• Tavio Sol Valdivia was born to Erin (Timms) Valdivia and Brian Valdivia of Boulder Creek at 8:24 a.m. Feb. 10, 2010. He weighed 8 pounds at home.

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.

It was William Congreve (not William Shakespeare) who, in 1697, wrote, “Music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.” Indeed, music is one thread that runs through every culture around the world; researchers have found it an important aspect of civilizations dating back almost as far as the human record.

• Savannah Sage Meisner was born to Julie Christine (Frank) and Matthew Michael Meisner of Scotts Valley at 3:56 p.m. Jan. 20, 2010. She weighed 9 pounds, 3 ounces at Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center in Santa Cruz.

Friday, Feb. 5

• Elle Emre McCombs was born to Junneen Emily Lee and Jason Slade McCombs of Scotts Valley at 2:07 a.m. Jan. 6, 2010. She weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces at Dominican Hospital in Santa Cruz.

We are in the early years of a historic shift in economic power, away from the United States and toward China and other emerging economies. And Americans’ investment portfolios are beginning to reflect that shift.