Ken McAlpine
Ken McAlpine is the author of eight books, a collection of fiction, non-fiction, and essays. His most recent novel, "Juncture," is a cerebral "Jaws"; a suspense-filled thriller, a story of primal love and our changing oceans and, perhaps, a final fork in the road. "West is Eden: Reflections on this Gift Called Life," is a collection of his KCET essays. He lives in Ventura.
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The annual party in Santa Barbara County did not end well last month. UCSB's Chancellor wants students to help think up solutions, but isn't that precisely the point? People do not always think through their actions when drugs and alcohol are involved.
One day an imperfect son who has been raised by a perfect mother will give anything to have another brush of a kiss.
"He saw you as a candle to be lit so that you too could go out and make your mark on the world."
The whales move with lethal power. Slipping beneath the surface they make a sound like a whisper, no more.
Our entire neighborhood once went on high alert when I discovered my boa constrictor gone.
One day great hordes of sea lions may loll on the beach at Santa Monica, watching with liquid-eyed disinterest as ravens poke curiously at the skeletal remnants of amusement rides.
Ventura's current dredging project will continue and continue and continue as long as we decide we want a harbor.
Being human isn't about achieving perfection, it's about running aground.
Community in this country has not faded away.
Often trees go unnoticed. But sometimes they stop you in your tracks.
The hills are not green. In places, they are not even brown. They look almost alkaline. Gray. Sickly, like something's bled from the land.
I realize I'm a little past the window for New Year's resolutions, but now I know you won't judge me. You might even thank me when you've finished reading.