Opinion

There is perhaps no better sound in the world than that of a familiar wave slapping against a familiar beach. I was born and grew up with that sound on the East Coast of England. When I return to my source, it is almost...

The other day my wife’s cousin and his wife gave me a little book of memoirs written by a young man who had been drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. I sat down to read a few chapters and it got me...

There is no doubt that the agriculture industry dominates the Monterey Bay region. Agriculture generates a substantial portion of direct economic output, and has a significant number of jobs directly related. It is the leading industry in Monterey and San Benito counties and within the top five...

A few weeks ago I wrote about my thoughts concerning the actions of our government. I mentioned that I have a hard time believing just about anything they do that doesn’t make sense. This feeling I have is that our government is full of...

While caring for aging parents or ill spouses can be viewed as an honor, it can also present serious physical and emotional challenges for caregivers and their families. Stress often plays a big part in caregiving. Left unchecked, caregiver stress can have detrimental effects...

Dear Salinas Valley Fair Livestock Auction Buyers; Let me take a few lines to tell you about a young man named Kevin and his pig named Malcolm. I have lived next door to Kevin’s family for about a decade now and have always found them...

I have a saying that is used just about every day: “Nobody can beat two people.” I know, it sort of sounds strange coming from a guy that hasn’t raised his hand against anyone in at least 25 years. I mention raising my hand...

People are digging out maps and figuring out where this place is — Ukraine. Who are these people? They live so far away from us; aren’t we glad we are not them! They seem like a fiercely loyal people — they love their animals...

I don’t know what happened. We skipped through Halloween, enjoyed a nice, peaceful Thanksgiving and then all heck broke loose. I took an early Christmas delivery to my dad and sister overseas — and how organized was I! Even had the holiday gift bags...

Last week, PBS’s news program “Frontline” aired an episode about Covid-19’s devastating impact on the lives and health of farmworkers in Monterey County and meat packers in Kings County. The stories, voices and fears of our farmworkers are certainly important and must be heard by all...