Opinion

From San Jose, Sally and her clownish boyfriend braved the twisties through San Lorenzo mountains with excess speed, then alighted at a Ben Lomond bar. Sally was drunk again, partying down at Henfling’s in less than a skirt with makeup to hide age. Flinging...

Holidays are here with busy schedules of social gatherings and celebrations. This time of year can make keeping your fitness routine and clean eating habits seem much more difficult. Even the most disciplined people can find it difficult to stick to their health and...

It’s the time of year when many of us create ambitious New Year’s resolutions and with good intentions to follow through. We reflect on the past year and want certain changes to be made for ourselves in the current year. But, let’s face it,...

As my parents suffered lingering deaths from cancer and Alzheimer’s, they appreciated long-term care insurance, and their purchase enlarged my inheritance. I am a 62-year-old paraplegic planner receiving home care while working diligently—and subsidized retirement living terrifies me enough to save. After all, 70%...

As the calendar year comes to a close, many of us instinctively turn to goal-setting and resolutions for the year ahead. But before you rush into planning, take a moment to look back. Reflecting on your year isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s a powerful mental...

As a small city operating with only 6.5% of its residents’ property tax revenue, Scotts Valley faces significant financial challenges in providing essential services. However, thanks to the support of our community, we are moving forward with renewed optimism. The passage of Measure X in...

It has proven itself true—that one alone is on a walk, but two together are going somewhere—and our nonprofit, Damians Ladder, has shown this to be a perfect example of “partnering,” going somewhere together. As a small child, my aunt and uncle would take me...

The holiday season is a time of joy, connection and celebration, but it can also bring stress, overwhelm and even loneliness. Practicing gratitude can help you navigate the emotional ups and downs of this time of year by fostering a sense of contentment and...

The most generous country on earth hasn’t sacrificed Christmas, and the Association of Religious Data archives reports that roughly 32% of Santa Cruz County residents remain Christian. Americans donated about 2.3% of GDP in 2007, a world record. In 2000, religious Americans gave almost...

Here’s the truth: Saying no is hard. Saying “no” can feel like an impossible task for many people. Whether it’s turning down a request for a favor, declining an invitation or setting a boundary, the act of saying no often brings with it a whole...