Guest View

I need to take a break from writing about substance abuse and its prevention in our community. It's hard, though. I read about the number of DUIs in Gilroy. I read about the heartbreak suffered by the family of Juan Sarmiento, an addict who killed himself and was first reported as homeless and then his family clarified that he wasn't. The armories are open and focus is given to people who are homeless, many of whom struggle with addictions. There's news of arguments or violence that require police intervention, all related to alcohol or fueled by some drug use. There's so much to write about.

Recently I had the opportunity to volunteer at the third annual Poppy Jasper Film Festival in Morgan Hill.

We have much for which to be thankful. Indeed we do!

Last week, the newspaper covered the Santa Clara County Department of Alcohol and Drugs Services (DADS) press conference announcing the lawsuit it filed against the state Board of Equalization (BOE). The BOE, responsible for taxing beverages, classifies "alcopops" as beer, though they are vodkas and whiskeys. The classification of the fruity, sweet-flavored distilled spirits significantly lowers their tax to 20 cents per gallon instead of $3.30 per gallon. This keeps their prices low to consumers makes them widely availability in convenience stores, which have licenses to sell only beer and wine. Recent studies show the low price and increased availability encourage consumption, particularly among young girls ages 13-15.

Recently, a newspaper article informed that the projected average life span for a person born this year is 76.2 years.

Every November I am struck anew by the same bewildering mystery: Where the heck did turkey stuffing come from anyway? And – even more perplexing – why? I mean, think about it, people! Yes, I know, it tastes good. But – and this is quite paradoxical – during the one season of the year when we strive to be mindful of all our blessings, to feel gratitude for family, friends and the "Do Not Call List," how do we commemorate this time-honored American holiday? I will tell you how: by thrusting our breadcrumb-filled fists up a hapless – and hopefully thoroughly deceased – turkey's backside!

Thanks. Giving.

At the risk of beating a dead horse, I have to comment yet again on underage drinking, mostly in response to a column printed earlier this week in a certain paper up north, in which the columnist asked how does one raise responsible drinkers if youth aren't supposed to drink alcohol before the age of 21?

Some 55 years ago, the Korean War raged and I was there as a Marine. I felt as most Korean War Marines did that the Navy medical Corpsmen who were by our side in battle performed admirably. In fact, one Corpsman, HM1 Billy Gene Cooper became my friend.

If you're looking for a weekend travel destination that is scenic in an un-Las Vegas sort of way and offers abundant opportunities to consume boatloads of calories but only in the most health-conscious manner, then have I got the place for you.