To the Editor: Into every life a little rain must fall is a pretty accepted quote. When it happens, all too often our lives temporarily fall apart in the crisis. For some of us the trauma is overwhelming and we freeze up, go into hiding, or maniacally try to fix everything.   Full Story

To the Editor: The Mateel (free) Meal, a three-days-a-week tradition in Redway, is in trouble again. Since the MCC lost the earnings which once accrued from the old Reggae on the River, there are few funds with which to subsidize such causes.   Full Story

To the Editor: Soroptimist International of the Redwoods would like to thank BBQ Chuck for the fabulous job he did as caller at their Bingo Fundraiser on August 20. Along with cash prizes the following businesses donated wonderful prizes: The Blue Moon, Back In a Flash, True Value, Roberto’s, Calicos, Radio Shack, Humboldt Hunnies, The Boot Leg, Family Together Assisted Living, The Cuttings, Vonne Thomas, The Chamber of Commerce, and Treats.   Full Story

To the Editor: We just came through an enormous national health care debate in which it was frequently noted there is a nation-wide shortage of doctors. And for many years now we have very unsuccessfully tried to recruit more good doctors here in Southern Humboldt.   Full Story

CALIFORNIA FOCUS BY THOMAS D. ELIAS When the Proposition 19 marijuana legalization initiative qualified for the ballot with a yes-or-no due vote in the November election, its passage seemed almost a foregone conclusion.   Full Story

To the Editor: I wanted to give a big thank you for your help spreading the word about the car wash Cornerstone [Realty] did on Saturday for the Craig Family. We were able to raise $1,187 for the Craig Family and would not have been able to do so without your help.   Full Story

To the Editor: The family of Nicole DeRosa would like to express their deepest thanks to everyone who made the Nicole DeRosa medical benefit an overwhelming success. A special thanks to Aubrey Griffitts for planning the event; all the volunteers, businesses and individuals that donated time, auction items or funds and those who attended the benefit in Nicole’s honor.   Full Story

To the Editor: While volunteering hundreds of hours at Mateel Community Center events this summer, my girlfriend and I witnessed an organization in crisis, finally deciding this letter to be an absolute necessity.   Full Story

To the Editor: That woman is just too angry. She talks a good game about victim’s rights, but she doesn’t seem to understand that our legal system is supposed to be about justice not vengeance.   Full Story

To the Editor: Twenty years have passed since I came home from jury duty to find my daughter in the kitchen telling her dad about an experience she had just had. She was visibly shaken. At the time Blossom was 17, home for the summer from boarding school.   Full Story