Just a thought by Judith Martin-Straw

Not the Only One

I had my concerns, when the holiday was first added to the civic calendar, that there would be unfortunate side effects. On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, I have to offer that I have seen …[READ MORE]

Just a thought by Judith Martin-Straw

My Besties

Like most writers, I spend a great deal of time looking at a screen, reading it. When I sit down to get to business, I focus in on a pretty tight perimeter of email and …[READ MORE]

Just a thought by Judith Martin-Straw

Hope for the Holidays

It’s the media equivalent of peer pressure; the end of the year lists, round-ups and overviews on every platform. Some papers will tell you the best books to read, or the best movies to watch. …[READ MORE]

Just a thought by Judith Martin-Straw

Where Do We Stand?

City Council meetings, School Board meetings; not only do we begin with the pledge of allegiance, we begin with the declaration that we are on unceded land, taken from the Tongva and the Chumash tribes. …[READ MORE]

Just a thought by Judith Martin-Straw

The Age of Elections

At a recent city council meeting, there were a number of speakers from the local organization Vote16, requesting the the city agendize a discussion of moving the voting age down from 18 years of age …[READ MORE]

Just a thought by Judith Martin-Straw

So, I Called the Police

Sometimes, my generosity gets me in trouble.  I have a little free library. It’s not registered with the official organization, so I suppose it’s a rogue little free library. My neighbors enjoy it, and I …[READ MORE]

Just a thought by Judith Martin-Straw

Through the Gate

If anyone does not fully appreciate how difficult our civic dialogue has become, the city council meeting on the Jackson Avenue Gate was a perfect, if painful, example. The people arguing for access held some …[READ MORE]