Funny Papers Again Column | A Time of Music, Dance and Old Friends
The Pops! are coming, the Pops! are coming! In fact, by the time you read this, they may already be in town. I’m talking about the Monterey County Pops! Symphony Orchestra (and those are not typos, the name includes the exclamation point after Pops;...
Worthy to Print Column | Heroes
I have been writing about my life and my town for a long time if you follow me on a regular basis. I have shared my travels and my thoughts, some appreciated and some have brought condemnation. It gets harder and harder to write...
Funny Papers Again Column | 001, 249 AD; The Day I Ran Over My Ego With a Tractor
If the first part of above appears as random numerical gibberish at first reading, that is expected, let me explain. America, along with other nations, refer to the Gregorian calendar to mark our time and have done so for millennia. How the calendar we...
Letter to the Editor | Protect Critical Funding to Safeguard Local Healthcare Services
To the Editor:
As the CEO of Mee Memorial Healthcare System (MMHS), I am writing to share an important concern that could have serious consequences for our hospital and clinics and the community we serve. There is growing discussion about potential cuts to Medicare and...
Funny Papers Again Column | ‘Oh, Thou Most Horrid of All Days!’
I have never held back vociferous disparagement of this date on the calendar, and I have no intention of abandoning that position at this late time in life. Today, as you all are aware, is the Winter Solstice; the shortest amount of daylight is...
Letter to the Editor | A Call for Unity Beyond Election Day
To the Editor:
After failing to write a letter to the Rustler in time for this year’s election, I realize this one is far more important. It will be published the day after Tuesday, Nov. 5th’s vote, at a time when the character of our...
Window on the World Column | The Golden Years
After my most recent ranch accident when I smashed up my knee, forgot I was old and then started the long process of trying to heal several months later as I came to realize that my healing was going the unsuccessful way of old...
Window on the World Column | Never Too Old
I first tried yoga about a month ago. I am not necessarily proud of that fact. Over the years, so many friends and family have counseled me to try it, give it a go, open up my mind to the possibilities. Even my mother...
Guest Column | Monterey County Free Libraries’ 5 Things to Celebrate in February 2026
Happy February! In February, we have Valentine’s Day, President’s Day and so many things to celebrate.
1. February is one of our favorite months because it is also Library Lover’s Month! Do you love your library? There are many ways to show your library love....
