Category: John Spevak

Over the years in this column, I have often talked about the pleasures of reading. I will do that again today – in particular, the pleasure of reading a book that unexpectedly delighted me. I wouldn’t have thought a short novel...

If you are a veteran, listen up. If you know a veteran, help! Be a part of the Los Banos Stand Down coming soon — on Thursday, Aug. 21, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you’re a veteran, make it a point to come. If you’re a family...

It seems these days that there is a war on education, especially on college education. One national commentator wrote that college is an “overpriced scam.” Another stated that “many college degrees are useless.” I could cite...

Today I’m recommending a book written by a Spivack. That’s not a misspelling. It’s the way Miranda Spivack, the author of “Backroom Deals in Our Backyards,” spells her last name, although it’s pronounced the same as mine....

It’s been a while since we’ve heard from readers of column, so today we’ll read some of their responses to this columnist’s musings. Today’s responses come from individuals who read my columns online. The most frequent and...

The Westside Express has survived now for three years. The first TWE issue was published on May 25, 2021. Many people thought it wouldn’t survive one year, let alone three. Many other people have asked publisher Gene Lieb and me...

I have hope in a pope—in fact, in two popes. I have hope in Pope Francis — because “Hope” is the title of his autobiography published earlier this year, a book I purchased and recently read. I have hope in Pope Leo XIV...

What is the task you dread most? And what is the place, above all, you want to avoid? For some people, it’s going to a doctor or a dentist. For others it might be going to work for a supervisor who treats you like dirt. Or it...

The graduation ceremony later this month at the Los Banos Campus of Merced College is another step forward for the local college campus. On Thursday, May 22, the Merced College Los Banos Campus will hold its third annual...

Today’s column is being published on April 30, the start of the 2025 Los Banos May Day Fair, also known as the Merced County Spring Fair. For me, this will be the 53rd May Day Fair since I moved to Los Banos. Over the years I’ve...

Words often change over time in meaning and in the reaction they trigger. A while back, for example, I pointed out in a column that “disrupt” once caused negative reactions, while today “disrupt” is often used positively. ...

I have been fortunate in my time in Los Banos to have known many excellent dentists. These include Bill and Steve, who are not only superb dentists, but also friendly and congenial individuals. Today I’m acknowledging a Los...