Columnists

Never again. That should be the determined motto of California legislators who will set dates for this state’s future primary elections, now that it’s perfectly clear the June 5 California Republican presidential primary election will mean little or nothing, just like all other June primaries contested here since 1972.

Anyone can see the effect the recent economic recession has had on public facilities. Falling tax collections have led to budget cuts resulting in layoffs of public workers. Parks, schools, playgrounds and buildings are looking increasingly shabby. But public-spirited volunteers can make a big difference.

Shangri La in the Blue Mountains

There’s a unique story out of Japan about a lost parakeet reunited with its owner. It all occurred in a small town outside of Tokyo, where a parakeet named Piko-chan escaped out the window of his home. He flew the coop, so to speak, and landed on the shoulder of a startled guest at a nearby hotel. The police were called and at first, Piko-chan was quiet. But after a few days at the station, he started talking.

Seventy-eight years, two months and a day; the time my mother was allotted to live on earth. In essence, though, we lost my mom 14 years sooner than that, when a mysterious malady started robbing her of her memory.

Grape vines that struggle generally result in better quality grapes. It’s a bit like people.

“Big ideas don’t often come from small tents.” – Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger

The ripple effects of high gasoline prices have been clear for decades, ever since the Arab oil boycott of the mid-1970s temporarily forced a form of gas rationing on California.

The City of Gilroy Recreation Department’s production of “Seussical, Jr.” was outstanding. Under the direction of Michelle Serrano, 50 actors brightened the Gilroy High School stage, bringing to life the prose of the beloved Dr. Seuss.