The above words were spoken by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell regarding Senator Elizabeth Warren’s spoken opposition to Jeff Session’s confirmation as Attorney General. Her experience of being silenced is one shared by thousands of women who have come up against powerful men who cannot... Continue
Touted as “the ultimate luxury festival experience,” a $3,500 per person ticket to the BottleRock Music Festival in Napa gets you gourmet food and wine tasting with acclaimed chefs and sommeliers, shaded and elevated VIP viewing decks, access to onsite massages and facials, exclusive restroom... Continue
As the drumming intensifies, so does my heartbeat and breathing rate. Stomping feet, twirling bodies, and the intermittent rattle of shakers stir the enveloping smoke of burning incense. This artistic ritual form of dance feels primitive, ancient, and spiritual. The leader, Argelio Girón, is a... Continue
On the cold morning of January 28, 1948, a United States Immigration Service plane carrying 28 Mexican citizens, one immigration guard, and three crew members departed from Oakland to transport these agricultural workers to the deportation center in El Centro. Beginning in 1942, tens of... Continue
Following the contentious Presidential campaign and stunning election result, family members and former friends may find themselves arguing their conflicting concepts of patriotism. Webster’s Dictionary defines a patriot as one who loves, supports, and defends one’s country. Interestingly, a second definition of Patriot is the... Continue
I’ve been told that when I was a baby, I had large, luminous eyes that garnered admiration from family, friends, even strangers. People would look intently and comment. Then one day my eyes became watery, exuding a pus-like discharge. My alarmed mother made plans to... Continue
I have been very moved by the current historical gathering of tribes in North Dakota. Thousands of Native Americans from more than 100 tribes and their non-native supporters have come together to peacefully protect the Standing Rock Sioux tribe’s land and water from the Dakota... Continue
“Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.” -- from The Talmud These wise words were posted... Continue
I recently attended a reception at a new art gallery in the city of Vallejo. The gallery, El Comalito Collective, promotes under-represented artists of all genres, who for reasons of race, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, or religion have not had opportunities for expression. The... Continue
Back in the day, I was lucky enough to play music with some of the best rock and blues musicians in Sonoma County. The Schellville South Side Blues Band, Camp 1, and Sirius hit all the hot spots – Mama’s Royal Café, The Creamery, The... Continue