Scott Newhall — Herb Caen Reminisces and So Do I
San Francisco columnist Herb Caen wrote that Chronicle editor Scott Newhall believed “the mad world of journalism could be madly entertaining.” Read more.
Office Romance in the #MeToo Era — Is It Worth the Risk?
Jon looked at me sheepishly and asked, “Was I guilty of sexual harassment?” He was thinking, and I was thinking, of the early days of our office romance. Read more.
When Your Sick Kid Is 28 Years Old and 2000 Miles Away
What do you do when you’ve got a grown-up kid in the hospital half a continent away? Jump on a plane? Stick by the phone? Read more.
I Took His Name. Isn’t It About Time He Took Mine?
I took his name when we got married. Would my husband like to return the favor by adding my name to his? Read more.
A Totality Disappointment in St. Joseph, Missouri
We traveled 1700 miles to see the eclipse. The moon came between us and the sun, as promised. But so did a big fat cloud. A totality disappointment. Read more.
With a Little Luck You’ll Live Long Enough to Breed Flies in Your Attic
Back in 1987 old age seemed a long ways away. It still does. Read more.
A Case of the Human Condition: When Your Six-Year-Old Wants to Talk Money
Our 6-year-old wanted an allowance. Jon and I debated: 50 cents a week? 75? “Let’s not talk in cents,” said Peter. “Let’s talk in dollars.” Read more.
Kids and Money: A Six-Year-Old Learns the Art of the Deal
Some kids dream of growing up to be an astronaut, a vet or a rock star. Our kid had his eyes on the bottom line — on the folding stuff. Read more.
The American Flag Is Flying in My Liberal, Elitist, San Francisco Bay Area Neighborhood Today. Here’s Why.
‘The right wingers don’t own the American flag flag,’ I said as my husband hung the Stars and Stripes from our garage. ‘It’s my flag too.’ Read more.
A Case of the Human Condition: Would My Husband Like to Add My Name to His?
When Jon and I married, I wanted to share a name with him and our future children. I took his last name. Would he like to take mine as his middle name? Read more.









