Opinion

As I get back into the swing of things here in South Valley, I want to offer up some random thoughts, or comments, garnered from notes taken over the past few weeks both here at home and on the road. The first observation is...

For those of you who read last week’s column, I can honestly tell you I realized who the murderer of Roger Ackroyd was before it was revealed by the author. It was no great feat of detective prowess on my part, no great discerning...

The perfect day was on order for the chosen celebration of life of our very own valley girl. Blissful sunlight through the oaks on River Road was on the menu, as was some delightful company. I arrived on top of some very ripe vines...

I stopped by a section of land the other day and let my mind’s eye roll back over the years to a time when that corner piece was a half a block down the alley from where my family lived for the last nine...

Today seems like it might be a little different than most Sundays; there is an Artichoke Festival. This year it is in Monterey instead of Castroville. I was going to accompany my bride and her friends and go with them, but I needed to...

After being in distance learning mode most of the last school year, we are excited to have students, teachers and staff back together in our school communities. It’s something we’ve all missed deeply, and we understand how vital in-person teaching and learning is for...

I’m back, did you miss me? The past couple of weeks have been interesting to say the least. As I look ahead to challenges that we all face everyday, I try to see the positive side as well. Take last week for instance; I...

What do you know about electricity? Surely you know not to hold both the common and ground wires while dealing with gremlins in your house or office. I found out that electricity, even if you can’t see it, can really give you a ride...

“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) —...

I work with houses all the time — empty and full. “It’s much easier to sell if the house is empty,” I hear myself say over and over to potential listing clients. No dealing with sellers and access; no having to climb over Aunt...