Columnists

By David Hegg  The academic study of ethics is about as practical as you can get, unless it becomes merely academic. Ethics is the study of cultural norms, of standards

If someone appears before a judge charged with assaulting a police officer, should that individual be set free to roam the streets with no cash bail? George Gascón thinks that’s

Years ago, the phone rang. I was sitting in the newsroom. I always hated getting calls at work. Well. The ones that weren’t steamy and inappropriately personal. The caller identified

Jake knew I’m a prohibitionist. Not just a teetotaler but a full-on prohibitionist. Drugs and alcohol shouldn’t exist, much less be legal. Both as a journalist and before that, as

Many states are engaging in promotional activities in order to encourage people to get vaccinated. Clearly we won’t put COVID-19 behind us until we achieve herd immunity, but the anti-vaccination

As if COVID-19 wasn’t enough suffering, America just experienced the most excruciating event in our democracy since Nixon and Watergate and the Vietnam War. The president himself promoted and incited

By David Hegg  While I was not yet living when it was fought, World War II has shaped so much of the world in which I have lived. It framed

Several years ago, I was working at a company and the receptionist was a young lady who was forging her path for her future. She was establishing herself in an

Things cost. My father passed away sneaking up on a decade ago. He was flirting with 90, a veteran. Dad lived with me those final years. I’m a night owl.

I was told a story several years ago that has remained top of mind for me since, especially when the going gets rough. There was a Vietnam veteran who entered

As part of ongoing technological transformation, many organizations, including governmental entities, are implementing technology in order to improve their productivity and remain competitive. Much of this involves data management.  

What tarnishes the Golden State more than anything else? What remains infuriating, year after year?   Plainly, homelessness is our biggest vexation.   California’s homeless population, including tent-dwellers and illegal

One of the signs of emotional maturity is understanding the ways in which you are screwing up personally. A functioning adult should be able to perceive not just their virtues

By David Hegg  Recently, my wife and I traveled to northern Idaho to visit our daughter and son-in-law. We had the best time eating in great little cafes, gazing at

Late October 2008 in Columbia, Missouri, presidential candidate Barack Obama told an audience “…we are five days away from fundamentally transforming the United States of  America.” Somehow he was able

Last week, House Republicans voted to remove Rep. Liz Cheney from her leadership post as third-ranking member of the caucus. Then, Rep. Elise Stefanik, New York, with Donald Trump’s endorsement,

For now, this is the last in my series of columns discussing tax issues that Congress is likely to consider in the coming months. One of the most important of

Lately I’ve been hooked on “Dateline” reruns. The stories they tell are absolutely shocking. People have said to me, “Jen, all you have to do is watch the beginning and

In March 2020, as California mandated shutdowns and stay-at-home orders, we faced dire predictions of California’s economic collapse. COVID-19 business shutdowns would so hammer families and businesses that the state

When you cast your vote or express concern about an issue to an elected official, what are your expectations?  Do you anticipate receiving support and consideration? Is the person you