Columnists

Church welcomes new, ‘easygoing’ pastor

March 13, 2013

Since 1865, Gilroy's St. Mary Roman Catholic Church has had an important role in the life of the South Valley through its parochial school and numerous other ministries. With the retirement in December of longtime pastor and community icon Father Dan Derry, a new pastor was appointed to lead the huge parish (with 4,000 registered members and eight Masses each weekend). Due to his background and talents, The Rev. Robert Brocato seems well-suited for this challenging position.

Movie theaters are heart of downtown

July 27, 2010

The first movie I ever saw at a theater was the 1971 Walt Disney

‘The Pitman Painters’: Beating the odds in the art world

February 1, 2012

Award-winning writer Lee Hall knows his way around words. He has given us the superb "Billy Elliott" and co-wrote the screenplay for the heart-wrenching "War Horse." His smooth dialogue for "The Pitman Painters" flows with his usual glib, natural depth for the subject at hand. This bittersweet, humorous piece tells the true story about a grungy group of coal miners who decide to enhance their drab lives. With great trepidation, they decide to participate in (government supplied) art appreciation classes, never thinking they would eventually become famous and in demand in the art world.

Cats now ‘top dog’ in our homes

April 24, 2012

There’s an old saying that tells us a dog is man’s best friend. But new statistics indicate that this just ain’t so anymore. Today, the pet dog population in the United States is more than 67 million. But listen to this; there are more than 83 million cats living with human companions. Those darn cats. Somehow, they snuck up and took over as the most popular pet in America. Only fish outnumber them (there are an estimated 170 million pet fish in the United States), but that’s only because a lot of fish can fit in one small aquarium. So it seems that cats have it when it comes to being “top dog” in our homes.

Christians honor Salvadoran martyr

November 5, 2013

Many of Hollister's churches share a unique ecumenical tradition, participation in a worship experience called “Holy Stir.” Several times a year members of a variety of congregations gather together to share a common liturgy of prayers, message and music.

Church offers welcome to all

February 20, 2013

The traditional understanding of the Bible is hostile to homosexuality. Passages in the Old Testament, like the story of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) and Leviticus 18:22 come to mind. And although Jesus didn’t address the topic directly, St. Paul condemned the practice in his letter to the Romans.

Hoist the pirate flag matey, and remember our motto – ‘Drink Local’

June 13, 2013

Have to love the creativity and energy from Renee Carillo, owner of Grinds, Vines and Automobiles coffee house downtown. Not only has she expanded – opening a chic music venue next door which I’ll refer to as “The Other Room” – but there’s a cool old car hoisted onto the loft area. It adds to a very vibrant vibe (2 points for alliteration) for what is quickly becoming a gathering place for local musicians and a place where the laptop crowd is going to enjoy hanging out. A unique creative comfortable coffee shop is an essential piece to the downtown success puzzle and Renee has put that piece into place – plus she likes to dance ...

There is something so fine about Memorial Day

May 22, 2012

I was a lucky kid; I grew up in “Small Town America” during the 1950s. And although my Colorado hometown wasn’t “small” by most standards (roughly 100,000 people), it felt that way because we were encapsulated within our close-knit neighborhoods.

Sanctity of Motherhood Prevails Despite Death

May 8, 2007

When it comes to Mother's Day, most people think of celebrations featuring fragrant flowers, handmade cards, macaroni necklaces, and breakfast in bed.

Your Office Coach: Get a grip on your own emotional reactions

April 13, 2012

Q: Ever since I came to work here a year ago, I have gotten nothing but attitude from the woman in the next cubicle. I keep trying to be nice to “Mandy”, but she refuses to develop any kind of relationship with me. Sometimes she doesn’t speak to me at all.

Our Town: District voting is a travesty

What kind of relief will mortgage settlement provide?

Getting Out: A special journey on the John Muir Trail

Reconveyance needs notarized, recorded

Don’t allow dogs to eat fallen fruit

Church welcomes new, ‘easygoing’ pastor

Movie theaters are heart of downtown

‘The Pitman Painters’: Beating the odds in the art world

Cats now ‘top dog’ in our homes

Christians honor Salvadoran martyr

Church offers welcome to all

Hoist the pirate flag matey, and remember our motto – ‘Drink Local’

There is something so fine about Memorial Day

Sanctity of Motherhood Prevails Despite Death

Your Office Coach: Get a grip on your own emotional reactions

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