Forty years ago this week, I walked into The Modesto Bee for the first day of what would turn out to be, to my absolute and everlasting delight, a grand adventure.

We can't dismiss all young people as apathetic about local government. Some are interested. Consider this: Five of the 10 Modestans who are in the running for City Council in November are under 40. Three of them are 26 or under. Heck, the latest potential candidate is only 20.

Hopefully, you're listening to the rain on your roof as you read this. If not, here's what you'll be hearing soon: Angry words. Accusations. Political backbiting and the results of backroom deals ... and, naturally, the rustle of dry, brown grass.