Opinion

“Where are you from?” It’s a common question, and one that can be quite loaded for people of diverse ethnicities. On its face, it’s a plain question based on curiosity, filled with nostalgia, or awe. But it could also carry covert racism and hatred, carrying the connotation...

Urban planning thrives on informed decision-making. However, the increasing influence of game theory—a branch of mathematics that studies strategic interactions—can be a recipe for disaster in the messy world of governance. While game theory offers insights in some areas, relying largely on its models...

As I move through my senior years in semi-retirement mode, I share jokes about ailments and commiserate with fellow old timers about lost loved ones. At the same time, I apply myself to my job as a commissioner on the Community Health and Senior...

Simitian’s gratitude Thank you for the opportunity to serve in public office for more than 40 years at five different levels: as a local school board member, city council member and mayor, county supervisor, state assemblymember and state senator. At the end of next month, by...

My dad was an all-around handyperson. He had a well-equipped work room in our basement and the knack to take on and complete difficult home improvement projects, such as installing a central air conditioning system, vents and all, to cool our entire house.  Sadly, I...

A heartfelt thank you to Los Gatan reporter Drew Penner, who attended our first KCAT Summer Media Film Festival on Aug. 14! Drew, we are grateful for the front page picture of two of our leaders, Noah Hirsch and Owen Fugit, plus your feature...

Candidate profile one-sided About Dinah Cotton’s article “An afternoon meeting with a prospective Congressman” Just read your Evan Low article.  Very one sided considering the activities Low took to keep a recount from happening. His main contributor appears to be PG&E; his packing of the democrats’ vote to...

It’s time, once again, for a humorous column, dear reader. In that vein, I welcome Mark Twain to the conversation. Ron Chernow’s recently published biography of the famous author serves as the backdrop. According to Chernow, before he was America’s most celebrated humorist, Mark Twain...

I'm a freshman at Los Gatos High School, and, as part of a Boy Scouts project for Troop 339, I've decided to contact you about a subject of concern: the ongoing housing developments in Los Gatos. Many of Los Gatos’ citizens feel these developments are...

Perhaps I’ve read too many articles and listened to too many podcasts decrying the level of vitriol and partisanship existing in Washington D.C. and in many communities throughout the country. Add to this sorry situation the scenes of conflict I’ve seen on television and...