As many of you know, I was diagnosed this past October with a cancer called multiple myeloma. This is a cancer of the plasma cells which are found in the blood and produce antibodies for our immune system. These malignant cells multiply rapidly and can cause damage throughout the body, especially affecting bones and kidneys and ultimately lead to death within two years if left untreated.

I got some negative responses on my column last month about bitcoin, including one from a reader who said it was “totally irresponsible.” I need to clarify.

About a year ago I wrote a column about Martin’s Beach near Half Moon Bay, an idyllic crescent shaped beach that many consider the most beautiful in San Mateo County. A billionaire named Vinod Khosla bought all the land fronting the beach and gated off the only road that leads to Martin’s Beach. Since the beach has 75 foot cliffs on both the north and south ends, the only realistic access is via that one road. A few foolish people have suggested that people can come in by way of the ocean. They have obviously never had the entertaining experience of landing or launching a boat through the breakers. Seaworthy individuals do it, but grandma may object to this form of exercise.

- Liam Christopher Politowas born at 3:55 a.m. Dec. 11, 2013 to Courtney Desiree (Steen) and Anthony Robert Polito of Santa Cruz. He weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center in Santa Cruz.