book review

The House of Mondavi
If one has lived in California for awhile, or if one is a drinker of fine red wines, the name Mondavi will ring a bell. Just a few years ago, a writer published a history of this storied family whose Italian roots played a large role in the dynamic that contributed greatly to the trials and tribulations of 3 generations of winemakers. The humble beginnings are familiar to many Americans whose parents/grandparents immigrated from abroad to the States in a quest to improve their lot in life. Hard work was the formula used over and over again. The founder(s), Cesare and Rosa, were the models who followed the formula that paid dividends for their offspring in the mid-20th century.
The book is a NYTimes bestseller and the author, Julia Siler, writes for the Wall St. Journal. It is immediately apparent the author had amazing access to family discussions, decision making, and dirty laundry. The generational rise and fall of a Napa Valley wine making dynasty is both fascinating and sad. When the sons of the founder take over, trouble begins. Their mother, Rosa, still maintains some control, but does not understand what the future could be nor does she have a clue as to what is happening in the industry.
It reads like a novel, with a cast of characters that includes Joseph L. Alioto, the famous San Francisco lawyer famous for his anti-trust work. He has his own problems, and it appears that associating with the Mondavis taints any and all relations.
In the end, the family survives, after much litigation, division, and breakup. Anyone who drinks wine, especially California wine, will enjoy this read. In the capable hands of this particular author, the story never becomes morose or tiresome. It is divided into appropriate timeline sections, relating to the development of the business. The scope of operations, reaching to the famous wine growing regions of France, is truly a story in itself.
I recommend this book as a terrific addition to California history in general and wine making in particular.
Salute!

Meeks Bay Fire District

The mayor's office received a request that the budget of the MB district be closely scrutinized for excessive spending on salaries and benefits. A copy of the 2009/2010 was requested and the numbers will be looked at and analyzed. A report will be made to the citizen who made the request.

Safety Alert
Days are getting shorter and nighttime temps are beginning to approach freezing. Driving habits must adjust to the seasonal changes in road conditions. drive carefully!

FIREWOOD ADVISORY
Residents are stocking up for winter with firewood. Remember: a cord of wood= a tightly stacked load of cut wood that measures 4'X 4' X 8'. This measure is not "nominal". In other words, anything less than these measurements is a "short cord".
Lately, much of the wood sold in the basin, in Truckee, and in South Lake comes from the Valley. Much of it is almond wood that comes from old orchards. Unfortunately, much of the wood is cut short, ie. under 16". The results are a high percentage of pieces that measure less than 16". At 4 feet across, or 3X 16"end to end=48"=4'. It seems it is rare to find a cut piece that actually measures 16". The net result is a high % of smaller pieces in the 12"-14" range. This means that the customer is being shorted 15-25%! This is never balanced by a high % of pieces measuring over 16".
So, use your tape measure, don't accept a"cord" that is short. If you pay $350.+ tax for a full cord-MEASURE IT! If it's short- tell the CHEATER to put it back on the truck or pay them $275+ tax.
A survey and its results will be posted next week. NO SHORT CORDS IN TAHOMA in 2010.

September 11

The Mayor visited San Francisco Saturday morning, at the crack of dawn of a fine late summer day. A slim tongue of fog hovered over the deck of the Bridge and reminded drivers of the oft changing conditions there. While waiting for the appointment time to arrive, a long delayed visit to the Christopher Columbus statue on Telegraph Hill was called for. A few locals were about, dog-walking, strolling, and clicking their cameras as the sun winked above the eastern Contra Costa hills.
We met in front of SFFD Station 28 on Stockton St. The 7am ceremony began promptly, and the crew read the names of the 343 New York City firefighters who died at the World Trade Center collapse. The twin spires of Saints Peter and Paul's were bathed in the early morning sun, reflecting the celestial light on the somber gathering. The guests thanked the men for their effort and an invitation was extended to all to join the crew inside the Station for coffee and-pizza! So Italian.
The chatter covered a variety of topics, including how the SFFD EMS division was changing rapidly, again. The operations model of the last 10 years is being scrapped for the old model of the pre 2000 period. The paramedic present expressed concern that this change is not an improvement, in his opinion.
As the oncoming crew took over duties, the Mayor and his entourage departed for a nice breakfast @ Pat's on Taylor St.(2330 Taylor). The able staff was very pleasant, and the food - comfortable and hearty. The Colonel, out of North Carolina, proclaimed the grits as good as any from the Tar heel State. Bravo Pat!

The Mayor enjoyed leading his group around the neighborhood, commenting on architecture, tree planting varieties, and the overall amenities found in the Lombard St vicinity. It was a good day in North Beach.

The Art of San Francisco

The Mayor and his security chief visited that most democratic City of Cities: San Francisco by the Bay. This day was like most others this summer:cool with a light coat of fog, feinting here and there, teasing tourists with a jacket in one hand and a sweater in the other. Our goal was the MoMA, on 3rd St. We arrived early before the crowds that would certainly be there on this Labor Day weekend. Our mission was to take in the exhibit featuring a sample of the Fisher Collection of Modern Art that was donated to the Museum a few years ago. Originally, a different location was sought in the Presidio. It did not happen for a variety of reasons put forth by opponents. Fortunately, the compromise should work well. The Museum board worked a deal with the FIRE DEPT. to build another station to replace the adjacent structure now occupied by Engine Co. 1. All agreed it is a workable plan. The new structure on Howard St. will house the Fisher Collection.
The Fishers, founders of The Gap stores, began collecting art in earnest in the '70's and 80's. They did not rely on the advice of others, but instead pursued art at a personal level, getting to know art through the artist themselves. An example is found in the work of Alexander Calder. The collection includes many pieces of his mobiles, static and active. Andy Warhol is there with some Marilyn works. It was an enjoyable visit to this high visibility landmark, South of Market. Having passed through the noon hour without a bite, a short walk from the museum, up Mission St. to 5th, brought us to the Old Mint and it's new/old plaza the alley known as Jessie St. since the Civil War. Now paved over with quarried stone, it is home to 4 restaurants and a number of condo building converted from old warehouse and office buildings and the 2 buildings that the SFFD used as Station 1 with its 3 apparatus(engine,truck, and rescue cos.)
We chose the Italian restaurant at what was 54 MInt St. It was owned by the real estate magnate Sam Kalman before he bought the India Basin Buildings south of Townsend in the '70'`s. George Moscone had his campaign HQ's here when he ran for Mayor in'76. THe Old Mint looks the same as she did after the restoration in the late '70's when budget money was found to restore the '06 Quake survivor to landmark status. As a museum, it was not a great draw, and monies were cutoff and she closed a number of years ago. The old Oakwood Hotel on the corner of 5th and Jessie still looks the same:shabby, lived in, and very tired. After a light lunch, we made a bee line for the 4st. garage and headed back to our bayside quarters to enjoy the rest of the weekend. Photos will be posted of the Mayor wrapped up in " modern art".

Weather Changes

This past week saw unseasonably cool weather around the basin. Deck diners were seated inside @ Sunnyside to escape the showers falling on the outdoor seats. But, warmer temps appear to be coming for the last big weekend- Labor day. What used to be the climax of the long summer season is now but a shadow of its former self. Yes, there are crowds, but during the week prior, the numbers of vacationers are way down, almost 'tween season figures. With schools starting earlier and earlier, the summer season is much abbreviated. The windy days had the distinct odor of fall: pine scents punctuated by raindrops and rolling thunder. Don't leave us yet Summer, you were here but briefly!
The Truckee appears to be at a good level for September, with all gates open wide at the outlet. Not many rafters were in evidence, and the holiday may be the last gasp for 2010 for the Blue Fleet.
We are hoping for a good weekend crowd to give our businesses a final boost before the second season begins in November. Lack of visitors at Squaw Valley highlight the difficult conditions for owners and workers alike. Calls for a 2nd Stimulus are not encouraging, and have the opposite effect, underscoring the recession that won't quit.
Fishin' Boats
Spotted two boats with many anglers onboard vic. Meeks Bay. With a slight breeze to ripple the surface, conditons looked good. I'll check my fish guide to see if the moon is right.

Where's Bubba

When local bears make the front page of the WSJ, it's local news. So, we have an article, complete with photos that show bears just want to have fun: driving a red convertible, and swilling a half gallon of pepsi- in broad daylight. This past week, while out and about, it seems everybody was talking about"their" bear experience. Most seemed to include a bear making house calls uninvited. Clearly, we have a problem. What to do? What to do? We all want the humane solution. After early summer's bad outcome bear story in Homewood, nobody wants to duplicate that scenario. The bear boxes are working- too well. The bruins know-from experience- the chow is in the house through1) the door,2) the window, 3) the garage door,4)the cellar door. The nose knows, and they are strong enough to get through any residential obstruction. Now for the defense: air horns, bear spray, pepper spray, other obnoxious odor products. 100% effective? No, but unless you want to start packing artillery, these are the humane alternatives.
If you call the Sheriff, bad things can happen. If you call the Bear League-wait. So, look upon it as a man/animal contact, with rare serious outcomes. Don't leave foodstuffs in garages, vehicles, or on porches and decks. It's a seasonal condition that we can all live with.