This is the time of year in which a lot of journalists spill a lot of ink (in today’s terms, also, electrons) reflecting sonorously on the months past. But, heck, anyone can […]
Retorts: The shape of things to look for
Karen Hatfield: the real McCoy of doers
By Jim Tortolano It’s been breezy lately, but if you feel an especially strong whirlwind coming from West Garden Grove and Westminster, it might just be all the activity coming from the […]
Retorts: We need a new Bill of Writes
Editor’s note: In last week’s column, Jim pointed out the things that citizens can do to make their communities better. This week, a big – but inexpensive – idea about how government […]
Pursuing a goal of better parks, services
By Jim Tortolano John Montanchez has goals. In more than one way. The new community services director for the City of Garden Grove not only has a lot of plans for the […]
Retorts: Willing to get out and push?
One of the reasons that the Germans failed on the western front during World War II, and the Americans advanced, was as simple as getting up off your duff. By 1941-45, war […]
“Roman” and “Billboards” small film gems
By Jim Tortolano This hasn’t been a great year for memorable Hollywood blockbusters, but there have been some noteworthy “small” films that deserve attention. Here are two. “Roman J. Israel, Esq.” is […]
Retorts: Two old and new “places to be”
The past may live on forever in the South, but here on the West Coast in general and in Orange County in particular, it disappears storefront by storefront. Two iconic eateries in […]
Retorts: Vultures and victims, wise up
There’s a line in the 1987 film “Broadcast News” in which Albert Brooks’ character stares sourly at a network segment and growls, “Sex, tears, yes, this is the news.” In a bit […]
Retorts: These lands are your lands ….
Disneyland, located in Upper Garden Grove, is truly a magical kingdom. We were there on Wednesday, Marilyn and I, and we marveled at the huge throng present on a workday in November. […]
Retorts: A nation that’s still very divided
Note to readers: Columnist Jim Tortolano is taking the week off with Retorts. Here’s a “classic” column from a year ago. It seems like not much has changed. Back to live action […]
