Smoke in the Basin

     The RIM Fire near Yosemite is now at about 300 sq. miles.  Winds have carried considerable smoke and other particulates into the lake basin.  Health officials advise staying indoors, especially in South Lake.  Containment is still a long way off.
      Not the best situation, but at least its not threatening local homes and structures.  CalFire has over 3300 men and women working the fire.  Hardly enough to put up a line somewhere.  Such is life in the West during the long hot summer.
    Lots of road and lake events in September: marathon, bike races, paddle board races.  Keep your eyes on the road at all times, thank you.

Obama and His Joint Chiefs
     Seems the commentary on Syria is reaching new levels.  The Pres is getting ready for something, nobody knows what at this point.  Every step has drawbacks with little reward for the effort.  Maybe he'll come up with something.  Doubtful,though.

Bay Bridge Closed
  Yep, the span that funnels thousands into SF is closed until 5am Tuesday.  Until then, madness on the highways around the bay.

Latin American Update

    Our Minister on the ground in Sud America reported a meeting this week with the representative of the president of Paraguay a few weeks ago.  The official is the minister of information in the office of the president.   The minister reported that Paraguay's president is intent on staying abreast with all cyber security issues, especially at the national government level.  Mr. Vasquez seems to be a fine representative, current on all issues.
     Our minister will be in contact with representatives of President Rousseff when he arrives in Brazil next week.
     We'll keep you posted.

Rim Fire: Yosemite

      The large Sierra wild fire has surpassed 250 sq. miles, larger than the city of Chicago.   Cal Fire claims that the fire is 20% controlled.  Weather continues to be a problem- hot, dry conditions continue to persist, making containment difficult.  Fortunately, injuries have been minor and structures lost and damaged have been minimal.
It is the largest fire in California in many years.  It will have economic consequences for years to come.
      Perhaps they will laud the Legislatures prescience in passing Cal Fire fees on rural property owners: $170 millions in the last 13 months.  Will it help at the Rim Fire?  Too late for that, my friend.   Yes, the funds are ear marked for fire prevention, not fire fighting.  That's different, isn't it?
More later.

War Drums- the Beat Goes On

       We've heard them before, these drums.   Now they are electronic, heard through the various media: TV, of course, but also the internet, the radio, the satellite TV, Sirius Radio, and all the others.
Pres. Obama is meeting with all his advisors, his ambassadors are on the move.  Coalitions are being formed; plans are being updated; timetables are being adjusted.
      It seems the formulae are predictable these days; they follow a similar pattern: verbal sparring, accusation and denial; more warnings, more failures to heed them; and now the final stage: action on the part of the accuser(s).
      Next will be the pictures sent around the world:  buildings burning, civilians running for their lives; defiant dictators gesturing wildly from an unknown location.  Missing from the picture, past and present are those of the nearest neighbors: members of the Arab League.  Why are they not outraged to the point of action?  Perhaps they've learned that eventually, the western powers will depart the 'hood, and they'll have to live with the leftovers.  Not a pleasant thought.
     Who will bear the burden?  Maybe Obama will spread the wealth, but look for the usual cast of characters: France, England, USA, Germany, and maybe Italy, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, and Greece.  Then,too, perhaps Japan and Korea will send help.  Maybe the Philippine Is. will join.  Actual participants are always a blind guess.
     Will manned aircraft be used?  Not if the Defense Dept. decides it's not worth the risk; not after a few incidents in Iraq and Afghanistan.   Armed drones and cruise missiles will be the vehicles of choice.  As they should be.   The life of a downed pilot is not worth 2 cents in this neck of the woods.
Good luck Obama.  Syria is but an Iranian client, in case one is wondering.

Book Review: II- The Monster of Florence

       Italy's legal system differs from that of America.  Despite codified rights of the accused, other provisions clearly tip the balance of power to the state.  From the time of the beginning of the investigation into an alleged criminal act until the alleged perpetrator is formally charged, considerable time may have elapsed while the accused can languish in a state prison, possibly in solitary confinement, depending on the judge/ prosecutor.   The entire procedure is bereft of any inclination to a "speedy" trial.   Apparently, in Italian courts, time is of little consequence.   The poor accused can barely communicate with hired lawyers trying to arrange a defense.
      These conditions hardly do justice to the rights of the accused which are, in general, poorly administered.   All factors contributed to the ridiculous lengths that the processes were taken to over the course of almost 20 years.
     Over the last few years of active proceedings, author Mario Spezi was arrested and accused of being an accessory to an alleged cover up of some of the original crimes in some hare-brained scheme fabricated by a known ranter, a Ms. Carlizzi.  Author Preston was arrested and advised by the prosecuter, Giuliano Mignini, from Perugia, to leave the country or face a long pretrial incarceration.  He took the advice, and left the country with his family. 
    Once on American soil, he organized an international protest that worked to free Spezi and embarass the Italian courts and the Italian press.  While these proceedings were in progress, Prosecutor Mignini filed murder charges against American college student, Amanda Knox, whose English roommate was murdered by a 21 year old African from the Ivory Coast.(He was later convicted).  Amanda and her boyfriend, Raffaele Sollecito were also convicted, but they were released on appeal after spending four years behind bars.
     Mignini used the same tactics in Florence as he did in Perugia: make outlandish claims, leak details to the press and pressure all contrary witnesses to flee the scene.  Mignini was later charged and convicted for obstruction of justice and abuse of office.  His 16 month sentence is being served under outside supervision.
      Only today Aug. 25,2013, Amanda Knox, from her home in Seattle, Washington, announced she will not return to Italy to undergo yet another trial for the crime which she did not commit and was acquitted of on appeal by the Italian courts.
    The Monster of Florence was never captured; and despite an open file, police have discontinued an active investigation.
   I would recommend this book for those interested in mysteries-unsolved.   Perhaps if the Italian police were not so inept, not so interested in maintaining "face" at all costs; not so rigid in their system as it relates to human rights and the rights of the accused, maybe the crimes would have been
solved.   Perhaps not.  

Book Review: "The Monster of Florence"- a mystery

      Murder mysteries are a popular form of modern fiction.  Skillful writers can draw in readers with setting, character(s), mood, and time frame.   True stories can often instill disbelief  when facts become surreal, outside of normal experience.
      Journalists Douglas Preston, American, and Mario Spezi, an Italian, have done a fine job consolidating the facts of an as yet unsolved case involving a serial killer who stalked the fringes of the iconic Italian city of Florence.   This story has multiple facets, not the least the number of innocent victims: young couples without apparent awareness of the killer's intentions.
      The case began in 1968 with a murder of 2 individuals near Florence.  Then, at various intervals, the same type of crime would be committed by an individual a few years later, adding up to at least 7 criminal acts, all with the same MO.   The crimes were all committed with the same .22cal Beretta pistol, as confirmed by lab analysis.  The last murders occurred in 1985 that were attributed to this serial killer.
      Successive investigations by Italian authorities failed to identify conclusively who was the perpetrator of these horrific crimes that spread fear throughout Tuscany and nearby provinces.  The journalists pursued their craft, the two sharing information and compiling notes to assist in piecing together all the details.   Over time, it became apparent that competing police organizations were unable to cooperate, and the judiciary did not make matters any easier.  People were arrested, tried in court, convicted, and then released on appeal after evidence and testimony were found to be false, without any truth at all, or mere rantings of false witnesses.
More later.

Latin America Update

       The Minister of Latin American Affairs is in Montevideo, Uruguay for a meeting with government officials.  The meeting concerns cyber-security issues possibly related to a recent U.S. court ruling in favor of plaintiffs suing the government of Argentina over bond payments to US holders of those bonds that Argentina defaulted on in 2001.   The court ruled Argentina must pay all holders equally, not just those who negotiated reduced payments in 2005-6.
       Coming on the heels of his trip to Paraguay 2 weeks ago, our Minister is definitely a man on the go.    Later this week he will be in Brasilia, capitol city of Brazil; and will engage in discussions related to his work in the two other countries.  Lots happening down south, especially now that investors have withdrawn investments in Brazil's booming economy.  The devaluation of the currency against the dollar has caused concerns in financial markets, not the least because of the upcoming Olympic Games and the soccer World Cup Tournament.  Urban unrest in Brazil has also given investors pause with future plans in South America's largest country and largest economy.
Updates will be posted as information arrives in the mayor's office.

Yosemite Fire, etc.

          Sadly, a raging wild fire is moving south through the Sierra and has entered the boundaries of Yosemite Nat. Park.  Approx. 126,000 acres of mixed forest has been affected.   Currently, about 3,000 firefighters are on the lines, in the vicinity of Hetch hetchy Reservoir, San Francisco's water source and power generating facility.  Power lines could be affected and the Governor's office has put the City on alert for service interruptions.
       The area involved is about the size of 3 City's, or 150 sq. miles; impressive in size alone.   Fortunately, a considerable portion of the valley is bare granite rock without any combustible material.  However, camp facilities would be and are vulnerable to wind-blown brands, the single source of much spread of wild fires.
Outcome:TBD.

Al Gore at Incline
     Environmental guru and former vice president Al Gore visited Incline Village to speak at the Lake Tahoe Center for Research on Lake Tahoe.   The gathering included many politicians: Senate leader Harry reid, California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer.   Much was made of the effort to fund long term research with a 10 year plan with a $445 million dollar funding effort.
     Look out crawfish, bass, and other non-native species.

Betty Laduke at Southern Oregon U.

     Southern Oregon U. campus in Ashland offers quite a few courses in fine art.  As part of this academic effort, the campus is home to a fine museum that offers wonderful exhibitions throughout the year.  Often, students and teachers exhibit their work to expose the collective skills of the artists in their medium of choice.
    Currently, the museum is hosting a collection of the work of local artist/teacher Betty Laduke.  Her work is in mixed media: painting on various surfaces with different materials.   Betty lives in Ashland and just celebrated her 80th birthday.  She is still at it.   Many of the works on display were completed this year; but many were from her early career during the 1950's.  Her drawings of the period demonstrated her unique talent(s).   Betty's focus became the cultures found in foreign lands far away or, more often, in Mexico, our next door neighbor just south.   She spent much time in San Miguel de Allende, a small city known for its artist community.   Her subject matter includes family life and the spirit world figures that are common to most cultures.   She's spent time in Africa in Cameroon and Ghana, painting and studying the cultural icons of the tribes.
      Her work is on a grand scale: large 5'x5' canvases; 3'x6' paintings on wood; and panels that can be several feet long overall.  Her colors are vibrant and attractive, drawing the eye to a myriad of imagery. Betty was an art instructor at SOU for many years, teaching all levels of painting and mixed media.
     Her works are found in many homes, both locally and internationally.   She is definitely a local treasure.   Check out the museum at SOU, it's worth the effort.

Ashland and Betty Laduke

       Made a getaway trip to our northern neighbor, Oregon, to visit Ashland, OR, and surroundings.  We also spent time with the Minister of Aviation who was at his ranch just outside of town.   Eastern Oregon can get warm in late summer, and this year was no exception.   Temps were in the high 80's during the day, and a pleasant high 70's in the evening.
      A hike was suggested for one day; locals were feeling a little confined as a result of a forest fire west of Mt. Ashland that covered the town with smoke and ash.  Folks were advised to stay indoors and performances at the Shakespeare Elizabethan  stage were cancelled.  That is serious smoke!  We drove out of town a few miles  to a trail head where we parked our van.  Our destination: Grizzly Peak, that mountain that dominates the terrain northeast of Ashland city proper.  Then we followed a nice path that traversed the slope through the pine forest, twisting our way higher and higher.  As we neared the crest, evidence confronted us of an old forest fire that raced through the area almost 11 years ago.   The ground is now green, and young pines are about 6' tall.   The dead snags(trees) and stump give silent testimony to the past conflagration.
       Many hikers passed us coming and going.  It was encouraging to count many seniors among the other hikers, stepping along, swinging their walking sticks, pumping the arms as they pass.   But it is Oregon.   We stopped at the summit and were able to enjoy the view to Mt. Ashland to the west.  A slight haze persisted, but not near as bad as a few days earlier.  It was a fine 2 hour effort.
A highlight of the trip was to follow.Next post.

Screaming While Sleeping: a report from the pillow

      It doesn't happen very often, but when it does-very interesting results.   Sometime during the night, well after midnight, a "dream" grabbed hold of the deep asleep brain.   More a 'nightmare' than a dream.   The dark, human figure:faceless, silent, approaching my position/situation.  The forested background, the dimly lit environment all contributed to a deep, deep psychic terror.  I must awake to deal with this "Yeti", this Sasquatch" that surely had me marked.
      From the primal regions of the brain came the first scream, then a second, and a third and then, and then the deputy Mayor gently lifted the pillow and brought me to consciousness.   Despite believing I had resurrected myself, I was politely told, "No, I intervened for your own sake!" "And your mental health."
     So where do these rare "dreams" come from?  Who knows?  Bad food?  Bad JuJu?  Bad 'Kharma'?  Do I owe somebody some $$$$jingwah?  I may have to consult a shaman and ask for an official interpretation.   Then again, perhaps I'll Google the subject and read some opinions on the matter.
     Fortunately, the dream was not the result of bad pharma/mixtures, but just high altitude stress, and maybe a bit too much hiking around the lake.
     I'll sleep with one eye half open tonight, thank you very much.

Boiling Pot Holes of Mt. Lassen

     The deputy Mayor and Mayor himself stopped enroute back to Tahoma from Ashland where we conferenced with the Minister  of Aviation on aeronautics of course.   Driving south, we decided to go the route less traveled; Highway 89 over Mt Lassen-the other 'active' volcano in California.  We had tried this route a few years back, but were bested by heavy snow that blocked the highway completely.  We had to double back to Sacramento to pick up I -5.
     Monday was a beautiful day, despite a growing wild fire near Auburn/Foresthill.  We stopped for lunch at the USFS camp ground at Mesquite Lake.  The camper store had fresh sandwiches which filled the bill.  We picnic'd under the pines.
     From there we ascended the east side of the mountain where the road bends around lava flows and rock outcroppings that line the path.  We parked at the trail head that leads to the summit.   Signs informed us that snow blocks the last mile of trail to the summit.   Darn, wanted to check the view.
     After we left the parking lot we descended on 89, but picked out the sign noting the sulphur 'pot' boiler nearby and stopped to investigate.  Amazing, a boiling mud puddle with a large warning: do not touch-severe burns will occur!   These mud holes sit on top of volcanic steam vents with roots deep inside the old volcano.  In springtime and summer, melting snow water creates the liquid version of the fumerole- with squirting, gurgling, hissing mud.  The stench of sulphur hangs in the air and yellow dust lines the runoff rill across the road..  Signs tell the story and explain the geology of the process.  And then, back on the road.
     By the time we got to Sierravill/ Sattley, the smoke in the valley was extremely dense, limiting visibility to less than a mile.  The ride over the summit to Truckee eventually cleared, and the town was its normal self: no smoke.
    With highway construction and various delays, we made the trip in about 9 hours.   Not too bad.
Did you know that Mt. Lassen is in "Shasta County"?

Muir Beach Fog Bank

    The Muir beach area of Marin got a decent drenching overnight with some unseasonal rain.  Yes, that rare event when rain falls during the summer months.   Roads were wet, puddles were about, and the trees were dripping.  The Green Gulch farmers were not to be denied, and they hit the fields at the usual hour: 6am for a harvest of vegetables and lettuces for the table and for market.
     The mayor did his volunteer thing, helping out where he could.  On this day, one of the structures on site needed some foundation work.  So, after a brief consultation with the manager, my Brit friend and I picked up our tools and went to work.  After several hours, we had removed about 1/2 yard of dirt from under the building.   More support jacks were needed, so, off to Harbor freight to pick up a pair of hydraulic 12ton jacks. 
     The sun broke out before lunch, and a fine meal was consumed on the deck, bathed in bright sunlight.  Nice hot curry vegetable soup with fresh green salad and homemade bread.  Delicious.
     Around 4pm, we called it a day, satisfied we had made some progress, and could anticipate fixing the foundation sooner rather than later.

Sunday at Meeks beach

      Well, the beach was packed, like any weekend, but it was Sunday afternoon, a time of turnover and escape.  But not in early August! No, people were hanging around, obvious;y in no hurry to depart.   We had a nice light meal at Sunnyside in the bar, and it, too, was packed.  The deck was jammed and the inside seating was to be found only at the bar, with people waiting.  You had to be quick on your feet to  get a table.
     It's still summer!  Go for it.

The Old Marine: A Memorial

      Attended a memorial service Monday for a retired firefighter from the City.  Elbert (Elbie) J. Kimble passed at 87, having served the City of S.F. for over 37 years.  During 2 of those years, Elbie was sent on a field trip to the frigid climes of east Asia, South Korea to be exact.  He was recalled, along with thousands of other WW II vets to fill up the ranks in  a hastily formed American contingent of a combined United Nations force sent to thwart the overthrow of the south by the Communist North Koreans.
     Only a week ago, the 60th Anniversary of the armistice signed in August 1953 was marked by many veterans and military personnel.  Known as "The Forgotten War", the Korean conflict does not elicit the same fervor as WW II or even the more modern curse, Vietnam.
     Elbie was a Marine, enlisting right after graduation from Geo. Washington High School in the Richmond district.  After boot camp at San Diego, he was sent to aviation gunners' school in Norman, Oklahoma.  After extensive training, he was sent to the Western Pacific to join the 1st Marine Airwing, in a torpedo bombing squadron, where he assumed the position of rear defense gunner on a Avenger light bomber(single engine).   He completed 53 combat missions, and stayed with the Fleet Marine Force for the duration of the war.
     After joining the SFFD  in 1947, he was recalled to the Marines and sent to Korea where he performed the role of tech, Sergeant, in an aviation billet with a support role of infantry forces.  He rejoined the SFFD in 1952 and made the rank of lieutenant in 1967.  He retired in 1985, spending time with his wife and children, enjoying his "golden years."
     He was a kind man, enjoyed many friendships, and he was a loyal Marine, attending reunions on a regular basis.
     He was a quiet hero: he was awarded 2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and many other awards.  He took part in the final battle of World War II:  Okinawa, the most vicious and costly battle for the Marines and Navy.   It was the last desperate effort of the Japanese to stave off defeat.
Rest In Peace Marine

Bears Gone?

   A Glenridge resident reported that he believed the black bear sighted recently was taken down by the staff at Meeks Resort after breaking into an occupied tent at the campground,  He also reported hearing a gunshot nearby Friday night.  Cinnamon Bear has not appeared since.  perhaps they have finally been taken care of by vigilant residents.  We'll see.  This comes after a break in on Wednesday near Sunnyview Dr.  while residents were away.  A big mess was left in the kitchen!
      Meeks bay resort was packed over the weekend.  Visitors and overnight guests covered the beach area, basking in bright sunlight, peeling off everything except the bare minimums.  Paddle boards were everywhere, delighting old and young alike.   Often 2 or 3 passengers rode around the Bay on their boards.  Many brought their own, while some rented at the harbor concession.   Lots of floatie toys were in the water, pushed by wind and paddles both!
      Lots of sunshades of various types could be found:  some pop-ups, some set up, and some blown up.  They make the beach a true encampment of tribal proportions.   Jet skis roared back and forth, demonstrating their more annoying characteristics-waves and noise.
     PDQ Market was busy, as usual.   It starts early and goes all day with little let up.  Nice location.
Church serv ices were held in the park at 9am, giving "Where We Met" espresso bar a break in the morning rush for caffeine.
     Nice weekend.

TCPOA Annual Meeting @ Marie Sluchak Park

      The Mayor was in the audience as the annual meeting of Tahoe Cedars Prop. Owners convened @ Sluchak Park.  And, yes, Marie herself was in attendance!  Sitting in the front row, she was recognized and received a nice round of applause.
       Speakers included Meeks Bay Fire chief John Pang, who gave a report on the district activities.
Deputy Sheriff Josh Bisantz of El Dorado County gave a few words, mentioning 5 burglaries in the Rubicon Bay neighborhood last Tuesday.  He also mentioned some of his recent patrol issues in Tahoma.
     State Parks Foundation rep gave a presentation and discussed recent fund raising programs and membership drives.
    The assoc. treasurer gave a report that included a balance of $16,000. in acct. plus $10K in savings.
The president reported a recent install of the new movie screen in the park.  Also, music with a band will play Saturday afternoon.  The movie will be shown at dusk. 
    The bench program is proceeding with only 3 left for sponsorship available.  A crowd of approx. 40 residents was in attendance.