Opinion

Warm days, short days, cold days and hopefully rainy days—all in the fall of the year here in the Santa Cruz Mountains. It’s part of what makes our area so special to us. We are inspired by Mother Nature and our mountains. We feel...

The City of Scotts Valley is lucky to have many generous individuals and organizations supporting the City so that more services and amenities are available to the community. This article highlights a few of the wonderful actions recently taken by local residents to make...

In November, we are focused on two issues that are often in the forefront of people’s minds throughout Santa Cruz County and especially in District 5—water and roads. Let’s start with water. My office has spent a great deal of time on shaping a better...

It happened last Sunday morning at 2am. That’s when daylight saving time ended and clocks went back an hour. Sure I got an extra hour sleep, but the end of daylight saving time signals to me that autumn is really here in our mild...

I raised my little family in Watsonville on a lovely “piece of land” on Green Valley Road, oh, about 6 miles from town or so. Grandma and Grandpa (my in-laws) owned that property and they suggested we build our home next to theirs. One...

A case against Measure W After reading the editorial from Scotts Valley Fire Protection District Chief Mark Correira in favor of Measure W (“The ‘Why’ Behind Measure W for a New Fire Station,” Oct. 13), I felt compelled to inform the public as he suggests. According...

In today’s fast-paced world, the term AI is buzzing everywhere. Curiosity about AI and its various tools has led me to explore how AI, ChatGPT and other AI technologies might benefit our Valley’s business owners and industries (myself included). I would like to share some...

Outside my front door are several Overdam Feather Reed Grasses that are spectacular when backlit by late afternoon sun. What’s not to love about a stunning variegated grass with white and green stripes? During the summer, pink flower plumes sway above the foliage. Now...

Welcome back, Earthwise Pet Earthwise Pet recently reopened its doors in its new location next to Safeway at 255A Mt. Hermon Road. Their new store is more spacious and as welcoming as before. Our local community is fortunate to have Earthwise Pet here again to provide...

My hubby Norm and I had been married for one year when he announced that it was time we spent Christmas in Chicago with his parents, whom I had yet to meet. Now being away from home at Christmas didn’t sound like a great...