Columns

When it comes to strength, you generally hear people talk about legs, biceps, chest, glutes, the common and visibly noticeable areas, but no one really talks about strength in your grip. Grip strength is also just as important. Grip strength is a measure of how...

As a child, living in the convent school in Tacoma, Wash., I always looked forward to Tussie-Mussie Day. Life was simple then, pleasure was found in handmade presents, no money allowances for store-bought gifts. As the month of April was coming to an end, Sister...

Imagine being 5 years old and learning (from the other kids) it was possible, just possible…there was NO Santa Claus. This 5-year-old was devastated. In my little and quite poor hometown, the one hope we kids had was to get our one wish for Christmas...

In Washington State, fresh Elberta peaches would begin appearing in local markets in September, but in July, in California, we have just begun to see fresh peaches for home use coming in from Fresno, Tulare and Madera, where processing peaches are grown mostly in...

I was honored to participate in a long-standing Scotts Valley tradition recently, the Annual Scotts Valley Police Formal Inspection. This tradition began in 1978 and I’m thankful it has continued all these years later. The Annual Inspection is more than the fanfare of all Police...

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...

On Saturday, March 28, millions of Americans will assert their constitutional rights of free speech and peaceful assembly by participating in the third No Kings Day—a national day of nonviolent protest rallies in support of American democracy and the rule of law.  No Kings is...

If you have never buried your face in a pillowcase or pulled sheets over your head at night that have been drying in the morning sunshine, you have missed one of life’s greatest gifts. And to sit under a clothesline while drinking that first...

A visit to any of our local nurseries at this time of year is like a visit to the candy store for a gardener. There are so many exciting edibles available now and this is the time to get yours. How lucky am I...

We often hear that multitasking is impossible. Experts tell us our brains are not wired to do several things at once. Then you meet someone like Danielle Ratliff and begin to wonder if she somehow missed the memo. When I arrived for our conversation, Danielle’s...