Opinion

I don’t know why I’m amazed when I come across an old lawn that was sheet mulched away. After all, it’s a tried and true method to remove a lawn and make way for a new spectacular, low water-use, pollinator-friendly garden that will also...

Last November, the Scotts Valley community came together in an extraordinary way to support our schools by passing Measure O, an $85 million bond dedicated to upgrading and modernizing our school facilities. On behalf of the Scotts Valley Unified School District, I extend my...

For the first time in all my years of public service, I’ve witnessed bulldozers tearing down buildings in our community without any input or approval from the City Council—or from you, the residents of Scotts Valley. The developer, Workbench—best known locally for their controversial clocktower...

Every year I vow to add more California natives to my little garden. Problem is I don’t have much sun, which is great on a hot day, but not so great for plant growth. Sure there are lovely native plants that are tolerant of...

“Forever young, I want to be forever young.” —Bob Dylan I now ask planning clients about time more than work cessation after 65. Sadly, my father just disappeared into television and disease quickly with a Judge’s pension. With finances and health intact, seniors travel broadly...

Lately I’ve been looking at my garden and what’s blooming now while also thinking of what to recommend for new gardens. Seems I’m always drawn to bright colors like coral, purple, dark pink, but then I love my yellow Flowering Maple and the hummingbirds...

In the San Lorenzo Valley, it is easier to admit dope smoking than 10 years of successful landlording. But I am not the only paraplegic who depends on passive income for caregiving. Landlords play two games: The Big Game: Capital Gains Landlords seek rising prices for...

Ranch manager should never work with animals again Regarding the Los Gatos ranch manager charged with animal cruelty (in Aug. 15 Press Banner), I say, if convicted, she should never be allowed to work with animals again. She had multiple opportunities to do the right...

When my bearded iris didn’t bloom much this year, I made a note to divide them in September. It’s on my to-do list. These iris are very special to me as I dug them up the spring after my house burned. One is the...

On one of my regular hikes with friends, I mentioned I was looking for another business to feature in this column. They suggested Spanky’s. I had eaten there before, but not enough to know much about Ashley Parry, the owner since 2013. Lucky me—I...