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Many families that start 529 college savings plans have done their “homework” about these programs. Missteps may be made, though, often with the distribution of 529 plan assets. Here are some of the major gaffes, and the major factors anyone should think about before enrolling.

I’ve been getting dizzy trying to come up with adjectives for “Billy Elliot the Musical” and it all simply comes down to “wow.” Taken from the Oscar winning movie directed by Stephen Daltry and written by Lee Hall, the musical soars to new theatre heights. The same team that made the movie created the less gloomy musical version, with the addition of Elton John's music. Nothing has been spared to recreate the heart wrenching theme with a tragically comedic thread, which weaves through the plot and brings a more human element to the musical.

Where does it stop? When I get a press release like this I wonder about that: “Today, the Senate Committee on Governance and Finance passed out Senate Bill (SB) 622 by Sen. Bill Monning (D-Carmel), a bill that would tax sweetened beverages in order to fund childhood obesity prevention. ‘This is the first time this state committee has passed a bill that would place a tax on sugary drinks and the first step toward stemming the epidemic of childhood obesity,’ stated Monning. ‘By taxing these products we will be able to implement programs that will assist in preventing diseases among children and begin to address a public health crisis, whose rising health care costs affect all Californians.’ SB 622 passed on a 5 to 2 vote. By collecting an excise tax of one penny ($0.01) per fluid ounce on specified beverages that have a high level of caloric sweeteners, such as sodas, energy drinks, sweet teas, and sports drinks distributed in California, SB 622 will generate funds to support the newly created Children’s Health Promotion Fund and finance programs statewide that will fight childhood obesity and prevention activities.” What’s next, Taco Bell, In ’n’ Out, Snickers bars, Chinese Fast Food or the chocolate dipped cone at Foster’s Freeze? Why can’t legislators and the public understand that government cannot and will never solve our problems. The more legislation we enact, the more bureaucracy we create, the more “helpless” our society becomes.

After four years and nearly 200 “Getting Out” columns, I sometimes allow myself to believe I have a solid handle on the hiking options in Santa Clara County. As it turns out, there was a big hole in my knowledge, and it was right under my nose.

My mother’s garden is the whole Earth…within this sacred space my roots join the roots of every growing thing, my arms and fingers stretch to reach the moon, the leaves are talismans, and sap runs warm as blood.

One of his clergy colleagues refers to the Rev. Don Skow as “Hollister's Town Pastor” because of the close connection he has had with the community for decades. Skow explains that the success of his ministry has been due to his motto: “Don't compete, cooperate.”

The hype leading up to Gilroy boxer Robert Guerrero’s WBC welterweight title fight May 4 against Floyd Mayweather Jr. has unfolded like a soap opera.

You may have noticed something quite peculiar in the produce section and farmers market these last few weeks. What appear to be “pumped up” string beans are in fact fava beans. Many cultures around the world, including Italians, consume fava beans. In this week's column, I look to my Sicilian heritage for some fava bean inspiration in the form of my Grandma Virginia’s unique preparation for this vegetable.