Uncategorized

Seems like things are improving economically, but it’s a slow boil recovery. Have always felt like the psychological aspect to recovery – or slide – is critically important. It’s almost as if you can “feel” whether the economy is moving. The numbers don’t lie, but they don’t tell the whole truth either. So, as Miss Jenny and I struggle to get the two daughters through college and the nation sputters to leave the Great Recession behind, I’m chagrined at the plethora of state, county and local tax measures dripping ink all over the upcoming ballot. There have been some reforms for public agencies in pension, benefit and pay structures. But honestly, it’s not nearly enough – not nearly enough to justify supporting all the tax measures on the ballot. One of our Community Pulse members answered a question about supporting the Santa Clara Valley Water District’s tax proposal  with this: “No. On principle, voting no on all tax measures until agencies, counties, Sacramento get their wasteful spending practices in order.” That’s on the money, and it seems to me that until the clear majority of voters adopt that principle – despite general support for schools, dam re-building, public safety or whatever the purpose – serious and sustainable reform will not happen.

We are now in plain view of the “fiscal cliff.” After the election, Congress may or may not end up keeping income and estate tax rates at their recent levels. Next year may bring some notable financial developments, and it isn't too soon for households to think about them.

Gilroy’s Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero could be heading back into the ring before the calendar turns to 2013 as discussions around a proposed Dec. 15 fight between the WBC interim welterweight titleholder and WBO welterweight champion Tim Bradley are taking place, with the only hiccup at this point being a rematch clause in the contract, Guerrero’s co-manager Luis Decubas Jr. said Thursday.

The South Valley Islamic Community sees the county’s ultimate approval of their permit to build a mosque and cemetery in San Martin as a mixed blessing, as they still feel the restrictions imposed on the site will infringe on their constitutional rights to freely practice their religion.

Most people become Roman Catholic during their infancy. Parents and godparents participate in the sacrament of baptism during a Mass celebrated at their local parish church, and years later they remember this important entrance into their Christian faith only through photos taken at the time.

The ninth annual Poppy Jasper International Short Film Festival, which runs Oct. 10 to 14, will be full of fun times for film fans and filmmakers. MHAT-19 is a sponsor of the event, and many of our public access TV station’s volunteers are giving their time and talent to make this year’s Poppy Jasper the biggest and best film festival for the South Valley so far.