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...
Plain Talk About Food | Ocean’s Bounty
My entire life has revolved around our ocean’s bounty, whether it be in the fierce beauty of storms I’ve witnessed living next to its waters in Ventura or during my early years living in Aberdeen, Wash.
My winter memories are of fog lying low along...
The Mountain Gardener | Flowering Dogwoods for the Santa Cruz Mountains
I don’t know if I like the pink ones or the white ones best. A flowering dogwood in any shade is stunning. My friend Colly, the food columnist for the Press Banner, has several dogwoods in her garden, including a Cherokee Brave with dark...
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....
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...
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...
TherapyWorks | Stress Looks Different on Everyone
We often think of stress as something we “just deal with.” But the truth is, it impacts our relationships, health and our ability to show up fully in everyday life.
One of the most important things we can do is learn how to recognize stress...
The Mountain Gardener | What You Need to Know About Wisteria
The wisteria blooming now are spectacular. I almost forget about them during the dormant season as I’m not fortunate to have one in my garden, but once they start to flower they seem to be everywhere, even growing up into the redwoods in many...
Plain Talk About Food | Grilling Showdown: Men vs. Women
“A recipe has no soul. You, as the cook, must bring soul to the recipe.” —Thomas Keller
“Are you free on Sunday?” this good-looking man I had just met asked, and then he said, “I’d like to invite you to my new home for a...
The Mountain Gardener | What Can You Do to Celebrate Earth Day?
The theme for Earth Day 2025 is “Our Power, Our Planet,” emphasizing the importance of renewable energy and aiming to triple global electricity generation from renewable sources by 2030.
Earth Day is a day of education about environmental issues. Celebrate it in your own backyard...
Scotts Valley crime rates rise in some categories, but remain low...
In a sleepy town like Scotts Valley, it’s par for the course that year-to-year crime percentages swing wildly.
If no robberies happen one year, and...