• The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that California remains entrenched in moderate-to-exceptional drought as the fifth into sixth consecutive dry months since October, likely ensuring that the region will suffer back-to-back dry water years. • In California, 91 percent of the state is in drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. • Precipitation totals and snowpack remain well

Barbara Houck's mother, Lois Olive Warren (Pettit) Cowan, was always the lady, and Barbara was taught be the same.

ally, it will be extremely difficult for law enforcement to identify the persons responsible. “The best way to stop these types of scams is to build awareness and prevent them before they occur,” Chief Gonshak continued. “If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. With that, please be mindful and check in with seniors frequently to ensure they are not falling victim to financial

SENIOR PEACE CLUB by Nancy Goldstein LW contributor The Senior Peace Club’s next meeting will take place via Zoom on Tuesday, May 11, at 2 p.m. This month’s speaker will be Bethany Webb of California Crime Victims for Alternatives to the Death Penalty. In 2011, Webb’s sister Laura was killed and her mother, Hattie, was wounded in the Salon Meritage massacre in Seal Beach. Webb

WATCH YOUR STEP Why are mailboxes constantly filled with unsolicited mail? One reason is because companies often pad their coffers by selling or renting customer lists. The average American receives 41 pounds of junk mail per year. Not only does junk mail clog up mailboxes, but it also wreaks havoc on the environment. Nearly half of the junk mail received annually (44 percent) ends up

by Ellen Branigan LW contributor “Get your dip on” at Native Farms, a small family-owned business from Riverside. Patrick McGowan sells a variety of fresh, healthy dips, spreads, salads and breads each week. He has lentil, pumpkin and other flavorful dips; garlic spreads; and cucumber, shrimp and other salads, all ready to eat with fresh pita bread or chips. Don’t forget the grape leaves

LW BIRTHDAYS by Brian Harmon LW contributor Mary Greytak of Mutual 6 celebrated her 99th birthday with her crazy, loving family. Mary’s birthday bash was held in Oceanside with her daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, granddaughters, great-grands and a few spouses. Although a small family, they make up for it with laughter and fun. Born in Jeffersonville, Indiana, her first job was