COLUMNS

There is a lone swing on the top of a hill perched on tufts of brown grass. The bag said, “grass seeds that grow in any soil.” But it has …

The upland terrestrial ecosystem surrounding Clear Lake is a complex interplay of mountains, soils, and diverse wildlife, all shaped by historical flooding and human intervention. As western settlers altered the …

Okay, I’m in my 70s, so I’m entitled to whinge from time to time, right?!? (“Hey, you kids, git off my lawn!”…) Anyways, the most vital key to being able …

Sometimes, nothing satisfies like a classic diner meal. Picture yourself savoring fluffy pancakes, crispy country-style potatoes, or a decadent plate of Eggs Benedict, all while sipping on endless cups of …

Go on a Bloomscrolling Safari! Discover the joy of intentionally seeking out stories of kindness and breathtaking natural beauty, a refreshing antidote to the often overwhelming doomscrolling that fills our …

Studies have shown that the loss of wetlands around Clear Lake has led to increased phosphorus levels, fueling harmful cyanobacteria blooms. Despite a landmark report in 1994 highlighting the need …

What an exciting weekend we just had. On Saturday, the Mercantile had a packed house for the Fargo Bros; the Saw Shop was packed for the Broken Trucks; the Riviera …

Let’s step back a few decades, when some of us experienced Sunday drives. Maybe the drive starts after church or brunch, when the afternoon is still long, the sunshine bright, …

Take even a short walk, and you’ll quickly find out how much there is to learn. A scientific WOW can be had at every footstep. For example, on a recent …

The days are getting longer, and sunlight will soon penetrate Clear Lake, sparking a cycle of life that supports diverse wildlife. However, when nutrient pollution leads to cyanobacteria blooms, the …

I’m sitting here rockin’ out to some Classical Music, you know, all that longhair stuff, and I made a discovery. When I listen to Rock, Blues, Reggae, even Americana, I …

It was a bittersweet day when I first discovered Delicias Alvarez in Clearlake, learning mid-bite of some wonderful seafood that the restaurant would temporarily close. But now, it has reopened, …

On this 4th of July, as I sat by Clear Lake, the vibrant fireworks were overshadowed by the unsettling sight of cyanobacteria-painted green water and the stench of decaying fish. …

I want to start by apologizing for a gig last Saturday that never happened. My band, AudioSoul, was scheduled to play Loch Lomond Roadhouse, but when I got there to …

The further out of town we go, the calmer the driving gets and the less erratic it feels. I follow my daughter’s car as we finally make it back onto …

Take a short walk, and you’ll discover much to learn. Snakes, complex creatures beyond mere legless reptiles, inhabit various habitats on Earth, including about fifty species in California. Many are …

What Is Joy but Small Kindnesses I panic-rush with my package from my car to the door only to find that while it’s already 5 o’clock, it’s unlocked.

It’s gonna be a hot week, but the music should be even hotter! So, let’s not waste time with frivolous blather (um, the Department of Redundancy Dept has just informed …

This isn’t the road trip story I was planning on telling you. But it is what’s most on my mind today. It all starts on a bright July Sunday morning …

Chase Me Chase me into the clouds of sunset Walk with me into the sky

Have I mentioned Wesfest yet? Well, this is the weekend. To read more on Wesfest, scroll down to the Saturday events. Some cool events are happening this week; here’s the …

Life is an exciting journey brimming with the vibrant colors of our treasured memories, and the adventures that await us in Lake County are boundless. As we embrace the stunning …

Shadows Of Moonset In the shadows of the moonset When the stars have not yet Winked themselves to sleep, In the deep of the pre-dew dawn While the fairies still …

The big event this week will be at Austin Park in Clearlake on Sunday when the first Clearlake Summer Concert of 2026 features the Santana Band, Carnival. But there’s lots …

This year, The Bloom turns nine, and I find myself reflecting on the journey. From pouring wine at Six Sigma Winery to becoming a writer, I never imagined this path. …