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Any questions about Scott McPhail's real motivation for selling pot in San Benito County should be long gone after reading the initiatives he has proposed for the county ballot.

Before I get to the main part of my column this week, I want to mention another of one of my favorite festivals. The sounds, sights and especially the tastes of Italy return to San Jose this weekend at Guadalupe River Park and Gardens. Marking its 33rd year, the Italian Family Festa, organized by the Italian American Heritage Foundation, is a fantastic opportunity to taste many “homestyle” Italian foods in one setting. Almost all the vendors sell items derived from family recipes.

Welcome to back-to-school – or as I like to call it, “Let's see how fast we can spend every penny in the checking account.” Oh sure, there is a lot of excitement about summer ending - the house will stay clean for longer than five minutes and food may actually remain in the fridge until well after 2:05 p.m. (for those of you unfamiliar with the teenage species, 2:05 p.m. is their version of the crack of dawn).

Sept. 4 will mark the beginning of a 10-day period so sacred in Judaism that it is known in English as “Days of Awe” or “High Holy Days.” Joining with Jews around the world, members of South Valley’s Congregation Emeth will participate in ancient prayers, fasting and other traditional rituals that reflect the essence of their faith.

Simplicity, tranquility and good cheer … these should be your goals in a bedroom makeover project. And practically speaking, your room's size will naturally affect its decorating possibilities and its capacity to serve multiple purposes.

They are everywhere and I'm sure you've seen them too: Newspaper articles, billboards, yard signs and mailers, all telling us to vote yes on Measure A. After all, it's only $33.66 per home and it supports our local libraries.

The Gavilan College Board of Trustees, The Department of Kinesiology & Athletics announced Josh Gonzalez was the 2012-13 Gavilan College Student-Athlete of the Year.

San Benito County's unemployment rate remained fairly steady in July at just under 10 percent, according to figures released Friday from the California Department of Employment Development.

Skilled-nursing facilities operated by Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital are no longer in danger of closely after a reversal from the state on reducing MediCal payments.

Wilder Ranch State Park is two state parks in one. Just north of Santa Cruz, Highway One divides this state park into two distinctly different landscapes. Coastside, the Ohlone Bluff Trail traces a twisting path along the crest of seaside cliffs. A fog free sunset here would surely send poets into a creative frenzy guaranteed to empty their inkwells.