Editorials

Being unique can sometimes be a source of pride, but when it comes to a plastic bag ordinance, Gilroy’s failure to act is a bit embarrassing. Every city of any consequence in Santa Clara County has clamped down on single-use plastic bags. Milpitas, one of the last holdouts, passed a ban that went into effect on Jan. 1.

Independent bookstores can often be the hub of a community. They play a crucial editorial role in the literary world, offering a level of curatorial expertise, cultural influence and community engagement that larger chains and online retailers often lack. Morgan Hill’s BookSmart, the passion of...