Letter to the Editor | Published July 19, 2024
Family extends thank you
With heartfelt gratitude, we give thanks to the hundreds of people in our amazing community who supported and checked in with us; friends who stayed with us 24/7; the teams and individuals who helped search; businesses that made and posted flyers;...
Finance | Diversify Stock Rabbits with Bond Turtles
If stocks perform like hopping rabbits, who needs sluggish bonds in the Santa Cruz Mountains? The answer lies not in market timing but numerous CFP queries, which confirm clients are not always comfortable with an all-stock portfolio that could lose 30% of its value...
The Mountain Gardener | Oh Deer! Part II: Techniques to Deter Them
A Facebook friend posts photos taken of her yard with lots of turkeys and deer families. How can you not love a picture of those cute fawns covered with spots? There's something about babies. You know that feeling when you see a new infant...
Letters to the Editor | Published July 12, 2024
Gratitude for coverage and community support of Damians Ladder
Last week’s Press Banner paper carried the story of the newly formed 501c3 nonprofit organization, Damians Ladder, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Your reporter, Drew Penner, wrote a marvelous column about...
Finance | The Rule of 72
72/Rate of Return ≈ Years to Double Value
Old as the Renaissance, this simplified rule should be shouted from rooftops, emblazoned on blimps and taught in every schoolroom. The consequences are profound: Save now for babes in arms. Indifferent to your future, let salespeople whimper....
The Mountain Gardener | Oh, Deer! Part I
I thought my plants were safe from deer. Because most of my sunny spots are in front, I planted lots of colorful annuals and perennials out there. Then a couple months ago, all my snapdragon flower spikes were eaten overnight. I was stymied. I...
Letter to the Editor | Published July 5, 2024
Highway 17 southbound near Mt. Hermon Road poses severe wildfire risk
The Highway 17 southbound corridor approaching Mt. Hermon Road and the right turn area to Mt. Hermon Road, very near the Bay Tree Apartments in Scotts Valley, 100% fails the below Cal Fire safety...
Strictly Business | The Ultimate Trio: Fashion, Fun & Feel-Good Finds
Nestled in the heart of downtown Felton, SCM Clothing Glass & A$$ is redefining the shopping experience. It is located conveniently across from RiteAid on Highway 9. This unique store combines an extraordinary mix of themed T-shirts, custom hats, adult pleasure toys and premium...
Plain Talk About Food | Then and Now
Living just off Highway 9 in Ben Lomond, I am often caught up in lines of traffic going “nowhere” for minutes at a time. So much so, that I keep a notepad and pen in the console next to my seat, jotting down random...
The Mountain Gardener | Solutions for Gardening in the Shade
If you see a recurring theme in my columns about growing successfully in a shady garden, it’s because my last three houses have all had a lot of shade. You’d think I’d have so much experience by now that all my plants would bloom...
Scotts Valley PD: Don’t rely on luck, choose a sober way...
St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate with friends, family and good cheer. However, as the festivities often include alcohol, Scotts Valley Police...