Guest Column | Cal State Monterey Bay Begins New Academic Year Focused on Regional Growth
Each fall, the start of classes brings renewed energy and optimism to Cal State Monterey Bay. This year was no exception. From the first-day excitement to our Otter Plunge tradition in the waters of Monterey Bay, our campus is once again alive with purpose...
Guest Column | 5 Things for September from Monterey County Free Libraries
1. September is Library Card sign-up month. Your library is a place that welcomes all and provides programs and services all year round to help community members learn, grow, play or relax. Make sure you visit your library to get a library card! It...
Funny Papers Again Column | Trying to Avoid Being the Ugly American
I feel I would be remiss if I did not mention some of my recent experiences in Switzerland, but there also are some issues and events here in South Valley, so I’ll attempt to split the column accordingly. After some short observations and experiences...
Window on the World Column | Amazing Grace
I first met Lori Tuttle by chance — is anything actually by chance — at a craft vendor fair on Highway 68. She had a lovely stall of repurposed goods with a cowboy touch that she had lovingly restored. I was selling my books....
Funny Papers Again Column | Bon Giorno! Day 1 in Switzerland
Every fine time is far more enjoyable if first one experiences some minor hardships along the way. As I write I am sitting on a second-floor balcony at the Hotel Lake Maggiori in Locarno, Ticino, Switzerland. It is 10 minutes after four in the...
Guest Column | Mee Memorial Investing in Behavioral Health
When the 2022 Monterey County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) was released, behavioral health was identified as one of the region’s top priorities—underscoring a critical shortage of mental health providers and support systems across the County.
In response, Mee Memorial Healthcare System (MMHS) launched a...
Guest Column | Addressing the Fireworks Fundraiser Challenges in King City
To the Citizens of the City of King: We, the King City Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, want to address the challenge we faced this year, fundraising for the aerial fireworks. We had a lot of comments on social media, and we want to...
Guest Column | Monterey County’s Historic Role in California’s 175 Years of Statehood
This year marks the 175th anniversary of California’s admission into the United States, a milestone that invites all of us to reflect on the origins, values and aspirations of our Golden State. But it also offers a chance to celebrate the critical role that...
Funny Papers Again Column | A Short Column Today, Folks, Cuz Deadlines Don’t Wait for Nobody
Growing up in Greenfield in the late 1950s through the ’60s and beyond, we (“we” meaning those whose parents, grandparents and beyond spoke English) were introduced to foreign languages and English with idioms and accents previously unknown to us. I doubt I’m alone of...
Letter to the Editor | Join the Fight Against Unjust Detention and Deportation
To the Editor:
We’re saying “NO!” NO to the unlawful and cruel detention and deportation of our hard-working neighbors whose only crime was pursuing the American dream.
The majority of ICE targets are hard-working contributors to the local economy and society. What is being unleashed on all...