State Sen. Les Ihara earns kudos in a new book, "Community: The Structure of Belonging," by Peter Block.

Block argues that massive bureaucratic efforts are not as effective as well-tended grass-roots endeavors, and that community efforts build compassion. He name-checks Ihara as a role model, calling him "an important innovator in our thinking about public service and the importance of keeping power in the hands of citizens."

— Treena Shapiro

AT HOME

CLEANING TIPS CAN SAVE YOU TIME

Reduce the time you spend on cleaning with these tips from Woman's Day: