The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on suburban topics in the news.

Yes, investigate

Top Cook County officials are calling for independent reviews of practices in Assessor Joe Berrios' office following reports of a system that favors the wealthy and hurts the poor. Berrios' office practices have long been questioned. Our only question in this latest controversy? What are you waiting for?

No right to rush

Here's a driving gripe: For those who disregard the right-turn lane only to try to merge near the intersection - or, worse yet, don't even merge and just make a wide turn - please stop. Not only do you irritate those who follow the rules of the road by staying in the right lane, you disrupt the traffic going straight.

Red alert

In a move purists will blast as blasphemy on a bun, Heinz this week unveiled its Chicago Dog Sauce - a not-so-subtle attempt to get folks to squirt ketchup on their Chicago-style hot dogs. A condiment crime or a new path to dining diversity? We urge tolerance in these trying times.

Silicon suburbs

Many, including the Chicago Bears, have eyed with interest the 85-acre site between Oakton and East Higgins in Elk Grove Village but nothing has gained traction - until now. A real estate group offered plans for what could be a billion-dollar technology park. The plans exploit a resurgence of manufacturing in Illinois. This one's worth watching.

Kudos to Kellogg's

Each week the Northern Illinois Food Bank feeds more than 71,500 people in 13 counties. It relies on hundreds of people, including volunteers. This week about 250 people from Kellogg's pitched in to pack food. Kellogg's also donated $10,000 toward hunger relief programs. Yet another ray of sunshine keeps the food bank thriving.

Stepping up

It's exciting to see nine Wynstone homeowners step up to save the exclusive 1989 golf course that is the centerpiece of the gated community. The Jack Nicklaus-designed course is a major boon for the area, but it's past time for steps the new owners are taking to make it more inclusive and affordable, and it's good to see them drawing a positive reaction.

What a treasure

Anderson's Bookshop in Naperville continues to amaze with its star power. Among the literary giants it has drawn for events are J.K. Rowling, George W. Bush and soon Stephen King and "The DaVinci Code" author Dan Brown. Keep them coming!

Enforcing the posted speeds

Just a simple thank you to the Schaumburg police who have been keeping a visible presence along Springinsguth Road near Archer Pool this summer. A straight, four-lane road with only one stop sign in a nearly mile and a half stretch, it is a favorite for drivers going above the posted 30 mph limit.

So much for reduced lawncare

Some of us who mow our own lawns are actually look forward to hot, dry days in July - because the grass at least slows its growth. Not this year, as record rainfall is making the mow a regular chore.

On the other hand

All that said, have our lawns ever sprouted such lush, green foliage? This year, the suburbs have turned into a tropical paradise !

The week of the Crosstown Cup

Go Cubs. Go Sox.