Health

Does the press, not reporting on suicide, enhance the stigma of suicide and mental illness? (in Walnut Creek Patch)

• Martha Ross
• Jun 21, 2011

In 2007, 34,598 people died of self-inflicted injuries, making it the 11th leading cause of death. Suicide is also the seventh leading cause of death for men.

Politics

Locating a new In-and-Out on far North Main Street is just--goofy (in Walnut Creek Patch)

• Martha Ross
• Jun 9, 2011

As dueling In-N-Out petitions get posted online, I contemplate just how truly "off" this location is for establishing one of these highly popular fast-food burger restaurants.

Blasphemy! I like this rain in June and I didn't like the new Woody Allen movie (in Walnut Creek Patch)

• Martha Ross
• Jun 1, 2011

Typical June weather is just so annoying and predictable. The rain at least upends our expectations. Sure wish Woody Allen's latest film, "Midnight in Paris," would be less predictable.

The Swallows — No, Not of San Juan Capistrano — but of Walnut Creek (in Walnut Creek Patch)

• Martha Ross
• May 21, 2011

A large flock of swallows has set up housekeeping on a wall at Walnut Creek's Trader Joe's.

Living With Crazy: Surviving Stigma (in Walnut Creek Patch)

• Martha Ross
• May 17, 2011

Slowly, after all these years, I'm coming to terms with the fact that my husband isn't the man I thought I married.

How do you think Neiman Marcus is taking shape? (in Walnut Creek Patch)

• Martha Ross
• May 13, 2011

Back in 2008 and 2009, the effort to bring Neiman Marcus to Broadway Plaza was part of a long, ugly and costly civic debate.