Columns

As we step into spring, I’m thrilled to share some exciting developments that mark a turning point for two of our community’s most beloved spaces: Skypark and the future Town Center. After years of planning and negotiations, we’ve finalized the purchase of the remaining parcels...

It all started back in 2005 when my first column was published in the newly combined San Lorenzo Valley Press and the Scotts Valley Banner, which was re-named the Press Banner. This is how it all began. My father wanted me to be a writer...

“A recipe has no soul. You, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe.” —Thomas Keller “Are you free on Sunday?” this good-looking man I had just met asked, and then he said, “I’d like to invite you to my new home for a...

My entire life has revolved around our ocean’s bounty, whether it be in the fierce beauty of storms I’ve witnessed living next to its waters in Ventura or during my early years living in Aberdeen, Wash. My winter memories are of fog lying low along...

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...

“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...

I don’t know if I like the pink ones or the white ones best. A flowering dogwood in any shade is stunning. My friend Colly, the food columnist for the Press Banner, has several dogwoods in her garden, including a Cherokee Brave with dark...

Amidst great oceans encircling America, mighty walls rise out of foaming seas to divide neighbors at peace. Trump’s gilded statues, glaring condescendingly, adorn stone pedestals guiding only costly aircraft above. The walls will tumble, but when and how and what can you do? This week...

“ollege graduates enjoy lower unemployment rates and higher incomes than do those without college education…those with college degrees consistently score higher in life satisfaction and happiness surveys. They are more likely to marry and less likely to divorce. College graduates even live longer and...

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...