The canyon communities have been fighting to preserve the historic 320-acre Holtz Ranch in Silverado Canyon for over 30 years. St. Michael's Abbey proposes to develop a Monastery/Church/Sanctuary, Convent, Private Boarding School/Dormitories, Gymnasium/Athletic Facilities, Guest Cottages, Chapel/Cemetery, Agricultural Maintenance Buildings, and accessory gift shop, which threaten the Silverado-Modjeska Specific Plan, critical habitat for the endangered arroyo toad, cactus wren and meadowlark habitat, Native American archaeological sites, historic orchard, historic agricultural buildings, dark sky, road safety, air quality, and the overall quality of life for canyon residents. Measure M funds were almost used to acquire this property as permanent open space because OCTA recognized Holtz Ranch as a top tier property for its natural and cultural resource mitigation value. Now the county has reversed its opinion as a favor to St. Michael's Abbey, an exempt religious institution. The county has an opportunity to preserve the historic 320-acre Holtz Ranch as a natural and cultural landmark for the benefit of everyone.

The US Congress is responsible for the continuous growth in the size and number of US government agencies through laws and bills. This growth increases the debt responding to special interests and not the real needs of the people. The longer a representative is in office the easier they are influenced by special interests and the money flows to the most greedy of these.

Just a few months ago, the UFW found its registered trademark black eagle logo being printed and sold by Urban Outfitters without permission on t-shirts for a whopping $65! The Latino community was in an uproar over this exploitation of our culturally rich and historic mark. Thanks to this outspoken support, Urban Outfitters contacted the UFW within hours of receiving a letter from our attorneys. Since then the UFW has been in good faith discussions with Urban Outfitters for reparations and future insurance against such violations. Cesar Chavez’ brother Richard designed the UFW Black Eagle so that union members could easily draw it on handmade red flags. Cesar said: “A symbol is an important thing. That is why we chose an Aztec eagle. It gives pride...When people see it they know it means dignity.” Ralph Lauren’s expropriation of the UFW’s Black Eagle dishonors the trademark and those who have fought and died for the integrity it represents. It falsely implies the UFW may have endorsed Ralph Lauren clothing, damaging the UFW’s extensive good will. Send Ralph Lauren a strong message that you will not stand for this. Send an e-mail to Ralph Lauren demanding Ralph Lauren respect the Latino community and UFW by immediately pulling all infringing products from its shelves. Tell Ralph Lauren that their misappropriation of the UFW's trademark logo that represents pride and dignity for our community will not be tolerated.

This holiday season, 2 million people in Illinois, including 886,000 children, will have less to eat because of recent cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps). Now, some in Congress want to cut another $40 billion from an effective anti-hunger program that provides timely, targeted, and temporary benefits that helps families buy groceries. We need to act quickly so that Rep. Hultgren understands that taking food from kids and other vulnerable populations is just wrong.

More than a million Americans will lose unemployment insurance at the end of the year unless Congress takes action. The National Employment Law Project stated that the 1.3 million Americans currently receiving long-term unemployment insurance will abruptly lose federal benefits. In the ensuing months, another 850,000 jobless workers will run out of state benefits and not receive an extension. "Congress cannot conscionably ignore or dismiss the economic realities facing far too many unemployed workers and their families," NELP director Christine Owens said in a press release.

STOPPING CLIMATE CHANGE. I have a house in Central America. the 50 year STORM is every year. The thermal imaging of the oceans on either side of Central America shows the red band hugging the shore line. the Coral Reef around the Blue Hole in Belize is dying because of the increase in ocean temperature. "Earth from Above" shows a band of weather around the middle of Earth not unlike the Bands of storm clouds on Jupiter.

This is an important policy that the majority of Americans see as needing cleaned up and should become a litmus test for the next set of elections. I think this is an important issue that needs worked on and not forgotten or pushed aside by the many issues that will come between now and the next set of local and national elections. Please add your 2 cents and take your own actions to make a difference in how our leaders are elected. Thanks.

Fireworks are no longer just used on the 4th of July, they are now being used to celebrate Memorial Day, Labor Day, Christmas and New Years Eve and they are used days and weeks leading up to and beyond the Holiday. The noise terrifies our domestic animals as well as local wildlife, they are a nuisance, a fire hazard and a danger to humans and other species. Local law enforcement is often unable to locate those violating the laws already in place or unable to respond to the number of complaints they are receiving.

On Monday, November 11, 2013, we, the members of the Shiloh Athletic Association elected the individuals we want to serve on our Board of Directors for the upcoming year. We are pleased with the outcome of the election and are looking forward to the new direction our organization is headed in under their leadership. Please help us restore Shiloh pride within the community and abroad by preserving the election results and only having a runoff for the position of Softball Commissioner.

It seems no one is listening. Bobby Jindal hears nothing from those in need. He hears what he wants to hear and it is usually people WITH MONEY. Bobby Jindal is the worst governor LA has had to endure and we are tired of him blocking what the poor and middle class need. Get out of the way Mr. Jindal and let the health program work. Stop destroying what little bit we have left. You have destroyed the education system, STOP YOUR DESTRUCTION NOW. Mary Landrieu is to be included. Do your jobs and help the people who elected you.

I think solar is one of the only things that individuals can do to make a difference with global warming. Living in an island state the dangers of global warming are acute. So I don't think we should let any business institution, interest group or person stand in the way of letting families convert to roof top solar.

Justin Lookadoo recently made national news when parents at a Texas high school protested his presentation at a student assembly. According to his website and numerous videos, Lookadoo's program is laced with outdated gender stereotypes (dateable girls "know when to shut up," and dateable guys are "real men" who are "stronger and more dangerous" than girls). He also promotes controversial religious ideas and has been affiliated with various Christian summer camps run by Exodus, a now-defunct ex-gay ministry. While the Dallas-area school has apologized and promised never to have Lookadoo back, he is scheduled to appear at a number of other Texas schools in the coming months. This ignorant, even dangerous rhetoric has no place in a public school.