Opinion

To the Editor: As ongoing conflicts in the Middle East continue to damage communities and destabilize the region, we have to reinforce our commitment to achieving peace through diplomacy and collaboration. It is time for an intense attempt to stop the cycle of bloodshed and...

The Hunchback tolling the bells of the ancient cathedral of Notre Dame is an image of timeless appeal. Salinas citizens will want to catch the current local iteration of Victor Hugo’s tale, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” on The Western Stage at Hartnell College. This...

Was there ever a time in your life when you may have done something that was frowned upon by all that knew you? I wish I was smart enough to explain to you what I am thinking about, but when I scratch out a...

It was finally Show Time, and I was so excited. Not only was I doing a book signing with my oldest friend in my hometown on the East Coast of England, but the book was also based on our childhoods growing up in this...

As a former California State Assemblymember and Monterey County Supervisor, I am deeply concerned about the pressing issue of rising prescription drug prices and healthcare accessibility. Our state’s progress depends on the advancement and well-being of all its communities, especially those at risk. With...

Bucket lists are funny things. Most people forget to empty their buckets as they fill them, or they notice there are a few holes in the bucket, and everything is then a bit pointless. It has been my dream forever — since I was...

It was the longest gun battle in the history of the Secret Service. At the end of the 40-second firefight, 27 shots had been exchanged with an assassin and a police officer lay dead while a second assassin and two police officers and one...

Wow! Things are sure happening fast. By things I mean politics and the folks that claim that they are politicians. I just sat down to write my column this week and started getting a little concerned. I might point out that if you aren’t...

“Yours is the last dad,” she stated emphatically. Yes. All my friends’ dads have passed away. Of our generation, there is one mother and one father remaining on the planet and then we will be the top generation. That is a rather sobering thought. On...

I remember my grandparents very clearly. They were our safe harbor when things in the house were a little stormy. My grandma was quiet and sweet, mostly seen with knitting needles in her hands and a soft smile. She made the best chocolate cakes...