Opinion

“I am thankful for small mercies. Some people expect only the best. I found that I begin at the other extreme…expecting nothing and am always full of thanks for unexpected blessings.” —Tim Man Lee, Wildlife Photographer Since moving to my small “slice of Heaven” here...

Practicing forgiveness can have powerful health benefits. Forgiveness is associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety, higher self-esteem, and greater life satisfaction. Understanding the power of forgiveness and its impact on mental well-being can help inspire you to forgive people in your life...

I’m vacationing this week in Oregon, visiting my webmaster Evan in Eugene and also my friend Janie who lives in the historic mining town of Jacksonville near Ashland. We have taken several trips together, including the Mayan ruins in Mexico and birding in Southeast...

Family extends thank you With heartfelt gratitude, we give thanks to the hundreds of people in our amazing community who supported and checked in with us; friends who stayed with us 24/7; the teams and individuals who helped search; businesses that made and posted flyers;...

If stocks perform like hopping rabbits, who needs sluggish bonds in the Santa Cruz Mountains? The answer lies not in market timing but numerous CFP queries, which confirm clients are not always comfortable with an all-stock portfolio that could lose 30% of its value...

A Facebook friend posts photos taken of her yard with lots of turkeys and deer families. How can you not love a picture of those cute fawns covered with spots? There's something about babies. You know that feeling when you see a new infant...

Gratitude for coverage and community support of Damians Ladder Last week’s Press Banner paper carried the story of the newly formed 501c3 nonprofit organization, Damians Ladder, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce. Your reporter, Drew Penner, wrote a marvelous column about...

72/Rate of Return ≈ Years to Double Value Old as the Renaissance, this simplified rule should be shouted from rooftops, emblazoned on blimps and taught in every schoolroom. The consequences are profound: Save now for babes in arms. Indifferent to your future, let salespeople whimper....

I thought my plants were safe from deer. Because most of my sunny spots are in front, I planted lots of colorful annuals and perennials out there. Then a couple months ago, all my snapdragon flower spikes were eaten overnight. I was stymied. I...

Highway 17 southbound near Mt. Hermon Road poses severe wildfire risk The Highway 17 southbound corridor approaching Mt. Hermon Road and the right turn area to Mt. Hermon Road, very near the Bay Tree Apartments in Scotts Valley, 100% fails the below Cal Fire safety...