Opinion

Every garden I visit these days has at least one gorgeous rhododendron in full bloom. They can’t help but be spectacularly covered with those huge flower trusses. They sure make you stop and take notice. I still miss the two old ones I had...

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...

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...

Most of us would love to have a garden containing all California native plants growing happily in an ecosystem where everybody wins—birds, bees, insects, wildlife and us, of course. Our garden would contain flowers, shrubs, grasses, ground covers and trees all providing food, water,...

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...

Cal Fire is observing Wildfire Preparedness Week from May 4-10, 2025. This week is an opportunity to build awareness around the measures that individuals, communities and local agencies can take to prepare for wildfire. As a water agency, our staff here at Scotts Valley Water...

It all started back in 2005 when my first column was published in the newly combined San Lorenzo Valley Press and the Scotts Valley Banner, which was re-named the Press Banner. This is how it all began. My father wanted me to be a writer...

“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...

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...

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...