Opinion

The gospel of John (one of four gospels in the New Testament) proclaims, “God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). It is the proclamation of the mystery of Incarnation. Lutheran Bishop Stephen Bouman tells of standing behind an altar in a small crypt chapel of...

Over 2,500 years ago Siddartha Gautama attained Enlightenment at the age of 35 as he sat meditating under the Bodhi Tree. The term Bodhi means Enlightenment and since that time each Dec. 8, Buddhists throughout the world express their gratitude to the Buddha for...

What sort of news would make you celebrate wildly? A clean bill of health? Escaping financial worries? Newfound safety? The true end of the pandemic? How might you respond? Would you run? Would you dance? Would you sing? Would you write a new song...

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, tree farms across the nation are thrust into the spotlight and sellers start their busiest time of year. This year, the industry is holding steady, despite a nationwide shortage that is pushing up prices. Heatwaves and fires that...

A question we often hear from constituents is, “I don’t have kids at PVUSD. Why should I invest my time, energy, and tax dollars in schools?” However, a study in The Journal of Urban Affairs noted a strong correlation between community satisfaction and school...

Save our hospital I want to give heartfelt thanks to Mimi Hall and all the other individuals and organizations that are working to save our Watsonville Community Hospital by converting it to a District hospital. Bravo. That would be the next best thing to reviving...

Every year around this time, choirs perform Handel’s Messiah (including in my own congregation). What is it about a piece of music written 260 years ago that still captures hearts today––in fact, especially today, as we endure our long, strange journey through the pandemic...

Over the past year, the County has made significant investments in South Santa Cruz County. From the purchase of a new South County Service Center so residents of South County can have access to County services in a way never previously afforded, to setting...

Bus-Trail is the best option Bus-Trail allows the present unused Santa Cruz County Corridor to be totally Trail-Only, totally Bus-Only or anything in-between at any time.  Those who liked the recent TIG “wannabe bus” demonstration when it was standing still or ramping up to the full...

Immigration reform bill needed in the Build Back Better bill We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make life better for America’s families and boost our economy. Whether you have small kids or elderly family members, the positive impact of the Build Back Better Act will...