Opinion

This year marks the 175th anniversary of California’s admission into the United States, a milestone that invites all of us to reflect on the origins, values and aspirations of our Golden State. But it also offers a chance to celebrate the critical role that...

Every fine time is far more enjoyable if first one experiences some minor hardships along the way. As I write I am sitting on a second-floor balcony at the Hotel Lake Maggiori in Locarno, Ticino, Switzerland. It is 10 minutes after four in the...

Special Olympics is, well, pretty special. I recall very clearly when the Olympics were taking place in London in 2012, that my father specifically attended the Special Olympic events in town and was so moved by them. At the time, I did not know...

Happy June! At Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL), we are really excited because it’s time for the Summer Reading Club. Summer is the best time of year at the library since we have so many fun programs and prizes. When you sign up for the...

How long have you lived in the house you live in now? I ask, because I was truly startled by the answer my bride gave me when asked: “34 years,” she said. I asked again just to make sure I was using the same...

Readers will recall last week’s column left off with my first solo truck run to the other valley to gather grape rootings for transplant here on the Oasis Road development we now know as San Bernabe Vineyard. Before we head over the hills, though,...

So, another Fair has rolled into town and out again. And it was a good one, at least for me. It is the reason this column may fall well short of the usual 1,000 words. I have enough notes and ideas that if combined...

I had eggs benedict with my daughter on my birthday on Park Row. That was a treat not for just the company, Jenny lives in Florida so we don’t see each other near enough, but also because of the food, which was delicious, and...

Growing up in Greenfield in the late 1950s through the ’60s and beyond, we (“we” meaning those whose parents, grandparents and beyond spoke English) were introduced to foreign languages and English with idioms and accents previously unknown to us. I doubt I’m alone of...

(Part III will finish up this story of the early days of grape growing in King City. We continue with the drive hauling grape rootings from Coalinga to King City over State Route 198.) About two miles westward out of Coalinga there begins an incline...