Columns

Recently, the State of the City Address, hosted by the Scotts Valley Senior Life Association, was presented at The Landing Performing Arts Center. Presenters included myself, Scotts Valley Police Chief Jayson Rutherford, Scotts Valley Fire Chief Mark Correira, Scotts Valley Water District General Manager...

“In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” —Benjamin Franklin Death and taxes misshape the legacies we mold with our lives and values. As a widower, I advise survivors to honestly accept pain and meditate until it passes. Distraught...

“Incorporating legal options into financial strategies helps individuals navigate debt challenges responsibly and effectively. Proper planning post-bankruptcy enables the rebuilding of credit and the formulation of sustainable financial goals.” —LawGuide.help Romans sold debtors into slavery and the British, writes Charles Dickens, sent debtors to prison....

If I were looking for cool Halloween decorations or inspiration for breathtaking combinations of plants that shout “Fall is here,” I couldn’t have gone to a better place than Scarborough Gardens, the Scotts Valley nursery extraordinaire. Every vignette of plants along with the Halloween...

Hopefully, you are not panic-selling to move: California has awesome people, climate, entertainment, educational opportunities and business. For property taxes, see my “Local Tax Impact in Santa Cruz County.” IRS Capital Gains rates run 15% for couples making over $89,251 and 20% for those earning...

Summer has arrived, finally. Seems like it took long enough to get here, but I’m enjoying the warmer weather. The sun is shining, the bees are buzzing and the scent of fragrant flowers fills the air. While hiking recently in Oregon, I encountered many Mock...

There’s a huge misconception that in order to have a strong body and be in better shape, it takes hours a day every week in the gym while being on a broccoli and boiled chicken diet. That’s the farthest thing from the truth.  You just...

As a licensed therapist and mental health expert, I have seen firsthand how the stigma surrounding suicide and mental health challenges can prevent individuals from seeking the help they need. The fear of judgment can deter people from seeking professional care, opening up to...

This year I happen to have lots of fall blooming perennials. Just in time for Halloween, the ornamental sunflowers, golden coreopsis and black-eyed-Susan are still providing some color. If you want to decorate for Halloween, there is plenty of plant material you can harvest from...

Are you ready for some plain talk?               “The time will soon be here when my grandchild will long for the                 cry of a loon, the flash of a salmon, the whisper of spruce needles or                   the screech of an eagle. But he will not make friends with...