My new role model: Leigh Ann Tuohy
I was slightly hesitant to see “The Blind Side” movie with my family. I felt like I already knew the story after having read the 2006 Michael Lewis article, “The Ballad of Big Mike,” in the NY Times Magazine years ago and seeing numero

The antidote to “Black Friday”
I’m burning out on rampant consumerism, and am trying to be more careful of how I spend my money in a tight economy. I found no reason to drag myself out of bed early this morning to join the throngs of people hitting the stores early to take advantage of the latest bargains. Instead, here’s what I’m excited about: the LCPC Christmas Market. I’ve been helping my church, La Canada Presbyterian Church, with its alternative Christmas market for several years. You’re probably familiar with the concept: instead of buying a physical gift for a

3rd Best Thanksgiving Moment
Our third best Thanksgiving moment came when my nephew decided he wanted ramen instead of the more traditional turkey dinner. He also chose an Otter Pop instead of pumpkin pie. The top two moments were when my brother-in-law said a beautiful grace before the meal began and when we all went around the table and said what we’re thankful for. It’s pretty poignant when people are happy to be alive. We were very grateful to be together.

Pledge to keep kids safe: join SafeHomes on Facebook
For years, the Community Prevention Council of La Canada Flintridge has been encouraging area parents to take the following pledge: “I will not allow minors to consume beer, wine, alcohol, or use illegal drugs in my home or on my property. I will not allow parties or gatherings in my home without proper adult supervision.” Parents who are willing to agree to that have long been asked to join SafeHomes, an online, password-protected database that allows parents to see which other parents have agreed to the pledge, and therefore to know which homes are more likely to hos

Lessons aren’t learned yet after Orinda teen dies after drinking at party
Did you know that if there’s underage drinking at your house, you’re liable even if you don’t know about it or aren’t home? And that if the kids paid to attend the party, you’re in even more trouble? Those were some of the points brought up by Will Moffitt at our September PTSA meeting, and those points are driven home in the lead article in today’s LA Times article, “A teen party, a mysterious death — and a town’s unanswered grief,” about a teen boy in Orinda who died