Over the past 49 years I have lived in and out of Tuolumne County – from LA, San Francisco to Paris, France. It is only in recent years that it has become very apparent to me that the County does not want individuals moving about.
While it is terrific that we now have Tuolumne County Transit, with stigma attached, it’s schedules are horrific. If you live in the Jamestown area and need to go into Sonora during the day it can take approximately 4-5 hours round trip, almost an entire day.
The constant theme here is the lack of private transportation, i.e. taxi cabs. Over the past years I remember Greyhound Bus Lines, Vintage Cab, Mother Lode Cab, 49er Cab – now the current and all of these companies have come and gone. 49er Cab will most likely go as its request for a rezoning was denied and there must be no other viable economic place for them to park their vehicles.
I can only assume our County feels it much healthier for our local economy to have people drive “under the influence”, fine them, impound their vehicles and add the fines to the future county revenues.
Unless you have a valid license, own your own, or know someone with a valid licensed vehicle, you are stuck in God’s Country forever.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Stuck in God
Over the past 49 years I have lived in and out of Tuolumne County – from LA, San Francisco to Paris, France. It is only in recent years that it has become very apparent to me that the County does not want individuals moving about.
While it is terrific that we now have Tuolumne County Transit, with stigma attached, it’s schedules are horrific. If you live in the Jamestown area and need to go into Sonora during the day it can take approximately 4-5 hours round trip, almost an entire day.
The constant theme here is the lack of private transportation, i.e. taxi cabs. Over the past years I remember Greyhound Bus Lines, Vintage Cab, Mother Lode Cab, 49er Cab – now the current and all of these companies have come and gone. 49er Cab will most likely go as its request for a rezoning was denied and there must be no other viable economic place for them to park their vehicles.
I can only assume our County feels it much healthier for our local economy to have people drive “under the influence”, fine them, impound their vehicles and add the fines to the future county revenues.
Unless you have a valid license, own your own, or know someone with a valid licensed vehicle, you are stuck in God’s Country forever.
While it is terrific that we now have Tuolumne County Transit, with stigma attached, it’s schedules are horrific. If you live in the Jamestown area and need to go into Sonora during the day it can take approximately 4-5 hours round trip, almost an entire day.
The constant theme here is the lack of private transportation, i.e. taxi cabs. Over the past years I remember Greyhound Bus Lines, Vintage Cab, Mother Lode Cab, 49er Cab – now the current and all of these companies have come and gone. 49er Cab will most likely go as its request for a rezoning was denied and there must be no other viable economic place for them to park their vehicles.
I can only assume our County feels it much healthier for our local economy to have people drive “under the influence”, fine them, impound their vehicles and add the fines to the future county revenues.
Unless you have a valid license, own your own, or know someone with a valid licensed vehicle, you are stuck in God’s Country forever.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
I've been published....
Finally, the Union Democrat liked my piece about appropriateness and it appeared in yesterday's paper.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Appropriateness
It’s finally here, the holiday season! In my mind, it’s finally appropriate to see Christmas merchandise in the stores, to see houses with Christmas lights dripping from them, to hear the sounds of Christmas songs in the shopping centers.
It’s been a tradition in my family on the day after Thanksgiving to string up our Christmas lights. On Friday past, that’s just what my father and I did. We also have a tradition of driving around Sonora and other spots in the county to look at the houses with all their holiday lights. I grew up here and now I’m living here again and that’s what we do. It’s appropriate.
What is not appropriate, however, is kids, and/or adults, vandalizing our Christmas lights, walking around our neighborhoods “shorting” out strings of lights or breaking or unscrewing bulbs. It’s not the cost it’s just not appropriate. In the past three days, I’ve replaced 24 bulbs and 2 fuses and re-plugged 2 strands of lights.
Living in Tuolumne County (or any for that matter) comes with a price and that is teaching our children, No. 1 - to respect others property and No. 2 - not to mess with your neighbors Christmas lights. Let’s be diligent and respectful this year and enjoy the Holiday Season! After all, it is a time when middle-aged adults can feel like kids again.
It’s been a tradition in my family on the day after Thanksgiving to string up our Christmas lights. On Friday past, that’s just what my father and I did. We also have a tradition of driving around Sonora and other spots in the county to look at the houses with all their holiday lights. I grew up here and now I’m living here again and that’s what we do. It’s appropriate.
What is not appropriate, however, is kids, and/or adults, vandalizing our Christmas lights, walking around our neighborhoods “shorting” out strings of lights or breaking or unscrewing bulbs. It’s not the cost it’s just not appropriate. In the past three days, I’ve replaced 24 bulbs and 2 fuses and re-plugged 2 strands of lights.
Living in Tuolumne County (or any for that matter) comes with a price and that is teaching our children, No. 1 - to respect others property and No. 2 - not to mess with your neighbors Christmas lights. Let’s be diligent and respectful this year and enjoy the Holiday Season! After all, it is a time when middle-aged adults can feel like kids again.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Money to Travel
I don’t quite understand all the issues regarding Ms.Murrison’s Travel expenses other than it strikes me that quite possibly the other supervisor’s are a bit jealous.
As far as I know, Ms. Murrison is the first Supervisor to actively pursue education in learning how to become a better public servant. How many of our other “supe’s” have done this.
The old “know it all”, “seen it all” attitude has got to go. This is a quickly changing world we live in with economic challenges of every sort. Give her the money! The rest of you might consider a “weekend retreat of learning” as well.
As far as I know, Ms. Murrison is the first Supervisor to actively pursue education in learning how to become a better public servant. How many of our other “supe’s” have done this.
The old “know it all”, “seen it all” attitude has got to go. This is a quickly changing world we live in with economic challenges of every sort. Give her the money! The rest of you might consider a “weekend retreat of learning” as well.
Keeping up with the Jones’.
As best as I can tell, it seems the County’s primary reason to build a new administration center, oh, and jail. Is because Calaveras County has one.
While it would be terrific to have such a showplace, I can’t figure out why in all of these new proposed projects the standard line is “the State is going to fund a grant” or the State is going to pay for most of it. Or better yet, this money’s will come largely from fines and fees. That old line “come her on vacation” leave here on probation” can only go so far friends.
The last time I checked, the State of California is broke. That means there is no money. Now how on earth is the State of California going to pay for this if they don’t have any money?
Once this land is purchased, and may I ask, why not optioned? The only winner’s here are the landowner’s. This new Law Enforcement Center may never get built meanwhile someone is going to the bank.
While it would be terrific to have such a showplace, I can’t figure out why in all of these new proposed projects the standard line is “the State is going to fund a grant” or the State is going to pay for most of it. Or better yet, this money’s will come largely from fines and fees. That old line “come her on vacation” leave here on probation” can only go so far friends.
The last time I checked, the State of California is broke. That means there is no money. Now how on earth is the State of California going to pay for this if they don’t have any money?
Once this land is purchased, and may I ask, why not optioned? The only winner’s here are the landowner’s. This new Law Enforcement Center may never get built meanwhile someone is going to the bank.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The Dumbing Down!
Maybe I'm just dumb, but it seems as it the Union Democrat just might be the commanding voice of the Mother Lode. It wasn't more than a week ago they released an article praising the Mother Lode Bank that on Friday, the FEDS handed down a cease and desist order. Is it possible our paper knew of this and ran the positive story in advance?
The same with the Sonora Regional Medical Center (Apples to Oranges) a negative story quickly followed up by a positive story. Of course no where in the fine print did it say they were measuring the same standards.
Now as for the real buzz of the day: Let's hear it for Liz Bass, whose only comments of how great this county is were "we have a bypass and we have people of color". Gee Liz. I'm sure glad you represent our county. We have a by-pass. Puh-lease! I guess all great counties have by-passes. And with a bit over 8% non-Caucasian, that really says a lot.
I think what we are seeing is just a "dumbing down" or our county. You know, when all you have is Corn Flakes, you can talk bad about em, but you better say something good to because that's all we got and even more so, will get.
And as far as the Democrat, remember whose advertising dollars are keeping this newspaper afloat
The same with the Sonora Regional Medical Center (Apples to Oranges) a negative story quickly followed up by a positive story. Of course no where in the fine print did it say they were measuring the same standards.
Now as for the real buzz of the day: Let's hear it for Liz Bass, whose only comments of how great this county is were "we have a bypass and we have people of color". Gee Liz. I'm sure glad you represent our county. We have a by-pass. Puh-lease! I guess all great counties have by-passes. And with a bit over 8% non-Caucasian, that really says a lot.
I think what we are seeing is just a "dumbing down" or our county. You know, when all you have is Corn Flakes, you can talk bad about em, but you better say something good to because that's all we got and even more so, will get.
And as far as the Democrat, remember whose advertising dollars are keeping this newspaper afloat
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Examining the high rate of failure of SBA loans in the Mother Lode
While it was quite magnanimous for the president of one of our locally owned banks to inform us the other day how diversified their portfolio is, he only mentioned the sub prime market.
I wonder if this was intentional or he just forgot about how highly invested this particular bank is in small business loans.
Just a thought...
I wonder if this was intentional or he just forgot about how highly invested this particular bank is in small business loans.
Just a thought...
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Yes, Censorship in Tuolumne County
A day or so ago I received a call from Chris Bateman at the Union Democrat. He indicted he had received my letters and basically, "they have taken the position to not print letters in which a Corporate Entity is involved" . That means the good, as well as the bad. Hmm. I really quite don't know what to think of this. In the paper the other day, Wikipedia trashed Sonora. Unfotunately, basically what Wikipedia was true. I quote "For the last two days last month, the city’s entry on the user-edited online encyclopedia described the town as a racist, elitist backwater." How True. Below is the article since I couldn't figure out how to make it link. In any event, Bravo to the Wikipedia writer.
Wikipedia vandal trashes Sonora in online posts
Written by Walt Cook, The Union Democrat September 08, 2009 11:21 am
Sonora has entered the debate over the accuracy of Wikipedia.
For two days last month, the city’s entry on the user-edited online encyclopedia described the town as a racist, elitist backwater.
Wikipedia has come under scrutiny over the years for inaccuracies due to its policy of allowing the public to generate new entries and edit existing ones. Defenders of the Wikipedia, though, say it utilizes the wisdom of the masses and is generally no less accurate than print encyclopedias.
Whatever the case, Wikipedia is nonetheless currently considering making its entries harder to edit, possibly by enlisting a number of expert gatekeepers.
Sonora’s entry makes a case for the proposed policy change.
From Aug. 23 to 25, according to Wikipedia’s records, less-than-flattering edits by someone with the user name “Vayne,” who claimed to be a 21-year-old Sacramento college student named Michael, could be found throughout Sonora’s Wikipedia page, which dates back to 2002.
Vayne said Sonora’s lack of racial and ethnic diversity, non-Christian places of worship and economic opportunities make it an uninviting place for some.
“Many (Sonorans) are of higher economic standing and tend to be unwelcoming to visitors without money,” Vayne wrote. “Visitors new to the area or who might be considered ‘ethnic’ should prepare for the high level of ethnic disparity by blending as best as possible. ... Most Latinos have sought work and opportunity elsewhere where they are less likely to be judged due to economic standing, skin color, or a linguistic barrier.”
Vayne also weighed in on homelessness in Sonora, saying, “The local government literally ignores the homeless problem.”
The entry was spotted by a Sonora resident on Aug. 24, who contacted Board of Supervisors member Liz Bass, who represents the city, and asked her to do something about it. Bass got some local staffers on the job of restoring Sonora’s entry.
Bass said the unflattering entry amounted to “cyber-vandalism.”
“It sounds like a disgruntled person who didn’t get what they wanted out of this experience,” Bass said. “I’ve lived here 37 years. Obviously, we do have shopping centers, a homeless shelter downtown, a bypass and people of color do live here.”
Vayne had claimed that Sonora lacked malls, divided highways and homeless shelters.
Monty Youngborg, a retired volunteer for the Tuolumne County History Museum, who does technical work for the museum, likes the idea of Wikipedia tweaking its policy, saying its editors “should have some verified pedigree.”
“You get these people, maybe they got into trouble with the cops, who can really make a mess and put out a lot of untruths,” Youngborg said. “You never know what sets people off.”
Youngborg called Wikipedia a “valuable tool,” which he uses often.
He said the more technical the entry, usually the more accurate it is.
Because of the plethora of false or biased data available not just on Wikipedia but throughout the entire Internet, Youngborg recommends that people use a “jaundiced eye” when surfing the Web.
“I think people are going to have to get a little more calloused at the Internet,” Youngborg said.
In any event, my poultry article, I suppose offended the Sonora Area Foundation and my Sonora Regional didn't set well with the "Corporate entity".
Sure seems like censorship to me.
Monday, September 7, 2009
The Blame Game
Why on earth do people, who really don't understand technology, blame technology on their PG&E bills. I suppose the thought is that for every Kilowat registered, 1.75 kilowats register. Of course, making the new meters the problem.
If we just weren't so darn selfish and conserve we'd all see a decrease in our utility bills. I ask you. How many new electrical appiiances do you have this year compared to last year. Did you happen to buy EnergyStar? Most likely the answer is a lot and no. I can honestly boast a 1,300 reduction in my kilowatt hours from last year.
People, please stop being so selfish with our resources. If you choose to use a lot of them, you'll have to suffer and pay for your share. It's not a conspiracy, really.
Censorship in Tuolumne County?
It couldn't be but I think it is. I submitted the Poultry blog and the Apples to Oranges blog almost two weeks ago to our local newspaper, The Union Democrat.
They have a wonderful page called Letters to the Editor. I've actually submitted a number of letters over the years...and always had been published. But this time. Not yet.
I can't help but wonder whether my two articles hit a little too close to home. We'll see how it plays out.
They have a wonderful page called Letters to the Editor. I've actually submitted a number of letters over the years...and always had been published. But this time. Not yet.
I can't help but wonder whether my two articles hit a little too close to home. We'll see how it plays out.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Apples to Oranges
About two weeks ago, a report was issued stating Sonora Regional was below the medium in the care they provided. The report stated that they were conservative on invasive treatments and they basically were mediocre amongst the other facilities studied (I believe they came in at 48%.)
So now a different report was issued stating that the Sonora Regional was in the top 20% for it’s care and services. I had to chuckle when they mentioned they accurately suggested cardiac patients take two aspirin and go home. Duh!
These reports are like comparing apples to oranges. I assume their belief is that when you are the only game in town, you can be the best you want to be when you want to be it. How many of us who no longer have a choice of health care providers in this county can get in the car and drive to the valley?
Whatever their standard of care it, it really doesn’t matter. Some of us no longer have a choice and we’re stuck with an organization that is either mediocre or pretty good, depending on the day.
So now a different report was issued stating that the Sonora Regional was in the top 20% for it’s care and services. I had to chuckle when they mentioned they accurately suggested cardiac patients take two aspirin and go home. Duh!
These reports are like comparing apples to oranges. I assume their belief is that when you are the only game in town, you can be the best you want to be when you want to be it. How many of us who no longer have a choice of health care providers in this county can get in the car and drive to the valley?
Whatever their standard of care it, it really doesn’t matter. Some of us no longer have a choice and we’re stuck with an organization that is either mediocre or pretty good, depending on the day.
The Poultry Barn
Well thank you & Hallelujah too! There is a new concrete floor in the Poultry Barn at the Mother Lode Fair Grounds! Thanks to the benevolent and almighty "Sonora Area Foundation"
It seems in these bad economic times they have generously committed almost $95K to the Community, specifically the Fairgrounds, which during the Fair this past year had extremely low turnouts.
I will only think of the Chicken and Turkey “Meals on Wheels” that won't be feeding the people of our County who need them when I stand on that new concrete floor under those four new fans blowing the smell of chicken sh*t in my brightly lit face.
Thank you and Good decision folks
It seems in these bad economic times they have generously committed almost $95K to the Community, specifically the Fairgrounds, which during the Fair this past year had extremely low turnouts.
I will only think of the Chicken and Turkey “Meals on Wheels” that won't be feeding the people of our County who need them when I stand on that new concrete floor under those four new fans blowing the smell of chicken sh*t in my brightly lit face.
Thank you and Good decision folks
Saturday, August 29, 2009
The New Poultry Floor
Well thank you & Hallelujah too! There is a new concrete floor in the Poultry Barn at the Mother Lode Fair Grounds! Thanks to the benevolent and almighty "Sonora Area Foundation"
It seems in these bad economic times they have generously committed almost $95K to the Community, specifically the Fairgrounds, which during the Fair this past year had extremely low turnouts.
I will only think of the Chicken and Turkey “Meals on Wheels” that won't be feeding the people of our County who need them when I stand on that new concrete floor under those four new fans blowing the smell of chicken sh*t in my brightly lit face.
Thank you and Good decision folks
It seems in these bad economic times they have generously committed almost $95K to the Community, specifically the Fairgrounds, which during the Fair this past year had extremely low turnouts.
I will only think of the Chicken and Turkey “Meals on Wheels” that won't be feeding the people of our County who need them when I stand on that new concrete floor under those four new fans blowing the smell of chicken sh*t in my brightly lit face.
Thank you and Good decision folks
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Loewe's in Tuolumne County
With all this hub-bub about Loewe’s, the proposed County Law Enforcement/Administration center, it leaves one to wonder who is sleeping with who in the Administrative, Judicial and Property Ownership arena.
I mean, after all. It was just about 4 months after the closing of TGH, that the county thought up the idea of the new Law Enforcement Complex. (What, we can’t provide health care, but can provide incarceration?) TGH had a negative $900 M / year deficit. The new law enforcement center will only cost upwards of $266 M. Hmmm.
And now we find the care from our sole provider is mediocre, at best. I guess when you’re the only game in town you can be the best you want to be.
And Loewe’s…anyone checked out the corporate profile lately. I wonder how they can manage to keep their doors open another day. And we are really to believe they are actively pursuing new stores.
I would suggest the wool is being pulled over the people of this county’s eyes. Already the epithet “Come here on Vacation, leave here on Probation” is being thrown around. And we are to think the state (Bankrupt, by the way) is going to provide the necessary funding for our new “lock down”.
So who is sleeping with whom? Who stands to gain the most? The people of Tuolumne County that thought they moved to
God’s Country or the unknown individuals that seem to keep things under control, at best.
I mean, after all. It was just about 4 months after the closing of TGH, that the county thought up the idea of the new Law Enforcement Complex. (What, we can’t provide health care, but can provide incarceration?) TGH had a negative $900 M / year deficit. The new law enforcement center will only cost upwards of $266 M. Hmmm.
And now we find the care from our sole provider is mediocre, at best. I guess when you’re the only game in town you can be the best you want to be.
And Loewe’s…anyone checked out the corporate profile lately. I wonder how they can manage to keep their doors open another day. And we are really to believe they are actively pursuing new stores.
I would suggest the wool is being pulled over the people of this county’s eyes. Already the epithet “Come here on Vacation, leave here on Probation” is being thrown around. And we are to think the state (Bankrupt, by the way) is going to provide the necessary funding for our new “lock down”.
So who is sleeping with whom? Who stands to gain the most? The people of Tuolumne County that thought they moved to
God’s Country or the unknown individuals that seem to keep things under control, at best.
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