News

A few weeks ago an Associated Press headline, “ Court tosses concealed-weapon rules, ” immediately caught my attention. I know headlines are designed to get our attention, to entice the reader to learn more, but in today’s world of constant social media posts and the continuous barrage of news bites,... (Read more →)

The Universal Language

I really enjoy watching the Olympics. It doesn’t matter if it’s the ice skating, the ski jumping, the speed racing or even some of the events that aren’t so popular; I enjoy watching and cheering as the athletes strive to do their very best. I seem to save my biggest cheers for the underdog–that emerging,... (Read more →)

Aaron Torian

Monday was President’s Day and the American flags were out on State Street. I like driving down State Street while the flags are out. The flags remind me of those who have served, those who have given us so very much. One of these brave men is 36-year-old Marine Corps Master Sergeant Aaron Torian. Last summer I... (Read more →)

An Officer on Every Street Corner

On a recent wintery January day, the United States Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that began far from Washington, D.C.; in fact, it began right here in Mendocino County. The issue being considered by Supreme Court justices was whether two brothers’ Fourth Amendment search and seizure rights were violated.... (Read more →)

The Un-Imaginable

The other night I watched the T.V. news, horrified as a father of a teenage driver expressed his grief over the loss of his daughter. I really tried, but I couldn’t bear to imagine the pain and grief a parent would suffer if they lost their son or daughter to a traffic collision. On the morning of Friday, January... (Read more →)

Burglaries Are on the Rise: Don’t Be the Next Victim.

Having something valuable stolen can really be frustrating. Having something priceless taken from you can be devastating. We all have things that would be hard, if not impossible, to replace. Maybe it’s a favorite family picture, or a gift your deceased grandmother gave you after high school graduation. Maybe... (Read more →)

Superheroes Make a Difference

Last week in a small town in Minnesota, a group of dedicated elementary school teachers came to school dressed as superheroes. Their mission: to serve as anti-bullying representatives; to educate and re-enforce the fact that bullying is NOT acceptable. Not only did these teachers look great in their superhero... (Read more →)

Gangs Hurt Kids

Remember being a middle school student? Feeling awkward? Dealing with a changing body, changing emotions, changing priorities? What would you have done to feel accepted–to have a group of people who would always protect and care for you? Some kids would do just about anything. Anyone who knows (or has been) a... (Read more →)

Marijuana and Our Kids

In October of last year, a 16-year-old Ukiah High student was traveling to school early in the morning. He was on the school bus with both elementary school students and middle school students. While on the bus, he gave two 15-year-old Ukiah High students cookies containing marijuana, and after the bus stopped at an... (Read more →)

New Year’s Eve and DUI Arrests

This New Year’s Eve, most people will spend their time with friends and family. They will celebrate the passing of the year, and the promise of the year to come. As we celebrate, rarely will we think, “This will be the year I am arrested for driving under the influence,” or “This will be the night that my... (Read more →)

The Gift of Giving

Christmas is such a wonderful time of the year. The Christmas season gives us an opportunity to celebrate the birth of the world’s most important Child, and to share that celebration with those who are closest to us. Sometimes getting to Christmas can be a little rough, though. We have to endure Black Friday,... (Read more →)

The Food Bank Needs Our Help

Sometimes the simplest things are the most effective. If your goal is to keep people from committing a crime, one of the most effective things you can do is provide them with food, shelter, and jobs. A person who is not hungry, who has a place to live, who has the promise of a job, and who has the ability to... (Read more →)