Columns

Like a garden full of spring flowers, tax measures are sprouting up all throughout the county this cycle. And who can blame the cities and county, as the inflation pressures and the unfunded mandates imposed by the state of California are stark reminders that...

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...

If you’ve been waiting to plant a cover crop, wait no more. The soil is now moist and still warm enough to germinate seed easily. Remember that every drop of rain that hits bare soil is destructive. Over 3,000 years ago the Chinese protected...

Since launching Faves & Raves in 2007, the Press Banner has sought to highlight the best establishments in Scotts Valley and the San Lorenzo Valley. This year, we make the pivot to the Best of Scotts Valley and San Lorenzo Valley, determined by the...

Always on the lookout for potential problems in my garden, I can use all the help I can get. Solutions are out there. One of my go-to websites that I use to diagnose those problems is UC Integrated Pest Management or http://ipm.ucanr.edu. You can...

“We are always too busy for our children. We lavish gifts upon them; but the most precious gift, our personal association, which means so much to them, we give grudgingly.” —Mark Twain I had the privilege of being sworn in as a member of the...

As a licensed therapist and mental health expert, I have seen firsthand how the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health challenges can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need. The fear of judgment can deter people from seeking professional care, opening up to...

I recently asked a colleague who lives in the San Lorenzo Valley if they’ve heard of any positive business experiences lately?  “Haven’t you heard the buzz?” they asked. “What buzz?” I fired back.  The Humble Sea Tavern in downtown Felton, located in the old Cremer House, is...

According to historical records for our area the pollen count is mostly moderate in February. Depending on the weather, Pollen.com and Pollenlibrary.com show medium to high counts only for a few days this month. If you’re an allergy sufferer you don’t need a website...

I read the bulb catalogs the same as you do. They show oh so many bulbs that do well in the shade. As we know all too well, there are many degrees of shade in our gardens here in the Santa Cruz Mountains and...