Columnists

From the moment it was created as part of the 1974 Proposition 9 political reform initiative, California’s Fair Political Practices Commission has operated on the presumption that politicians and their most active campaign aides and backers should never be fully trusted.

I have long been a proponent of meat, often expounding on the virtues of pig fat and beef cheek. However, I do not hesitate to declare, in black and white, that there is very little more delicious than a perfectly ripe pear or local ear of corn in season. In an interview with "60 Minutes" last year, my friend and constant inspiration, José Andrés, called meat "overrated." He added, "I believe the future is vegetables and fruits."

I spent the last few days with my weed whacker clearing out

Hollister's St. Luke's Episcopal Church was founded in 1876. Its

Wildfires, hurricanes, terrorist attacks, floods, earthquakes.

At the end of every year, certain federal tax breaks face a sunset. Some are renewed, some expire. As 2014 will soon start, here is a list of some of notable tax provisions that may go away next year - offering some opportunities that you may want to take advantage of this year.

Referring to the words of Jesus (“I was in prison and you visited me”), Pulitzer Prize winning author Jack Miles comments that prisoners have a special place in the Christian imagination because Jesus himself was a prisoner.

Downtown Morgan Hill holds an annual “Safe Trick or Treat Night” that has grown into one of the most popular Halloween events in the South Valley. Several blocks of Monterey Street are closed-off to vehicle traffic, and downtown merchants and other groups come out to give candy to about 3,000 youngsters guided by their parents. MHAT-19’s volunteers will be part of the Halloween sweet treat give-away on Oct. 31. If you happen to be there, please stop by and say “Boo!” to our crew.

Q: My friend told me that her labradoodle, Frank, has been diagnosed with “reverse sneezing.” I have never heard a dog sneeze. Is this really sneezing? What causes this?