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...

Cal Fire is observing Wildfire Preparedness Week from May 4-10, 2025. This week is an opportunity to build awareness around the measures that individuals, communities and local agencies can take to prepare for wildfire. As a water agency, our staff here at Scotts Valley Water...