Columns

Policy Clears Way For Mental Health Treatment Options Soon, Orange County people experiencing a mental health crisis may have new options for immediate, expert help....

Take a Stand Over Banning Ranch The 895 homes, 75-room hotel and a hostel planned would not be erected in our town, but in neighboring...

Pot Luck Hey man. Want to smoke weed? Hey man. Got a roach clip? Hey man. You deaf? Hey man. Who’s talking? Oh, I’m talking....

One Thing August Has to Offer August is my least favorite month. There are no national holidays to celebrate, not even an Arbor Day. If...

Donkeys in the Room I don’t know if I can lift another shovelful. I just cleaned up after the elephants of the Republican National Convention....

Obscure Linkages Embellish Understanding Last week I went to Rockford, Ill., for my uncle Danny’s memorial gathering. My cousin George handed me a small red...

Our DNA is Missing “I moved to this town because people were so nice. What has happened?” asked Hermien Miller at the last short-term rental...

Ideas Rise From Multiple Perspectives   My consulting career brings me into the company of many individuals with strong values and points of view. During...

Apple Days  Peak earnings reports season is upon us. The Federal Reserve remained neutral and stocks are reacting to actual progress (or lack thereof) of...

From 1953 to 1961, James B. Utt, my grandfather, was Orange County’s only congressman. From 1961 until his death in office in 1970, he was one of only two Congressmen. During this time, his distinctive name had recognition, respect, and power in what has been termed one of the most conservative counties in the nation.

My Tribe   I never fit in anywhere. In high school, I was in student politics, “smart” classes, many clubs, and an early surfer. Yet I...

Elephants in the Room I’ve been glued to my TV set ever since I cut the cable. It was a bold move to go back...

Bumbling in the Park From the moment I wake I think about it. I put on my “Sunday Funday” shirt. Much time is spent planning,...

Brexit Backlash The beat goes on. After a shakeout following the British vote to leave the European Union, worldwide stock markets surged. U.S. stock and...

Projections Can Lead Us Astray They said house prices in Laguna were so high that families with children wouldn’t be buying here any more. We...