Opinion

The recent arrival of two tobacco shops in Scotts Valley has caused concern for some residents, particularly parents of young and impressionable students. Some of the recent phone calls and e-mails I have received noted the close proximity of one smoke shop to our local middle school, as well as concern over the pipes, bongs and related paraphernalia often associated more with the drug culture than tobacco use. The smoke shop near the middle school offers ice cream snacks, which one parent likened to an attractive enticement for curious students.

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EDITOR,

EDITOR,

I'm grateful to know the Banner staff did not write it, but I would like to point out some gross factual inaccuracies from the "Christmas tidbits" section in the December 4 paper. Jesus was not born in a shepherds' cave and they did not help Mary find shelter. The gospel of Luke actually says, "So they [shepherds] hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” Luke 2:16 NIV

EDITOR,

Politicians and pundits often tell us that if we raise taxes, we will kill business growth and plunge into a new depression. Is that so? If you look for proof that this works, you will discover that only one study was ever conducted, and it was inconclusive.

After a year’s worth of debate and planning, the future of the Santa Cruz County library system is becoming clear. There will be fewer true librarians, yet more access to information by way of electronic means and media.

Letter: AT&T trying to shut down unprofitable landlines with poor maintenance

EDITOR,