The Mountain Gardener | Holiday Traditions & Lore
We all have traditions that we look forward to every year during the holidays. For some it’s the annual trip to the Christmas tree farm. For others it’s planning a holiday get-together with friends and family. While decorating my tree this year, I thought...
Letter to the Editor | Published Dec. 8, 2023
Pump track doesn't belong at Felton park
As 24 year-long residents of Felton, we are strongly opposed to the pump track proposal being considered. Aside from its historical significance, the Felton Covered Bridge Park has been a beloved refuge for generations of families.
Its grassy...
Guest Column | Scotts Valley Working to Make Town Center a Reality
You may have noticed that a new fence has gone up around the future home of Scotts Valley’s town center off Mt. Hermon Road. In November, 1,400 tons of contaminated soil were removed from the site, and with it, one of the reasons the...
Guest View | A Log in the Forest
I teach the lesson of humility;Overstretched snaps the bow,The usefulness of futility;The advantage of laying low. —Laozi
Laozi once left eternal wisdom with a border guard as he wandered off into forests unknown. This paraplegic author outlined his hiking injuries in the Press Banner article,...
The Mountain Gardener | Make Your Own Holiday Wreath
The call came last week reminding me of a much awaited annual holiday event. The Kelly’s wreath making party in Felton is something I look forward to each year to kick off the season.
The holiday season just wouldn’t be complete without a day spent...
Strictly Business | AI in Small Town America: Part II
In today’s news and on social media, you've probably heard the phrase, “The Genie is out of the Bottle,” referring to Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a “new” technology. But let’s take a step back in time. AI research dates back to the 1950s and...
TherapyWorks | Navigating the Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration and togetherness. However, it can also be a period of stress and overwhelm, especially when it comes to managing expectations and obligations. Setting boundaries is crucial to maintaining a healthy balance and ensuring a positive...
Plain Talk About Food | Precious Christmas Memories
I lived with my aunt and uncle during my early years, who, to this day, I am not sure they believed in the existence of the Almighty.
However, every Saturday night I had a bath, whether I thought I needed it or not, and every...
The Mountain Gardener | What to Know About Holiday Plants
To kick off this year’s holiday season, I plan to add some color to cheer up my houseplant selection. Sometimes I give friends and neighbors a holiday plant, but I need to keep in mind if they have small children or pets as some...
Fitness | Health and Wellness Takeover
Health and wellness have become more important than ever before. The wellness industry has grown fast after the pandemic. Increased health consciousness has fueled the wellness industry, it’s becoming a stronger and fitter industry.
There is a large growth and emphasis on wellness and the...
News Briefs | Published July 11, 2025
‘Veterans’ Voices with VTC’ debuts on Santa Cruz Voice
The Veterans Transition Center (VTC) and Santa Cruz Voice have partnered to launch “Veterans’ Voices with...