Speaking with my son Brett last night, we discussed how this Mother's Day was going to be difficult for his wife, Kris, whose mother died a couple of months ago. | Full Story

Actor Jason Segel, mostly known for his role on "How I Met Your Mother," is steadily making a name for himself as a screenwriter. In "The Five Year Engagement," he teams back up with director Nicholas Stoller; the two collaborated on Segel's first writing credit, the 2008 romantic-comedy "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." This collaboration falls a little short, although admittedly "Marshall" set the bar pretty high. Luckily for them the problem here is a lengthy 124 minutes running time rather than something more problematic like a sappy plot. To its credit is a stellar cast led by Segel as a San Francisco-based up-and-coming chef and Emily Blunt as his British fiancée, a psychology student applying for her doctorate. | Full Story

"It's May, it's May, the merry month of May" is a lyric Julie Andrews sang in the musical Camelot. For Los Banos, it means the fair, and we are right in the middle of it with the big parade Saturday. My car will carry retiring princess Trinity Meza. My stomach is anticipating cinnamon rolls, onion rings, corn dogs, barbecue ... a taste-bud frenzy! Experience the fair! | Full Story

Words fail me. How can I do justice to the memory of a woman whose heart was so huge, her dedication to others so deep, her outreach to others so expansive? Debi Latu was a rare woman who seemed an unstoppable positive force of nature who seemed to run off an endless energy source. My mind is flooded with images of Debi's bright smile serving food in the middle of the night at Relay for Life; volunteering for United Methodist Vacation Bible School, hugging her children. Ah Debi, it is way too soon to lose you. Love you, honey, who didn't? | Full Story

Maybe you read the tribute in last week's paper dedicated to Steffanie Duarte, daughter of DJ and Richard Barcellos. If you did not, you missed an opportunity to be touched by the immortality of love. April 8 was Steffanie's birthday; it is also my son, Brett's. Dear friends that DJ and I have been for what seems forever, DJ lost Stef to the clouds and stars while I am still blessed my Brett is earth bound. But we both know how fragile that thread between life and spirit can be, and that love knows no such limits. DJ knows that to my Ron she was the 'other' red head and has been there for me in my loss, and in my continued relationship with Ron. Ron and I helped marry and bury her daughter McKensie. Mark Barcellos, who I saw the day he was born, shoots (very well I must brag) in trap competitions with Ron's gun. All Easter weekend I thought about love, relationships and how our lives interconnect in such amazing ways. Prayers are answered in such unique ways. At Easter Vigil there was a time we were told to go out in front of the church and light a candle, but as candles were limited to take one per family. Because fate/God had given me two new adopted brothers, Eddie Gutierrez and Mark Brux, I could indeed share a family candle. Sunday Mass I was thinking of Ron, looked behind me to see Yvonne Falasco, and grabbed her hand. Her loss was brand new, and in our clasped hands passed the shared grief of loss and the belief of life ever lasting. Then I went over to Lou and Frank Vierra's home for their family Easter gathering. Besides being my dear friend, Lou is my Godmother, who brought me into the Catholic Church. Believe me that is a strong bond. Then it was off to my daughter Lara's home and a perfect traditional Easter dinner. There were calls with my other children and friends, a poignant visit to the cemetery, and few special moments picked out to look up at the clouds and stars to think of Steffanie, Ron, and all the loved ones who have crossed over that bridge. What better day to do so than resurrection Sunday? | Full Story

Isn't it wonderful this time of the year when all the trees and plants are in bloom along with the different fragrances in the air? I love spring time because it reminds me of new and better experiences on the way. | Full Story

This isn't something I'd ordinarily admit in these critiques. When I walked in the theater to see "Mirror, Mirror" I thought I was going to see a different movie. I thought that I was going to see the other Snow White revival starring Charlize Theron and Kristen Stewart. Clearly I'm out of touch with what's happening in Hollywood. | Full Story

There will be tributes to Judge Robert Falasco. Honor, service, integrity, fairness, intellect, all these are terms you would use, as are faithful, devoted, caring and a gentleman. His death is like the passing of an era. It is not just a loss but a void. My sympathy to the Falasco family. | Full Story

May the luck of the Irish be with us all amid a day filled with happy shamrocks. It was on Saint Patrick's Day that Ron and I moved to Los Banos 21 years ago, a lucky day for us. It was also the birthday of Ron's beloved sister Jeanine. I hope you will drop by to see me at my first book signing Saturday at Seek Haven on Center Road from 11 to 4. | Full Story

After seeing Elizabeth Olsen in her breathtaking breakout in last year's "Martha Marcy May Marlene" (if you haven't seen it, do so), I searched high and low for her next film. I was a little shaky about the promise of " Silent House," an American remake of the Uruguayan thriller "La Casa Muda." | Full Story

I have a pretty strange relationship with the Oscars. | Full Story

Donna Keck was an original talent, unique, caring, darn smart, fun, loving. She had an artistic and captivating mind. It was hard not to like her or her photography. As a member of our Book Club Valley Girls, she brought insight, intelligence and new horizons. Her recent death is a loss to the community and all her friends and family. A service was held in her honor at Whitehurst Chapel on Wednesday. Her memory remains forever. | Full Story

Charter school info | Full Story

The Los Banos Arts Council hosts the sounds of Yosemite on Dec. 4 with Tom Bopp. Tickets are available at the door for $20. Updated: Nov. 25, 2011 3:26 PM | Full Story

Downtown's answer to Black Friday will feature 18 businesses along Sixth Street. Updated: Nov. 25, 2011 2:25 PM | Full Story

The Los Banos Chamber of Commerce is taking entries for the 26th Downtown Christmas Parade through Monday. Updated: Nov. 25, 2011 2:25 PM | Full Story

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Every Friday • Family Night at the Los Banos Elks Lodge No. 2510, 545 Sixth St., at 7 p.m. • UTX Ministries youth group meets at the Crossroads Church at 2160 Pacheco Blvd., Suite K, from 7 to 9 p.m. Come listen to a message, play games and enjoy snacks with new friends. | Full Story

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Yellow; a bright cheerful color that makes you think of sunshine and daffodils; a happy color. Is it any wonder than that it is Josephine Leos' favorite color? | Full Story

The fund raiser to make an Outdoor Movie Night an annual tradition on the Henry Miller Plaza is coming along! To date, we have received at least $2,200.00!! Generous donations have been received from Ann McCauley, K-Mart, Tacos El Grullense, Coldwell Banker Kaljian & Associates, Kagome Inc., Rick's Auto Body, Steve and Janet Rath, O. Ray Sheets, Dwayne K. Chisam, Los Banos Little League, and as of early this week, Food-4-Less. Food-4-Less gave well in excess of $500.00 and please note we also have our first non-profit organization on the donor list!! Some citizens have indicated their plans to contribute. We need your check or money order to reach the goal! YOU can be the next one publicly thanked!! | Full Story

De Castro will perform at 7 p.m., today at the United Methodist Church. This evening of solo classical guitar will feature music from De Castro's album, "A Journey through 10 Strings." Updated: Mar. 28, 2008 1:03 AM | Full Story

New Life Community Church will be in revival today through Sunday. Evangelist Johnny Matthews will be guest speaker each night, beginning at 7 p.m. The location of the church is 1250 Overland Ave. Los Baños. Host pastor is Delford Moore Sr. For more information call 826-6110. Come and be blessed. | Full Story

Ephesians 4:3: Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. NIV Updated: Mar. 28, 2008 1:03 AM | Full Story