A HUGE "Thank You!" to friends all over town who've helped me to get the word out to prospective voters in my unsuccessful run for the Board seat. You sure helped me carry on, as I found out that there are far more homes in LIvermore with stairs than without (no, I'm not letting you see the blisters!). But I have to give a shout to two young magicians who were provided my backbone.
First - to wonderful and amazing artist Maggie Rosendin, who provided her interpretation of Sycamore Grove Park on my flyers, the same flyers that might have been found on your doorstep in the last month. I'm going to find a way to make a print and frame it, just for me. Her drawing inspired me to get out, even in the rain, just as the owl and vole she drew took refuge in and beneath one of our gorgeous sycamores. Maggie, I hope to cross paths with you soon, because your vision of the world around you is perfect, your enthusiasm infectious!
Second - my legs, the incredible 13 year old pal each of the past couple of weekends, Sabbath Michaelson. Sabbath could get to 5 times as many homes as me as we canvassed neighborhoods. She never complained about being too tired or hungry or bored - she walked neighborhoods like a seasoned veteran. Take note of Sabbath, as she has a mind that will take her far one day. Thanks, Renee, for lending me your kid on weekends. I owe her some English tutoring. She might publish a book before I do!
This blog will survive with a new name, however, because while the election may be over, the wonders of the trail still captivate. My page at http://www.ebparks.org/ is back up now, too. Enjoy my trail observations here, there and in the Independent. Speaking of which - thanks so much for your support!
Now - off to look at Kilimanjaro maps. It's got to happen this year, and I'm ready - just check those triceps! :-) See you on the trail, big, BIG hugs to you all!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Happy Hallowe'en!
We're just winding down from an incredibly busy evening at the ol' doorbell. Lots and lots of kids stopped by, because those with good memories know our home is chocolate - intensive. We didn't disappoint. I felt a bit like Willy Wonka tonight as I passed over amounts of candy that, if it had been cargo would have qualified as "tonnage". With the Giants on to provide background music, it was simply a fine night.
But I also got a chance to see and hear the sounds of Fall at Brushy Peak today, as I took a break between neighborhood walks to check out the raptors. Red Tail hawks ruled the roost, and if I were a bettin' man I'd have to believe the owls would be out in force this evening. Fall is a wonderful time to visit with birds setting up for winter or passing through on the way South. Today was also a hummingbird's paradise - there were thick as ants all over town. Everywhere. Very cool.
The election is just two days away, and we will finally have an end to mailers, robo calls, radio and TV ads. It's tiring, an absurd method of addressing issues - because it doesn't. But as the campaigns wind down, here's my suggestion for next time: if a political party wants to pummel us with unconscionable tons of paper and phone calls, a registered voter must "opt in" to receive them - otherwise, the candidate will be in violation of newly created postal codes, FCC regulations and FPPC (Fair Poitical Pratices Commission) rules. And how about a provision for honesty? Provide a section that would enable candidates to be entitled to damages for libel or slander. There would be a big line at civil courts...
But let's make some noise. Make politics civil again, like it was in...oh, maybe 1789. That's the change I want to see. Let ideas rule the day, and personal attacks or twisted sets of facts begone. I have one more wish for Election Day, and I'm leaving that to you! Hope to represent you soon on the LARPD Board of Directors!
But I also got a chance to see and hear the sounds of Fall at Brushy Peak today, as I took a break between neighborhood walks to check out the raptors. Red Tail hawks ruled the roost, and if I were a bettin' man I'd have to believe the owls would be out in force this evening. Fall is a wonderful time to visit with birds setting up for winter or passing through on the way South. Today was also a hummingbird's paradise - there were thick as ants all over town. Everywhere. Very cool.
The election is just two days away, and we will finally have an end to mailers, robo calls, radio and TV ads. It's tiring, an absurd method of addressing issues - because it doesn't. But as the campaigns wind down, here's my suggestion for next time: if a political party wants to pummel us with unconscionable tons of paper and phone calls, a registered voter must "opt in" to receive them - otherwise, the candidate will be in violation of newly created postal codes, FCC regulations and FPPC (Fair Poitical Pratices Commission) rules. And how about a provision for honesty? Provide a section that would enable candidates to be entitled to damages for libel or slander. There would be a big line at civil courts...
But let's make some noise. Make politics civil again, like it was in...oh, maybe 1789. That's the change I want to see. Let ideas rule the day, and personal attacks or twisted sets of facts begone. I have one more wish for Election Day, and I'm leaving that to you! Hope to represent you soon on the LARPD Board of Directors!
Monday, October 25, 2010
It's Getting Dirty Out There....
Elections used to be fun. Growing up many centuries ago, my parents, siblings and the pet stegosaurus would sit by the TV and watch results come in. Ads were minimal during the campaign, as everyone KNEW Walter Cronkite would tell it like it was each evening on the news. Candidates debated, usually about issues and not about each other's shortcomings. It was long on discussion, usually short on venom.
I came home today to a mailbox filled with hit pieces from both parties, all concerning the 15th Assembly District race. No "Backpacker" magazine, no "Smithsonian"....just a lot of crap that gets increasingly more intense each day. Besides the hernia my letter carrier is trying to hold off, the ceaseless volume of NastyGrams we receive is beyond the pale.
My first thought was "who's paying for all this?", as I try to visualize what must go on to generate the kind of cash it takes to vomit out the volume of print ads, radio spots, TV commercials...for a small state Assembly District! And how about sending something with even the slightest piece of truth or an idea what the candidate might do if elected?
Much of the ability of candidates to run all this junk each election cycle should cause us to ask simple questions - what are we getting for all the money being spent? Who's spending the money, and why? Are we in for the same ol' thing no matter who gets elected? And finally - why aren't campaigns for state and federal offices publicly funded?
That might at least mitigate the pull of the lobbies, the special interests that seek to buy a candidate or two (hundred). And it would certainly curtail the waste of tons of paper and the fowling of the airwaves. Only in an election year can "American Idol" look like a cultural coup.
Let's hope politicians get it this year. We can hope, right? That we'd like facts and plans, not mindless sound bites and catch phrases.
And I'm so thankful that we who are running for the LARPD's Board's 3 open seats get along just fine, thank you very much. It's nice to share ideas and talk about what could be for the District, even if we each have different priorities sometimes. May all campaigns be so civil! Remember to vote November 2nd!
I came home today to a mailbox filled with hit pieces from both parties, all concerning the 15th Assembly District race. No "Backpacker" magazine, no "Smithsonian"....just a lot of crap that gets increasingly more intense each day. Besides the hernia my letter carrier is trying to hold off, the ceaseless volume of NastyGrams we receive is beyond the pale.
My first thought was "who's paying for all this?", as I try to visualize what must go on to generate the kind of cash it takes to vomit out the volume of print ads, radio spots, TV commercials...for a small state Assembly District! And how about sending something with even the slightest piece of truth or an idea what the candidate might do if elected?
Much of the ability of candidates to run all this junk each election cycle should cause us to ask simple questions - what are we getting for all the money being spent? Who's spending the money, and why? Are we in for the same ol' thing no matter who gets elected? And finally - why aren't campaigns for state and federal offices publicly funded?
That might at least mitigate the pull of the lobbies, the special interests that seek to buy a candidate or two (hundred). And it would certainly curtail the waste of tons of paper and the fowling of the airwaves. Only in an election year can "American Idol" look like a cultural coup.
Let's hope politicians get it this year. We can hope, right? That we'd like facts and plans, not mindless sound bites and catch phrases.
And I'm so thankful that we who are running for the LARPD's Board's 3 open seats get along just fine, thank you very much. It's nice to share ideas and talk about what could be for the District, even if we each have different priorities sometimes. May all campaigns be so civil! Remember to vote November 2nd!
Friday, October 22, 2010
An Update on Prop. 22
After reading and re - rading my voter guide, I decided to take a stand and endorse Proposition 22. Although it may or may not specifically help LARPD's financial challenges, it WILL serve to let Sacramento know that money specifically dedicated to local governemtn entities is off limits when it comes time to balance the state budget.
The Legislature has been keen about finding new and creative methods of funding pet programs; unfortunately, the politics of it all comes down to each party hoping to fund programs that will purchase them more votes. As a result, the state has abandoned local school and park districts, as well as remove massive pieces from the budgets of many special districts.
The folks who write and advertise for propositions can be quite subversive, too - one needs to take a class in "Know Your Special Interests and Their Agendas" to decode the pamphlet. I'm good with those who proposed and are endorsing Prop. 22, so I'm comfortable making the call. I can't be so certain about many of the competing measures on this year's ballot. So while it's not one of the "glamor" propositions this November, it may be the most meaningful to our city, county and, hopefully, park districts.
One final note on the props - if you're uncertain about them, read the voter's guide and see who's behind the pros and cons. That tells the real story, and you may also then be able to determine the true impetus behind the measure. Don't believe the ads, because you'd vote both yes & no on each one if you took them seriously.
Now, off to bed - got a big day of door - to - door campaigning tomorrow! Hope to see you at some point over the next week and a half!
The Legislature has been keen about finding new and creative methods of funding pet programs; unfortunately, the politics of it all comes down to each party hoping to fund programs that will purchase them more votes. As a result, the state has abandoned local school and park districts, as well as remove massive pieces from the budgets of many special districts.
The folks who write and advertise for propositions can be quite subversive, too - one needs to take a class in "Know Your Special Interests and Their Agendas" to decode the pamphlet. I'm good with those who proposed and are endorsing Prop. 22, so I'm comfortable making the call. I can't be so certain about many of the competing measures on this year's ballot. So while it's not one of the "glamor" propositions this November, it may be the most meaningful to our city, county and, hopefully, park districts.
One final note on the props - if you're uncertain about them, read the voter's guide and see who's behind the pros and cons. That tells the real story, and you may also then be able to determine the true impetus behind the measure. Don't believe the ads, because you'd vote both yes & no on each one if you took them seriously.
Now, off to bed - got a big day of door - to - door campaigning tomorrow! Hope to see you at some point over the next week and a half!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Tell Your Own Story
I've seen a lot of big changes in the Bay Area during my life. Where Silicon Valley now sits once were tens of thousands of acres of farms and orchards. The highway to Los Angeles wasn't I5, it was 99, or state highway 33 if you wanted the long way. US 50 ran through Livermore; I remember my Mom packing the 4 kids into the old station wagon after school the day 580 opened....and it doesn't seem so long ago from where I sit.
But I'm a little worried about where we've gotten ourselves. Now, we've leaned toward a culture where the lives of celebrities - and that comes with a ton of definitions - dictate what we talk about, what we wear, how self absorbed and celeb - worship prone we've become. Have we really lost touch with who we are? Are we, as a culture, so smitten with the lives of others that we've forgotten to live our own? (answer "yes" if you find you must make time to watch your "reality" shows instead of going to the gym, riding your bike or learning a new skill, art or craft).
My answer really isn't anything new. You'd hear it a lot once you know me. It's so simple - just write your own story. Let your path be determined by your passions, your dreams, by where you want to go. Why might you think your life is so much less interesting than, say. one of the Kardashian girls? They could learn a lot by emulating those who endeavor to learn, to play, to befriend others.
I enjoy that I might see something new each time I'm out on a trail - in fact, I know I will. My story is not close to finished, and I'm looking forward to many more chapters, none of them summer reruns or DVR recordings from a week ago. No, each one is new and fresh; one may be more interesting, exciting , frightening or somber than another...but it's my story, and that's what makes it special.
You, too, have a story to tell. Not every page will be riveting. Some may be sad. But the story must still be told. And you, not some phony "celebrity" will be repsonsible for the content.
It's easy. Plan a hike. Join a photography class or a soccer team. Try something new. add pages to your book with each new experience. It's not always easy, but the rewards are incredibly fulfilling. Let the airheads on TV do their vapid, mind numbing thing. Their stories are simply comic books. Make yours an epic. Go on - live a little!
But I'm a little worried about where we've gotten ourselves. Now, we've leaned toward a culture where the lives of celebrities - and that comes with a ton of definitions - dictate what we talk about, what we wear, how self absorbed and celeb - worship prone we've become. Have we really lost touch with who we are? Are we, as a culture, so smitten with the lives of others that we've forgotten to live our own? (answer "yes" if you find you must make time to watch your "reality" shows instead of going to the gym, riding your bike or learning a new skill, art or craft).
My answer really isn't anything new. You'd hear it a lot once you know me. It's so simple - just write your own story. Let your path be determined by your passions, your dreams, by where you want to go. Why might you think your life is so much less interesting than, say. one of the Kardashian girls? They could learn a lot by emulating those who endeavor to learn, to play, to befriend others.
I enjoy that I might see something new each time I'm out on a trail - in fact, I know I will. My story is not close to finished, and I'm looking forward to many more chapters, none of them summer reruns or DVR recordings from a week ago. No, each one is new and fresh; one may be more interesting, exciting , frightening or somber than another...but it's my story, and that's what makes it special.
You, too, have a story to tell. Not every page will be riveting. Some may be sad. But the story must still be told. And you, not some phony "celebrity" will be repsonsible for the content.
It's easy. Plan a hike. Join a photography class or a soccer team. Try something new. add pages to your book with each new experience. It's not always easy, but the rewards are incredibly fulfilling. Let the airheads on TV do their vapid, mind numbing thing. Their stories are simply comic books. Make yours an epic. Go on - live a little!
Monday, October 18, 2010
It's High Time You Got Outside!
One redeeming feature of Fall is the hustle and shuffle of thousands of species hunkerin' down for the winter. Such is the case these days at Sycamore Grove and our region's trails.
I'm anxiously awaiting my new trail chair to arrive safely home, but in the meantime my "street" chair will allow for endless miles on trails at The Grove, as well as all over Livermore and Pleasanton. It's been a show lately, and I'm not even going to talk about the falling leaves. For migratory birds as well as residents, the activity level has been pushing "urgent". So it's a fine time to bail on the TV, get out to a local trail and see all the activity for yourself.
I enjoy puttering around town in the chair. Our trail system is fantastic, and with more possibilities to add to our roads less traveled, let's hope some of the proposed connectors can be built. Have you ever walked, ridden or rolled the Arroyo Mocho Trail from S. Livermore Ave. to Isabel? It's a fantastic experience, doesn't require a lot of effort and gives us a chance to visit the birds as well as say "hi" to our neighbors. Sycamore Grove, Les Knott Park, Holdener Park, the Arroyo Mocho....I could go on, but you get the picture - 'tis the season to load the day pack and explore our beautiful trails.
I could go on and on, trying to paint word pictures of the birds, animals, trees you might see. But this time I'm leaving it up to you. I'll hope to hear from you, that you took a walk or rode a trail around town some afternoon, taking time to look and listen to the sights and sounds of Fall. The cooling days make walking bearable, whether at twilight on the Arroyo Mocho or early morning at The Grove. You just can't lose. If it's company you seek, check out one of the ranger - led walks at Sycamore Grove. Solitude? Sit on the bridge over Mocho Creek west of S. Livermore a half mile. The quiet drama of the creek gurgling beneath you is special, relaxing and delisciously wild - feeling.
I'll see many of you this weekend as I cruise Livermore and hand you my flyer, delivered to your door by me or one of my wonderful volunteers. And if you have a question as to where I stand on a certain issue in the world of LARPD, let me know - bob@4wheelbob.com is the best way to reach out. I'd love to hear from you - but first, tell me about that walk you took today at The Grove...
I'm anxiously awaiting my new trail chair to arrive safely home, but in the meantime my "street" chair will allow for endless miles on trails at The Grove, as well as all over Livermore and Pleasanton. It's been a show lately, and I'm not even going to talk about the falling leaves. For migratory birds as well as residents, the activity level has been pushing "urgent". So it's a fine time to bail on the TV, get out to a local trail and see all the activity for yourself.
I enjoy puttering around town in the chair. Our trail system is fantastic, and with more possibilities to add to our roads less traveled, let's hope some of the proposed connectors can be built. Have you ever walked, ridden or rolled the Arroyo Mocho Trail from S. Livermore Ave. to Isabel? It's a fantastic experience, doesn't require a lot of effort and gives us a chance to visit the birds as well as say "hi" to our neighbors. Sycamore Grove, Les Knott Park, Holdener Park, the Arroyo Mocho....I could go on, but you get the picture - 'tis the season to load the day pack and explore our beautiful trails.
I could go on and on, trying to paint word pictures of the birds, animals, trees you might see. But this time I'm leaving it up to you. I'll hope to hear from you, that you took a walk or rode a trail around town some afternoon, taking time to look and listen to the sights and sounds of Fall. The cooling days make walking bearable, whether at twilight on the Arroyo Mocho or early morning at The Grove. You just can't lose. If it's company you seek, check out one of the ranger - led walks at Sycamore Grove. Solitude? Sit on the bridge over Mocho Creek west of S. Livermore a half mile. The quiet drama of the creek gurgling beneath you is special, relaxing and delisciously wild - feeling.
I'll see many of you this weekend as I cruise Livermore and hand you my flyer, delivered to your door by me or one of my wonderful volunteers. And if you have a question as to where I stand on a certain issue in the world of LARPD, let me know - bob@4wheelbob.com is the best way to reach out. I'd love to hear from you - but first, tell me about that walk you took today at The Grove...
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
The Case for Team Sports & Running!
When I was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes almost forty years ago, I was encouraged to attend a "diabetes education" class at a hospital in downtown Oakland. They described Type 1 diabetes, also known as "juvenile" diabetes as "insulin dependent". Type 2 diabetes, at the time, was categorized thusly: "over 40 and overweight."
Where am I going with this? Simple. At that time, Type 2 diabetes was almost never found in children, whereas now after 40 + years of "progress" which includes drive through fast food on every corner, this "over 40 and overweight" illness is reaching epidemic stages - at the ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEVEL!
What's wrong with this picture? Heck, these kids are the ones who'll have to be productive enough to run this planet someday. And what's missing, apart from the mega - calorie diets kids are being fed, is EXERCISE. Team sports aren't what they were when I was young. There's a reluctance among many kids to get involved in any activity that requires work of the physical kind. Playing baseball or soccer shouldn't be a video game experience. Kids should be encouraged by their parents to get out, run, play sports, develop a passion for being in shape.
When people are in shape, they feel better. They have more endurance, more ability to enjoy more slices of life on more levels. I enjoy rolling past a park on one of my wheelchair cruises around town and watching a soccer or football game, or kids learning that running can be a gas. How wonderful Livermore would feel if everybody took half their TV time and play a team sport or build stamina by running? The more those initiatives can be promoted by us all, the better off our younger set will be. Can our current programs support all who wish to play sports?
That's an idea I'd love to test. What local health care business might be encouraged to underwrite a soccer program that might expand the program to kids who normally might not participate? There's a wonderful infrastructure of devoted soccer families in Livermore, and LARPD can be a key to the expansion of their efforts as well as offering opportunities for the video game set to participate.
As for me - well, I'd really like to lead a Running Club for kids with whom I share that passion. It's all about fitness and challenge, things every kid will need to know at some point in their lives. How cool would it be to read that adult onset diabetes in 10 year olds is on the decline? I'd smile like a Cheshire Cat!
Team sports. Running. Rock Climbing. Finding your passion and developing skills. Becoming the most fit city in the Bay Area. Teach our kids that there is no failure - every game, every run, every climb is a learning experience. Success is simply the sum of all that learning paying off. If I don't make it to the summit of a mountain the first time, I'll explore what turned me back and correct it. Kids are like that, too....as parents and adults we share the responsibility of exposing our children to outside play, whether it's softball or hiking. I hope you share my passion for fitness - if not for you, then for your kids. Have a wonderful day, and...RACE YA!!!!!
Where am I going with this? Simple. At that time, Type 2 diabetes was almost never found in children, whereas now after 40 + years of "progress" which includes drive through fast food on every corner, this "over 40 and overweight" illness is reaching epidemic stages - at the ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LEVEL!
What's wrong with this picture? Heck, these kids are the ones who'll have to be productive enough to run this planet someday. And what's missing, apart from the mega - calorie diets kids are being fed, is EXERCISE. Team sports aren't what they were when I was young. There's a reluctance among many kids to get involved in any activity that requires work of the physical kind. Playing baseball or soccer shouldn't be a video game experience. Kids should be encouraged by their parents to get out, run, play sports, develop a passion for being in shape.
When people are in shape, they feel better. They have more endurance, more ability to enjoy more slices of life on more levels. I enjoy rolling past a park on one of my wheelchair cruises around town and watching a soccer or football game, or kids learning that running can be a gas. How wonderful Livermore would feel if everybody took half their TV time and play a team sport or build stamina by running? The more those initiatives can be promoted by us all, the better off our younger set will be. Can our current programs support all who wish to play sports?
That's an idea I'd love to test. What local health care business might be encouraged to underwrite a soccer program that might expand the program to kids who normally might not participate? There's a wonderful infrastructure of devoted soccer families in Livermore, and LARPD can be a key to the expansion of their efforts as well as offering opportunities for the video game set to participate.
As for me - well, I'd really like to lead a Running Club for kids with whom I share that passion. It's all about fitness and challenge, things every kid will need to know at some point in their lives. How cool would it be to read that adult onset diabetes in 10 year olds is on the decline? I'd smile like a Cheshire Cat!
Team sports. Running. Rock Climbing. Finding your passion and developing skills. Becoming the most fit city in the Bay Area. Teach our kids that there is no failure - every game, every run, every climb is a learning experience. Success is simply the sum of all that learning paying off. If I don't make it to the summit of a mountain the first time, I'll explore what turned me back and correct it. Kids are like that, too....as parents and adults we share the responsibility of exposing our children to outside play, whether it's softball or hiking. I hope you share my passion for fitness - if not for you, then for your kids. Have a wonderful day, and...RACE YA!!!!!
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