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Does your back ache? Do you have a headache, toothache or sprained ankle? What medication should you choose for pain relief? In most cases these types of pain are common and can be treated with over the counter pain medications which make up a 2 billion dollar a year industry. The few basic medications available to treat your pain must be chosen wisely and you must be aware of the possible side effects of these drugs so that they don’t cause more harm than good.

According to a recent public health alert, California is experiencing an epidemic of pertussis. Santa Cruz County has had 20 known cases and probably many more that have not been reported or have yet to be diagnosed.

Saturday, May 22

It was a beautiful, sunny Saturday afternoon and I was driving down Mount Hermon Road when I noticed a homeless couple with a baby in a stroller standing in front of that whatchamacallit bank. (You know, Wacha-Wells-Co-Fargo-America-Whatever. It’s merged so many times, I have no clue what it’s called anymore.)

Throughout the year, I am asked for design help and plant suggestions, but it’s at this time of year that I especially hear the request; “I’d love to add more grasses to my garden.”

In my most recent column, I discussed how rewarding it can be to make your own wine. Then I realized it might be a good idea to do a follow-up explaining in general terms some of what’s involved.

Within a short drive for most of us, there are some hot bites in the water right now. Most of the action is coming from the ocean, and Santa Cruz is at the top of the charts, with albacore, halibut, striped bass, rock fish, ling cod and even thresher sharks.