In the world of mental health, few topics are as closely intertwined and often misunderstood as the relationship between mental health and substance use. Whether it’s alcohol, prescription medications or illicit drugs, substance...
Read MoreI 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...
Read MoreToo often, the true meaning of Memorial Day is lost amidst the first weekend of summer getaways, especially the family picnics. We look forward to Grandma’s potato salad, Aunt Rose’s famous Jello delight (just what...
Read MoreA National Moment of Remembrance is officially held at 3 p.m. on Memorial Day, which is May 26. The “Moment” became public law in December 2000. All Americans are asked to stop whatever they are doing at 3 p.m. local time and...
Read MoreBY PASTOR MIKE NEUSt John’s Lutheran Church Reading Eric Metaxas’ biography of the German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer recently, I was struck by his description of the National Socialist (Nazi) movement in the 1930’s to create...
Read MoreHello again Westside Gardeners! Most urban green spaces today are under intensive maintenance practices, including mowing and/or chemical inputs, among many other practices. Much research on my side has me questioning the...
Read MoreBy Rev. Stephen Hammond, Senior PastorBethel Community Church Jesus stopped and said, “Call him.” So they called to the blind man, “Cheer up! On your feet! He’s calling you,” Mark 10:49. The context of this portion of scripture...
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FRESNO — The coolest place in Fresno? If it’s summer, there is no contest. It’s the Baldassare...
Read MoreLate winter and early spring bring so many colors to the Central Valley: White almond blossoms, pink peach blooms, dark green valley oak leaves and in the sky, flashes of brilliant orange. Bullock’s orioles (Icterus bullockii)...
Read MoreAre there really adequate words to describe the many wonders and intricate workings of God’s greatest creation, mothers? One of my favorite quotes is “God could not be everywhere, so He created Mothers.” Most of us,...
Read MoreWhat 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...
Read MoreThe 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...
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