Columnists

Nearly a year ago, members of two historic South Valley churches embarked on an exciting adventure. The Gilroy United Methodist Church (7600 Church St.) and the Morgan Hill United Methodist Church (17175 Monterey Road) began sharing co-pastors.

Every four years the entire planet goes bananas about soccer. Except the United States, of course. Because while the entire planet is obsessed with football, we are not. Well, not the soccer kind of football at least.

Buyers today are forced to make quick decisions, offer more than the list price and are often asked to waive or amend some of the normal contractual protections.

Twenty years ago this September, a little show set in New York City premiered on NBC. “Friends” became a hit , and we followed the group of six through their lives. The pilot episode featured a line that became the inspiration behind this week’s recipe, which presents a local product close to my heart.

Many California consumers have a preference for California products over those produced elsewhere. For most folks, this preference is even stronger when it comes to the fresh produce we feed our families. In fact, 86% of California consumers report that “CA Grown” products matter to them. The good news is, California consumers have plenty of opportunities to buy California grown.

Perhaps some of the public has a negative stereotype of motorcyclists. Hearing their loud engines, seeing them splitting lanes while speeding down the freeway and reading about the drugs and violence associated with some bike clubs can be rather intimidating.

Sometimes, I have difficulty deciding which I like better, comedy or great music. Each has, in its own way, a magical capability to improve my mood and state of mind. A couple of days ago, I was listening to a symphony, Mussorgsky-Ravel’s Pictures at an Exhibition, on my ancient but superb sounding stereo system. My mind was totally consumed with the power and majesty of composition. I closed my eyes and let the notes take me through the Great Gates of Kiev, totally engrossed. I probably was a Russian Cossack in a past life. If you asked me at that moment, I would have told you that music was my favorite and most enjoyable pastime.

Over the years I have had many discussions about what the City Council is doing and often they would get credit or blame for things they did not or could not even do. Many of those discussions took place with people who should know what our City Council does, but then I have to admit it wasn’t that long ago I didn’t know for sure either. Considering that, let me share some of what I have learned about our City Council.