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September 3, 2026

Part 2: Through a storm and into the calm of the desert

On day two of our two-week road trip, my wife Sarah and I said goodbye to Bakersfield and drove southeast on Hwy 58 toward the Mohave Desert.  We were greeted with fierce rain as we climbed Tehachapi Pass on Highway 58. Our interest in taking...

A busy day in Berlin | Travel

Editor’s note: This is the fourth part of a travel series about England, Germany and the Netherlands. Before my recent trip to Europe, I did some research on each country—learning certain customs and common phrases. I took advice from family, friends and tour guides about...

England, beyond the big city | Travel

Countryside and coastal towns have plenty to offer Note: This is the first in a multi-part travel series covering parts of England, Germany and the Netherlands. ENGLAND, U.K.—On New Year’s Eve 2008 I flew overseas for the very first time.  My sister was working in London, and...

Taking the back roads to Paso Robles

On a recent road trip to Atascadero, a city that lies about 115 miles south of Watsonville, my wife Sarah and I took umpteen diversions off the main highway to gather a better sense of the Salinas Valley and surroundings. Heading out San Miguel Canyon...

Berlin, past and present | Travel

Short trip to German capital offers glimpse into famous city Editor’s note: This is the third installment in a series about England, Germany and the Netherlands. From 1970 to 1971, my father lived in Germany. He was a student for a few months of the year,...

Paso Robles and the road north

Editor's note: This the second part of a two-part series on travel writer Tarmo Hannula's recent trip to Paso Robles. To see part 1, click here. On a recent overnight road trip to Atascadero, after exploring the innards of the Salinas Valley, my wife Sarah...

Oakland’s rich history at the waterfront

Arriving in Jack London Square in Oakland after a short trip from San Jose, the doors swung open, and we started to explore the harbor in Oakland, the vast array of shops and restaurants along the waterfront and railroad tracks and savored of one...

Taking in the arts, history and birds south of Los Angeles

Editor's note: This is part 4 of Tarmo Hannula's recent trip to Los Angeles Packing up and heading south on day five of our road trip to southern California, my wife Sarah and I rolled through a number of towns and cities on our way...

Taking in San Francisco’s bounty

Comedy clubs, history, San Francisco Pride and more.

A deep drive into Los Angeles

On day two of our nine-day road trip to Los Angeles in May, My wife Sarah and I headed south from Santa Barbara, but not before we scouted out the burial site of my mother’s parents at the Santa Barbara Cemetery.  Thanks to online research,...
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Cabrillo-UCSC housing units ready to lease

The leasing office for Cabrillo College’s Costa Vista student housing development is now open, and college officials say interest is already strong. Cabrillo College President...