Letters to the Editor | Published July 12, 2024
Gratitude for coverage and community support of Damians Ladder
Last week’s Press Banner paper carried the story of the newly formed 501c3 nonprofit organization, Damians Ladder, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Your reporter, Drew Penner, wrote a marvelous column about...
Finance | The Rule of 72
72/Rate of Return ≈ Years to Double Value
Old as the Renaissance, this simplified rule should be shouted from rooftops, emblazoned on blimps and taught in every schoolroom. The consequences are profound: Save now for babes in arms. Indifferent to your future, let salespeople whimper....
The Mountain Gardener | Oh, Deer! Part I
I thought my plants were safe from deer. Because most of my sunny spots are in front, I planted lots of colorful annuals and perennials out there. Then a couple months ago, all my snapdragon flower spikes were eaten overnight. I was stymied. I...
Letter to the Editor | Published July 5, 2024
Highway 17 southbound near Mt. Hermon Road poses severe wildfire risk
The Highway 17 southbound corridor approaching Mt. Hermon Road and the right turn area to Mt. Hermon Road, very near the Bay Tree Apartments in Scotts Valley, 100% fails the below Cal Fire safety...
Strictly Business | The Ultimate Trio: Fashion, Fun & Feel-Good Finds
Nestled in the heart of downtown Felton, SCM Clothing Glass & A$$ is redefining the shopping experience. It is located conveniently across from RiteAid on Highway 9. This unique store combines an extraordinary mix of themed T-shirts, custom hats, adult pleasure toys and premium...
Plain Talk About Food | Then and Now
Living just off Highway 9 in Ben Lomond, I am often caught up in lines of traffic going “nowhere” for minutes at a time. So much so, that I keep a notepad and pen in the console next to my seat, jotting down random...
The Mountain Gardener | Solutions for Gardening in the Shade
If you see a recurring theme in my columns about growing successfully in a shady garden, it’s because my last three houses have all had a lot of shade. You’d think I’d have so much experience by now that all my plants would bloom...
Finance | For the Love of Stocks
“In a recent nationwide survey of working age Americans, 79% agree that the nation faces a retirement savings crisis…more than half of Americans (55%) are concerned that they cannot achieve financial security in retirement.” —Dan Doonan, Forbes
Do not buy stocks because market timing feels...
TherapyWorks | The Importance of Mental Health for Men: Breaking the Silence
Mental health is an integral aspect of overall well-being, yet it often remains overshadowed by physical health. This disparity is particularly pronounced among men, who face unique societal pressures and stigmas that can hinder their ability to seek help.
The Silent Struggle
Traditionally, men have been...
Fitness | Benefits of Short Workouts This Summer
There’s a huge misconception that in order to have a strong body and be in better shape, it takes hours a day every week in the gym while being on a broccoli and boiled chicken diet. That’s the farthest thing from the truth.
You just...
New Scotts Valley Council members look forward to making their mark
After first-place finisher Donna Lind, the incumbent for Scotts Valley City Council, local voters selected Steve Clark—a retired law enforcer, known for volunteering around...