Do we need to dedicate ourselves to a better 1999? If events in Washington are any indication, the answer is a definite yes. Back on the home front, resolutions are more mundane, but the message is still clear: We need to clean up our act.

Sally Drakes

Age: 47

Resides: Monterey

Occupation: Medical assistant

Do you have a New Year''s resolution? I''m going to take care of the "outer package"--I joined a health club.

What would you like to see change in 1999? The environment. I''d like people to be more informed.

What was the biggest thing that happened to you in 1998? Living in my own place alone, responsible only for myself.

Did you keep 1998''s resolutions? I went back to college.

Lorretta Lenz

Age: 44

Resides:

Occupation: Retired

Do you have a New Year''s resolution? No, I just live day-to-day. Each day is a resolution.

What would you like to see change in 1999? I''d like to see help for the homeless and needy here.

What was the biggest thing that happened to you in 1998? Kept in contact with all my family.

What are you looking forward to next year? Watching my grandchildren grow.

Terry Rider

Age: 41

Resides: Seaside

Occupation: Cement contractor

What would you like to see change in 1999? No more media on politics.

What was the biggest thing that happened to you in 1998? Deaths in the family.

What are you looking forward to next year? A mellower year.

Did you keep 1998''s resolutions? Yes. I stopped being so ornery.

Diana Thorsen

Age: 54

Resides: Pacific Grove

Occupation: Real Estate broker

Do you have a New Year''s resolution? I haven''t got around to it yet. I''ll exercise every day.

Do you have a resolution for someone else? To get my father to do some exercising.

What would you like to see change in 1999? I''d like to see the confrontation with Iraq resolved.

What are you looking forward to next year? Good health. Without your health you have nothing.

Kim Glazier

Age: 32

Resides: Monterey

Occupation: Hairdresser

Do you have a New Year''s resolution? I guess it would be to continually grow personally.

What would you like to see change in 1999? People getting off Clinton''s back.

What was the biggest thing that happened to you in 1998? I started living my life for me.

What are you looking forward to next year? A successful career in hairdressing.