I was pushed around for being skinny when I was a kid. Also for wearing an eye patch, for being the smart kid and for always acting like a performer. And did I mention I was called “Petunia”? It doesn’t take much to make a child feel like an outsider. Most of us have felt that way at one time or another. What can be hard is helping children feel like they belong — like they are part of something bigger than themselves. That’s what I always worked for as a teacher. Read More

Editor’s note: Christopher B. Dolan was recently involved in a serious motorcycle collision leading to a broken pelvis and shattered upper arm, both of which were operated on last week. So this week’s column is written by one of Dolan’s professional colleagues (and trial team leaders), Greg Schaffer, who focuses primarily on personal injury matters. Our question is from Anne C. in Bernal Heights: Q: What are my rights as it relates to my rental security deposit? Read More

As patients, we expect our hospital rooms, beds and operating tables to be clean and sanitized. We expect medical equipment that works and sufficient numbers of patient-care staff to be available when we call for help. We expect facilities to be safe and secure. And we expect to be treated just as well as any other patient. According to a new whistle-blower report from frontline care providers at UC medical centers, the state’s fourth-largest health care delivery system is too often failing to meet these standards. Read More

In the same week the Supreme Court heard its two historic cases on same-sex marriage, Google announced the first lucky test subjects who would get to try Google Glass — history-making eyewear that puts the Internet in your field of vision. None of the justices were selected, but maybe Google should lend them a pair before they reach a decision in June. Read More