Columns

Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) passed Congress and now figures into your 2025 tax returns with blatant Schedule A tax deductions and non-conforming Schedule CA deductions. Federal and CA deductions phase out with high income: OBBBA limits itemization by roughly 2/37 of...

A year ago, I publicly recommended that investors hedge bets against stocks in fear that Trump tariffs would start devastating trade wars. The Supreme Court temporarily saved us, but now we face both tariffs and “forever war” with Iran or desperate peace which sacrifices...

The phone rang, and my doctor’s assistant was on the other end. “Janet, our office is not equipped to help you; you must go to the ER (emergency room) today.” I was almost out the door heading to a 1:1 meeting over the hill before the...

I read about a study in France a while ago that suggests that humans are quickly altering the way flowers are reproducing, and it’s happening in just 20 generations. Toxic pesticides and vanishing habitats have driven down the populations of bees and other pollinators,...

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” —Eleanore Roosevelt My traveling shoes had taken me to Washington State; I was on my way to my hometown of Aberdeen for a class reunion. While waiting in the train station in Lacey, I had purchased a...

On this rainy day, I’m picturing my garden and deck this summer filled with colorful flowers. The bumblebees will be happy, the hummingbirds will be happy, I'll be happy. Or will I?  I recently read about a study in France that suggests that humans are...

Faced with what to use to keep down weeds when wood chips aren’t allowed? Well, you’re not alone. Although wood chip mulch is good for the health of your soil and your plants, it’s not recommended per new Cal Fire regulations within 30 feet...

From San Jose, Sally and her clownish boyfriend braved the twisties through San Lorenzo mountains with excess speed, then alighted at a Ben Lomond bar. Sally was drunk again, partying down at Henfling’s in less than a skirt with makeup to hide age. Flinging...

Did you know having a regular fitness routine is one of the best things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing dementia? It’s true. Physical exercise helps improve memory, thinking skills and motor skills. How it works is, moving your body 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...