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Scotts Valley
September 8, 2025

Valley Neighbors: A Czech family’s daring escape

Eva Pacak of Scotts Valley grew up at a time when Czechoslovakia became a Soviet satellite country. Communism, the only powerful political system in the Soviet Bloc, was forced on the people. As a child, she was unaware of the injustices taking place.

Talk About Money: Downsides to a Roth IRA conversion

Last week’s column focused on the new 2010 tax law that permits universal Roth IRA conversions and its advantages. Let’s call it the “Roth IRA conversions for all” rule. Still, that doesn’t mean this tax-planning strategy is for everyone.

Addition by subtraction: fixing the state budget

Editor’s note: This commentary was adapted from an interview the Press-Banner conducted with Assemblyman Bill Monning, D-Carmel, regarding California’s budget. The interview was July 21, shortly before the Legislature passed a budget with no tax increases and more than $26 billion in cuts.

SLV runners head to state indoor track championships

Four San Lorenzo Valley boys track and field runners qualified for the first California indoor track and field invitational, which will be Feb. 6 at Fresno State University.

Off Hours: Go forth on two wheels

You can hear them on any road throughout the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley area, but if you live near Highway 9 or Highway 35, you know with certainty that a spring-like day will bring out the motorcycles in droves.

Coaches first to join Falcon Hall of Fame

Four influential Scotts Valley High coaches make up the first class of inductees into the new Scotts Valley High School Falcon Hall of Fame.

The Mountain Gardener: How to fill a container properly

A tree in full bloom is a breathtaking sight. A flowering shrub covered with fragrant blossoms is awe inspiring, too. But it's a spectacular group of plants in a great container that never fails to get my attention.

Your Health: The truth about vaccines

I recently tuned in to a local radio station talk show in which the host and a “non-medical doctor” were criticizing vaccinations by citing false information and providing their personal bias. I would like to offer my view of vaccinations.

Sustainable living: Local dollars could create a sustainable economy

Pull out a dollar bill and take a good look at it. We all know what it can buy. But what is the paper bill actually worth? It probably cost a few cents to make, but while it’s not very useful on its own, we value the dollar because we all agree that it has value.

Letter: Community deserves apology

EDITOR,

SOCIAL MEDIA

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Homeless person Felton

Homeless Point-in-Time Count shows continued progress in Santa Cruz County

Santa Cruz County Housing for Health Partnership (H4HP) has released results of the 2025 Homeless Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, demonstrating a significant drop in individuals...