65.8 F
Scotts Valley
October 12, 2026

Finance | Planning for Deficits with Trump and Harris

With staged propaganda at partisan conventions, both parties hide from federal or Social Security deficits they caused. With local Democratic victory inevitable, consider character and creed, foreign policy and social justice all philosophically and vote boldly on principle! Behold: the CFP as economist advising you!...

Strictly Business | Leadership Santa Cruz: Shaping Our Future

Psychology Today says, “community provides belonging, support and identity.” Indeed, Santa Cruz County understands the power of community. We have united in the face of earthquakes, fires and Covid-19, to mention a few significant challenges. Through these tribulations, we have come together with collective...

Plain Talk About Food | Pass the Salt, Please

“Ye are the salt of the earth.” —Jesus of Nazareth At the age of 5 years old, I would eat my bowl of oatmeal or cream of wheat while looking at the little Morton’s “salt girl” who carried her umbrella and her blue container of...

Letter to the Editor | Published Sept. 6, 2024

letters to the editor
Concerns raised over SLVWD Board’s fiscal responsibility and transparency I’m responding to the letters from Jim Mosher (Aug. 16) and Debra Loewen (Aug. 9) regarding San Lorenzo Valley Water District. There are serious issues facing the District, which Mr. Mosher has evaded in his response...

The Mountain Gardener | Enjoying the September Garden

September is a month that signals change in the garden. You can feel the weather shifting. Days are not always quite so hot and the nights are longer and cooler. Some plants are at their prime, while others are winding down for the season. I...

Gardens can be designed with kids, dogs or healing in mind

butterfly on flower
A garden is the perfect example of the circle of life. A garden is nature's way of taking and giving back life to the earth. A garden represents the infinite nature of energy. I was reminded of this when a friend lost her dog to...

Reverse Mortgages: Having your cake and eating it too

illustration
“The Urban Institute found that for 65 to 74 year olds, the percentage that held a traditional mortgage rose from less than 30 percent in 1989 to more than 40 percent in 2019…Median mortgage balances were just under $100,000.” When homeowners reach roughly age 55,...

Supporting kids through back-to-school transitions

back-to-school kids
The back-to-school season can be a time of excitement and anticipation, but can also bring anxiety and stress for children. As parents and caregivers, supporting kids through these transitions is crucial, especially when it comes to their mental health. Why are transitions hard for kids? Transitions...

Plain Talk About Food: All About Eggs

eggs
“I try to take care and be gentle to them… Once broken, they become impossible to repair.” —Anne Sexton Last week I received an email from a gentleman reader named Scott. Scott had read my cheesecake article, and Scott, a retired chef, was worried about...

Keep Highway 9 safe with 24/7 lights for all road users

Guest Column Viewpoint Letter
If every bicyclist and vehicle (and smart pedestrian) ran with lights on 24/7 on Highway 9, we could avoid many unfortunate collisions going from stark sunny blindness to deep dark tree shade. I have driven this road over 30 years and it is very scary...

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Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park

Central Coast Good Fire Fair returns Saturday to Henry Cowell Redwoods...

California State Parks will host the third Central Coast Good Fire Fair and demonstration burn Saturday, Oct. 10, at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The...