Opinion

To the Editor: Last week I wrote a guest column on the Western Flyer, the legendary boat that took John Steinbeck and Doc Ricketts to the sea of Cortez in 1940. A reader pointed out it wasn’t all about community, that Carol Steinbeck helped a great...

In 1940, American author Ernest Hemingway wrote a book named “For Whom the Bell Tolls.” It wasn’t his best book, but it had a few passages that reminded me this past week that he certainly had a way with words. The title of the...

How was your Memorial Day? It is always a somber time for me. I always spend some time each day of the past week thinking about the men who are longer with us. When I think of that, I remember that it wasn’t just...

In a world where stressors abound and demands seem never-ending, taking care of oneself is not just a luxury but a necessity. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and although we should prioritize every aspect of our health year-round, this is a month to...

Veterans Day is the 11th day of November. If you see a veteran or love the way we live, just say “Thank you!” Just remember, it’s because of veterans that we can live in a free country. The following is a continuing story of...

It has been a most interesting year; what an understatement. I have never felt so fortunate and yet so frustrated. I’ve found skills this year I didn’t think I had. I have dug deep for patience I never believed I possessed. Four years ago,...

Statistics show that nearly 3 in 10 Americans actually make New Year’s resolutions in an effort to hold themselves accountable. Such a practice is not new. Some 4,000 years ago, the ancient Babylonias made annual promises to the gods to pay their debts and...

How are you doing? I mean, do you still wear your mask? Did you seriously see that the doctor that goes on TV wants us to wear three? The past few days are almost historic. Some folks from the surrounding areas of what we...

You know, it is tough to find good music. When was the last time you were serenaded by a professional artist? Yesterday, my beautiful bride surprised me with a serenade at the Golden State Theater over in Monterey. The star of the show was...

Do you like living in a small town? Oh say, like Gonzales or Soledad or any of the South County cities? I really love living here. I know just about everyone, and the people that I don’t know well enough to stop and talk...