Columns

Within Santa Cruz County’s forests and mountainous neighborhoods, Measure K stands as a beacon of hope. For these residents—who have become far too familiar with the impacts of fires and our harsh winters—this proposition isn’t just about numbers and ballots, it’s about securing a...

Summer is winding down. Already. Seems it barely started two months ago. Who doesn't love these long days and warm nights? The calendar might say fall is near but Indian summer is one of our best seasons, so I love this time of year,...

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...

I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving, and are enjoying this holiday season. Last week, Superintendent Krause and your full board attended the CSBA Annual Education Conference in Sacramento, where we spent a few busy days learning alongside peers and connecting with board members...

Spring IS here, at least according to the calendar. Weather Underground has predicted rain or the chance of rain for many of the remaining days this month.  There are so many things I want to do out in the garden, and the weather is getting...

As we reach the end of the year, I’ve found myself thinking about what an extraordinary place Scotts Valley is and how much we have achieved together. Serving as your Mayor has been one of the great honors of my life, and closing out...

How many of us have the mindset of keeping our fitness routine while traveling? We pack our fitness clothes with every intention of starting each morning with a run or a bodyweight session, but that doesn’t always pan out in that exact direction. Instead, we...

Good news! Scotts Valley is making headway on some significant road projects across the city. These are all vital improvements that will allow travelers to drive, cycle and walk safely through our city. Here is a list of locations where you can expect to...

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...

“I selected an S Corporation to safeguard my personal assets through limited liability protection while enjoying pass-through taxation, allowing business profits to flow directly to my individual tax return and avoiding the double taxation faced by C Corps.”—Marwan Mezher Many taxpayers build lasting companies with...