Columns

2023 began with back-to-back extreme weather events that resulted in severe flooding, landslides and other impacts to our roads, neighborhoods and businesses in the mountainous Fifth District. Even as we continue addressing the damage, we are still grappling as a County with the aftermath...

As a new year approaches, many people find themselves inspired by the idea of a fresh start, and contemplate the changes they want to make in their lives. Along with that enthusiasm comes the question—should I set goals or make resolutions? While the terms are...

“Mae West has been on more laps than a napkin.” —Walter Winchel Yesterday, while ironing my umpteenth holiday napkin, I was remembering our “napkin box” that hung on the wall in the refectory at our convent in Tacoma, Wash. Such a simple box with 50 or...

I’m ready for spring. Those few warm spells have given me spring fever. Many plants blooming now are fragrant. Mother Nature encourages pollinators to find sweet nectar thereby ensuring plant propagation. What makes flowers fragrant anyway? Fragrance in flowers is nature's way of encouraging pollination....

It was 6 o’clock in the morning and I was putting my carry-on and a grocery bag in the United’s overhead container, when I noticed a gentleman chuckling. As I sat in my seat, this fellow leaned over and in a fairly loud voice...

Summer is winding down. It’s still warm during the day but the nights are cool and there’s less and less daylight hours. The soil is still warm so it’s the perfect time to start thinking about planting. Like the saying goes, “gardening is a...

I was standing in the back of the Senior Center of Scotts Valley building, amongst the Oak trees, in the grass where 25 people had gathered, spaced out, already moving their bodies slowly, in a rhythmic manner, guided by Denise Allen. I had arrived late,...

The student loan crisis makes credit repair seem all the more urgent, with interest restarting in 2023, payments marked late in 2024 and collections beginning May 5, 2025. Smartasset.com says the average 2025 California student loan balance is $38,354. With 42.5 million borrowers, roughly...

If stocks perform like hopping rabbits, who needs sluggish bonds in the Santa Cruz Mountains? The answer lies not in market timing but numerous CFP queries, which confirm clients are not always comfortable with an all-stock portfolio that could lose 30% of its value...

While it might sound selfish or impossible to make time for self-care during stressful times of your life, self-care is crucial to keep you healthy, happy and balanced. During stressful periods in our lives we tend to focus outward, disregarding ourselves and our needs....