The most important asset a business has is its people, which should make hiring, training and motivating employees a high priority. Training and motivating employees gives you an edge at building a successful business.

Most of the differences I noticed when I came to the West Coast from the East were fairly superficial — taller mountains, better weather, wonderfully fresh produce, the irritating time zone, the inexplicable tendency to elect actors as governor ...

Now and then I witness an unexpected gesture, sight or sound, something that pleasantly highlights the unpredictability of living.

Life in the new century isn’t merely a continuation of the unfolding Information Age. It’s an acceleration.

Yesterday, our two best pals, grandsons Robbie and Phil, came over for their usual Sunday brunch, but Phil, all of six, had a classmate coming over to his house to play with him, so his visit was brief. However, Robbie, the 10-year-old big brother, had time to spare, so Grandpa asked him if he’d like to drive over to Copperfield’s, where I would be inquiring about a book.

Name: Michelle

We all get “spring fever‚” after a long, cold stretch or rainy period. We need getaways. I am often asked where I go for a quick vacation. That answer is simple, Konocti.

Rain postponed the Napa Valley Grapegrowers pruning contest until Feb. 23, but word came about another vine pruning competition held a couple of weeks ago — the California state high school championships — and the St. Helena High School team did right well for itself, taking fifth in the overall competition against nine other teams, most of which came from the Central Valley. The occasion was the Fresno State University FFA Field Day.

When we are besotted with love, it's easy to skip over some of the critical relationship issues that can determine if a marriage will be a success.

Dear Len & Rosie,

The Etoile Lounge at Domaine Chandon has reopened and will be open Thursday through Monday, 6 p.m. until closing featuring a Bubble Hour with specials, 6-7 p.m.

Several weeks ago I happened to read a piece in the Wall Street Journal. Part of it was an interview with Richard Harvey. Harvey is a retiring CEO for Aviva, PLC. which is Britain’s largest insurer and fifth-largest in world wide premium.