Columns

Trump may keep his TCJA from expiring this year as Biden, seeking wealth taxes, claims: “No billionaire should pay a lower tax rate than a teacher, a sanitation worker, a nurse.” The IRS and SEC monitor salaries, securities sales, dividends and large estates, so...

Uniting a community in colorful celebration is no small task. It takes a community of hard workers, creative spirits and fun-seeking individuals to weave the tapestry of the upcoming Art, Wine & Beer Festival in Scotts Valley. For years, this event has brought families, dog...

Practicing forgiveness can have powerful health benefits. Forgiveness is associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety, higher self-esteem, and greater life satisfaction. Understanding the power of forgiveness and its impact on mental well-being can help inspire you to forgive people in your life...

Stepping into Montgomery’s Barbershop is like stepping into a time capsule. The scent of shaving cream lingers in the air, the hum of clippers creates a rhythmic background, and antique barber chairs with silver-plated footrests sit proudly, like thrones of tradition. And, at the center...

Wisteria are one of those vines that you either long for or lament ever having planted. They are all fragrant with a delicious sweet scent that varies from faint to strong to almost overpowering. Bees and hummingbirds love them. Here are some tips to...

Because this past year has been a very busy one for District 5, it is not at all surprising that we will end 2021 with a great deal of activity. Let’s start with the County’s ongoing response to Covid-19, which continues to be a...

Who doesn't like a good story?  The brief history of storytelling takes us from primitive dance to digital narration. Human storytelling has been passed down from generation to generation before the written word. These earlier stories were more about human survival skills. However, today’s advertising...

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...

“You don’t want to have so much money going toward your mortgage every month that you can’t enjoy life or take care of your other financial responsibilities.” —Dave Ramsey Why would this CFP originate mortgages? So-called “financial planners” may be segmented by licenses and inclinations...

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...