Columns

“...fava beans and a nice Chianti.” —Hannibal Lecter After seeing the movie, “The Silence of the Lambs,” for many years I had a difficult time separating Anthony Hopkins from his role of (flesh-eating) Hannibal Lecter and cooking fava beans, which I really love to eat. I...

One of the most dramatic sights in a garden is an ornamental grass backlit by late afternoon sun. They seem to come alive as their tawny flowers spikes glow and sway in the breeze. Their gentle movement and soft whispering sounds can bring your...

I love Asparagus, whether fresh or canned, or green, purple or white. And I just recently discovered that asparagus seems to resonate with people and their likes and dislikes, much the same way as do brussels sprouts. Asparagus falls into the “love it or...

“Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased  at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God!   I know not course others may take, but as for me,   give me liberty or give me death!” - Founding father Patrick Henry                    While riding in...

Last November, the Scotts Valley community came together in an extraordinary way to support our schools by passing Measure O, an $85 million bond dedicated to upgrading and modernizing our school facilities. On behalf of the Scotts Valley Unified School District, I extend my...

Mental health is an integral aspect of overall well-being, yet it often remains overshadowed by physical health. This disparity is particularly pronounced among men, who face unique societal pressures and stigmas that can hinder their ability to seek help. The Silent Struggle Traditionally, men have been...

I like to keep up with new garden research as well as the new trends. We humans started growing food about 12,000 years ago when we shifted from nomadic hunter gatherer lifestyles to settled farming. This happened independently in places like the Fertile Crescent,...

If the partial eclipse had fallen on Earth Day, it would have been the perfect trifecta as Jupiter and Venus were also visible that day. Still it was fun to watch the moon cover part of the sun and reflect on our planet and...

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...

Everywhere I look, it’s green—forest green, apple green, olive green, fern green, sage green, chartreuse green. Even all those showy flowering trees blooming now will soon be sporting bright green leaves.  Since moving to the Santa Cruz Mountains in the late ’80s I have always...