Columnists

Happy holidays everyone. I hope these last days of 2007 provide you with many opportunities to enjoy family, friends, and our wonderful community. I also hope that you spend a little time this week making some Eco-Resolutions for 2008.

I'm making my list and checking it twice for items I'd like Santa Claus to bring to South County:

Well, the eggnog is in the stores, I find myself avoiding eye contact with smiling people ringing bells, and most of the people I see are still at that point where holiday cheer hasn't yet turned to holiday panic. Yep, it still must be early December.

One day I picked my daughter up from high school and she was very excited. "Dad, I received my math test back, and with a bonus question I got 106 percent!" "That's great," I replied. "But you know your mother expects 110 percent." She gave me a long serious look, and then we both burst out laughing. The message her mother and I have always tried to convey to her is that we know she is capable of success, and as a result she is expected to succeed. Having high expectations for our children should be encouraged not only at home but at school as well. Research shows that given the same resources, all students can learn if they are held to the same expectations.

Hello. I used to write a column here. Then I didn't. Now I do. I'm not fond of lengthy introductions.

Santa Clara County is one of the world's high tech magnets, but it's also one of the most expensive places to live. This Silicon Valley takes pride in its well-educated work force and urges each teenager to acquire the highest education possible. Consequently, there is an intensive push for teenagers to go on to four-year colleges and universities. High school grade-point average competition frequently exceeds 4.0 points, while driven students take more and more Advanced Placement and College Preparation classes. Unfortunately, that can result in an elitist attitude, giving status only to very academic students and highly educated people. A message frequently is suggested: only people with master's degrees and above can survive in our area.

It's time for a round-up of recent local news items that made me shake my head, roll my eyes and utter a two-syllable "Puh-lease."

"Private property was the original source of freedom. It still is its main ballpark."

"Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts."

Thanksgiving is a special time to share a meal in the company of family and friends. Unfortunately, for many people, spending time with family during the holidays is not always possible due to distance, finances or work schedules. No one knows this better than Marta Valle, who for the past eight years has been organizing a charity dinner at St. Catherine's Catholic Parish Center on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving. She and a group of volunteers serve those who are away from their families, especially the day workers in our community.