Columns

Have you seen certain folks that look much older than they are? Their skin looks weathered and dry, their posture is tilted forward sitting or standing because they have little or no core strength, they walk with a wobble, they just look uncomfortable moving...

Boy, was I impressed. Not long ago I was at a garden to consult with a new client on some upgrades they envisioned for their property. I love to meet new gardeners and give them “my two cents worth.” Well this homeowner had Googled...

1. Financial Planning is budgeting to allocate money that finances dreams. At age 20, Sam simply cooked the finest barbecue cuisine for Sequoia weddings and Roaring Camp cookoffs, savoring each bite, then experimenting. Our culinary hero dreamt of becoming a Michelin star chef who ran...

Mulch is not a very exciting subject, but it sure is important to the health and productivity of your garden. It’s great that everyone has accepted the value of covering the soil with organic mulch. Organic mulches- such as bark chips, treated sawdust, straw or...

“Just the facts, ma’am. Just the facts.” —Sgt. Joe Friday, “Dragnet” series Yesterday, my friend Tina left my house with her hands over both ears yelling, “Don’t tell me, I don’t wanna know!” I had been grinding a chuck roast into hamburger meat when Tina came...

Easter Sunday was supposed to be spent with my visiting elderly parents. They had set out on a road trip from Arkansas to see friends along the way, spend time with other family in Clovis, Calif., and then make their way here for the...

May is shaping up to be busy in the Fifth District with several great community events and notable progress on important issues. On May 11, the 27th annual Queer Youth Leadership Awards will be at Scotts Valley High School. This is a special opportunity for...

Looking at your yard and thinking “This year I’m finally going to make some changes and enjoy my garden more”? Take my advice: go on a garden tour for inspiration. Even a visit to a neighbor’s beautiful garden will work to get your creative...

The TEDx Santa Cruz event on April 13 showcased remarkable stories under the theme, “Rising Together.” Among the speakers, Stephen Will Weir stood out with his profound insights into the detrimental effects of fast fashion on our planet. His speech enlightened and inspired action,...

The current crisis in property insurance merely echoes the financial horrors of the CZU fires worsened by the catastrophic legal environment for rebuilding cherished homes. Leading insurers like Farmers, State Farm and USAA are cutting back on California home insurance and our area is...