Columns

“The most radical thing that could happen is we’ll become a nation of financial literates. It’s within the realm of possibility.” —Don Phillips Financial freedom motivates all my writing and professional career and I trace its history. Financial life planners aided this progress with better...

Across the world and here in Scotts Valley, people’s paychecks are being stretched like never before. With U.S. inflation running at its highest rate in the last 40 years, virtually everything requires more money—bacon now costs what steak used to, eggs are approaching $5...

How often are you getting in cardio and core training? Let’s start off talking about cardio. When we think of cardio, what comes to mind? Running, walking and swimming are generally the most common thought of, but there are so many more options when...

… So wherever I am, there’s always Pooh,There’s always Pooh and Me.“What would I do?” I said to Pooh,“If it wasn't for you,” and Pooh said: “True,It isn't much fun for One, but Two,Can stick together, says Pooh, says he.“That's how it is,” says...

Resilience, gratitude, and patience.  So much has happened since my last column in June, I don’t even know where to begin. This time last year, we were dealing with PSPS power outages that we thought were very disruptive and challenging. Little did we know… A...

I’m starting to see the beginning of fall color on some trees. It’s an exciting time of year. My friend, Kate, in Bonny Doon has an Autumn Moon Japanese maple that’s always in color, no matter the time of year. On a visit to...

Holidays are here with busy schedules of social gatherings and celebrations. This time of year can make keeping your fitness routine and clean eating habits seem much more difficult. Even the most disciplined people can find it difficult to stick to their health and...

How many times have I uttered the words “if only” during my lifetime. I had been shopping at Safeway last week for a 10-pound pork shoulder roast, and while putting that roast into my refrigerator, I uttered, “if only” I had bought two, the price...

Think back to when you were 10 years old. Making a friend was as simple as sharing a swing set or trading half a sandwich at lunch. Fast forward a few decades, and somehow the whole thing feels... complicated. If you’ve ever thought, “How...

As a small city operating with only 6.5% of its residents’ property tax revenue, Scotts Valley faces significant financial challenges in providing essential services. However, thanks to the support of our community, we are moving forward with renewed optimism. The passage of Measure X in...