Columnists

It’s beginning to look like California will get bullet trains after all, but it won’t be quite as grandiose a system as what the state’s High Speed Rail Authority at first wanted or what voters approved in the 2008 Proposition 1A.

Mutual funds can be a good choice for many long-term individual

Congregation Emeth of Morgan Hill invites local residents to an opportunity to sample the culture of New York City. The group will partner with South Valley Civic Theatre to present a special performance of  “The Producers” at 2:30 p.m. on July 12. This musical comedy, co-written by Borscht Belt comedian turned movie producer Mel Brooks, tells the story of two men who scheme to make money by producing a theatrical show guaranteed to fail, but which instead becomes an unexpected hit. This creates a business problem for the show’s producers, who must pay out profits to investors, of which there are a few too many. Based on a 1968 film that was controversial because of its irreverent story line, the musical version has since become a theatrical classic.

Do you think parks are Santa Clara County's top priority?

I’ve complained for years about the scourge of ballot-box budgeting – that’s when voters approve propositions that earmark government revenue for specific purposes, circumventing the normal budget process involving the state legislature.

It is that time of year when the sounds of “Pomp and Circumstance” fill our educational institutions’ fields and halls. Proud families will be gathered to cheer and rejoice in their child’s passage to adulthood. For those who have had a successful school experience, the hard work and long study hours has paid off.

The 2007 California Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) results were released in August, and according to State Superintendent of Education Jack O'Connell, "This year's results offer both encouragement and reasons for serious concerns."

‘Of Mice and Men’

I realize that while it is not always a simple task to get things in order - or keep things in order - having your affairs in order is a thoughtful and meaningful endeavor. As we are in full swing of tax season and have many important documents already out, I thought some attention to time management might be helpful.