Happy New Year, from the evolving Press Banner
The year 2021’s arrival is welcome news, and all of us at the Press Banner are excited about what lies ahead. Over the past three months, there have been some changes: new ownership, a new office, a new web site and an improved print...
Pantone Color of the Year 2021
Apparently, there was some controversy in 2019 over Pantone choosing Living Coral as its Color of the Year because healthy living coral is in short supply. I thought the color coral worked just fine in the garden but then Classic Blue won the top...
Happy New Year
Seems like 2020 lasted for longer than just one year. I, for one, am hoping for a less eventful year in 2021. As the calendar turns to a new year these are some of my thoughts for 2020. Well maybe they’re the same thoughts...
A time of gratitude
By Colly Gruczelak, Plain Talk about Food
While I was cleaning my kitchen after cooking my traditional New Year’s Almond Toffee, I was thinking of how my life has changed since losing my beloved hubby, Norman, and that once again, there would be no writing,...
Benefits of bodyweight training
By Ashley LaMorte
As we bring in a new year, many of us set new goals for ourselves. Such as eating cleaner, or starting a weekly fitness routine to get in better shape. In order to make your new year changes stick and become a...
Leading through giving
By Janet Janssen, Strictly Business
There is no denying this year has left an indelible mark on the community, personally and collectively. Each month, we share about businesses who sell more than their products or services but give back to their community. This practice of...
A poem for gardeners
T’was the night before Christmas and all through the garden,
The creatures were stirring, the deer got a pardon.
The hummingbird feeders were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that the Anna’s soon would be there.
The flowering cherries were nestled all snug in their beds,
While...
The meaning of our holiday traditions
We all celebrate the holidays in a different way. Each family has its own traditions and warm memories from years gone by. Some of us celebrate Christmas, some Hanukkah, some Kwanzaa. Many of our traditional Christmas customs originate from Winter Solstice celebrations. The plants...
‘Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus’
By Colly Gruczelak, Plain Talk About Food
Pulling the last tray of maraschino cookies from the oven I noticed that darkness was descending on our Ben Lomond neighborhood and I worked quickly to finish my cleanup. Settling into a chair in front of my kitchen...
Making a holiday wreath
You can have chestnuts roasting on an open fire and Jack Frost nipping at your nose, but what would the holidays be without a beautiful wreath to decorate the door? Maybe you want to put together a swag for the mantle or candle holder...
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...