Opinion

I have set aside my regular column this week, a little story about me and my dog in Arroyo Seco, nicely told in my humble opinion, but still just a little story; it will wait for another time. What prompted the change was my...

“Ride the train, ride the train, anywhere I’m going I ride trains; sleepin’ in a boxcar in the rain, ride the train, ride the train.” That is the refrain of a song by southern rock group Alabama, just one of many American songs where...

It was 2020 and, like a champ, I had the flu and the pneumonia vaccination in one foul swoop. It was recommended for us folks of a certain age. We weathered mild side effects from both shots, and I didn’t get either virus. Result…...

March is when spring officially begins with the Vernal Equinox on March 20 and we spring forward with our clocks on March 8. 1. At Monterey County Free Libraries, we highlight Women’s History Month in March and celebrate women authors with our Tuesday author posts...

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...

Many times, over the past five decades I drove between Southern California and the Salinas Valley on El Camino Real, aka the 101, and so am very acquainted with the stretch of asphalt from Santa Barbara to SoMoCo. Now, like motorists everywhere finding a...

When you start the week at the early morning water aerobics class at the Soledad pool, you go out the gate like a champ, rising to greatness like the very light itself coming up. There is nearly nothing as life enhancing as watching the...

I had an occasion this week to walk across town. My roommate reminded me that she had walked our best friend, Ranger, for the past couple of days and she would appreciate some assistance. She was pretty busy today working with the American Legion...

She was already 10 days later. My sister Rosie and her best friend Charla had been there at our house for the birth that didn’t happen (they did leave behind a very nice teddy bear called Rob who is still around today), and then...

Have you ever asked yourself, “What do I want to be when I grow up?” For those of you who know me, you might say I’m still trying to figure that out. I come from humble means and always wanted to make my mom...