Opinion

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.

Amazing Work Being Done to Care for Animals

A recent news story illustrates the dangers that ignorance and intolerance pose to our free speech and private property rights. It also illustrates why I don't live in a neighborhood with a homeowners association.

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

Bruce Tichinin should end his legal appeal against the city to

Our new election letters policy is an attempt to turn down that

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

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

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.