Opinion

In England, the shops are now full of Christmas crackers — every shape and size and decoration of cracker can be found, lining the shelves of every grade of Christmas area — from low to high end. “Oh, you must take some crackers home!”...

They say that when you do — or don’t do — something consistently for three weeks, it becomes your new habit. I’ve tried to practice that theory various times in my life, such as a new exercise or diet regime. There is something to...

“I didn’t know her,” the preacher said. “But if I had known her, I’m sure I would have liked her.” I raised one querying eyebrow at my husband. We are at his aunt’s funeral in Watsonville. (Is it a funeral service if the person...

“Why don’t we just adopt older dogs from now on. Let’s make the end of their lives the best ever!” We were all set. No more puppies, no toddlers with four legs. Our pack of near golden oldies (truthfully, more black-and-white than golden) —...

My wife is pretty much the center of my life. She is constantly giving me gifts of items that I may have mentioned in a casual conversation weeks or even months ago. Oftentimes it is a great surprise and something that I would treasure...

Rural communities are the heart and soul of our nation, enriching the economy, agriculture, culture and traditions. Yet, despite their significant contributions, these regions often face unique challenges, particularly limited access to healthcare. In South County, we are fortunate to have a Critical Access Hospital...

The inmate trainers at CTF explained to me that dogs in the TAILS program are immediately crate trained when they arrive in the facility to give them a cozy place to decompress and be safe away from the world. (Except for Sunday, which is...

Local column by George Worthy

The day I started work at the newspaper was Halloween 1991. I remember that day so well, because the whole building was decorated in pumpkins and ghouls and all the staff were dressed up in elaborate outfits. Candy was on every desk — it...

“I’m a traveler,” I brag, as people wow at my ability to whoosh through time zones without a care or jet-laggy attitude in the world. Well, mostly. I remember a pilot friend of mine telling me that anytime you land where you intended to...