TherapyWorks | 5 Simple Ways to Boost Mental Health
Taking care of your mental health doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. Small, simple actions that turn into habits can make a big difference in how you feel and how you handle life’s stressors.
Whether you're a busy parent, a student juggling responsibilities,...
The Mountain Gardener | Grow Flowers for Year-Round Bouquets
Want to be able to walk outside and pick some flowers to take to a friend’s house or bring inside to enjoy yourself? Not long ago I was looking around my own little garden for good flowers to cut for a bouquet. I had...
Strictly Business | Firespark: A Path to Regenerative Health
In the movie “Avatar,” a powerful phrase echoes—“I see you.” It’s more than a greeting; it’s a recognition of the soul. And as the saying goes, “The eyes are the window to the soul.” But what if they are also windows to our health?
That’s...
Plain Talk About Food | Memorial Day and Memories
“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...
Fitness | Functional Fitness for a Longer Life
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...
Mayor’s Message | Hope for the Future — and a Budget to Match
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...
The Mountain Gardener | Best Native Plants for Containers
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...
The Mountain Gardener | Gorgeous Rhododendrons in the Garden
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...
Finance | Tax Dimensions of Retirement Savings
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...
Plain Talk About Food | Recipes From the Past Stir Memories
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...
News Briefs | Published July 11, 2025
‘Veterans’ Voices with VTC’ debuts on Santa Cruz Voice
The Veterans Transition Center (VTC) and Santa Cruz Voice have partnered to launch “Veterans’ Voices with...