Columns

The month of May has gotten off to a great start with exciting developments throughout the Fifth District. Last week, I was pleased to join other elected leaders in our county in celebrating the construction kick-off for the Highway 17 Wildlife Crossing, a project designed...

We the people are watching our country burn, seeing images on television and social media of police in riot gear storming our nation’s capital in Washington D.C. as it is overrun by Americans who believe they have been cheated and wronged and disenfranchised. We the...

I spent the last week in Palm Springs visiting friends, friends who no longer spend much time in their kitchen. Consequently, I was subjected to many restaurants. Now I’m not complaining, but I did return home knowing that my French Onion soup far surpasses the...

Recently I spent some time in a friend’s garden in Bonny Doon. This spectacular garden was included on Valley Church’s Garden Tour several years ago when several Bonny Doon gardens were featured. As in many gardens, there are some sunny spots and lots of...

After a lovely, mild spring, summer weather arrived with a vengeance. My poor plants were thinking they lived in England and then were rudely awakened and reminded that they actually live inland and away from the influence of the cool coast. My watering schedule...

There’s a rumor afloat that all San Lorenzo Valley Water District Board Directors support a rate increase. As one of those Directors, and speaking only for myself, let me set the record straight.   I oppose the rate increase proposal for the following reasons: It unfairly punishes...

When you think of superheroes’ characteristics, what comes to mind? You might think they have superpowers and they fight against oppression and wrongdoing. But in business today, just being fair is nothing compared to having the ability to lead and engage others to become their...

Recent information circulating in our community regarding both rail lines within Santa Cruz County has caused quite a stir. As many members of the public are aware, the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) owns the rail corridor stretching from Watsonville to north...

Coming from a meeting with a client in Scotts Valley today, I saw a really well designed dry creek bed. I didn’t get a picture today, but I’ll go back, it was that good. How will this year’s La Niña affect our rainfall? According...

Nationwide, suicide is the third leading cause of death in teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Locally, teen suicide has hit all too close to home in recent weeks and years. While the subject of suicide is hard to think...