Opinion

With those big brown doe eyes and the cute fawns, who doesn’t enjoy seeing deer, as long as they’re not in your yard. Around my place they only visit very occasionally, which is the worst as I forget they might come at any time...

“or a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle.” —Winston S. Churchill Trump imposed tariffs that Yale’s Budget Lab averages at 18.3%—way higher than 2% under Biden....

My Butterfly Bush (buddleja dividii) has started to bloom and it’s a Western Swallowtail butterfly magnet. Butterfly species each have their own life cycle and habits and it’s fascinating to watch them as they go about their lives. I live on Boulder Creek where the...

It’s been a cooler summer than the past few years. I’ve probably jinxed it now by mentioning that, thereby ensuring August will be a scorcher. But for now plants are happy they haven’t had to cope much with the “dreaded over-86-degree” weather when they...

After the stroke, and now in long-term care, the State has become the legal conservator of her estate. Her checking accounts were depleted, and a court-appointed executor was assigned to ensure that the care facility is paid first. She had discussed putting her home in...

The student loan crisis makes credit repair seem all the more urgent, with interest restarting in 2023, payments marked late in 2024 and collections beginning May 5, 2025. Smartasset.com says the average 2025 California student loan balance is $38,354. With 42.5 million borrowers, roughly...

As the weather heats up and summer swings into full gear, Scotts Valley is buzzing with activity. The parks are alive, the music is playing and our local shops are filled with that energy only summer can bring. But with the sunshine comes a...

My friend, Evan, often shares with me interesting studies about plants. Did you know that older trees share intelligence with young trees? Scientists have recorded how birch trees use electrical signals to communicate. How do they do this? All living organisms have an electrical system....

Summer often brings longer days, packed schedules and the best intentions to slow down and soak it all in—but in reality, life often speeds up. Between travel, work, family plans and shifting routines, staying in touch with the people who matter most can fall...

Heartfelt farewell to a beloved writer and cook Dear Colly, I have shed many a tear as I read your column, and last week’s sweet goodbye was no exception (“Cooking and Loving It in the Valleys,” July 11). When sharing your memories, your warm tone and...