Opinion

I stumbled upon the Food Network quite by accident. I was in Southern California watching my infant granddaughter when one day, while channel surfing, I found that the peppy music and stunning close-ups during Food Network’s cooking shows kept baby Gracie enraptured on even her fussiest days. I was hooked.

While this article is a bit more dry and technical than I usually write, it addresses an important tax issue that could potentially save you and/or your heirs a significant amount of money – proper planning can make the difference between leaving money to your loved ones, or leaving money to Uncle Sam.  

School is over; summer is here; vacation has started. At first, children thoroughly enjoy the unstructured leisure time now available to them, but this may not last. Days stretch on, and parents may soon hear the dreaded refrain: “I'm bored! There's nothing to do!”

If I’ve learned anything through the years, I’ve learned that sometimes, when you’re in a tough spot, you have to let others in, let others shine a light on your dark path. Although I’m not one to rely heavily on others, even in difficult times, I know that my family and close friends are willing to help in any way and anytime they’re needed.

Assemblywoman Shannon Grove earlier this year told supporters at a campaign fundraiser that Assemblyman Luis Alejo, who represents Gilroy and Hollister, does not say the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag at state legislative sessions. Other assembly members who work with Alejo say Grove’s accusation is untrue and Alejo has even led the flag salute. The hullabaloo sparked my curiosity to discover the genesis of the pledge to our nation’s flag. The truth will no doubt alarm Assemblywoman Grove, a Republican. Our nation’s Pledge of Allegiance was written by – gasp! – a socialist.

The first concert I ever attended at the Shoreline amphitheater was memorable. I took my eldest daughter and three of her close pre-teen friends to see the Spice Girls. Not knowing what to expect, I didn’t bring a blanket to claim our little area of real estate to view the concert. As the five of us sat on the grass, we were surrounded by a sea of blankets occupied by screaming teen girls.

Lent is the great Christian period of preparation for Easter. Observed in many different ways, the tradition at St. Mary Catholic School in Gilroy is to involve students in a service project, a chance to reach beyond themselves to help someone else.

Aspen conjures up visions of a glitzy playground where the well-heeled hang out and enjoy the high life. That is an absolutely true vision.