LUSH LOVELY LAWNS, yes … but they do have to be mowed … (Shutterstock).

Good News Dept. What comprises tidings of great joy are a matter of opinion, of course, but there are some things which have recently brought a smile to my face.

• The rainstorms which have been a nuisance – or even a danger – to some people, have been a blessing to any of us who like green trees and lawns. There are certain folks– you know who you are! – who don’t place much of a priority on watering lawns and plants, to the general detriment of the look of the community.

However, if the front yards of our communities ever looked like the green fields of Eden, it’s now. Of course, when summer arrives and green turns to brown it’s all undone. But for now, Garden Grove looks like a garden.

Of course, that also means back to mowing, but in each life a little rain must fall.

• Brevity is the soul of wit, it’s said. The less said, the better is another favorite homily. I do wish to extend my appreciation to the Huntington Beach City Council, which wrapped up its agenda – even with the controversial “Support For Texas” under consideration – in near-record time, slamming the gavel at 9:27 p.m. on Tuesday.

Now, since the meeting began at 6 p.m., that might not seem like much of an accomplishment, but considering that council meetings in Surf City often run close to midnight (and I have to stay awake for that), I’ll take it as a sign of progress.

• The Tet parade this Saturday in Westminster is also a good news story. In years past, the event – celebrating the beginning of the lunar new year – was sometimes frought with woes, from a struggle over who could be in the parade to the year that rival groups held separate parades, one in Garden Grove and one in Westminster.

Now the whole operation is run by the City of Westminster and is back to being a source of pride rather than one of division. Good job, City Hall.