Opinion

Nov. 22, 2011 — Leave it to Governor Jerry Brown and the California Legislature to come up with a way to raise $50 million a year from rural homeowners who live in areas served by Calfire with a new State Responsibility Area fire fee.

But here’s the real rub — Calfire won’t spend any of that money actually fighting a wildfire anywhere across this great state of ours. Instead the money goes to fire prevention activities.

The State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection approved the fee last week after the legislature failed to provide additional direction to clean up AB 29, the bill that authorized the fee.

Nov. 22, 2011 — Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that reaches far back into my childhood.

I still can’t believe anyone will ever cook a turkey as well as my mother or present such an appealing holiday spread (I see many other heads nodding in agreement about their mothers out there in readerville).

Mom always got up early to get the meal’s many projects rolling.

Nov. 22, 2011 — Family dynamics at Thanksgiving dinners have provided the subject matter for a multitude of movie scripts and blogs.

Recently I received a press release on a how-to book about surviving holiday gatherings.

It discussed the type of conversation that can make family gatherings difficult, such as negative comments, barbs, self-pity and complaints.

Nov. 15, 2011 — We may be enjoying the final gasps of fall right now, but one thing is certain — the winter driving season will soon be upon us.

Everyone who gets behind the wheel of a motor vehicle in our region of Northeastern California should be ready and able to care for themselves and their vehicle in the event of an expected or unexpected storm.

Now is the time to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving. Make sure you prepare your car by checking tires, windshield wipers and your battery before winter arrives.