Columns

By Colly Gruczelak, Plain Talk about Food While I was cleaning my kitchen after cooking my traditional New Year’s Almond Toffee, I was thinking of how my life has changed since losing my beloved hubby, Norman, and that once again, there would be no writing,...

Water is a precious and vital resource. Our bodies are about 60 percent water and our brain—a whopping 70 percent. Less than 1 percent of the water on the Earth, however, is suitable for human consumption. With the population increasing and the water supply...

I recently asked a colleague who lives in the San Lorenzo Valley if they’ve heard of any positive business experiences lately?  “Haven’t you heard the buzz?” they asked. “What buzz?” I fired back.  The Humble Sea Tavern in downtown Felton, located in the old Cremer House, is...

“Really,” I thought to myself, what is Brainspotting? After Erin Burton, LCSW, finished her introduction at a local event, I decided to set up an interview with her, excited to better understand her work. In our country today, we recognize the importance of addressing mental...

Although it’s a bit early around here to see fall colors it’s happening at the higher elevation. Or is it? Have the wildfires affected the changing of the leaves? And what about the effects of ongoing climate change? How is our planet changing?  Quaking aspen...

Benjamin Franklin, during the late 17th century, coined the phrase, “A watched pot never boils.” I am sure each of us has uttered that phrase at least once in our lifetime. I know I have, more than once this last month during our, let’s...

By Roger L. Snyder, Scotts Valley School Bell At last we have good news to share with our community on the move to bring students, teachers and staff back together on campus at our Scotts Valley schools. Assuming that there are no last-minute regulation changes, starting...

Recently I spent some time in a friend’s garden in Bonny Doon. This spectacular garden was included on Valley Church’s Garden Tour several years ago when several Bonny Doon gardens were featured. As in many gardens, there are some sunny spots and lots of...

“Look out!” grimaced Blue. “There’s the Trump supporter gulping Scotts Valley Coffee!” “Where else?” responded Red. “And you must be the Ben Lomond neighbor who erected the 50-foot lime green ‘Bernie Sanders Soviet Honeymoon’ statue over my yard?” “He jousts your greedy 50-foot gilded paper-mâché ‘Trump...

Yes, it is happening and official. Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel has allowed the city of Scotts Valley and the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce to host its 20th Art, Wine and Beer Festival with Cops’ N Rodders on Aug. 21-22. This spectacular event...