Commentary: The December struggle has begun
If there is a more culturally confusing time in the United States than the month of December, I have no idea what it is. Along with Christmas as practiced by different Christian traditions (not to mention Santa Claus), there is Hanukkah, and more recently Kwanzaa. There may be other observances also of which I am not aware.
Money: Recapping the tax changes of 2010
When the famous Greek philosopher Heraclitus constructed his doctrine of change being central to the universe, with the thesis that “nothing endures but change,” he might have been peering into the future, witnessing the state of our tax and legislative system in the U.S., circa 2010.
Healthy living: When a mother can work out
When I became a mom, I knew that my 12-hour-per-week training plan might not fit in, but I also knew that quitting was not an option. My workouts are my quiet time, my meditation, and I could not give that up completely.
The Mountain Gardener: Native plants blooming in the parks
Taking a walk is always a breathtaking experience at this time of year. Witness the cobalt blue flowers nearly covering a ceanothus, or a stand of Dicentra formosa, with pink, bell-shaped flowers backlit in the spring sunlight. These are just two of our local native plants. Everywhere you look, nature is beginning the season fresh with anticipation and promise.
Untarnished Etiquette: Recalling a date with the queen
The invitations are out. The catalogs are filled with souvenir items emblazoned “Diamond Jubilee, London 2012.” From June 2 to 5, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth officially celebrates 60 years of her reign, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
News Briefs | Published Sept. 12, 2025
Fun run, emergency preparedness fair set for Saturday
On Saturday, Sept. 13, the City of Santa Cruz will be hosting Race the Wave, a 3K...