“Cristal” Ballesteros as told to Stephen Woodman

When I was 14 I came out to my parents as gay and transgender.

My mother reacted badly. I left my family home and we stopped speaking for four years. 

I started wearing makeup and taking hormone pills. I also went to live with a friend in a different part of town. 

Presidential contender Donald Trump hardly shies away from promises about what he would do in his first term, even his first day, to solve what he views as urgent problems.

More than 15,000 books have been written about U.S. President Abraham Lincoln over many decades, so publisher Mikel Miller admitted he was somewhat skeptical when Guadalajara-based author and teacher Michael Hogan told him he wanted to add another one to this mammoth collection.

Anyone who has visited a Mexican botánica, or spiritual store, can confirm that the country doesn’t lack for saints or spiritual iconography.

After six years of being an integral part of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, the Reverend Winston Welty has stepped down, having conducted his last service this past Sunday. As the church’s priest since 2010, Welty says half jokingly, “I’ve tried to retire three times, and each time I failed.” Now, his retirement appears to be the real deal.

With three near-death experiences, three marriages, three art careers, and a passion for walking on fire, Lakeside resident Ted Shaw has got a story or two to tell.