It may be early for Thanksgiving, but it's never too late.

We may wonder, when voting in a national election, if our contribution matters. But locally, especially in smaller towns, what we do carries a lot of weight. When times are tough, and we act well toward our neighbors and town, we'll see direct results of our decisions.

With the state hacking our revenue, there are things we can do every day that will affect us. Where we buy our food, gas and essentials matters because the city we buy them in gets part of the sales tax. Whose infrastructure would you rather help, Moorpark's or another city's? And buy only Made in USA, and from smaller stores, so jobs come back home.

As local media shrivels, what matters most and how can we protect it? National and state news may be available online and on television, but our best access to news about Moorpark is right here in the Moorpark Acorn. And what a relief it is to read "good" news, anyway. But if we don't support the paper with our advertising dollars and readership, it can no longer infuse us with a sense of community which, in difficult times, can add security and reason to an otherwise crazy life.

Strangely, there're no restrictions yet due to the drought. Instead, water rates increased again—maybe they think we're only motivated by money? Where are the signs we saw everywhere in the late 70s reminding us to curtail our use, to think about every drop? While people back east live with ice storms, we bask in sunshine and count our blessings. But sun means no rain which means no water for the millions who live here to enjoy the sun.

Giving thanks, and thanks giving, are entirely differently good. Kim Ramseyer Moorpark