Opinion

You probably think of mums as boring. They’re everywhere at this time of year. Many consider them a bit of color on the front porch that you compost after they’ve finished flowering. But mums have a lot more to offer than that. Mums are in...

“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone's life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.” —Roy T. Bennett, author I’ve begun preparing ingredients for a “thank you” dinner for our Volunteer Handymen, who...

In today's fast-paced, ever-changing world, mental health is often overlooked in the pursuit of productivity, success and keeping up with life's demands. Just as regular physical check-ups are crucial for maintaining physical health, mental health check-ups are essential to ensure emotional well-being. Taking proactive steps...

I understand, not everyone enjoys or wants to workout, but that doesn’t mean you can’t do things each day to keep you strong, mobile and healthy. When you hear getting in better shape, you probably naturally think of the gym and another monthly expense...

“Could a greater miracle take place than to look through each other’s eyes for an instant?” —Henry Davis Thoreau That day in Boulder Creek was much like these past few days have been, cold with on and off spurts of rain with some sun mixed...

The one Christmas that stands out in my “memory bank” is the one that I forgot to put my bowl of cranberry sauce that I had labored over on the Christmas dinner table. I remember opening the refrigerator door to put in leftover turkey,...

A favorite survivor of the CZU fire is starting to bloom this week in my garden. Even though I had to remove the burned pot along with all the branches and roots, my red flowering currant (ribes sanguineum) recovered to the delight of the...

It was 6 o’clock in the morning and I was putting my carry-on and a grocery bag in the United’s overhead container, when I noticed a gentleman chuckling. As I sat in my seat, this fellow leaned over and in a fairly loud voice...

I was standing in the back of the Senior Center of Scotts Valley building, amongst the Oak trees, in the grass where 25 people had gathered, spaced out, already moving their bodies slowly, in a rhythmic manner, guided by Denise Allen. I had arrived late,...

Recognizing the need for police self-examination I was pleased and surprised to read that Scotts Valley Police Chief Walpole's response to a reported increase in assaults on officers would include “tak a look at his own staff to ensure nothing they’re doing is pushing suspects...