The Mountain Gardener | Watering the Right Way
Think like a plant. The weather might be cool one day, really hot the next day. And your plants are growing like mad in order to reproduce, which is their life’s work. All this takes water, which is the elixir of life for us...
Finance | Commodities Investing in Uncertain Times
“Gold is the money of kings, silver is the money of gentlemen, barter is the money of peasants—but debt is the money of slaves.” —Ron Paul
Speculation or Responsible Investing?
Responsible investors don’t buy commodities for short-term gains or gamble against professionals on squiggles of price...
TherapyWorks | 5 Simple Ways to Boost Mental Health
Taking care of your mental health doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. Small, simple actions that turn into habits can make a big difference in how you feel and how you handle life’s stressors.
Whether you're a busy parent, a student juggling responsibilities,...
The Mountain Gardener | Grow Flowers for Year-Round Bouquets
Want to be able to walk outside and pick some flowers to take to a friend’s house or bring inside to enjoy yourself? Not long ago I was looking around my own little garden for good flowers to cut for a bouquet. I had...
Strictly Business | Firespark: A Path to Regenerative Health
In the movie “Avatar,” a powerful phrase echoes—“I see you.” It’s more than a greeting; it’s a recognition of the soul. And as the saying goes, “The eyes are the window to the soul.” But what if they are also windows to our health?
That’s...
Plain Talk About Food | Memorial Day and Memories
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss you’ll land among the stars.” —Norman Vincent Peale
Whether you are going to be cooking for a graduation party, Father’s Day or readying for a picnic on the beach, you had better be prepared ahead of time.
Doing...
Fitness | Functional Fitness for a Longer Life
What is functional fitness? Functional fitness is a way of exercising that mimics real life movements, in addition to offering numerous benefits for daily life by enhancing strength, coordination and stability. These movements improve balance, flexibility and endurance, making everyday activities easier and safe.
Functional...
Mayor’s Message | Hope for the Future — and a Budget to Match
As I drove down Scotts Valley Drive last week, I smiled seeing all the happy faces of graduating high school seniors on banners lining the street. It’s that time of year when our community is filled with hope and excitement about what’s ahead. And...
The Mountain Gardener | Best Native Plants for Containers
A couple weeks ago I wrote about including California native plants in your garden. Since I have limited ground to garden, I mostly have containers and have been quite successful as long as I match the sun or shade to the right plant. You’ve...
The Mountain Gardener | Gorgeous Rhododendrons in the Garden
Every garden I visit these days has at least one gorgeous rhododendron in full bloom. They can’t help but be spectacularly covered with those huge flower trusses. They sure make you stop and take notice. I still miss the two old ones I had...
News Briefs | Published Sept. 12, 2025
Fun run, emergency preparedness fair set for Saturday
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the City of Santa Cruz will be hosting Race the Wave, a 3K...