Columns

Some columns take longer to gestate than others. This one, for example, had its genesis about a year ago when I first talked with Lt. Col. Nicole Balliet while she was the garrison commander of Contingency Base Adder in Iraq.

Since my family moved to Arroyo Grande two years ago, we have been pleased by our decision to put down roots in the quaint, historic town.

I hesitate to get in the way of the hyperventilating mob storming the castle, drooling to capture and destroy the Paso Robles police chief. If I’m not careful, I might catch a pitchfork, or get set on fire by one of the torches.

Although students at Atascadero High School know it as Building B, for many in the community it is the last of the original Margarita Black Union High School built on a bluff overlooking the downtown civic center.

In last week’s column, I asked for suggestions: What would be a good new use for the now-closed youth prison in my hometown, Paso Robles? Five readers responded. One reader told me it should be a veterans training center. Another said turn it into a village for homeless people. Another suggested a prison honor farm. A married couple suggested private use.

Jerry May will continue to serve the Cayucos Lions, Cayucos Art Association and Cayucos Seniors after he celebrates his 90th Valentine’s Day birthday this weekend. But he and wife Paula weren’t sure he’d make it to 2012.

We teach our children algebra, literature and chemistry. Yet we offer no instruction in a topic that has far greater implications on the ultimate success of youngsters’ lives: picking the right marital partner.

Kelli Howard of Pismo Beach has been the organizer and director of the South County production of “The Vagina Monologues” for the past three years.

Sonja Jackson has opened Jackson’s Old & New in the previous Thrift Store building on 12th Street behind the Coffee Station. She has a very nice selection of clothing, furniture, gifts and accessories, and she makes gift baskets for all occasions. You are invited to come in and find your hidden treasure. Call 467-2226 for information.

Compelling photos can tell a story — and move us emotionally — in powerful ways. After Tribune copy editor Jennifer Robillard noticed Thursday that the Associated Press had distributed some of the most disturbing wildlife images to date from the Gulf Coast, we knew we should play them large so readers could clearly see the impact of the thick brown oil along the Louisiana shoreline.

Co-worker Pat Pemberton sent me these photos his daughter Sunny took last week. Pat was a bit concerned that a cat and dog were getting along and even seemed to be enjoying each other’s company.

Giant kelp can grow at the unbelievable rate of 1 to 2 feet per day under the right conditions along the Central Coast, ultimately reaching well over 150 feet in length. From a boat on a sunny day, you could almost watch it grow.