Dianne Hardisty is a veteran California government and environment reporter and editor. Most recently, she was the editorial page editor of a major California metropolitan newspaper. She is now a freelance writer and an associate with the Bakersfield-based consulting firm South Valley Solutions, where she helps individuals, non-profit organizations and businesses translate sometimes complicated programs and concepts into “plain speak” news and opinion articles for publication in newspapers, and specialty and trade publications. Go to www.SVS2Help.com to learn more about Dianne Hardisty and South Valley Solutions. Her e-mail address is newzgeezer@yahoo.com.