Columns

Drop-in computer help, hearning screenings, and legal counseling for seniors

Last time out I composed a rather open-minded and open-hearted look at the man in the White House. It was written as an attempt to reveal a silver lining in his behavior, offering possible reasons why he sees fit to relish in spewing venom. In short, I was trying to find the human in the human being.

I think “toddlerhood” is by far the most fun stage in our kids’ development. They are sponges, always absorbing new information, sights and sounds. The world is exciting and new. A trip to the park is an adventure and making a sand castle is magical. You pick out their clothes, choose their meals and plan their day. Easy right? As their wonderful personalities emerge, you get a glimpse into who they might be, what they might like. After you think you have it figured out, it all starts again because they turn into teenagers.

What do you do when you have 350 pounds of basil? Come to the Windsor Garden Club meeting Aug. 15 and find out.

Vegas, Baby!

Share the love of learning

August brings us to the time of year of all things agricultural. There’s the busyness of another harvest and the excitement of the Sonoma County and Gravenstein Apple fairs. It all happens with our county’s golden sunlit backdrop of open lands, fertile fields, trees and vines — and all under unobstructed skies. It’s a picture free of petty annoyances like traffic, urban noises, money woes or yesterday’s squabbles.

Citywide ban now

The days are long and warm, but many of us are anything but lazy. We are in our yards tackling our outdoor honey-do lists. We are refinishing our decks, painting our homes and taming our yards. After painting the house, sanding the deck, or trimming back the landscaping it would be convenient to sweep or pour the mess into the storm drain (or gutter). The problem is that everything that enters the storm drain eventually flows into our creeks untreated.

In an editorial in this newspaper, Rollie Atkinson stated a couple of months ago, “The immigration debate in Sonoma County is a real ‘bread and butter’ issue. At stake is supporting our county’s agriculture workforce, protecting immigrant families and preserving our family farms and ag-based economy.”