Columns

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,...

By the time you read this, your Scotts Valley schools will be educating our students on campus once more. Thanks to a significant effort from our teachers, principals, staff, Assistant Superintendent Michelle Stewart and Superintendent Tanya Krause, our district was the first in the...

In the San Lorenzo Valley, it is easier to admit dope smoking than 10 years of successful landlording. But I am not the only paraplegic who depends on passive income for caregiving. Landlords play two games: The Big Game: Capital Gains Landlords seek rising prices for...

How strong are your arms? Did you know arm strength declines naturally as you age. Many people don’t notice the change until everyday tasks are suddenly hard to do. The loss of arm strength is due to age-related muscle loss and begins at the...

Almost overnight, although maybe I’m judging by rain storms, spring is upon us. The birds sure know it is and I’m seeing trees in bloom and new growth on the perennials. The tree frogs are croaking and looking for mates, the weeds are happily...

The end of daylight savings time signals to me that autumn is really here in our mild California surroundings. Enjoy these crisp mornings and warm days and to make your garden more compelling try mixing in late-flowering perennials as well as trees and shrubs...

By Colly Gruczelak, Plain Talk About Food Pulling the last tray of maraschino cookies from the oven I noticed that darkness was descending on our Ben Lomond neighborhood and I worked quickly to finish my cleanup. Settling into a chair in front of my kitchen...

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...

Summers are getting hotter and hotter. Our winters are colder. Climate change is affecting our gardens, too. You might be on the right track of sustainability and stewardship of the environment but can you do more? How can we live more in harmony with nature?...

Strength training is not just for bodybuilders. Weight training is necessary for all ages whether the age is 7, 30 or 80 years old. Kids can begin strength training at age 7 using their own body weight, then can graduate to using light weights...