The current discussions surrounding the topic of sustainability generally revolve around systems analysis and a scientific approach which evaluates resources, utilization rates, waste production, economies and other quantifiable and measurable elements. As far as this goes it's useful and necessary; a world of finite resources,... Continue
Columnist
The other night I saw a car near my house with a huge dent in its back end and heard a dog crying inside, then a growling male voice yelling, “quiet.” After that there was no sound. I wondered how I could help make this... Continue
Last night’s City Council consideration of a proposal to remove Broadway’s oak trees was notable less for its action than the conduct of the City Council. Though only four could participate, Gary Edwards having stepped-down due to the proximity of property he owns to the subject... Continue
In my previous column, I reported upon the death of my father. After having just arrived in Cairo with my son James, I received the news that he was dead. With a little disbelief, after all, I just saw him, we chose to continue with... Continue
In spite of or possibly in reaction to California's worst drought in 120 years, I suddenly find myself surrounded by neighbors building swimming pools. Five homes within 200 feet already have pools and two more even closer have completed the construction phase and have moved... Continue
When the chips are down... like this week dealing with Comcast, plumbers running around the house, hospitals, nursing homes, the water company… I had to wonder. How do I work with my mind so I enjoy life while it is still difficult? The frustrations are... Continue
As far as can be determined, there’s no need to panic just yet over reports about a recent lawsuit alleging there is an excessive amount of arsenic in cheap wine. Totally unscientific research (the most flexible kind) reveals the following: • Per Wikipedia, arsenic is... Continue
It's easy to dismiss much of modern culture as crass, insensitive, dull or even stupid. Set aside the fact that a TV commercial featuring Mathew McConaughey for the new Lincoln MKC is a 60-second full-fledged Hollywood production costing millions to create; it's still basically a... Continue
Dear Bonnie, I received a form in the mail called a 1095-A Health Insurance Marketplace Statement. I guess this is for my taxes but what am I supposed to do with it? Stu, Sonoma Dear Stu, You will need this form... Continue
This secretive trade pact, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which has been quietly under negotiation by corporate lawyers and trade representatives for years, is finally surfacing to public attention as Congress is set to vote for ‘Fast Track’ authority, which would limit Congress’s role to a... Continue