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Artists in the “plein air” event in San Juan Bautista painted from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2. Being outside and having to deal with the elements - primarily the moving sun - those artists took varying approaches to the challenge of, as they say, chasing the light.

Two news stories caught my attention recently: one local, one far away. Both seem to say something about history's impact on the present.

The humble mushroom can be unassuming. Yes, it does have a great flavor on its own. Depending on the variety, it can be mellow, earthy or very robust. One of the most unique qualities mushrooms possess is the ability to take on the flavor of the medium it is cooked in or method in which it is cooked. Since September is “National Mushroom Month,” it seems appropriate to feature mushrooms in this week’s column with a recipe “borrowed” from a local mushroom grower.

Is a new home financing system ahead? In the text of a speech delivered Aug. 6, President Obama said: “I believe that while our housing system must have a limited government role, private lending should be the backbone of the housing market.” This statement came as part of call for winding down Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and revamping home financing in America.

Dear Readers, I come to you today to tell you about the dangers of twerking. Yes, I said twerking. I know it sounds like a made up word, but sadly, it is in the Oxford Dictionary. I know. After hearing that, I too worry about the future of mankind.

Where on earth can you stand and from a single spot see Mt. Diablo, Mt. Hamilton, the Farallon Islands, and Tomales Bay by Pt. Reyes National Seashore? Of all the great views from the Bay Area's summit peaks, the panorama from the top of Mt. Tamalpais takes the cake. In addition to those far-flung spots, Angel Island, the San Francisco skyline, and the entire expanse of the north Bay Area lay beneath you as if you are seeing them from the window of a jet airliner.

Last year, the Rams advanced to the second round of the playoffs and set a school record for most wins

Debates about San Benito County’s future development, such as occurred place at this week’s special meeting of the board of supervisors, usually focus on land use and economics measuring their effects in traffic jams and potential dollars moving in and out of the county coffers. Rarely, if ever, do we discuss the benefits generated by human capital, yet the products of human capital – not the mere impact of human existence – have the greatest influence on our lives.

Sara Steiner's herb garden bustles with bees and Monarch butterflies on a recent afternoon, a horticulture sanctuary surrounded by tall, rustling sycamore and cottonwood trees.