Julia Child was known for saving a cooking disaster by sprinkling some powdered sugar on it, sticking it under the broiler for a few minutes and then calling it a masterpiece. Even after her death, Child’s spirit is making things better; this time, her name is helping to save Galt’s school libraries.

(NAPSI)—When comparing college costs, one of a student’s first steps should be filling out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Then, students begin receiving back financial aid award letters from the colleges they’ve applied to. These letters outline the estimated cost to attend the school, expected family contribution and financial aid award package, which includes grants, scholarships, work-study, need-based and non-need-based loans.

Recently, I was listening to a program on NPR in which Terri Gross, host of "Fresh Air," was interviewing Aaron Glantz, a journalist who wrote the book "The War Comes Home: Washington's Battle Against America's Veterans." The book is based on facts about the Veteran’s Administration obtained through the Freedom of Information Act.

We've had a promotion and a new hire here, and a related reassignment of beats. Like the staff at many papers, our reporters are now stretching to handle multiple coverage areas. I guess it relfects that cliche: Doing more with less. But our staff here is passionate about journalism and very hard-working.  I'm excited about these changes and how our staff has responded.

Drive a-round Lodi, and you can't help but notice the number of Christian churches. There are at least 60. Some have begun within the last several years. I happen to pastor one that is nearing its 100th anniversary. While they are different, every one of them is rooted in the same story revealed in the Bible — the story of God's mission of love to redeem and restore a lost and broken world.

(BPT) - Families have many special traditions to celebrate Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Starting new traditions around these days is also common. If your family is looking for some new ways to enjoy Mother’s Day or Father’s Day this year, check out these tips and gift ideas that will help make your celebrations special:

On a long flat stretch of Liberty Road, drivers speed past a piece of local history every day.

A popular Lodi daycare program, at risk of shutting down due to rent costs, may continue for at least one more year, depending on tonight's Lodi City Council vote.

The News-Sentinel's Religion page letters of Feb. 2 were especially insightful and enlightening. Thanks to the writers and the News-Sentinel for the forum.

We're recruiting for a reporter position, so I have been sifting through resumes and cover letters.

(BPT) - If you’re looking to start a career – whether it’s because you’re just beginning your journey as a working adult or because you’re ready for a change in life – you should know that the process is much larger than just getting a degree and looking for a job.

(NAPSI)—It may come as a surprise to some, but 57 million full-time working Americans experienced at least one significant legal event in the past 12 months, and nearly half faced their legal issues and challenges without professional help, according to a national study.

Decades have passed since I actively practiced Roman Catholicism. But curiously, the church is still a large part of who I am.

Anyone interested in serving an unpaid internship to learn how a congressional office operates is encouraged to contact Rep. Jerry McNerney, D-Stockton.

The Sacramento County Office of Education is accepting submissions for an essay contest designed to honor local military veterans. The winning high school student will receive a $500 college scholarship, courtesy of SAFE Credit Union. The 2013 Operation Recognition Scholarship essay theme is "How ordinary citizens can honor veterans."

First, before I breathe a word about gardens, birds, etc. I want to straighten something out that has been confusing people. St. John's Episcopal Church will serve a Christmas Eve dinner for all emergency services personnel from 9 p.m. until 4 a.m.

(BPT) - Make wrapping gifts more fun this holiday season. Get your supplies ready, invite some friends and turn up the holiday music.

Blustery winds carried plenty of rain to Lodi on Wednesday, leaving residents scrambling for umbrellas and staying indoors as much as possible during the first storm of the season.

(BPT) - Resume? Check. Cover letter? Check. Now you’re ready to begin that job search, right? Wrong. There may be some very important things you’re forgetting about that could dramatically enhance your job search.

It's interesting that while I was considering a letter of response to a subject raised by John Lucas in his letter published Sept. 27, John Herrick responded to some of the accusations Mr. Lucas made against the Republican party.

I would like to comment on Mr. Lucas' letter, "A history of conservative Republican ideas and achievements," published on Sept. 27. It is the typical liberal argument of grammar school logic and no facts. I can't cover each issue in this response due to word limitations, but let me address a few.