Opinion

I’m beginning to think like my personal nurse. Her opinion is that we will be wearing masks for the rest of time. I would have to agree with her. I have been around for a lot of years and watched my government closely as...

This is my last Funny Papers Again column for the Valley newspapers, so if you have been a fan over the past couple of years then, well, just read slowly, I guess. More on this at the end of this column. Last Wednesday was the...

I’ll tell you a little secret. Writing is hard work. Oh, I don’t mean it’s like driving a tractor or picking up potatoes or any of the jobs found on a farm no matter what you are growing. Those hours are long and hot...

I made an honest effort at reciting words I learned years ago only to find that I had left out three sections, just a few words, but those omissions were as integral and important as any others. I am talking about the preamble to...

Local column by Joanne Banuelos

It has been two years since my baby sister Rosie passed on to another planet. When some say that spirits fly close to the ground, I have found that to be true, also that they don’t fly in the conventional sense. Sister seems to...

“Why don’t we just adopt older dogs from now on. Let’s make the end of their lives the best ever!” We were all set. No more puppies, no toddlers with four legs. Our pack of near golden oldies (truthfully, more black-and-white than golden) —...

Even as Covid-19 vaccinations roll out across the country, the daily threat from this virus remains — especially in rural areas such as South Monterey County. We all need to remain vigilant, with a strict adherence to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)...

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...

I’ve never been much of a fan of the “Year in Review” news magazines that are a key post in the ground at the end of each year. I don’t mind recalling the good stuff; but I would not choose to go there with...