Opinion

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...

To the Editor: We much enjoyed Steve Wilson’s column about gangsters he has known — or at least, thought about (“Words From One Bad Guy to Another,” June 29). It’s exciting to review the daring exploits of these cunning reprobates and satisfying when the sheriff...

I mean, you are not reading this on June 14, 2024, that is the real Flag Day. Well, not really. I mean it IS today, but you will be reading this after the fact. Due to the irregularities of the printing schedule, I have...

January has a way of reminding people that new beginnings are not only possible but powerful. The turn of the year brings that familiar mix of optimism and introspection, inspiring many to clear out the old, streamline their surroundings, and commit to living more...

To the Editor: In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, I wanted to emphasize the importance of self-care. It is important to raise mental health awareness in our community as well as advocating for self-care.  We live in a society where many individuals are...

I cannot remember the first time I met her and her lovely husband. It seems to me that we were friends from the minute I arrived in the valley about 19 years now, so it was a good while ago; and likely at a...

In offering kudos to my hometown, I use the energetic parlance of the day: “a shout-out to the city of Greenfield and a new look for an old building!” After what many felt was a bit too long, the two-story building that occupies the...

The perfect day was on order for the chosen celebration of life of our very own valley girl. Blissful sunlight through the oaks on River Road was on the menu, as was some delightful company. I arrived on top of some very ripe vines...

Editor's Note: We welcome Letters to the Editor of local and general interest to our readers. Letters should be typed and include the writer’s first and last name, home address and phone number for verification. No anonymous letters will be printed. Letters may be edited...

When you meet someone for the first time, do you ever notice a person’s shoes or boots? I always do. Not just a man’s footwear, but women’s shoes and boots too! In my family we polished our shoes because we didn’t get a lot...