Editorial: Marian-USC deal signals future of health care partnerships
This is a big coup for Dignity Health Central Coast which operates Marian, French Hospital Medical Center and Arroyo Grande Community Hospital.
Fed chair needs chemistry, consensus building and communications skills

I’m writing about G. William Miller, whose term at the head of the nation’s central bank in the late 1970s was short and tumultuous.
Editorial: FDA rules aim to curb prescription drug abuse
The Food and Drug Administration has come up with new rules aimed at curbing an epidemic of pain pill addiction.
Editorial: Taking time out to avoid a Paso Robles water crisis
After an epic 11-hour meeting, the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors made the right decision when it voted 4-0 to impose a moratorium on new pumping in the Paso Robles groundwater basin. The emergency restriction could last up to two years and only allows new pumping if it is offset by a 1-to-1 Read More →
Ventura County sheriff takes aim at rougue doctors, pharmacists

Suddenly, the buzz among my peers over dinner and drinks has turned to the television show “Breaking Bad.” Whether you’re a fan of the show on cable, on DVD or perhaps a casual channel surfer like me, there is a morbid fascination with the tale of a teacher-turned-meth-mogul and the characters around him. Which brings Read More →
Op/ed: Big business — Reputation vs. reality
By Scott Harris on September 6, 2013 Sometimes what we’re told of the world goes so against our own experiences that we’re left to wonder if we’re in a twilight zone, or if maybe what we’re told is wrong. Or at least not the whole story. After a series of markedly positive business meetings and Read More →
Op/ed: The impressive health benefits of volunteering
By Jean-Luc Bourdon on August 30, 2013 When I recently applied for long-term care insurance, I was surprised to be asked if I volunteer. Because I answered that I do, the insurance company asked how many hours a week I volunteer. At that point, I was very intrigued to know why it matters. Insurance companies Read More →