Paul Elerick's Views

May 6, 2008

Our grandson’s family made a decision last week to enroll him in Mt. Madonna School to at least finish out this school year. At the time, he was a second-grader at the neighborhood public elementary school, about half a mile from home. Mt. Madonna School is 19 miles away, a real change.

I’ll try to keep this on the positive side, but a change as significant as this wasn’t made without lots of anguish and forethought. Let’s just say that when PVUSD is forced to commit the last four or five weeks to testing preparation and then testing, I’d lose interest in school too. Imagine if these teachers had these four or five weeks to teach kids new things? I read in the Register-Pajaronian that one of the junior high schools had early morning pep-rallies, complete with speakers pressuring kids to PASS THOSE TESTS!

We had a tour of Mt. Madonna School the first week our grandson was there. Check out the school’s website here. He fit right in the first day, a class of eleven students. Homework is still there, but it’s challenging and fun. Instead of teaching kids to pass tests, they are learning new math skills, having the experience of hatching chicken eggs and harvesting garden vegetables. There’s also a real physical education program.

I bumped into an old friend, John Bakalian, the other day. John knew all about Mt. Madonna School because he helped the school get their building permit back in 1978. I asked him how could anybody oppose such a facility, (it required Board of Supervisors approval), and his answer was “Pat Liberty and Marilyn Liddicoat”. They were influenced by large landowners in the area, but didn’t prevail, and the school was built.

By the way students in all 12 grades at the school have access to school busses for that long ride up to Mt. Madonna.

If we don’t get a new president this fall that will kill No Child Left Behind, look for continued student migration to private schools. I thought I’d always be a firm supporter of our public schools, but not when our grandkids are being cheated out of their education. Thanks for nothing, George Bush!

April 29, 2008

This event last Sunday (4/27) in the Farmers Market parking lot at Lincoln and Cedar was interesting to say the least. Nobody can fault the organizers – they had some great booths, food, entertainment and speakers. Ecology Action seemed to be the people that made it all happen. Yours truly spent an hour or so in a booth sponsored by the Campaign for Sensible Transportation and People Power. For those who missed it, People Power's "bicycle-powered smoothie" was a real attention getter. You paid for your smoothie, and then pedaled a stationary bike that powered the blender the made it! Lots of takers at the Campaign for Sensible Transportation's half of the booth too. People are interested in finding out more about alternatives to highway widening.

There were some problems with the new location (moved from San Lorenzo Park), and they should be addressed for future Earth Day celebrations if they use this site again.

I didn't see any place for people to sit down and rest except for the curbs and sidewalks. At San Lorenzo Park there were always a few benches to sit on, a place on the cool grassy banks. But the biggest problem this year was the afternoon sun bouncing off the paved surface of the parking lot. It was obvious this thinned out the crowd after the temperature started going up.

A suggestion to Santa Cruz City Council: Make this parking lot a permanent home for the Farmers' Market and events like the Spring Fair (oops, I mean Earth Day). Plant some nice trees; install a few benches and even some landscaping. If what I understand is true, they (the City Council) are favoring still another high-rise parking structure for this site. Why? Even during the busiest of shopping seasons, I've never had to look for a parking spot in existing parking structures.

What are YOU going to do with your economic stimulus check from Bush?

Here's one idea that I got from the woman who cuts my hair. Her take on this "rebate" is that it's nothing but blood money, and she's not having any part of it. Her check is going to the SPCA to provide care for abandoned pets. I'll consider that too. But if and when we get any such check, ours is going straight to the Obama campaign. Nothing I can think of will stimulate our sagging economy more than a new president by the name of Barack Obama. Please consider doing this.

Fred Keeley's party for Bill Monning. Nothing seems to keep the Monning loyalists away, even though multiple fundraisers can become tiresome. They require lots of planning and prep, dedicated sponsors, and most of all, support from attendees. The event at Fred's home on Market Street was a huge success, if attendance was the measurement. Geoff Dunn and Robert Poen put the event together with lots of help from a supporting cast. The highlight of the fundraising part of this event was when Luis Alejo presented a check to Bill's campaign for $1,000 from the Pajaro Valley Cesar Chavez Democratic Club.

April 22, 2008

Mid-County Locals win one – sort of

Last Tuesday the Sentinel reported on a rare win for locals over a developer.  A citizen's group, Nisene2Sea, (check out www.nisene2sea.com) opposed the development plans for a 142-acre piece of open space behind Cabrillo College for nearly 10 years.  Two development companies bought the property back in 1998, headed by developer Steven Carmichael. His stated goal in a letter to the neighbors back in 1999 was to build his "dream house" at a "suitable location" on the property, and follow that up with an additional "small residential subdivision". 

It's not possible to describe here all the events that took place between 1998 and 2008, but high  (or low) points started when the developers illegally graded the hill with a driveway and leveling points on the property to comply with the county's rules that prohibit building on slopes over 30%.  Red tags, a law suit by the neighbors, hearings at the county level followed. 

The latest chapter in this saga took place last week.  Carmichael agreed to grant a public access trail through his 142 acres from Cabrillo to the Vienna Woods entrance to Nisene Marks State Park, in exchange for a building permit for his one house.  Carmichael's 1999 goal for an additional "small residential subdivision" is not part of this agreement.  Supervisor Pirie and county legal staff worked hard, as did the Nisene 2 Sea team, to make this happen. There are reasons to think this may have a happy ending, and reasons to be doubtful, based on past dealings with this developer.  Time will tell.

April 14, 2008

Lots of emotion is building up for candidates running for state assembly, county supervisors, and superior court judge. I don't need to go into detail on who's supporting whom. Most of the candidates have websites to tell you that. What Democrats in particular have a nasty habit of doing, is not being able to get behind the winning Democrat if he or she wasn't their choice in the primary. The ancient Laird vs. Patton primary election is a prime example of what I'm referring to. Supporters of both John and Gary (some anyway) still haven't got over it. I'm hoping we won't see history repeat itself in June. Negative campaigning has always been a mixed bag, but in Santa Cruz County, we should "just say no" to it. Remember, there are good qualities in everybody's candidates.

Nothing brought this to my attention more than when Assembly candidate Emily Reilly stopped at our home in Aptos on Saturday. Our front yard signs included one for Emily's opponent, Bill Monning, but she still found time to stop and say hello before continuing her walk around the neighborhood, in 90-degree temperature I should add. We had a chuckle, both commenting on what our neighbors would think if we added her sign to Bill Monning, Ari Symons and bumper stickers for Barack Obama to our display. We didn't take the sign, congratulated Emily on running a good campaign, and off she went.

I'm ready to support the Democrat who wins the Assembly primary in June, and I hope others are too. The 27th Assembly District can't be allowed to slip to a Republican in November due to hurt feelings by the losing Democratic candidates in the primary.

April 1, 2008

District level endorsing caucuses were held at the State Democratic Convention in San Jose over the weekend. One item of business was when 37 official convention delegates got to weigh in their with their choice for a 27th Assembly District candidate. To get the state party endorsement, a 60% majority was required by party rules. The results:

Spring breaks – a good time was had by all

With most schools now back in session, we must have set records for nice weather and visitors from over the hill. We remember previous years when spring breaks were spent by people huddling in the fog and rain on the beaches, or just turning around and going home. We all get a special break during these two weeks, that being a break in traffic. Other than the backups on Highway 17 waiting to get into Santa Cruz, highways were quite reasonable, just like summer when schools here are not in session.

March 5, 2008

Last week Bratton Online published some reasons to vote for Steve Wright for Superior Court judge. Here are some reasons to vote for his opponent, Ariadne Symons.

I got to know Ari during the Ron Ruiz campaign for District Attorney several years ago. Ron Ruiz, one of the classiest individuals to run for public office in Santa Cruz County, lost in a close election. But if more people had given the same effort to elect Ron Ruiz as Ariadne Symons did, he would have won. Ari was one of the hardest working precinct walkers, doorhanger hangers and telephone workers on Ron's campaign.

So who besides Paul Elerick is backing Ariadne Symons? Let's start with former District Attorney Ron Ruiz and current District Attorney Bob Lee. Former state assembly member and current Santa Cruz County Treasurer Fred Keeley has endorsed Ariadne, as has County Superintendent of Schools Michael Watkins.

Seven judges have already endorsed Ariadne, her opponent has the support of two judges. Ariadne's website lists all her current endorsers, check them out for yourself. You will see that many of your progressive friends and elected officeholders, both past and current, are also supporting Ariadne. Here are some of them: Neal Coonerty, 3rd District County Supervisor and Ryan Coonerty, Santa Cruz City Mayor, Oscar Rios, Watsonville City Councilmember and former Watsonville mayor. Sam Storey, Capitola City Councilmember, Katherine Beiers and Bert Muhly, both former mayors of Santa Cruz. Former mayors of Watsonville, Ana Ventura Phares, Judith Doering Nielsen, Dennis Osmer and Todd Mc Faren. Former mayors of Capitola Stephanie Harlan and Gayle Ortiz. Harlan is also the current president of the Democratic Women's Club of Santa Cruz County. Then you have two strong voices for Democrats in the legal community, attorneys Emily Maloney, Brian Murtha among others. You will also see that Ariadne has the support of a number of conservative voters, as well as many more progressives. A broad base of support, for sure.

What defines a good Democratic candidate running for non-partisan office?

Some of Steve Wright's supporters are knocking Ariadne because she recently changed her voting registration to the Democratic Party, as opposed to always being registered as a Dem. A letter promoting Wright, signed by Mike Rotkin, Karen Darling and others that implied Ari was a flawed candidate because she isn't a lifelong Democrat was sent to Democratic Women's Club members. Ariadne's March 22nd endorsement by DWC is a powerful statement that it was OK for members to vote their conscience, even though the person they voted for was not a life-long Democrat.

I don't have a problem with Ariadne re-registering as a Democrat. It shows she has good judgement, much the same that former Congressman Leon Panetta had when he switched from Republican to Democrat before he ran for public office.

March 18, 2008

We have fond memories of the earliest Earth Day celebrations held on the Pacific Garden Mall, when the city closed Pacific Avenue to automobile traffic. Was this option at least considered by event organizers this year? It would make a lot of sense to let cars park in the city parking lot number 4 on Earth Day and keep Pacific Avenue car-free for at least one day of the year. What better day to do that than Earth Day? Go here for details about Earth Day 2008 in Santa Cruz.

Olympic boycotts and invasions of Afghanistan and Tibet

Here's one person who has never been caught up in the "Olympic Games" hoopla. They always seem to attract spectators who have too much spendable income, and enjoy wrapping themselves in their country's flag. I know of only one family who was able to afford a trip to the Olympics, the Montreal games in 1976, and that was because they car-pooled from Aptos.

Watching the evening news, we can watch the Chinese military beating and shooting up Tibetans, on a nightly basis. Why are we going along with this summer's Beijing Olympics? Could it be because our own industrial community is making a ton of money importing Chinese products created by cheap labor?

Remember why we boycotted the 1980 Olympics in Moscow? It was because of what the United States called an illegal invasion of Afghanistan by the Russians. Around 60 other countries that at the time agreed with us joined the boycott. Boycotting the Russians in 1980 didn't cost our business leaders anything; we weren't doing much business with those people in 1980. If the International Olympic Committee had any courage at all, they would let the Chinese know that must stop their illegal war against Tibet. Oh yes, and while they're at it, they could insist that the United States stop illegal wars too.

Sierra Club and others are suing over HOV lanes in Sacramento

Here's an interesting note from Sierra Club member, Debbie Bulger:

"The Sierra Club is supporting a lawsuit filed by the Environmental Council of Sacramento (ECOS) and the Neighborhoods Advocating Sustainable Transportation (NAST) challenging Caltrans' EIR for HOV lanes on Highway 50 in Sacramento.

The basis of the suit is that the EIR does not address air quality and global warming impacts, growth inducement impacts, added traffic on local neighborhoods, does not consider full range of alternatives especially upgrading the light rail line.

Additionally the suit claims Caltrans has piecemealed the project under CEQA. Unsuccessful settlement conferences have been held. A Superior Court date is set for March 21.

The article I read claims this suit will be precedent setting."

Our own Regional Transportation Commission continues to leave the Highway 1/HOV Lanes project as their "number one priority", even though it has no funding. They should really pay attention to the outcome of the Sacramento lawsuit. Especially pay attention to how the Highway 1/HOV Lanes project handles these same concerns. This document is supposed to be released for public scrutiny sometime soon.

March 3, 2008

We're days from knowing who has followed through with their stated intent of running for public office in Santa Cruz County. Friday, March 6th is the deadline, except in the 1st Supervisors District, where candidates have until March 13th to officially declare because incumbent Beautz is not running for reelection.

It's Jan Beautz' 1st District that is generating the interest. She is not running for reelection. Although eight people have taken out nomination papers to replace her, only two have returned them, being serious about running for that office. That would be John Leopold, present member of Cabrillo Board of Trustees, and Hugh Mc Isaac.

John Leopold is the candidate we need to see elected. Check him out here. John's qualifications are light-years ahead of the others who are "still thinking about filing".

Ellen Pirie has attracted at least two contenders for her 2nd District Supervisor's job. Doug Deitch, who has run more than once for this job, and Dan Young, running for office for the first time. Both have yet to complete the candidates filing requirements. Ellen has represented most of her constituents in the 2nd District quite well, except for those of us who disagree with her on the need for widening Highway 1. Nothing seems to make her listen to those who know that widening doesn't work, and only creates more traffic jams during construction and when that's over, nothing really changes as far as traffic congestion on the freeway.

Doug Deitch has credentials as a water conservation advocate and has repeatedly taken on the strawberry growers in south county for using far more than their share of water. This has fallen on deaf ears in the past in South County, and something needs to be done. Perhaps Doug should consider a position on a south county water agency? He's definitely on the right track.

Dan Young is a serious candidate and plans on completing the filing process this Friday. He grew up in the Pajaro Valley, has worked on a horse ranch and in commercial and organic agriculture. Dan is presently the music director at Pajaro Valley High. He's also worked for the Nature Conservancy, the National Park Service, and was one of the co-founders of the Surfrider Foundation.

What are Dan's positions on widening the highway and on passenger rail? His answer was, "That's easy: widening will just give you wider traffic jams: 3 lanes + 3 lanes jammed; 6 lanes give you 6 lanes jammed and "Suntan Special, all aboard". Something tells me we going to have some interesting 2nd District candidate forums before June!

February 26, 2008

The forum panel chosen by the League of Women Voters consisted of George Dondero, Regional Transportation Commission Executive Director, Supervisor Jan Beautz, speaking as chairperson of Santa Cruz Metro Transit District, and Fred Keeley, County Treasurer, charged with reporting on the Transportation Funding Task Force. Those in the audience who thought the forum would be tilted towards highway widening were happily mistaken.

Fred began by announcing that Supervisor Beautz recently told the Mid-County Post that she would not be seeking reelection. Fred reminded the audience that they both began serving on the County Board of Supervisor in 1988, and praised her for her service to the people in her district.

The surprises continued. Fred reviewed the ground rules that the Transportation Funding Task Force operated under his leadership as convener, and his commitment to the RTC to not interject his personal opinion on transportation issues as long as the Task Force was operating. Now after conclusion of the task force, more than 27 months of work, he wanted the public to know his personal views on these issues. Highlights from Fred Keeley:

Highway widening – A Bad idea. Fred compared building more freeway lanes to what happened when people went from horse and buggy transportation to early automobiles. Many said no thanks to the new concept of cars, and clung to their tried and true transit system – the horse and buggy. We should not be pouring 100's of millions of dollars into another out-dated transportation system – more paved freeways. Fred is convinced that we must look ahead to the future, looking toward workable rail transit, bus rapid transit ("we could have a workable BRT system in 10 years"), and even Personal Rapid Transit ("no, PRT is NOT a crazy idea!") as what we should be investing in.

Rail line purchase – A Good idea. Buy it ASAP; it's a great investment in future transportation. Even if there is no specific plan to use it for public transit right away. The price ($16 million for a 32-mile long rail line, most of which is within sight of the ocean) is a bargain. Buy it now; figure out how to use it later. He also had some harsh words for the Task Force members who actually voted to reduce funding for rail.

County road infrastructure – Must be maintained. We have 610 miles of county roads that are in constant need of repair. Any transportation plan must recognize the need to keep these roads in top condition.

Supervisor Beautz, speaking on behalf to the Metro Transit District provided insight on the problems and successes of our bus system. Jan knows what she's talking about here, being associated with the Metro District as an elected official for 18 years. Problem one of course, there is never enough money to do what needs to be done. But what we have is consistently highly rated nation-wide. Big success story – the Highway 17 Express service. These busses that travel between Santa Cruz and San Jose are frequently standing room only, and more people would ride if more busses were available.

RTC Executive Director Dondero – George presented about 20 power-point slides telling the audience what the RTC was about, what projects they had planned and why. He highlighted the RTC's "number one priority", widening Highway 1. This sad state of affairs will continue until the RTC majority changes this priority.

Questions from the audience – All questions were submitted in writing to panel members after all three finished their 20-minute presentations. Many wanted to know how widening the highway (HOV Lane Project) was addressing the need for reducing green house gas. Many were critical of adding more highway lanes. In fairness to moderator Ann Wise, the audience consisted of many who opposed highway widening. Ann and the LWV ran a superb meeting. I'm sending in my $20 for a subscription to their newsletter "Santa Cruz Voter".

People Power activists passed out a flyer at the forum entitled "What Happened to Sensible Transportation in Santa Cruz County". Others passed out copies of "Plan C", the Campaign for Sensible Transportation's proposal for a transportation plan that addressed most of the things Fred Keeley spoke in favor of. You can see Plan C on the Campaign for Sensible Transportation's website. It was an excellent forum. Mr. Keeley, thank you so much for speaking on our behalf.

February 20, 2008

It looks like the voters in California who thought they were going to have a voice in the November election will be disappointed again, with the Democratic presidential candidate being picked by "superdelegates" at their convention in Denver this summer.

Here is a breakdown of California superdelegate preferences. Stay tuned for updates.

Superdelegates for Sen. Hillary Clinton:
U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein
Rep. and DNC member Maxine Waters
Rep. and DNC member Joe Baca
Rep. Doris Matsui
Rep. Mike Thompson
Rep. Lynn Woolsey
Rep. Dennis Cardoza
Rep. Jane Harman
Rep. Grace Napolitano
Rep. Laura Richardson
Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard
Rep. Brad Sherman
Rep. Hilda Solis
Rep. Ellen Tauscher
Rep. Diane Watson
Rep. Loretta Sanchez
DNC member Alice Huffman
DNC member Alicia Wang
DNC member Rosalind Wyman
DNC member Kamil Hasan
DNC member Mona Pasquil
DNC member Mirian Saez
DNC member Maria Echaveste
DNC member Rachel Binah
DNC member Christopher Stampolis
Former DNC chair Chuck Manatt
Superdelegates for Sen. Barack Obama:
Rep. Anna Eshoo
Rep. Xavier Becerra
Rep. Barbara Lee
Rep. Adam Schiff
Rep. George Miller
Rep. Zoe Lofgren
Rep. Linda Sanchez
DNC member Eric Garcetti
DNC member Norma Torres
DNC member Jeremy Bernard
DNC member Mary Ellen Early
Undecided Superdelegates:
Sen. Barbara Boxer
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
Rep. Jerry McNerney
Rep. Pete Stark
Rep. Mike Honda
Rep. Sam Farr
Rep. Jim Costa
Rep. Lois Capps
Rep. Howard Berman
Rep. Henry Waxman
Rep. Bob Filner
Rep. Susan Davis (CA)
DNC state chair Art Torres
DNC vice chair Alexandra Gallardo-Rooker
DNC member Steven Alari
DNC member Edward Espinoza
DNC member Inola Henry
DNC member Aleita Huguenin
DNC member Carole Midgen
DNC member Bob Mulholland
DNC member Christine Pelosi
DNC member John Perez
DNC member Robert Rankin
DNC member Garry Shay
DNC member Crystal Strait
DNC member Keith Umemoto
DNC member Vernon Watkins
DNC member Steve Ybarra

With such a long list of "undecided" superdelegates from California, this group could decide the candidate picked by the Democrats to run against John McCain in November. Let's see what happens.

February 12, 2008

In a most remarkable Regional Transportation meeting on February 7th, the decision was made not to go forward with a tax measure to widen Highway 1. For those who want to see exactly what happened, tune in Community TV on Friday at 7PM for a rerun. The vote not to proceed to the November 2008 ballot was 8-4 against. Of course the Sentinel has ranted against those who don't support widening Highway 1 as being the reason for this. Not at all true, although those of us who think there are better ways to resolve our traffic problems have been consistent speaking against widening.

The Campaign for Sensible Transportation has updated their website with new features, highlighted by reports from public meetings. Please go here for a report on the February 7th RTC meeting. This meeting was not covered in detail by our daily newspapers.

The voters have spoken

Sorry to say my recommendations for last Tuesday's primary election didn't all make the finals. However, seeing our local Obama campaigners bring in their candidate by a 55% to 41% margin in Santa Cruz County was thrilling. Only three other counties in California did better than that, Marin and tiny Alpine and Mono counties. Proposition 93 also passed in Santa Cruz County, but failed statewide. Too bad that we're losing John Laird as our assembly member because of that. But that's what we're going to have to live with. On the plus side, we can say goodbye to Assembly member Fabian Nunez and State Senator Don Perata, the two Democrats who had the most to do with the defeat of Prop 93.

Also, we seem destined to hear from California "Indians" every time they want to add more gambling gadgets to their casinos. Why is it we don't hear anything about this group of California citizens between ballot measures to increase their gaming income?

Voter Turnout?

Speaking as a Democrat, we did pretty well as far as voter turnout. As of February 6, County Elections reports that 71.5% of registered Dems voted. Not bad, but why wasn't it higher? Let's hope we can rev up the voters interest in November to the 90% it should be. Regarding the other parties turnout, you can see that all here.

February 5, 2008

There's an outside chance that by the time you read this, we'll know whom California voters picked for their presidential candidates. We'll also know how the rest of the ballot measure fared. But if past experience with close local elections holds, we may not know for certain until the recounts and challenges are complete. On the plus side, our County Elections Department has apparently come up with enough volunteers to work the polls, which was at one time not a sure thing. With no rain in the forecast for Election Day, there should be no excuse for registered voters not voting. I think we're going to see a high turnout in this election, between 70% and 80%.

Drug ads on TV

We're becoming only too aware of the skyrocketing costs of prescription drugs. After working for thirty years for a company that covered just about 100% of these costs for employees and retirees, this has gone from low concern to high concern. My former employer, by the way, no longer provides that benefit, but offers a costly HMO alternative. What changed?

I've always suspected that the drug companies have too much control over our lives. An example is the ads of TV for medicine only doctors can prescribe. If we believe them, we'll run straight to our physicians and ask them to prescribe what we've just been sold on TV.

A little research on the Internet confirmed what drug advertisers on TV are doing to us. Besides driving up the cost of prescription drugs, the ads are causing people to over-medicate. One research article written following a UCLA study on the subject said Americans watch up to 16 hours of TV ads about prescription drugs per week. New Zealand and the US are the only developed countries that allow prescription drugs to be advertised direct to the consumer on TV. New Zealand is considering stopping it.

Want to know more? Go here to read more about the UCLA scientific study, or here to see a list of TV prescription drug ads that include many the FDA found to be harmful or misleading and forced off TV, or Google "drug ads on tv" to see more on why you're paying such high prices for prescription drugs

January 29, 2008

For those 40% of you who have already cast their mail-in ballots for Tuesday's election, you can scroll past the next few paragraphs. But if you haven't, here are my recommendations. I'm listing Yes on Proposition 93 first, because we have the most to loose if it fails.

Yes on Proposition 93

Let's face it; voters who had enough of Willie Brown's lifetime career and leadership style in the state assembly passed term limits.

But fixing the Brown problem brought about a much bigger problem. Terms are now limited to three two-year terms in the Assembly and two four-year terms in the Senate for a total of 14 years. Even for high-achieving politicians, there is still a learning curve involved. We're now losing good legislators just after they're becoming productive, due to term limits.

Prop 93 amends the state constitution allowing legislators to serve a total of 12 years in one house. This is actually a reduction of two years from term limits of today, but would probably be the choice of those in office, i.e. serve the 12 years in one house.

So what's the bottom line? John Laird, who has done an excellent job of representing us in the Assembly, will be gone at the end of this year due to existing term limits. Yes on 93 will let John Laird run for reelection three more times in the Assembly. The state senate is really not an option for John, as Joe Simitian currently holds that job and has the voter support to retain it. By the way, Joe Simitian is doing a great job too, and will get to run for a third term in the senate if Prop 93 passes.

The downside to passing Prop 93 is that the same extensions will be available to less deserving members of the legislature. Assembly Speaker Nunez and Senate President pro Tem Perata are two names that come out first from those opposing Prop 93. They are willing to throw out good legislators just to see these two gone.

Not passing Prop 93, however, is too high a price to pay to get rid of a few legislators who haven't measured up to our standards. Give John Laird and the rest of our elected officials a chance to run for reelection and serve for 12 years in either house if their constituents reelect them. Vote YES on 93!

For President of the United States

If you're registered as a Democrat like I am, we have three good choices for President of the United States. Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards will be capable replacements for the current holder of that office. I like all three. But I voted for Barack Obama because he's our best chance for seeing real change happen in Washington. He has the ability to inspire people far more than the rest of the candidates, and yes that includes the Republican candidates. I just hope our three candidates don't destroy one another in the primary elections and turn the country over to the Republicans for another four years.

No on Proposition 91

This is another sneaky attempt by the highway lobby get their hands on tax money that has been designated for public transit. Don't vote for it. No on Proposition 91.

Yes on Proposition 92

Probably more complicated than it looks. But what's wrong with setting Community College fees at a reasonable $15 per unit and limit future fee increases to young people trying to prepare themselves for the future? Yes on Proposition 92.

No on Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97

Gambling in the form of relief to California "Indians" is the biggest scam on record. We're talking about 100's of millions of dollars passing from the public to the gaming industry. If you believe them, we won't have to worry about funding our schools, police or fire departments if only they can "expand". I don't believe them. If we invested these 100's of millions going to the casinos directly into education, law enforcement and fire protection we'd have money left over to get started with health care for everybody. So why pour a good portion of this money into the bank accounts of wealthy "California Indians"? No on all four, Propositions 94,95,96 and 97.

It's nice to be home!

We had the usual wonderful time for two weeks on Oahu. Being in and around a city the size of Honolulu is always an education. This year we didn't get too far from our beachfront hotel. But to see what an entire state can do to support their university's football team is impressive. For those that don't follow these things, the University of Hawaii's football team went undefeated during the regular season, reaching a major bowl game (Sugar Bowl) for the first time ever. Winning this one wasn't in the cards, but you would never know it by the public's reaction. There was an hours long parade celebrating this team, their volleyball and soccer teams and other athletic accomplishments on the Saturday before we left.

We had our usual departure lunch at Stinger Ray's restaurant at the airport, left on time after two weeks of 82-degree sunny weather and landed on time in the rain at San Francisco. It hasn't stopped raining here since, but hugs from two grandchildren provided more than enough sunshine.

Two other things happened while we were away that also made us happy. The Sentinel's endorsement of Barack Obama, for one. I had to read this one twice to make sure. It also means voting against the Sentinel's recommendations are no longer a sure way to pick the right candidate. The other was the Business Council dropping their support for the highway widening tax. Why didn't our RTC and their highly paid consultants have regular status meetings with that Business Council? Who are the sixty some members of the Business Council anyway and do they really exist?

January 6, 2008

This year's presidential election is still months away, but Barack Obama is pulling away from the rest of the Dems. His ability to excite voters about the need for change has to be hitting the right spots. All the Democratic and Republican candidates for president are now saying they're all for change. Too little, too late for them. Barack was out there first with this. He has young voters paying attention to him; much like JFK did back in 1960. It's not that John Edwards or Hillary are not good candidates. But Barack Obama has the lead, and I don't see him giving it up. The Republican candidates? It would be impossible to come up with an acceptable nominee from this group. But they do have one thing in common. They're all more qualified than G. W. Bush.

Manuel's Restaurant in Seacliff

About a year ago, I mentioned my family's dedication to Manuel's Restaurant in Seacliff, so no need to repeat all that. Manuel's continues to be our lunch and dinner restaurant of choice, and yesterday was another memorable lunch. We were seated at the corner table on the first level, the one that faces the portrait painting of longtime friend John Tuck. But not everybody knows to look UP to see what's on the ceiling. Next time you're there, check out the faces of W.C. Fields and Count Dracula peering down at you. These are unexpected treats for little kids (and big ones!), who are fascinated by them. We frequently have this table with our grandchildren. Yesterday, a young couple and their two children, probably 2 and 3 years old were sitting next to us. We pointed out the ceiling artwork to their parents and they in turn had the kids look up. They loved it.

KSCO update – Zwerling's still there

I was looking for storm news on Saturday from KSCO, something they're pretty good at providing. Instead I got owner Michael Zwerling's rant because a caller on the previous evening had mentioned the name of an Aptos restaurant. This in response to another caller wanting to find a restaurant that had power and was open. Apparently that violated one of Zwerling's rules by mentioning a business by name without paying for the airtime. He claimed it was free advertising and it was against "station policy". This must be what happens to people who live on a steady diet of Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly. Zwerling was still fuming as I hit the search button on the car radio. If the station is still up for sale, wouldn't it be nice to see a moderate to progressive owner take over KSCO?

It's vacation time again!

Sharon and I have our bags (or I should say bag, we travel light) for a trip to Oahu. We think the timing is right, as this weather front looks like it's going to be here for a while. So my input to Bratton Online will be missing for the next two weeks. We're looking forward to a nice visit with my brother, his family, and the rest of the warm, friendly people that we know there. Aloha!

January 2, 2008

The oak trees that were defoliated by oak moths during the last few months of 2007 are coming back strong. At least they are in our neighborhood, in Aptos near Cabrillo College. In spite of not spraying them, as some of my neighbors were advised to do, or pay to have done for them, the oaks are still with us. What a nice way to welcome in the New Year! Saying goodbye to 2007

Today's Sentinel (puff-piece article carried by the Associated Press) gave us the Bush party-line lead story. "The second half of 2007 saw violence drop dramatically in Iraq." but then goes on to say that the year was "wthe deadliest for the U.S. military since the 2003 invasion, with 898 troops killed". Also, 18,610 Iraqi's were killed during 2007 according to AP. Here's a more complete rundown on what George Bush's "mission" has accomplished.

Speaking of the Sentinel, they said goodbye to Santa Cruz in 2007. Well, sort of. Their corporate owner sold the Sentinel building (at least they are trying to), sold the Sentinel printing presses after moving the printing operation to San Jose. They of course then had to lay off their printing press operators, and then a large number of other staff members. Oh yes, the Sentinel staff who are still employed, go to work at the Sentinel's new offices in Scotts Valley. We can only guess when the next shoe will drop, which will be the Sentinel going out of business.

What's coming in February of 2008

2008 will be filled with political turmoil on many fronts starting in February. The major one, of course, is the election of a new president. Barack Obama has my vote here. Let's hope the Democratic candidates don't burn any bridges with each other. They each would make excellent candidates for VP and cabinet members.

We'll also get to decide whether or not our state legislators get to stay in office for a total of 12 years total, without regard to whether they are in the Assembly or Senate. Locally, that would let John Laird run for re-election to the Assembly this fall, and Joe Simitian run for a third (4 year) term. Read your sample ballot carefully. I'm voting yes on 93!