When the Mayor visits the City, whether for business or pleasure, the thought is always there that maybe, just maybe, the Sirocco Bakery on Columbus Square is open and has not run out of their only product: foccaccia. For me, foccaccia is comfort food, that term applied to food items that conjure up home, familiar tastes, comforting aromas, and security. While Mom never made foccaccia, Nonna was the expert. Her tried and true recipe was as dependable as a sunrise! She made a few different types, mostly variations on a theme: with or without tomato sauce; plain; or on some special occasions-onion with a dash of her red pepper flakes. All made on a special bread dough, almost like a pastry dough: low rise, soft wheat without much yeast. Ahhhhh, just the thought......
So, while cruising the City, stopping South of Market, my friend, Tom,(Minister of Automotive Engineering) and I found our way to North Beach for some lunch, which brought us to Washington Square which brought us to Sirocco's and as luck would have it, they had about 5 sheets left of their pizza style bread. It was a special dinner at home.
Serendipity all over again
While walking back from lunch at Gigi's "SOTTO MARE" ristorante, Tom spied his old basketball coach, Johnny Duggan, owner of Original Joe's on the corner. While talking in front, he mentioned a class reunion group inside having lunch- the Mayor's class from SI.(didn't get the email). Walking inside in disbelief, there they were, about 35 members of the old gang. They laughed and insinuated that I showed up late so as not to be a paying guest. Ridiculous! After much conversation, Johnny Duggan came over and said there was a group of ladies having lunch and they wanted to talk to the Mayor. So, here was another reunion group-different school. Much laughter and chit-chat. Always a pleasure to reconnect with friends now rarely seen.
The weather had improved and the sun was shining as we headed for the bridge. We were able to give a lift to one of the old boys who regaled us with stories of his east coast cruising adventures on his 49' Grand Banks, a fine offshore boat as there is.
Truckee Report
Talked with my on scene Truckee observer, Jerry, and the word is: it's a little warm, rain but no snow just yet, and then probably at the 7000' and above level.
Web Cam -Homewood
The Explore.com camera is down, must be technical issues.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
The Soviet Ernie Pyle
Who is Ernie Pyle you ask? For an entire generation, the generation that came of age during World War II, parents of the baby boomers, Ernie Pyle was "The" war correspondent that all Americans on the home front followed in newspapers across the country. The beloved little friend of the G.I. was fearless, and escaped death on many occasions as he interviewed soldiers and sailors and airmen on the front lines. He died in combat during the last days of the war in the last battle on the island of Okinawa.
The Soviet army had their version of this remarkable writer: Vassily Grossman, a Russian from the Ukraine who could not meet the standards for a soldier, but used his talent as a writer to chronicle the life of the Russian soldier from the September, 1941 Nazi invasion to the fall of Berlin in April/May, 1945. His columns appeared in the official Russian newspapers throughout the conflict, constantly on the move, following the orders of his editor as the fortunes of war shifted east to west, and north to south. His family was Jewish, and this carried its own issues, especially if he were to be captured by Nazis. His mother, who stayed behind in the city that was captured by Nazis, died in one of the death camps in the Ukraine.
He often moved with the headquarters group, but always took time to speak with the trigger pullers, the 'boots' on the ground. He was able to convey "the ruthless truth of war', the unspeakable horrors; the nerve shattering experience of urban warfare, and the unconsolable grief of the countless civilians caught up in the grand framework of a world war.
As a Russian, he not only had to be wary of Germans, but also he had to be wary of his own comrades-those political commissars who traveled with each unit seeking out traitors, deserters, nay sayers, and anti -Stalinists, of which there were many. On many occasions he was witness to the executions of many found to be one of those types.
He kept many notebooks which his family was able to conceal until after the fall of the Soviet regime in 1989. Although Grossman died in 1964, his family was able to keep most of his books together for eventual examination and publication.
This book manages to fill a void in the Westerners consciousness: that void of knowledge of the actions on the eastern front that began a few months before the attack Pearl Harbor in 1941. Perhaps other books will follow as Russia emerges from her self imposed isolation efforts.
Author/historian Anthony Beevor did a fine job of translating the notebooks and editing the material for publication in the USA. I recommend this history to all readers with an interest in 20 century. It is a significant chapter, long hidden from view, now seeing the light.
Title: A Writer at War; author Vassily Grossman(avail. in paperback on Amazon).
The Soviet army had their version of this remarkable writer: Vassily Grossman, a Russian from the Ukraine who could not meet the standards for a soldier, but used his talent as a writer to chronicle the life of the Russian soldier from the September, 1941 Nazi invasion to the fall of Berlin in April/May, 1945. His columns appeared in the official Russian newspapers throughout the conflict, constantly on the move, following the orders of his editor as the fortunes of war shifted east to west, and north to south. His family was Jewish, and this carried its own issues, especially if he were to be captured by Nazis. His mother, who stayed behind in the city that was captured by Nazis, died in one of the death camps in the Ukraine.
He often moved with the headquarters group, but always took time to speak with the trigger pullers, the 'boots' on the ground. He was able to convey "the ruthless truth of war', the unspeakable horrors; the nerve shattering experience of urban warfare, and the unconsolable grief of the countless civilians caught up in the grand framework of a world war.
As a Russian, he not only had to be wary of Germans, but also he had to be wary of his own comrades-those political commissars who traveled with each unit seeking out traitors, deserters, nay sayers, and anti -Stalinists, of which there were many. On many occasions he was witness to the executions of many found to be one of those types.
He kept many notebooks which his family was able to conceal until after the fall of the Soviet regime in 1989. Although Grossman died in 1964, his family was able to keep most of his books together for eventual examination and publication.
This book manages to fill a void in the Westerners consciousness: that void of knowledge of the actions on the eastern front that began a few months before the attack Pearl Harbor in 1941. Perhaps other books will follow as Russia emerges from her self imposed isolation efforts.
Author/historian Anthony Beevor did a fine job of translating the notebooks and editing the material for publication in the USA. I recommend this history to all readers with an interest in 20 century. It is a significant chapter, long hidden from view, now seeing the light.
Title: A Writer at War; author Vassily Grossman(avail. in paperback on Amazon).
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Book Review: Finding Justice in Perugia
Bruce Fischer followed up his first book(Injustice in Perugia) with a post conviction, post acquittal account of the last 2 years of the ordeal of Raffaele Sollecito and American, Amanda Knox.
He details the various participants in the pre-appeal portion of the "new trial". Under Italian law, the appeal trial is essentially a completely new trial. The major changes include a new jury and a new judge. Unfortunately, the prosecutor was the same:Giuliano Mignini.
Fischer brings together all the relevant evidence presented during the appeal trial. He chronicles how the defense obliterated the prosecution's case, especially the egregius behavior of the State DNA scientist Stefanoni. Not only did she fail to use accepted practice, but she also altered results to confirm prejudicial positions regarding defendants Sollecito and Knox.
Fischer also includes an extensive list of bloggers, friends, and family that supported the efforts of the defense to overturn the conviction of October,2009.
After almost 4 years in prison for a crime they did not commit, Amanda and Raffaele were released to their families in October, 2011. They had lost their innocence; and because of the efforts of families and complete strangers with a sense of justice, the proper outcome prevailed. Sadly, the family of the victim, Meredith Kercher did not regain any sense of relief for the loss of their daughter. Convicted murderer, Rudy Guede had his 30 year sentence reduced to 15 years at the request of prosecutor Mignini. How does this happen: an innocent woman is raped and murdered in brutal fashion and then has his sentence reduced? It underscores the vagaries of the criminal justice system in Italy, and for that matter, the United States. Despite laws and safeguards, outcomes can still defy reason.
This book is well worth the time and effort and is recommended for parents of students traveling abroad and especially those Americans enamored with things Italian. There are obvious flaws in their judicial system. Unfortunately, the many players in the Italian system see no particular need to alter their existing system with all its flawed parts. Was justice done? Eventually, but at great cost to defendants and their families. Four years in prison is a significant portion of the life of a 20 year old.
Perhaps this will move some to call for change. We won't hold our breath.
He details the various participants in the pre-appeal portion of the "new trial". Under Italian law, the appeal trial is essentially a completely new trial. The major changes include a new jury and a new judge. Unfortunately, the prosecutor was the same:Giuliano Mignini.
Fischer brings together all the relevant evidence presented during the appeal trial. He chronicles how the defense obliterated the prosecution's case, especially the egregius behavior of the State DNA scientist Stefanoni. Not only did she fail to use accepted practice, but she also altered results to confirm prejudicial positions regarding defendants Sollecito and Knox.
Fischer also includes an extensive list of bloggers, friends, and family that supported the efforts of the defense to overturn the conviction of October,2009.
After almost 4 years in prison for a crime they did not commit, Amanda and Raffaele were released to their families in October, 2011. They had lost their innocence; and because of the efforts of families and complete strangers with a sense of justice, the proper outcome prevailed. Sadly, the family of the victim, Meredith Kercher did not regain any sense of relief for the loss of their daughter. Convicted murderer, Rudy Guede had his 30 year sentence reduced to 15 years at the request of prosecutor Mignini. How does this happen: an innocent woman is raped and murdered in brutal fashion and then has his sentence reduced? It underscores the vagaries of the criminal justice system in Italy, and for that matter, the United States. Despite laws and safeguards, outcomes can still defy reason.
This book is well worth the time and effort and is recommended for parents of students traveling abroad and especially those Americans enamored with things Italian. There are obvious flaws in their judicial system. Unfortunately, the many players in the Italian system see no particular need to alter their existing system with all its flawed parts. Was justice done? Eventually, but at great cost to defendants and their families. Four years in prison is a significant portion of the life of a 20 year old.
Perhaps this will move some to call for change. We won't hold our breath.
Muir Beach- Autumn Delight
Went to the Marin Coast yesterday on a classic California day: bright, sunny, and warm with clear skies throughout the Bay Area. The Minister of Industrial Production joined the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor for a visit to the Zen Center at Green Gulch Farm. We had a nice lunch in the garden(roast turkey sandwiches on sourdough bread) with some lively conversation. Our group included the Minister of Mining and Metallurgical Sciences.
From the farm, we walked to the sandy beach which was very busy, even at 4pm. Hundreds of City dwellers were taking advantage of the unseasonable weather. There were swimmers in the surf, enjoying a November plunge in the 59 degree water. No sharks were sighted; although I was assured that they are there, always!
Bonfires were burning and folks had hot dogs on a stick and marshmallows on fire. Dogs were running about, but were being agreeable. As the sun set over the far horizon, it was time to go. As we reached the farm, the temperature had already dropped several degrees, the normal pattern of diurnal conditions. We said our goodbyes, and drove over the hill, back to Bayside Marin County.
The weekend is half over, and the sun is still shining. What a great time to be in California! We conversed with the Minister of Latin American Affairs in Wash.,DC, and he expressed extreme jealousy over our coastal adventure. Too bad for you!
If you are on the slopes, you're enjoying a bit more of sunny California!
From the farm, we walked to the sandy beach which was very busy, even at 4pm. Hundreds of City dwellers were taking advantage of the unseasonable weather. There were swimmers in the surf, enjoying a November plunge in the 59 degree water. No sharks were sighted; although I was assured that they are there, always!
Bonfires were burning and folks had hot dogs on a stick and marshmallows on fire. Dogs were running about, but were being agreeable. As the sun set over the far horizon, it was time to go. As we reached the farm, the temperature had already dropped several degrees, the normal pattern of diurnal conditions. We said our goodbyes, and drove over the hill, back to Bayside Marin County.
The weekend is half over, and the sun is still shining. What a great time to be in California! We conversed with the Minister of Latin American Affairs in Wash.,DC, and he expressed extreme jealousy over our coastal adventure. Too bad for you!
If you are on the slopes, you're enjoying a bit more of sunny California!
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Book Review: Injustice in Perugia
Perugia is a city in central Italy, a city of approximately 160,000 citizens, including about 40,000 students of various types, most of whom attend a variety of universities. One of its most famous is the Universita Stranieri or University for Foreigners. An odd name, but makes sense to Italians. For many years, especially beginning with the post war era, many American college students came to Perugia to spend a 'year abroad'. Most often, these undergrads were leaving home for the first time, a time to learn how to function on their own. Most parents smile, kiss their offspring, and hope they don't get "that phone call" at 6am.
In early November 2007, the Knox family of Seattle,Washington got that call from their 20 year daughter, Amanda, who was living in Perugia while attending Univ. Stranieri. With that call, the beginning of a 4 year nightmare unfolded, entangling British, American, and Italian families in a legal entanglement worthy of Kafka.
Author Bruce Fischer, an American, took an interest in the case along with a number of legal experts, writers, scientists, and law enforcement professionals. After extensive reading and following the verdict, he and others decided that something must be done to reverse this miscarriage of justice-Injustice!
Bare essentials of the case
Amanda lived in a small cottage with 3 other young women like herself. One of the 3, Meredith Kercher, was a Brit. Her family lives in Leeds,UK. On the night of 2 November 2007, a burglar broke into the cottage looking for cash and other valuables. No one was home at the time, but Meredith arrived shortly afterward, surprising the man in the act. Within minutes, he assaulted the young woman, murdering her using a large knife. He then made minimal efforts to clean himself up and left the scene. That was the first crime related to these young women. The second began the following day when Amanda returned home with her boyfriend, Raffaele, and realized something was amiss. They called the police which began the 2nd crime: the framing and convicting of 2 innocent students for a crime they clearly did not commit.
Amanda and Raffaele spent nearly 4 years in prison, even though the actual murderer, Rudy Guede, had also been convicted and sentenced to 30 years for the crime!
Fischer's first book explains the details of the investigation by Italian police, their inept attempt to gather evidence, and the incompetence and corrupt behavior of Italian authorities including the prosecutor Giuliano Mignini, the judge Massei, and the lab technician and DNA "expert" Stefanoni.
Fischer assembles the facts from a broadside of flak and chaff put out/leaked to the media by Mignini. With the help of other professionals, he laid the groundwork for an effective appeal. The appeal was successful, and Amanda and Raffaele were set free in October,2011, after 4 years in prison.
More to follow in his 2nd book: Finding Justice in Perugia
In early November 2007, the Knox family of Seattle,Washington got that call from their 20 year daughter, Amanda, who was living in Perugia while attending Univ. Stranieri. With that call, the beginning of a 4 year nightmare unfolded, entangling British, American, and Italian families in a legal entanglement worthy of Kafka.
Author Bruce Fischer, an American, took an interest in the case along with a number of legal experts, writers, scientists, and law enforcement professionals. After extensive reading and following the verdict, he and others decided that something must be done to reverse this miscarriage of justice-Injustice!
Bare essentials of the case
Amanda lived in a small cottage with 3 other young women like herself. One of the 3, Meredith Kercher, was a Brit. Her family lives in Leeds,UK. On the night of 2 November 2007, a burglar broke into the cottage looking for cash and other valuables. No one was home at the time, but Meredith arrived shortly afterward, surprising the man in the act. Within minutes, he assaulted the young woman, murdering her using a large knife. He then made minimal efforts to clean himself up and left the scene. That was the first crime related to these young women. The second began the following day when Amanda returned home with her boyfriend, Raffaele, and realized something was amiss. They called the police which began the 2nd crime: the framing and convicting of 2 innocent students for a crime they clearly did not commit.
Amanda and Raffaele spent nearly 4 years in prison, even though the actual murderer, Rudy Guede, had also been convicted and sentenced to 30 years for the crime!
Fischer's first book explains the details of the investigation by Italian police, their inept attempt to gather evidence, and the incompetence and corrupt behavior of Italian authorities including the prosecutor Giuliano Mignini, the judge Massei, and the lab technician and DNA "expert" Stefanoni.
Fischer assembles the facts from a broadside of flak and chaff put out/leaked to the media by Mignini. With the help of other professionals, he laid the groundwork for an effective appeal. The appeal was successful, and Amanda and Raffaele were set free in October,2011, after 4 years in prison.
More to follow in his 2nd book: Finding Justice in Perugia
Monday, November 19, 2012
Fire Prevention: The Fee
CALFIRE, the state agency that provides statewide fire protection, petitioned the legislature to provide additional funding for fire prevention activities. The Legislature, in its infinite wisdom, decided that adding an additional tax would not look so good, especially to those already paying high income taxes. The result: a new "fee" for all real estate owners who benefit from the CalFire services. Who might they be?
According to the criteria of CalFire, if a property is located in an unincorporated area(non-city), it could, at some time, require the services of CalFire. The agency then came up with a figure for each parcel that would pay for "prevention services". Prevention services are those that include maintenance of firefighting resources, forest clearing and reforestation, access roads, seasonal manning levels, creating urban interface protective zones to thwart the spread of wildfires.
This fee is assessed on only a small percentage of state property owners, about 830,000 properties statewide. Most of these, as you might expect, are located in rural areas, far from the urban centers. The owners are often those elderly who have stayed on the land where they were born and raised. Others are part of the state's agricultural production segment: those farmers and ranchers who work the land. Many of these property owners already pay parcel taxes to fund various local programs(upgrades of old fire hydrants and water tanks, schools, parks,etc). This fee, in the amount of $150, is one more attempt of the state to impose a tax by calling it a FEE! It is being challenged by legal action for what it is: A TAX!
It is expected to raise $82,500,000. annually to fund FIRE PREVENTION activities as described. Will this afford better service? Or more units? Or more firefighters? No, it is for prevention services only to be distributed by CalFire as it sees fit.
Will you have to pay if your property is located in a fire district that already receives local funding? Yes, you will be billed and the State Board Of Equalization is the collector of the fee. If you don't promptly pay, a lien will be placed on the property which creates an issue if a loan exists, a sale is imminent or proposed, and fines will be added for delay in payment.
The long reach of the STATE.
A Protest is in order as the state imposes this fee when unemployment remains above 10%, the country continues to stagnate, and California already imposes high income taxes.
Stay tuned.
According to the criteria of CalFire, if a property is located in an unincorporated area(non-city), it could, at some time, require the services of CalFire. The agency then came up with a figure for each parcel that would pay for "prevention services". Prevention services are those that include maintenance of firefighting resources, forest clearing and reforestation, access roads, seasonal manning levels, creating urban interface protective zones to thwart the spread of wildfires.
This fee is assessed on only a small percentage of state property owners, about 830,000 properties statewide. Most of these, as you might expect, are located in rural areas, far from the urban centers. The owners are often those elderly who have stayed on the land where they were born and raised. Others are part of the state's agricultural production segment: those farmers and ranchers who work the land. Many of these property owners already pay parcel taxes to fund various local programs(upgrades of old fire hydrants and water tanks, schools, parks,etc). This fee, in the amount of $150, is one more attempt of the state to impose a tax by calling it a FEE! It is being challenged by legal action for what it is: A TAX!
It is expected to raise $82,500,000. annually to fund FIRE PREVENTION activities as described. Will this afford better service? Or more units? Or more firefighters? No, it is for prevention services only to be distributed by CalFire as it sees fit.
Will you have to pay if your property is located in a fire district that already receives local funding? Yes, you will be billed and the State Board Of Equalization is the collector of the fee. If you don't promptly pay, a lien will be placed on the property which creates an issue if a loan exists, a sale is imminent or proposed, and fines will be added for delay in payment.
The long reach of the STATE.
A Protest is in order as the state imposes this fee when unemployment remains above 10%, the country continues to stagnate, and California already imposes high income taxes.
Stay tuned.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
West Shore Publicity
Travel writers love to rhapsodize about Lake Tahoe. Most articles include a panoramic photo of our gorgeous alpine lake with its encircling, snow-capped mountains. It's hard to improve on the image. The latest edition of Scene magazine, a slick in Marin County,CA, includes a look at Tahoe and some lesser known locales in the vicinity.
The writer, Bonnie Wach, extolls the virtues of some likely suspects: Genoa(in Nevada); Truckee; and our own West Shore. She highlights Homewood(skihomewood.com); Granlibakken and its conference center; and last, but not least, Sugar Pine Point State Park, Tahoma's most famous neighbor. With its gorgeous lake front area and trails and paths, the park also includes one of the nicest camp grounds in the state, affording basic comforts to all guests who might enjoy a relaxing stay amongst the sugar pines of the Tahoe basin.
The attached photos include winter scenes, emphasizing the seasonal changes that influence visitors to the lake.
Always nice to read current articles about the Tahoma area.
The writer, Bonnie Wach, extolls the virtues of some likely suspects: Genoa(in Nevada); Truckee; and our own West Shore. She highlights Homewood(skihomewood.com); Granlibakken and its conference center; and last, but not least, Sugar Pine Point State Park, Tahoma's most famous neighbor. With its gorgeous lake front area and trails and paths, the park also includes one of the nicest camp grounds in the state, affording basic comforts to all guests who might enjoy a relaxing stay amongst the sugar pines of the Tahoe basin.
The attached photos include winter scenes, emphasizing the seasonal changes that influence visitors to the lake.
Always nice to read current articles about the Tahoma area.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Low Speed Chase- the Story
Sadly, the panel that investigated the incident at the Farallone Islands that took the lives of 5 yachtsmen concluded that the cause involved poor seamanship and a failure to steer clear of obvious hazards. In other words, the captain made a decision that put his boat and crew in unnecessary danger that cost 5 of 8 lives. The decision came on Nov. 1 after 6 months of examining details and facts surrounding the unfortunate event.
I have personally sailed/cruised close by the Farallones on 8 different occasions. I found their stark beauty to be interesting, but not attractive. Treeless, windswept, and surrounded by shifting currents and unrelenting wave action that is a constant threat to ships in the area, they have remained uninhabited. For years, commercial abalone dives frequented the islands in search of the large mollusk. For the most part, this activity has been abandoned because of the overlap of abalone season and the arrival of the great white sharks in numbers. Scuba divers also went there to explore the kelp forests and to enjoy excellent visibility to 100+ feet or more. But again, great white sharks kept them away. Growing up in the Sunset district of the City, the Farallones were the standard to measure a nice day on the coast: if one could see their rocky peaks, 22 miles off, it was a nice day!
Scientists and biologists have taken up the study of marine life in the vicinity and have been regular temporary residents for over 20 years. Few stay more than the minimum required for obvious reasons: damp, cold, windy, foggy days with a beat of pounding surf. They have made contributions to the knowledge body on great whites and pinnipeds found on the islands. Sailors and yachtsmen,too, are familiar with them, although few venture west, beyond their shores. Racing Bay sailors know the route out and around the rocks, and many have made the race an annual event.
The crew of Low Spped Chase that day had both novices and veterans and the captain was a veteran sailor/yachtsman. Why did he choose the less safe passage around the island? It was not dead calm and heavy swells were easily seen. He took a calculated risk: he could pass through the narrow opening, make the turn, and head home without incident. According to a friend who regularly fishes in the area, there is a seamount on the west side of the passage, just below the surface. Here one can find breaking waves in an otherwise calm sea. On that day, April 14, 2012, the boat ran out of luck and 5 lives were lost.
Survivors speculated that IF they had snapped in(tethered to the boat), the outcome would have been different. We'll never know.
I have personally sailed/cruised close by the Farallones on 8 different occasions. I found their stark beauty to be interesting, but not attractive. Treeless, windswept, and surrounded by shifting currents and unrelenting wave action that is a constant threat to ships in the area, they have remained uninhabited. For years, commercial abalone dives frequented the islands in search of the large mollusk. For the most part, this activity has been abandoned because of the overlap of abalone season and the arrival of the great white sharks in numbers. Scuba divers also went there to explore the kelp forests and to enjoy excellent visibility to 100+ feet or more. But again, great white sharks kept them away. Growing up in the Sunset district of the City, the Farallones were the standard to measure a nice day on the coast: if one could see their rocky peaks, 22 miles off, it was a nice day!
Scientists and biologists have taken up the study of marine life in the vicinity and have been regular temporary residents for over 20 years. Few stay more than the minimum required for obvious reasons: damp, cold, windy, foggy days with a beat of pounding surf. They have made contributions to the knowledge body on great whites and pinnipeds found on the islands. Sailors and yachtsmen,too, are familiar with them, although few venture west, beyond their shores. Racing Bay sailors know the route out and around the rocks, and many have made the race an annual event.
The crew of Low Spped Chase that day had both novices and veterans and the captain was a veteran sailor/yachtsman. Why did he choose the less safe passage around the island? It was not dead calm and heavy swells were easily seen. He took a calculated risk: he could pass through the narrow opening, make the turn, and head home without incident. According to a friend who regularly fishes in the area, there is a seamount on the west side of the passage, just below the surface. Here one can find breaking waves in an otherwise calm sea. On that day, April 14, 2012, the boat ran out of luck and 5 lives were lost.
Survivors speculated that IF they had snapped in(tethered to the boat), the outcome would have been different. We'll never know.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Low Speed Chase -the Tragedy
When traveling, no matter the time frame, be it a day, a week, or longer, one can count on missing local news of any type. Most of the news is everyday stuff, not very memorable and hardly repeated. But, this past April, a local tragedy occurred that will affect many locals forever and most of us quite a bit. This was the tragic result of an incident that involved a sailboat and its crew during a race around the Farallon Islands off the coast of San Francisco Bay. Two articles were written recently in Marin magazine that caught the eye of this reader. I will condense the information that the writer included in the article. The story was well researched and the 3 survivors were able to add details. The crewmen were the only witnesses since the boat was actually west of the islands when the tragedy occurred.
Details will follow soon.
Low Speed Chase was the name of the 38 foot sloop involved.
Details will follow soon.
Low Speed Chase was the name of the 38 foot sloop involved.
Steinbeck Country-Autumn
The Mayor and his staff drove back to the Bay Area on the way to Tahoma Monday morning- a glorious day, the 3rd day of record setting high temperatures for early November. Driving Highway 101 without lots of traffic is a pleasure; a real treat, really. Like the old days(?). With Highway 5 taking the majority of north and south bound traffic, 101 is almost for locals.
After leaving Paso Robles, the driver makes his way north until he reaches the headwaters/drainage area of the Salinas River. Mostly dry now, but out in the middle, water flows north. In the southern end, on both sides of the valley, grapes/vineyards have taken over, with more vines going in. These are large parcels, not the postage stamp holdings of Napa and Sonoma counties. The vines stretch from river to foothills, neatly laid out in measured rows. Very few structures interrupt the landscape, indicating sizable commercial investment.
By the time one reaches King City, or half way, the land gives over to row crops. Yellow onions were laid out, drying a little before being bagged for shipping all over the USA. Late season greens of several types were being harvested, with field hands, the the aid of mechanical conveyors, were ste about their work in the hot sun. Most of the fields had been disked, leveled, and put to rows and beds, waiting for planting.
Between King City and Salinas, the valley broadens and the river widens, until one crosses the last wide bridge at Salinas and the river traverses the last few miles to the coast and Monterey Bay. One cannot cross this valley without thinking of SteinbecK and his "Grapes of Wrath"; or "East of Eden"; or "The Red Pony". I always do, and I enjoy the thought(s). I should read him again. I do have a recent publication of his letters.
One of his last efforts was a stint as a war correspondent in Vietnam in 1967-68. He actually went with his wife and spent several months writing columns for a Long Island newspaper. His columns were not meant to be political, but records of his observations and opinions. He died shortly after his return from Southeast Asia in 1968. Interesting final chapter to a life well lived.
Mayor Reelected
No, not the Mayor of Tahoma. He's mayor for life, part of the charter. Some mayors, somewhere were elected, lots of governors, senators(33), representatives(30+), state representatives, etc. Now, it's back to business.
Hope your candidate won, again.
After leaving Paso Robles, the driver makes his way north until he reaches the headwaters/drainage area of the Salinas River. Mostly dry now, but out in the middle, water flows north. In the southern end, on both sides of the valley, grapes/vineyards have taken over, with more vines going in. These are large parcels, not the postage stamp holdings of Napa and Sonoma counties. The vines stretch from river to foothills, neatly laid out in measured rows. Very few structures interrupt the landscape, indicating sizable commercial investment.
By the time one reaches King City, or half way, the land gives over to row crops. Yellow onions were laid out, drying a little before being bagged for shipping all over the USA. Late season greens of several types were being harvested, with field hands, the the aid of mechanical conveyors, were ste about their work in the hot sun. Most of the fields had been disked, leveled, and put to rows and beds, waiting for planting.
Between King City and Salinas, the valley broadens and the river widens, until one crosses the last wide bridge at Salinas and the river traverses the last few miles to the coast and Monterey Bay. One cannot cross this valley without thinking of SteinbecK and his "Grapes of Wrath"; or "East of Eden"; or "The Red Pony". I always do, and I enjoy the thought(s). I should read him again. I do have a recent publication of his letters.
One of his last efforts was a stint as a war correspondent in Vietnam in 1967-68. He actually went with his wife and spent several months writing columns for a Long Island newspaper. His columns were not meant to be political, but records of his observations and opinions. He died shortly after his return from Southeast Asia in 1968. Interesting final chapter to a life well lived.
Mayor Reelected
No, not the Mayor of Tahoma. He's mayor for life, part of the charter. Some mayors, somewhere were elected, lots of governors, senators(33), representatives(30+), state representatives, etc. Now, it's back to business.
Hope your candidate won, again.
Your President, Again
Well, he did it again. Now, no more campaigning(on his own behalf). He'll get right back to business. And he should; the fiscal cliff looms over the White House as the due date lurks around the corner. It will take some doing, but faced with some serious blowback from his base in addition to the dinosaurs across the aisle, he'll get the job done.
The big surprise for us Tahomans was the passage of Prop 30, Jerry Brown's Save Our Schools initiative. He took the chance that he could scare enough voters into raising taxes across the board to bail out the state after the Dems in the legislature spent beyond their means. So now, and for the next 4-5 years, we'll all be paying 1/4% more on state sales tax amounts, and more income taxes, especially those pesky professional athletes who bank millions for chasing balls, throwing balls, kicking balls, shooting pucks, etc.
You and me, we won't be paying too much more income taxes. Poor Chief Pang at Meeks Bay Fire District, he'll definitely be paying more income taxes on his astronomical salary of $240,000(+). Oh, well. He can afford to pay more. But wait. Don't our property taxes pay his salary? Maybe we should pay him less, then , he wouldn't have to pay more. That's another issue.
MARIJUANA SHOWDOWN IN COLORADO AND WASHINGTON
Voters in these two states passed laws making RECREATIONAL use of marijuana legal. Yes, LEGAL. Folks agree: it doesn't make good sense to incarcerate an individual for puffing a little weed. Especially when it's legal to drink yourself silly with all the booze one can consume, no matter the outcome. How much does alcohol abuse cost the citizens/culture/society? More than the slight effect of some weed. However, the big,bad Federal Gov has a stake in this fight. Attorneys General will be meeting with AG Eric Holder this week to discuss tactics and where they can go with this new situation. Now that Obama will be here for 4 more big ones, who knows? He might tell his hitman to back off. We'll all know soon enough.
Thanksgiving Around the Corner
Will we be skiing on the holiday weekend? Certainly, limited runs will be open. All resorts/areas have snowmaking-equipment, and with the base, more will be made. A small system may bring a little more over the next few days, and temps will drop. Get ready for winter.
The big surprise for us Tahomans was the passage of Prop 30, Jerry Brown's Save Our Schools initiative. He took the chance that he could scare enough voters into raising taxes across the board to bail out the state after the Dems in the legislature spent beyond their means. So now, and for the next 4-5 years, we'll all be paying 1/4% more on state sales tax amounts, and more income taxes, especially those pesky professional athletes who bank millions for chasing balls, throwing balls, kicking balls, shooting pucks, etc.
You and me, we won't be paying too much more income taxes. Poor Chief Pang at Meeks Bay Fire District, he'll definitely be paying more income taxes on his astronomical salary of $240,000(+). Oh, well. He can afford to pay more. But wait. Don't our property taxes pay his salary? Maybe we should pay him less, then , he wouldn't have to pay more. That's another issue.
MARIJUANA SHOWDOWN IN COLORADO AND WASHINGTON
Voters in these two states passed laws making RECREATIONAL use of marijuana legal. Yes, LEGAL. Folks agree: it doesn't make good sense to incarcerate an individual for puffing a little weed. Especially when it's legal to drink yourself silly with all the booze one can consume, no matter the outcome. How much does alcohol abuse cost the citizens/culture/society? More than the slight effect of some weed. However, the big,bad Federal Gov has a stake in this fight. Attorneys General will be meeting with AG Eric Holder this week to discuss tactics and where they can go with this new situation. Now that Obama will be here for 4 more big ones, who knows? He might tell his hitman to back off. We'll all know soon enough.
Thanksgiving Around the Corner
Will we be skiing on the holiday weekend? Certainly, limited runs will be open. All resorts/areas have snowmaking-equipment, and with the base, more will be made. A small system may bring a little more over the next few days, and temps will drop. Get ready for winter.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Night Flight California
The West has been enjoying incredible weather the last few days: record high temps for early November. A high pressure zone has parked itself over the coast with its offshore breezes. Beach towns have been basking in warm sunshine for days.
The Mayor and his deputy drove down the coast to San Luis Obispo for a conference on agriculture and to examine some farming equipment. The Minister of Industrial Production was to be there with the Minister of Industrial Commodities and Metals. They would be driving from Long Beach to the conference. The Minister of Aviation and Flight suggested he fly south and pick them up to prevent fatigue. Done! We took off from SLO airport about 4:15pm and landed at Long Beach airport at 5:20pm. We loaded the 2 passengers and lifted off at 5:45pm. We touched down in SLO at 6;45pm.
It was well worth the price of gas. A beautiful sunset was observed as we cruised past the Channel Islands: Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Anacapa. The Santa Barbara channel was easily seen with its 11 offshore oil rigs all lit up. We cruised at 5500' going and 8500' coming back at a speed of about 175kts or 195mph. Both flights were smooth as ever.
Our passengers were new to private plane transport but thoroughly enjoyed the experience, including the return trip Sunday night. When folks fly commercial jets at night, it rarely includes much of a view of the night landscape except on take off and landing. The rest of the trip at 30-35000' is too high for night vision to be meaningful. But in a small plane(4 pass.) prop, it's a different experience entirely: landmarks are identified, traffic on roads observed, other aircraft observed readily and the appreciation of geography is acute. As an example of observation, we flew right over Los Angeles International airport. There is a special rules corridor right over the center to allow air traffic the safe route north-south without disturbing LAX operations. So all on board were able to get a bird's eye view of the entire airport.
This mode of travel helps the casual observer get an understanding as to how places relate to one another; the classic definition of geography. Needless to say, flying over Southern California is a treat in a small private plane at 5500'.
Latin American Update
The Minister of LAtin American Affairs returned to Washington, DC, on Sunday with some health issues. He picked up a bug, as yet unidentified during his trip to Lima, Peru. The lab report will be out today or tomorrow with results. We hope he'll be on the mend pronto. His post confernce report will be submitted to the office by next week.
The Mayor and his deputy drove down the coast to San Luis Obispo for a conference on agriculture and to examine some farming equipment. The Minister of Industrial Production was to be there with the Minister of Industrial Commodities and Metals. They would be driving from Long Beach to the conference. The Minister of Aviation and Flight suggested he fly south and pick them up to prevent fatigue. Done! We took off from SLO airport about 4:15pm and landed at Long Beach airport at 5:20pm. We loaded the 2 passengers and lifted off at 5:45pm. We touched down in SLO at 6;45pm.
It was well worth the price of gas. A beautiful sunset was observed as we cruised past the Channel Islands: Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Anacapa. The Santa Barbara channel was easily seen with its 11 offshore oil rigs all lit up. We cruised at 5500' going and 8500' coming back at a speed of about 175kts or 195mph. Both flights were smooth as ever.
Our passengers were new to private plane transport but thoroughly enjoyed the experience, including the return trip Sunday night. When folks fly commercial jets at night, it rarely includes much of a view of the night landscape except on take off and landing. The rest of the trip at 30-35000' is too high for night vision to be meaningful. But in a small plane(4 pass.) prop, it's a different experience entirely: landmarks are identified, traffic on roads observed, other aircraft observed readily and the appreciation of geography is acute. As an example of observation, we flew right over Los Angeles International airport. There is a special rules corridor right over the center to allow air traffic the safe route north-south without disturbing LAX operations. So all on board were able to get a bird's eye view of the entire airport.
This mode of travel helps the casual observer get an understanding as to how places relate to one another; the classic definition of geography. Needless to say, flying over Southern California is a treat in a small private plane at 5500'.
Latin American Update
The Minister of LAtin American Affairs returned to Washington, DC, on Sunday with some health issues. He picked up a bug, as yet unidentified during his trip to Lima, Peru. The lab report will be out today or tomorrow with results. We hope he'll be on the mend pronto. His post confernce report will be submitted to the office by next week.
Election Day 2012
Now's the time to put your vote where your mouth is. In other words: GO VOTE!!!!!!!
NO EXCUSES!
It is especially important here in Tahoma, California. Especially Props. 30 and 38. Both involve significant TAX INCREASES. SO, vote NO on Prop. 30 and 38.
Mail in Ballots will not count if mailed today. Again, mail-in ballots will not count if mailed today. You must hand deliver them to the polling station to be counted. Rules are that ballots must be delivered BY TODAY. Get it?
So, after what seems like forever, the day of reckoning is here for all those candidates. Two of them must be exhausted: Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney. Within hours, there will be jubilation in one camp, and sadness in the other. Which will be which?
Stay tuned.
NO EXCUSES!
It is especially important here in Tahoma, California. Especially Props. 30 and 38. Both involve significant TAX INCREASES. SO, vote NO on Prop. 30 and 38.
Mail in Ballots will not count if mailed today. Again, mail-in ballots will not count if mailed today. You must hand deliver them to the polling station to be counted. Rules are that ballots must be delivered BY TODAY. Get it?
So, after what seems like forever, the day of reckoning is here for all those candidates. Two of them must be exhausted: Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney. Within hours, there will be jubilation in one camp, and sadness in the other. Which will be which?
Stay tuned.
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