Opinion

In a rare case of a column running too long, I offer this story as a two-parter… One day I came home from school, it was 1964 and I was in the sixth grade in Greenfield Elementary School, and my father handed me a book...

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...

Before I leave the majestic area of the Grand Tetons, it would be remiss of me if I did not mention the magnificent Wildlife Museum, situated outside of Jackson or Jackson Hole. If you are an animal lover, this is your place. Statues, sculptures,...

April 18-24 is National Volunteer Week, an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of kind, compassionate people to strengthen and transform communities. Our volunteers within Mee Memorial Healthcare System never cease to amaze me. They lend their time, their talent...

As we gather during the holidays and bid farewell to another year under the shadow of the pandemic, I wanted to shine a light on all the good I see around me every day. As I close out my second year as Mee Memorial Healthcare...

I am fortunate enough to have access to a vehicle when one is required, and so I was recently able to make it to two events, one as participant and the other as attendee. These two events were miles and cultures apart; not uncommon...

As the once-owner of Salinas Valley Ford Truck Center in Salinas, I find myself grappling with a profound sense of loss and frustration. For more than three decades, our family business provided excellent service to the local community and government agencies. Then, in the blink of...

When I worked in the newspaper industry, the obituary page was allegedly the paper’s most popular page, which, in my younger years, I found a little curious. Now I am — ahem — a little less young, I totally get it. These days I...

If you live in South Monterey County, you are among more than 60 million rural Americans. American Community Survey statistics show that Maine and Vermont have the highest proportions of population living in rural areas (about 61%) while California has the lowest (4.9%).  If you’ve...

Hospitals and local governments play a critical role in supporting the health and well-being of their local communities. But how do they determine which services, programs, or initiatives are most needed? Every three years, a Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) is conducted to determine the...