Plain Talk About Food | Recipes From the Past Stir Memories
I suppose if a ‘good’ witch stood in front of me and asked, which one person from your past life would you bring back today, that one person would be my Aunt Betty. Not my mother, who left me as a small child on...
Strictly Business | Cook Your Way Around the World
By exploring global flavors, Barbara J’s Organics Spice Shop brings the art of cooking to life—one delicious blend at a time.
Barbara Johansen, owner and creator of Barbara J’s Organics Spice Shop, invites food lovers of all levels to transform their meals into flavorful adventures....
Mayor’s Message | Investing in Safety and Strengthening Community Through Service
One of the greatest privileges of serving as your mayor is having a front-row seat to the dedication and quiet heroism of those who serve our city every day. This month, I want to highlight the incredible work of the Scotts Valley Police Department—and...
Finance | Hemming, Hawing and Hedging Options
“Concision in style, Precision in thought, Decision in life.” —Victor Hugo
We are a nation of consumers and investors, hemming, hawing and hedging with Trump, who flaunts law and principles. Unsure of securities? Avoid panicky flight to historically low-paying interest investments; seek principle. But balance...
Fitness | Balance Isn’t Just for Seniors
How’s your balance? Having good balance isn’t just for seniors. Stability is necessary at any age, maintaining good balance is critical for preventing falls and maintaining your independence for years to come.
Falls can have serious consequences for most, but especially for older adults. For...
Finance | Tax Dimensions of Retirement Savings
If you want to save on taxes, do what the government wants you to do. Indeed, save for retirement so you don’t burden your family or neighbors as you limit your livelihood in old age, and encourage employees to save.
Once standard, today government employees...
Fitness | Functional Fitness for a Longer Life
What is functional fitness? Functional fitness is a way of exercising that mimics real life movements, in addition to offering numerous benefits for daily life by enhancing strength, coordination and stability. These movements improve balance, flexibility and endurance, making everyday activities easier and safe.
Functional...
Letter to the Editor | Published April 25, 2025
An Easter Story
On Good Friday, I thought I was dead. A wealthy man named Joseph dressed me in linen clothing and took me to a windowless room below. From this otherworldly place, I emerged on Easter Morning to find pins piercing my feet that...
Letter to the Editor | Published May 2, 2025
Glenwood neighbors supported high school amid developer controversy
“There was quite a bit of opposition to the high school, especially from the neighboring homes in the vicinity of the new campus.” This quote by Mark Witzig, from the April 18 article in the Press Banner...
The Mountain Gardener | Grow Flowers for Year-Round Bouquets
Want to be able to walk outside and pick some flowers to take to a friend’s house or bring inside to enjoy yourself? Not long ago I was looking around my own little garden for good flowers to cut for a bouquet. I had...
Drainage improvement project on Highway 236 begins next week
The installation and replacement of new drainage pipes on Highway 236, from Boulder Brook Drive to Chipmunk Hollow Road in Boulder Creek, will begin...