Guest Column | The Western Flyer’s Journey Revives Legacy of Community
Two weeks ago I opened the Rustler to a long article whose headline proclaimed, “Western Flyer Sets Sail With Weekend Celebration and Send-Off Festivities.”
I immediately ordered tickets online to what was described as an “enchanting evening titled ‘Tales from the Western Flyer’ celebrating the...
Worthy to Print Column | Produce by George
They are ganging up on me as I sit here each week trying to bring something to this column that will capture your attention. I keep trying to find a way to start what I hope will, if not entertain, at least peak your...
Funny Papers Again Column | Music, Music, Who Has the Music?
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...
Letter to the Editor | PG&E Acting on Natural Gas Price Surge
To the Editor:
PG&E is hearing from customers that energy bills are higher than normal. We understand increases are challenging. We’re taking action and helping customers.
Natural gas prices have risen significantly, about 90% higher than last winter in PG&E’s service area and nationwide. PG&E passes...
Worthy to Print Column | Saying Goodbye to an Old Friend
This has been a rough week. It might look different to most of you, but for me it’s just another reminder of the test of time. Many years ago I bought a car from Joanne Rodriguez. Joanne’s husband Alva had passed away and he,...
Window on the World Column | Rites of Passage
My baby girl is getting married this weekend and I just can’t believe it. Eight months or so of furious planning and here we are. Your mind flashes back to the first time you laid eyes on her in this world, that sweet, cooing...
Window on the World Column | Old Men and Dogs
The end of life is a funny old time, isn’t it. Not that we really know when that is. But, as your muzzle gets greyer and your eyes a tad more cloudy, there becomes a time when you can no longer be considered “middle...
Funny Papers Again Column | When a Road Can Be a Friend Good to See Again
If one can say that driving through an area is visiting, then I visited with an old acquaintance the other day and it was good to meet up again. It was comforting to know that while both of us have aged, neither of us...
Letter to the Editor | Facts Matter, or Should
To the Editor:
The Oct. 7 mass slaughter of 1,100 Israeli civilians by 3,000 Hamas gunmen in Israel shocked part of the civilized world. Even more macabre was the kidnapping and rape of 300 other Israeli civilians.
Most Americans recognize Israel’s right for self-defense. And also,...
Letter to the Editor | Why We Stand
To the Editor:
On Oct. 18, I joined millions of people across the country who stood, marched and held signs to show our love for democracy. My sign simply read “NO KINGS.” Others made me laugh — like “Aging Hippies Against Trump” — but one sign has...



















