EDITION OFFERS GREAT VARIETY OF STORIES.

Byline: -- Rick Coca

I like our mix of stories this week -- literally something for everyone.

Keeping in the spirit of our trick or treatin' holidays (yes, despite the 90 degree temps, Halloween is Tuesday), we've got the Howey family, our Halloween photo winners on page 4. Keeping the ghoulish-theme going, Cecile Vargo wrote a great piece on page 5 about what happens when your imagination gets the best of you (and everybody else in the immediate vicinity).

Jackie Houchin contributed two stories this week. One on page 7 is a review of a child-rearing book by author Gregory L. Chester, who states: ``Treat children as individuals, not equals.''

Houchin also contributed a fun piece on page 11 about her favorite San Diego restaurants.

On page 15, Pacoima resident, Kim Garrett, lets the words fly in a letter to Mayor Antonio Villariagosa. For those who agree or have a different opinion, please go to valleynews.com and post away.

And if you think marriages don't last, take a look at the stories on pages 4 and 14, about Jaqueline and Bob Sharp, and Alice and Rudy Herrera.

Both couples recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. There's hope for the rest of us.

And on page 18, my new best pal, Paula Kerian, writes to thank all the people who called her after reading the ``blind dog'' story in valley

news.com and to report the dog has a happy new owner -- her granddaughter.

For those of you who are reluctant to post because you think writing is something for the high minded, remember what one writing coach told his journalistic pupils: ``Tomorrow morning, your precious words will be used to line bird cages.''

Yep, something for everyone.