Prose

Letters to the Editor 

Vallejo TIMES HERALD

VIB RESPONSE TO FARADAY   6-4-2016

Listening to Faraday’s presentation last night, I thought this is too good to be true.  But it could happen. Good things happen too. No reason why it shouldn’t happen to us. Lord knows we’ve suffered long enough, what with two bankruptcies & crime, tearing our hair out over the cement factory…

 It wasn’t a professional presentation like other companies I saw pitching our City Council for that land on Mare Island.  Our staff spoke well, but Faraday’s fellow, Dag Reckhorn, vice president of manufacturing, was inarticulate & unprepared. The slides didn’t match his words; his words were often jumbled.  He did, however, speak with a twinkle in his voice. We want to have fun, he said. When was the last time we heard anything like that in that drafty old meeting room in City Hall?

Last night was different.  We were feeling pretty good about ourselves as well. A number of well-spoken, knowledgeable citizens pointed out, over & over, the need to hire experts, be prepared, make a timeline, as well as other warnings & good ideas on how to negotiate this deal.  Boudicca Todi told the city council, they need us more than we need them. In fact, we don’t need them. Be ready to walk away, she warned, like the brave civic/heroine she is.    

Be brave, Vallejo!  I’m sad to see Vallejo suffering from the mentality of poverty.  We’ve got to cut that out now & start behaving like the great city we’re becoming, with or without Faraday Future on Mare Island.  We all know it’s coming. You can feel it. Bernie came…

Our calls for public art, moreover, the landscaping of our parks & waterfront should also go out to the world.  We deserve the best. If the winning talent comes from within our community, all the better, but let’s not limit ourselves by holding on to the status quo.  Raise the bar. Let’s go for the best we can get. 

I’d love to see Faraday & Vallejo work out a deal worthy of the citizens of Vallejo.  

That, Mayor Davis, is what you should leave as your legacy.  Not a 60-foot bronze monument to all wars.

ELECTION QUESTIONS  6-5-2016

I have no patience for the folks running for mayor & city council in Vallejo.  They invite me to fund raisers, which helps them, no doubt, but do nothing for me; they don’t tell me their platforms or indicate what kind of public servant they will be, apart from being friendly, smiling hand shakers.   

I watch them move their mouths, but hear nothing but platitudes & clichés; just a lot of blah blah blah, delivered over nice food & drink, in lovely settings, with charming people.  

Pardon the pun; I need concrete talk before I part with my money.    I want good, strong leadership running this city.  

1. Is friendship a good reason to donate to a campaign – or vote for someone?  
2. Is being a good-guy enough to get votes? 

Nice people are a dime a dozen in Vallejo; I want my mayor to be a tough guy, and hard driving deal maker/ business man/woman, who has the right connections and knows how to get things done.  Where I come from we call them wheeler-dealers. You know what I mean. He knows what we need, and how to make good deals for us.

Do any of the people running for mayor have those qualities? 

I have no way of knowing, and going to fund-raisers, so far, has failed to provide the information I need.  If you want me to vote, please tell me what I need to know:   

1. How do you find out what the people want?
2. What’s your vision for Vallejo?  
3. How will you make it happen?  
4. What changes do we need to make?
5. How will you deal with crime in bad schools?

We need regular town meetings, public forums, q & a sessions with people who say they want to be mayor or city councilor.  I don’t know enough about higher levels but I’m sure it’s the same with county officials & state.

I’m a lover of language, but a hater of obfuscation, a device of people, especially politicians, who use language to say nothing.  Case in point: this person wants to be reelected to the city council & here’s what she tells me: “Let’s …. work collaboratively to think outside the box for new & innovative ways to move Vallejo forward into the future.”  I can’t stop laughing. It’s a comic routine. Could she say less? She has dug into her box of clichés & platitudes & come up with a load of nonsense that might impress folks whose minds are turned off, but not me. Another, who spoke in front of a group of supporters recently, kept repeating, “everyone should have the chance to express themselves.”   Huh? I wanted to say, ok, your turn. Express yourself. Say something. Please.  

ELECTION QUESTIONS  6-13-2016

Some of the folks running for mayor & city council in Vallejo invite me to fund raisers, but, with the exception of Robert McConnell, they haven’t told me anything that makes me want to vote for them – so far.  I watch their mouths move, but hear nothing but platitudes & clichés; just a lot of blah blah blah, delivered over fancy food & drink, in lovely settings, with charming people. Sorry guys, I won’t be bribed, nor will I contribute to campaigns that tell me nothing.  

For example, here’s a doozie I read last week in this newspaper: “…it’s time to dig deeper and work on systemic and long term change that will ensure a transparent, open and collaborative form of government such as civic engagement policies that ensure public noticing and participation on major economic development projects.”  

Whew!  Will someone please translate that garbage for me?

Worse than gobbledygook is the gossip people repeat as though they know it’s true, when they actually do not.  There’s a lot of nasty stuff out there, which, if we can’t stop at the source, we can at least ignore. Please, don’t let gossip influence your thinking.   For example, many people tell me a certain candidate is a Dominionist. They believe this is a fact, which it might be, but how do they know? So far no one has been able to tell me.  Moreover, just because someone is friendly & smiling, shakes my hand and acts like a “good guy,” isn’t enough reason to get my money or my vote.

I want my elected officials to be able to articulate what’s needed in Vallejo and how to get it done.  I want them to know what’s going on in the city, its schools & various communities; to understand business and know how to make good deals.  Do any of the people running for mayor or city council have those qualities? These are my questions to all local candidates. Please answer with straight talk, in simple English.  

1. What’s your vision for Vallejo?  
2. How will you make it happen?  

Furthermore, I want to see regular town meetings, public forums, Q & A sessions where citizens can ask tough questions directly, and hear answers we understand.   

Enough obfuscation!   Stop the gossip! Let’s have a real conversation.  I want to hear the candidates tell me what I need to know in order to use my intelligence in deciding who to vote for.  

LANDIS GRADEN FOR MAYOR   7-13-2016

I had the pleasure to encounter Landis Graden this week.  He met with a small group of my friends & neighbors for a Q & A session about his running for mayor of Vallejo.  Before anything else, let me say I don’t work for him, I’m not on his campaign committee nor am I connected to him in business; I’m getting nothing in return, he doesn’t know I’m writing this letter, and I’m not his mother.  

The purpose of the meeting was to confirm or dispel the rumors that fly around our city like pigeon droppings in Independence Park, and to put his feet to the fire with questions about everything we could think of, no holds barred.  He wasn’t told the questions in advance.

I’m a tough-minded sceptic; have met my share of fast-talking wise guys & con-artists on all levels of life who say one thing & do another.  I don’t believe this is true of Landis. I found him refreshing, open minded, candid & untainted by the political mumbo-jumbo the old hands at this game heave at us like those ubiquitous bird droppings. 

Landis used clear language; he spoke plain English.   He’s a successful business man and a consummate organizer with a clear vision for Vallejo.  I think he’d find a way to unify & work together with the council to achieve good goals, rather than engaging in sparring matches with his colleagues like we see most Tuesday nights down at City Hall.  He’s a giant leap away from what’s old & stale in our city government. As my hero, Bernie Sanders says, we need fresh blood in the political process.

I believe Landis Graden wants to make Vallejo a better city and knows how to do it.  I don’t believe he’s a Dominionist, whatever that is, or has been bought. He’s not slick, he talks like an intelligent normal person.  I believe his intent is honorable and he is capable. I like that he’s a good businessman. I think he’d make a great mayor. Don’t take my word for it; ask to meet him; find out for yourself.   I could be wrong; if you think so please tell me.  

WE’VE BEEN HAD – AGAIN!    8-9-2016

Why does Vallejo need FUSE to find and train someone for the important job of marketing our city to potential businesses?  Why can’t we hire people who are already trained?  Why can’t we hire a highly qualified, experienced professional who has references, a resume of successes and verifiable accomplishments, important connections and a proven track-record working with other cities to do exactly what we need?  Surely these professionals already exist.  We might even have such people among us.

If I needed a heart surgeon I would seek out the best, most experienced one I could find.  I would not go to Truoro University and ask them to find a pre-med student whom they would then train to become a doctor, and specialize in heart surgery to operate on me – and watch over him and give him refresher courses while he did it. 

As I watched the presentation Tuesday night at City Hall, I kept thinking what a fine sales person the FUSE organization sent, offering vagaries, non-specifics, and avoiding direct questions with slick language that told little more, as far as I could tell, than how good they are in selling themselves.  That alone should have told us what they were about.  How many times did Councilman McConnell ask the same question about who pays the cost of the refresher-course training hours after the person is hired?  Three! The same number of times the question was avoided; the third time received a head-shake when he offered the obvious answer.  (The answer is “Vallejo does.”) 

If I was looking for a job I might go to FUSE, but I wouldn’t be on the buying end.  Why should the city of Vallejo pay $60,000 to find someone for us?  Why should we be benefactors for FUSE?  I don’t see what they can do for us that we can’t do better ourselves.

My brilliant City Council and Mayor voted unanimously in favor of FUSE, while expressing “hopes” about what the FUSE trainee should do.  “HOPES” not requirements or expectations, but HOPES.  The wise men of Chelm have spoken again.  Good luck, Vallejo. 

Dear Mayor, City Council, and Staff,   July 28, 2016

 Why does Vallejo need FUSE to find and train someone for the important job of marketing our city to potential businesses?  Why can’t we hire a highly qualified, experienced professional who has references, a resume of successes and verifiable accomplishments, important connections and a proven track-record working with other cities to do exactly what we need?  Surely these professionals already exist.  We might even have such people among us.

If I needed a heart surgeon I would seek out the best, most experienced one I could find.  I would not go to Truoro University and ask them to find a pre-med student who they would then train to become a doctor, and specialize in heart surgery to operate on me – and watch over him and give him refresher courses while he did it.  

As I watched the presentation Tuesday night I kept thinking what a fine sales person the FUSE organization sent, offering vagaries, non-specifics, and avoiding direct questions with slick language that told nothing more, as far as I could tell, than how good they are in selling themselves.  That alone should have told you what they were about. If I was looking for a job I might go to FUSE, but I wouldn’t be on the buying end.  Why should the city of Vallejo pay $60,000 to find someone for us ?  Why should we be benefactors for FUSE?  I don’t see what they can do for us that we can’t do better ourselves.  

If I missed something at the meeting that explained this, I apologize for taking your time.  

Thank you very much.

Dear Mayor Davis, Council Members, and Staff,

I’d like to call your attention to the email I sent you on July 28, 2016 entitled FUSE, which I’m including at the end of this email.  In it I expressed what I thought about that proposal you approved to go ahead with FUSE: I believe it’s not a good deal for Vallejo, and we can do the job better ourselves.  

I see Kathleen Diohep, who brought this deal to you, and who was extremely enthusiastic about it, is no longer working for the city.  Could that possible change anything regarding the deal with FUSE?  Might you reconsider that decision?  I hope it opens a way for you to rethink the decision to hire FUSE, and consider better, less costly, and more efficient ways to do this important job.

Thank you for thinking about this again.  

Respectfully & sincerely

SHOW ME THE MONEY!   9-3-2016

Ha ha ha!  I’m glad to see I’m not the only one worried about the outcome of the vote when the Orcem/VMT project comes before our city council in a couple of months.  Two others are also worried, as we can see from the report on the front page of today’s paper. Orcem’s president & VMT’s owner are so worried they’re willing to pay the city a million bucks to vote for them.

I was so glad to see that.  It’s nice to know they’re not as sure of themselves as we think they are; it’s not the “done deal” rumors would have us believe.  If it was a sure thing we wouldn’t see a nickel more than what they have to pay. After all, it’s business.

The part of this story that makes me happiest is, by making this offer, VMT/Orcem have shot themselves in the foot – royally!  How can our venerable Mayor or any City Councilor vote for them and accept the money?  Think about it.  

By going public with their bribe, VMT/Orcem have ruined their chances of getting the deal.  If our city leaders accept the money and then vote for them for all the world to see, what does that say about our leaders?  Even the wise men of Chelm would know better than to do that.

(And, doesn’t this make the nature of their business even more suspect?)

And yet, it seems to me there’s a price for everything in this material world: business is business after all.  Everyone knows a measly million dollars won’t go very far these days. This is the era of The Billions. I say, show us a few Billion and at least give us something to think about.  

CANDIDATES FORUM   9-26-2016

I attended the candidates’ forum last week held in the senior center on Amador Street.  First thing that struck me, before any of them even opened their mouths, was the beauty of the lineup of people; all those beautiful faces, all colors, sitting at one long table with their backs against the wall facing audience head on.  There were 10 – 12 of them facing us. We could watch facial & body expressions when their opponents spoke. Nice. But what struck me most was the beauty of the people. I’m not talking about inner beauty; because I couldn’t see that at the time, but those animated, lively, healthy faces, eager to talk, eager have their say, eager to tell us why we should vote for them, eager to please.  They surveyed their constituents in the room, many of us hearing them for the first time, and did their best.  

And as my gaze passed across the line-up before me I thought this us Vallejo.  With the exception of Asian (Chinese Korean Japanese) we had so many colors in front of us, from the dark black handsome Landis to the pale, white haired McConnell, we had the full range.  A great difference from the lack of variety of colors I see at Art & Cultural events (except the food trucks on Wednesday)

It was a great pleasure to think this is my city, these are my representatives, and I get to decide who to vote for.  Many of them are my friends. Makes a girl feel pretty good.

LET’S CALL A SPADE A SPADE  9-30-2016

Early last summer The City Council invited applications for the newly created Arts & Culture Commission.  Fifteen people applied for seven seats, submitted lengthy, detailed applications and underwent personal interviews with the Mayor & City Council.  Appointments, we were told, would come in the end of Sept.   

Now, we learn: “City Council directed staff to reopen the application recruitment process for the Commission on Culture & the Arts to garner specific interest from members of the City’s diverse cultural institutions.”

What is the meaning of those words? What is a cultural Institution?  My synagogue? Will city staff approach the congregation of B’nai Israel up on Nebraska Street to garner interest for the Arts & Culture Commission? Or, is it something else they’re looking for?

 Let’s speak plain English.  It seems to me what city council really wants is black people, Filipino people, Latino people, Asian People – people who represent the true demographics of Vallejo. Where are those diverse cultural institutional members when the city needs them?  And why doesn’t the city say what it really wants? 

I think it’s for reasons we all know only too well.   They want to be politically correct; but how can our city staff deal with a problem they call by another name?  

Ever since I arrived in Vallejo I’ve been asking people why it is I see only white people at arts & cultural events?  (Food & Music are exceptions.) Why is the downtown arts group primarily, if not completely, white? Where’s the diverse city I’m told Vallejo is?

To my question, the same answer always comes back, “We’ve been dealing with this for a long time; they are invited; everyone is welcome; if they don’t come it’s not our fault.”

Really?  Not our fault?  Maybe, in another world where everything is perfect, worked as it should, and everybody just got along, that response might hold water, but not in my world.  The world I live in is fraught with racism & bigotry that runs rampant through society on every level.  

Here’s my proposal for dealing with this very real important problem. 

Be fair; respect the democratic process: choose seven from among the fifteen original applicants regardless of race, religion, color, or creed (whatever that is). Instruct them on the demographics of Vallejo and explain why you’re not satisfied with the commission being comprised of only white people.   

Charge them with the task of correcting this problem within the ranks of the Commission, in its committees & sub-committees, among all participants.  Set a deadline by which time they must demonstrate how they are solving the problem, the results of their efforts, and the effects thereof. If the council is satisfied, so be it.  If not, the city council reserves the right to close down the commission, and Vallejo will live again in the chaos that comes without an Arts Commission.  

We must learn to live together.  If we won’t do it ourselves, we must be made to do it. 

FORUMS   10-9-2016

I enjoy the city forums because they’re an opportunity to experience democracy in action — a great privilege and one of the reasons my ancestors came to America.  I get to hear & see the candidates in person, real people speaking for themselves, giving me the opportunity to think for myself and make up my own mind.  

At the same time, it’s hard to ignore the fiery blog gossip and word of mouth rumors that slither through our city like a sweet-talking serpent.  Easily recognizable, the language of gossip is filled with clichés and platitudes; its slogans arouse fear and seek conformity; it’s antithetical to thinking for oneself.  Certain journalists promote & thrive on it. No wonder Trump does so well in this country.

I’ve attended two forums so far, the latest run by Vallejo’s White Chamber of Commerce, and held in the gorgeous Empress Theater in beautiful downtown Vallejo, which has become more beautiful lately with the installation of a sculpture called SOMA, in front of the library.    

Proud of my city, I gazed with joy at the diverse ethnicity of the candidates who sat side-by-saide at a long table on the stage.  I watched them as they spoke, listened carefully to their words, and considered what I’d heard. I still believe Landis Graden will make a great mayor for Vallejo.  

Hssssssssss….  I’m warned to “follow the money,” insinuating Landis’s JumpStart endorsement means he’s sold out to the Orcem Ogres.  It makes me wonder what exactly does it take to sell out your own city. I try to imagine how much money & power Landis could garner from JumpStart to sway his vote.  My conclusion: Landis has a far-better destiny than to become the mayor responsible for bringing a cement factory to the shores of Vallejo.   

I’m not excited about candidates who need notes to speak about their beliefs and visions for the city.  I’m excited about candidates who can think and talk at the same time, and are able to speak from the heart.  Nothing excited me more than the two council candidates with the least experience – including the youngest of all – who spoke with such passion and exuberance about what they want to do for Vallejo that they were jumping out of their seats.  

Too bad we can only elect three this year.  We need fresh blood down at city hall. With the exception of Robert McConnell (who, incidentally, was the only Caucasian on the roster of council candidates), I’d like to replace every single one of them who sit on the dais now.    

Let’s look and listen and think about what is offered.  Do we want a mayor who needs notes to tell us what he’s done, or a mayor of strong character, a businessman with fresh ideas, who speaks well, thinks on his feet, & can guide our emerging 21st  century city.   

CITY ART    SOMA 10-19-2016

Driving down Georgia Street this bright sunny morning I got an eyeful of something that filled my heart with joy.  There stood SOMA, the Flaming Lotus Girls’ fabulous sculpture, perched on a platform beside the JFK Library, in all its shining bleepy-bloopy-synapsonical confounding glory, proclaiming that this is indeed a place that holds art in high esteem and has something special to tell the world. 

Like New York, Paris & Rome, where great public art gives the city its unique identity, Vallejo steps up to show the best we have, demonstrating a recognition of the past and belief in the future.  SOMA confirms that we who live here value ourselves, care about our image, believe we are worthy, appreciate art and recognize how it elevates our daily lives.  

It makes me proud to live in Vallejo.  We are a good city, getting better, and beginning to think of ourselves deserving of world-class public art.  SOMA gives a solid sense of place to Vallejo that we didn’t have before, and it’s only going to get better.  We have reason to be proud. 

LANDIS DOES WHAT HE SAYS     10-30-2916

Some among us feel threatened by Landis’ endorsements by people with whom they don’t agree.  They challenge his integrity because of the company he keeps. From the tone of their cries one would think this means he’s one of them.  Perhaps these critics think Landis shouldn’t speak or comport with the likes of Erin Hannigan, Pastor Quick, JumpStart, and others considered evil by the outspoken critics.  

Are they so afraid of these people?  Why shouldn’t they be heard. But let me tell you, Landis impressed me with his goal to bring people together, to work with the community, to form coalitions.  He told me he knew how to do this and that’s what he intended to do. And that’s what he’s doing, or, so it seems to me. When I listen to his words and observe his actions I’m glad to see he follows through and not just use words to hear himself speak.  He does what he says, privately, to a group of friends, and we, the public can see for ourselves that he means what he says.

That’s all I want to say at this time.

VALLEJO SYMPHONY    10-31-16

Once, I was an usher at the great Vallejo Symphony.  I stood in the doorway of the High School Auditorium, took tickets, handed over a program, and told people they could sit anywhere they liked, and said, “enjoy the show.”  I wasn’t instructed to do that but took the liberty on my own. In slow moments I chatted with people, exchanged little pleasantries that music lovers might do. For this I got a front row lodge seat to enjoy the music.  

The other people who did this were strange, not what you’d expect kind of people.  One was a Tai Chi teacher, another was a professor, another a technology designer, another a music specialist of a kind.  Whoever I met were interesting people. I guess friends of friends can also be friends, and so on down the road. I loved the job and would have gladly paid for my ticker.  

It was really nice, but when it was over, it was over.  They changed conductors, my friends jumped ship, and I was a casualty of the system.  It was fun while it lasted, and I’d love to do it again.

Sometimes in a slow moment people would stop to chat.  The most interesting thing was meeting the other people who, like me, were recruited and cast in the role.  

Someone, who knew someone who was responsible for casting people as ushers when the Symphony came to town & performed in a high school auditorium whose acoustics are wonderful.  Alas, under the system of nepotism, when my connection’s connection changed camps, I was out of a job.

THE VALLEJO SYMPHONY    11-16-2016

I hesitate to talk about The Vallejo Symphony for fear there’ll be no seats available at the next performance.  Yet I must declare the Vallejo Symphony is the jewel in the crown of all our city’s treasures.  How a far-flung backwater burg like ours managed to pull this off is beyond me, and tells me there’s more to Vallejo than what meets the eye.  

In my opinion The Vallejo Symphony Orchestra can stand proudly among the best in the world.  On October 30th, our new musical director/conductor, Marc Taddei, performed magnificently, as did the brilliant orchestra under his baton.  

For the opening performance of the season, Mr. Taddei’s first on the podium for us, he brought in pianist Sara Davis Buechner, whose electrifying rendition of the Prokofiev Piano Concerto #3 was so powerful she could have whipped all the forces of evil in the world.  She bounced and pounced all over the keyboard like a madwoman, yet in perfect control and mastery of her art.  It was pure power & emotion.  Not only did Ms. Buechner leap out of her seat while she played, we in the audience were propelled out of ours’ as well, unable to contain ourselves during her explosive performance.  

We also heard superb performances of Haydn’s Symphony No. 6, and Sibelius’s Symphony No. 5, as the salutation to Vallejo from Mr. Taddei, in an unforgettable afternoon of great, thrilling music.

I was an usher during the reign of David Ramadanoff, the previous conductor, because I had a friend who had a friend connected to that also wonderful conductor.  Many Sunday matinee performances, not only did I enjoy taking tickets, handing out programs, & chatting up fellow music-lovers, I got to sit in on the concert for free.  How I’d love that job back again.  

One more thing:  We need to give our magnificent Vallejo Symphony a proper concert hall.

OPERA IN VALLEJO   11-30-16

I attended the opera in Vallejo on Sunday.  The Verismo Opera Company performed Verdi’s La Forza del Destino in our recently opened Bay Area Stage Theatre on Broadway, across the street from my favorite ice-cream parlor/bakery, Paleteria & Pasteleria La Michoacana. 

It couldn’t have been more convenient; the drive took all of seven minutes; I found a spot in the reserved parking alley next door, and walked just a few steps to the theatre, which keeps improving each time I go.  They’ve now installed a graded seating area, which makes the theatre experience better than ever. 

Inside, I was greeted by smiling, happy faces, and paid $15 for a seat which I found easily in the second row center.  By show time, the house was nearly full.  There was a small chamber orchestra of six excellent players, and the conductor, Michael Moran, who did a great job.  We had a screen that told us what was being sung, in English.  Costumes were gorgeous.  The stage had a few simple props, dominated by a large crucifix in the center that made me feel that serious punishment was coming.  

Some of the singing was sublime with voices you might hear in the Met.  Jennifer Torossian-Studley as Donna Leonora, Josh Bongers as Don Alvaro, Steve Zimmerman as Don Carlo, and Susan Thieme as Preziosilla gave outstanding performances. In fact, everyone in the cast was fine; they remembered the words, knew where to move, and hit all the notes; they performed the challenging, melodramatic opera skillfully, with all their hearts & souls.  

From the first powerful chords I was into it.  Verdi’s score is so deeply emotional, the story so profoundly heart-breaking, only a stone would not be moved.  I cried during one of Leonora’s arias, sung by Jennifer Der Torossian-Studley.   

OK, it’s not the Met, but it’s what we got, and it’s really good; a treasure in our city.  The Verismo Opera Company brings great art and beauty to Vallejo, and I recommend it as a wonderful way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon.  

Don’t forget the treats across the street.

NO CEMENT   12-29-2016

I don’t care if Orcem’s cement dust is so good I could sprinkle it on my poached eggs in the morning, or the water it releases into the river so clean I could bathe in it, or that the air it expels is so pure I could inhale it on my daily constitutional along the river.  I don’t care if Orcem’s an Irish company or from New Jersey. I’ll gladly award them medals for all the good they do for the environment of my country… but I don’t want a cement factory in Vallejo. We’ve got better things to do with our precious waterfront. 

YOGA IN VALLEJO   1-5-2017

I practiced yoga for many years and studied with some great teachers, so I believe I’m qualified to recognize what qualities make a yoga teacher good or not.  When I decided to return to yoga classes I took myself over to Vallejo Yoga on Georgia Street, a little apprehensive about what I’d find.  

What I discovered was yoga teaching as good as it gets.  I signed up and attend three classes a week with Amy, a well-trained, highly-skilled, knowledgeable and dedicated yoga teacher.    

I expect the other teachers at Vallejo Yoga are equally excellent.  The studio is clean, warm, well equipped, and professionally run. If I could, I’d take a yoga class every day at Vallejo Yoga but alas, I don’t get out of the house early in the morning or go out at night when it’s dark and cold.  That’s not my only shortcoming.   

I’m so happy that yoga is back in my life, and trust that I’m in good hands at Vallejo Yoga.

WHAT I THINK   2-3-17

The revolution has begun.  Everything we do from now on is to that end.  Anyone who doesn’t resist is a collaborator. We should focus our efforts on the level of community, and look after ourselves and each other.  Don’t be on the wrong side of history on this one.  

LET IT RIP, VALLEJO!   3-14-2017

I attended the first performance of the Vallejo Symphony Orchestra in its new venue at the old Empress Theatre in beautiful downtown Vallejo on Sunday, March 12.  Before things got going, I took the opportunity to turn back from my vantage point in the second row of the orchestra, and marvel at the sight of a great upward sweep of happy music-lover faces, young and old, filling every seat in the house.  The show was sold out. Bravo Vallejo!

I loved the beautiful Empress setting, with its rich red velvet curtains and massive gilded curlicues, as befits a world-class symphony orchestra, and the words “VALLEJO SYMPHONY” projected in subtle light on the valance of the proscenium above the orchestra.  

Many years of concert-going taught me that audiences must refrain from applauding between movements.  We should hold it in until the end of the piece. I always wait to be sure it’s the end lest I look like a jerk, unfamiliar with the music, ignorant of correct protocol of classical performances.  

But I had nothing to fear in Vallejo, at that wonderful concert in the Empress Theatre on Sunday.  This audience went so crazy ga-ga loco over the performance of masterworks by Haydn, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky, with Livia Sohn, the brilliant violin soloist, under the magic baton of conductor Marc Taddei, we couldn’t hold ourselves back, applauded wildly in between movements as well as at the end, howling and cheering like utter fools.  

Mr. Taddei, the kind and wise conductor, rather than reprimand us for bad behavior, as other maestros might have done, turned to the audience with grace and dignity, smiled at us, accepted our unbounded joy, thanked us, even acknowledged one of the solo performers in one instance, before turning back and getting on with the rest of the piece.  

So, who made the rules?  Who dictates concert etiquette?  AFFLUENT magazine, claiming to be the authority, informs us that “applause should only occur when the work is finished and not in between movements.”  They also instruct their readers in the art of clapping, included here just for fun.  “The appropriate way to clap is holding your hands slightly to your left and clapping small brisk claps. Never clap in front of your face. For a standing ovation – stand, lift your elbows high and slightly to the left, then clap small and briskly.”

Elsewhere I dug up bits like these: “Mozart took delight in audiences clapping at once in response to a nice musical effect. Individual movements were encored in response to audience applause.”  “In their day, audiences spontaneously clapped when they heard something they really liked — even if it meant breaking into the music before its conclusion. If audiences didn’t applaud during the performance, composers would get worried. (How well I understand.)  Brahms figured his first piano concerto was a total flop because there was so little audience response.” “Some composers actually composed their music to incite audience response in the midst of a piece.”

Speaking of audiences, the eminent conductor Pierre Monteux said, “their artificial restraint from applause between movements of a concerto or symphony… certainly does not fit in with the composers’ intentions.”

Brooklyn Philharmonic CEO Richard Dare says: “Perhaps it’s time to simply allow ourselves to react to classical music with our hearts just as we do when we meet other forms of art. Classical music belongs to the audience — to its listeners, not the critics; to the citizens, not the snobs.”

The rolling of eyes and killing looks are, “born of a snobbishness, a device whereby some people (yours truly among them) can feel superior by showing that they know the piece isn’t over yet. It is entirely a twentieth century convention – a custom that would shock Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms and any other composer prior to our own time.”  

Vallejo is a city of the future; no longer a twentieth century mindset; and this seems a fitting time for a healthy re-examination of old customs.  Here’s an alternative concert manifesto: We, Vallejo music lovers, claim the right to clap with all our hearts and souls whenever and however the music makes us do it.  Even at the symphony.

Arise, fellow Vallejoans, come one come all.  Go to the Vallejo Symphony. Buy your tickets in advance.  Clap your heads off if you feel like it, for beautiful music, performed by the world class Vallejo Symphony Orchestra, under the brilliant baton of maestro Marc Taddei, a gentleman who understands feelings.   If Tchaikowsky can let it rip, we can too.

Detective Story   3-26-17

Last Wednesday, I went to my bank, Chase, on Tennessee and Broadway.  Standing in front of the teller, finishing up my business, I placed my keys on the ledge in front of me so I could sign the receipt.  Just as I was about to put the keys in my pocket, my phone rang, and I grabbed the phone from my pocket instead, spoke for no more than a minute, then looked back to my keys, but they were gone.

Several people at the bank tried to help me find them.  They weren’t in my car, or in my pockets, not in my bag or on the floor, or anywhere.  While this was going on, certain the key-snatcher would steal it, I kept an eye on my little red Honda FIT, parked in the first space in front of the big glass doors of the bank.  I asked the security guard to continue the vigil while I went home to get my duplicate key.  A kind customer at the bank, Tom Green, a veteran and a gentleman, who lives in Country Club Crest, and to whom I am eternally grateful, drove me home and back.  When we returned some 20 minutes later, my car was still there.

Why would someone snatch my keys and not steal my car?  It makes no sense.  Once home I decided to wait a day or so before making a new set of keys, on the off chance someone picked them up by mistake and brought them back to the bank.  But I never really believed that would happen.

Next day, I got a call from a fellow named Jason who works at the Fairfield Public Library, asking me to call Detective John Corcoran of the Pinole Police Department about some keys.  Imagine my shock when Detective Corcoran told me he’d arrested a couple driving a stolen car in Pinole the day before, and a search turned up my keys in the back of their car.  My library card was on the key-ring and that’s how he found me.  The little plastic card had a barcode that allowed Jason to trace me in the library’s data base.  How about them apples!

As there was a warrant out for the woman’s arrest, Detective Corcoran was also able to search their motel room, where found piles of mail stolen from Vallejo.  Incidentally, he told me the mail would be turned over to the Post Office, but would probably never be processed because the Post Office to too understaffed to handle that work.

Why didn’t they steal my car?  They could have if they acted quickly.  The detective guessed they may have had a change of heart somewhere along the way.  I’ll never know.  I didn’t press charges.

The story gets better: Detective Corcoran not only found my keys, and found me, he drove all the way up to Vallejo to deliver them in person. What a fine fellow!   

Heartfelt thanks and three cheers for Detective John Corcoran of the Pinole Police Department — and to the Good Samaritan at the bank. Tom Green of Country Club Crest.

… and, a million-dollar idea for the Vallejo Police Department: manufacture and sell small plastic cards for keyrings with barcodes containing the owner’s ID that only police can read.

LETTER TO COUNCILMAN JESSE MALGAPO    5-26-17

Rarely, in the course of his lifetime, does a man get a chance to be a hero.  This, Jesse, is your opportunity. The world has changed since Vallejo’s glory days when the maritime industry provided the life blood of the city.  Opening that port to commercial freight will turn us into another dirty polluted industrial town, and harm the people who live in the surrounding community, and beyond. 

A commercial port and cement factory is wrong for us.  We can do much better. The people of Vallejo want our city to be a beautiful tourist attraction; given our perfect location and gorgeous waterfront we can do this.  

Jesse, you have it within your power to change the course of history.  Your vote can make the difference. Be the hero of the people; redeem yourself and give us the chance to create the beautiful waterfront city of the future we long for.

Thank you.

Dear Senator Dodd,    7-25-2017

We shook hands at an event in a Vallejo park three years ago; I voted for you; I’m on your mailing list, you regularly ask for my help.  Now I’m asking for yours.

As you know, some people want to install a port and build a cement factory on the waterfront in a low-income residential neighborhood in South Vallejo.  Most informed citizens are against it, and the conflict is tearing the community apart. What has emerged is clashing visions between citizens who desire, have planned for and designed, a modern destination city of the future, and an old guard that longs to return to the ‘good old’ days, when heavy industry fed the city coffers.    

There’s much talk around town about back room deals, pay-offs, bribes, misinformation, false reports, etc. etc. and the political atmosphere is highly charged and volatile.  There are bona fide scientific reports and professional analyses of how the port and cement factory will affect the water, air, and land of our town, as well as studies of the social repercussions.  

Senator Dodd, this is an important story that Vallejo shares with many river cities in the country.  It questions the future of Vallejo, the Napa River, the region, of the whole country, and is worthy of your consideration and participation.  Please read the reports, supplied by City Staff, and let’s talk about how to deal with the problem.  

Thank you very much.

MY MAD HATTER –  December 2017

The best thing about the Mad Hatter Parade is I know everybody in it.  I used to think Macy’s million-dollar extravaganza, which I watched at home in front of the TV, was pretty good, but I’ve forsaken all that for the joys & pleasures of a small town event, put on by my far-out friends & neighbors in the far-fetched city of Vallejo, known as The Mad Hatter Parade.  

The magic of the madness is the work of maestro Frank Malifrando who brings together Vallejo’s most colorful and insane local characters who come out the cracks once a year to strut their stuff down Georgia Street and kick off the holiday season with one big wacky tacky phantasmagorical tea party.   

First off, I smile at the mayor who strides down the street at the head of the parade, waving at his constituents, and he smiles back.  Here comes Adolpho, mistress of audacious grace in his sequined gown and fabulous furs, blowing kisses to the crowd that hoots & hollers as he floats by.  I shout and jump for joy when I see Shannon & Kathy O’Hare, King and Queen of all things fantastic in Vallejo, who swoop in on their fabulous racket-making airborne contraption, with springs & wings & strange moving parts that sing & swing & propel them onward, upward, and away they go.  

I’m impressed with fire breathing dragons & martial arts demonstrations; salsa dancing couples warm my heart, as do the classy old cars like my father used to drive, and laughing firemen and policemen who look like real people when you get close.  I salute the suits from the chamber of commerce.

I love all the fabulous floats with their crazy costumed characters who animate the tea party, but most of all, the thing I love best about the Mad Hatter Parade, I love the high school marching bands.  I search the young earnest faces of boys and girls of every race color & stripe, growing up, taking on the troubles of the world, their lives still in front of them, fervently pursuing their hopes & dreams, banging on drums and tooting trumpets with all their hearts and souls to proclaim good things are coming, oh man, yes they are, yes they are.  The leader tosses his baton high into the sky – and my heart soars with it.  

One year I brought my grandchildren and they loved the Mad Hatter Parade too, especially a mechanical alligator and the lights on the Soma sculpture.   The following year I brought my sisters and brothers-in-law from Florida, who understood what I loved about this parade and got into the spirit of it with me.  What’s not to love about magnificent prancing white Lipizzaner horses with decorated tails & manes? And the flotilla of lighted boats when night fell, which I enjoyed in my warm home, watching through the window.

But the absolute best part of the Mad Hatter Parade is the crowd, the people, the families who show up, young & old, all colors & kinds, friends & neighbors who pour into Georgia Street, unfold their folding chairs, push up the visors of their baseball caps, slip on their sunglasses & sit back to enjoy the show. Three years in a row, ever since I moved to Vallejo, I’ve come out for the Mad Hatter’s Parade, and I’ve gotta say without any doubt, as great as the parade is, in Vallejo the audience is as good as the show.

I’M DONE     6-2-17

I’m done.   If I was younger and not handicapped, I’d sell my house and run.  I’m happy now that I wasn’t appointed to the Arts Commission, because I would have to resign.  Bring on Mario’s morbid monuments – I couldn’t care less. This is my last letter to the editor, my last criticism or praise for anything Vallejo.  My love for this place is over. I won’t shop here or spend my money in local businesses. After what I saw in the eyes of Verda-Aliga last night I realized Vallejo means nothing more to me now than an address for my mail.

Good-bye.

BINGO!   8-13-2017

If I won the $360 million powerball jackpot on Saturday I’d buy the Fettig brothers’ property for however much they want and send them away happy. Then I’d buy me some friendly, bright-eyed politicians, hire Anthony Scaramucci to take care of the good old boys in the back room, and fix up Vallejo’s waterfront the way it should be. 

I’m writing today about the Florence Douglas Senior Center, on Amador Street, where I attended a Brain Training Session last week.  Six students, older women, though non older than I, sat around a table in a large room for an hour and a half on Tuesday afternoon, talking, answering questions, enjoying each other’s company.  Our teacher was a younger woman who exuded irresistible joy and happiness.  

We enjoyed a little snack before starting the work; one woman brought a variety of gourmet cheeses and crackers, and the teacher brought fresh sliced mango and excellent mixed nuts.  We settled down and were asked to come up with a word starting with the first letter of our name that tells something about us.  The introductions went around the table, starting with me who chose clever, Loretta was lonely which made me sad, although the others made me laugh.  We were asked to write the names of ten different green vegetables, which brought about a pleasant conversation.  Then we answered a page full of difficult questions, such as where was Abraham Lincoln born, and what’s the northernmost city in the world? I only knew a few answers.  The conversation was lively.  I felt safe and comfortable with the women, who were as smart as I am, probably smarter.  

Time flew.  The teacher gave us homework.  I’d had a good time, met interesting people, enjoyed some pleasant chit chat, but was skeptical about the work.  As far as I could tell my brain was the same.  

I returned home and got busy on the patio; cut down all the dried pea vines, cleaned up the vegetable box, and picked a bunch of red chard for my dinner; carried a big bag out to the trash; prepped the chard, and sat down to work on my novel.  I felt bright, clear and alert, and calm.  Happy too. 

I realized that somehow, my brain had been trained.  It had gotten a workout while I was having a good time in that room with those women in the Senior Center, and the teacher who made it feel like fun.  Now I’m looking forward to next time.  Five bucks per class, two Tuesdays a month.   A deal.

I want to praise the Florence Douglas Senior Center on Amador Street.  Next time I’ll go early and have the Meals on Wheels lunch, which is served in the next room, with a live jazz band entertaining the diners.  Pass the Jell-O and deal me in.

THINKING YOU’RE SOMEBODY    8-29-2017

If you ever start thinking your somebody, I’ll tell you what: this city will bring you down.  Cut me down to size is what they did. I was too sure of myself: imagined that after helping to write the policies and guideline for the newly created Arts & culture commission, after having stood before the City council talking about the need to add the commission to the new general plan, having spoken out and written about the importance of public art in Vallejo, after all that, the city council, in its infinite wisdom, failed to appoint me to a seat, however well qualified I may be.  Not good enough, or perhaps I’ve been too outspoken. I haven’t hidden my opinions about the art in Vallejo, my likes and dislikes, my thoughts about what sort of art we need adorning our city, to make us proud.  

MY THOUGHTS   8-29-2017

I’m a sore loser; I admit it so let’s get that settled right now.  Don’t expect me to be happy about the fact that the mayor and city council of Vallejo, in their infinite wisdom, decided not to appoint me to the Arts & Culture Commission.  

Don’t worry, I’ll get over it.  Politics is a game, isn’t it?  When I first moved to Vallejo I ran for the beautification board and was not elected.  Council-member Robert McConnell explained it was because no one knew me then.  That made sense.   I didn’t feel betrayed.  Now, however, they know me pretty well.  What’s the reason this time?   

Was it something I said?  Did I mention I helped create, write, get placed into the general plan, argued and wrote letters for this newly created Arts and Culture Commission?   It was my baby.

But there are worse things.  And now that I’m off the hook of having to comply with official acts and ordinances that would necessarily quiet my otherwise outspoken opinions, I don’t need to play by the rules.  I can climb back up my band wagon and speak my mind, say what I think like I used to do when I wrote a column for the now defunct VIB (rip) and made some people mad.

My love for public art has been seriously cultivated over many years – as an observer all over the world.  I’ve stared at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Pyramids in Egypt, The Taj Mahal in India, The Fountains of Trevi in Rome, and the sculpture strewn all over New York City.  Now I look at an object on the ground in front of our Ferry Building, and ask myself how this can happen.  

When I moved to Vallejo in July 2014, into a condo at Mariner’s Landing, with a wonderful view of the river and Mare Island, I couldn’t help notice the blight called Independence Park along the water in front of my house.  I wrote a petition to the city to fix up that park.  Another baby of mine.  A thousand people signed.  It’s a story that has come to include memories of Osby Davis that make me smile – yes! — and visions of giant bronze heroic monuments that give me nightmares.  

Another example of things gone wrong: Sacramento Street corner of Georgia.  My quarrel here is not with the artist but with the deciders who agreed to allow that picture to get painted on that wall.  The stilted coloring book style is cold and simplistic; it’s too big for the space, and not suitable for the heart of downtown Vallejo.  It says nothing about our city and who we are.  Where is the soul?

Ditto about the so called art painted on utility boxes along the waterfront and scattered around other downtown corners of our city.  Who let them do that?  Is this kindergarten?  The drawings pinned to my refrigerator are better and more interesting than that stuff.  If I was a visitor stepping off the ferry, seeing Vallejo for the first time, and was greeted by that cutesy stuff on utility boxes directly across the street from our debarcadero, I’d not be impressed.  I wouldn’t think the people here think much of themselves.  I wouldn’t be moved to check out their art galleries.

I wouldn’t want to go to the dentist either, another choice offered to ferry riders on said debarcadero.  I love the dentist inside; he made two nice crowns for me recently, but he’s in the wrong place.   A dentist office is not what we want on our beautiful waterfront.  

Public Art is not my only obsession in Vallejo.  Another important item I also wanted to work on as a commissioner was to bring the diverse cultures in Vallejo together through the arts. I never understood why all the art & cultural events in Vallejo are attended by white people only.  I began to inquire why more black artists didn’t take part, and I uncovered some interesting answers. And I’m glad to see that Rabbi Larry is asking the same questions. Is it a Jewish thing? I may not be a commissioner but I can still help them to achieve this necessary coming together our city needs.

Here’s a special shout out to Councilman McConnell for not appointing me to the Arts Commission that I helped create and that I consider my baby.  I’m not the first mother to have her baby taken away from her. Now Pharoah’s children are looking after it and doing a good job, I hope. In any case, I’ll be watching them, you can be sure.  

But why am I thanking the white-haired fellow?  Because I don’t give up so easily.

Why I hate Valleo – it seems to me all I do around here is praise stuff.  There’s so much to praise in our city, but I must say, there’s something about Vallejo I hate so much I gotta talk about it.  Fund raisers. Every interesting social event is a fundraiser. So how much do they really want me when I’m invited.  

NO SOAP RADIO   3-6-2018

Unable to attend the NPR forum at the Empress on Tuesday, I listened to it on the radio.  I called from the freeway but the connection was bad & I couldn’t get on. I wanted to thank Michael Krasny for expressing surprise by the sea of white faces of the audience in the most diverse city in the country.  One doesn’t need to be there to know what he saw, and hope for better answers than: “everyone’s welcome,” and, “we’re open to everyone.” 

I call B.S.  That’s not what’s happening here, and our leaders should recognize it, speak its name, and do something about it. I wanted to tell the listeners of my favorite radio station how ashamed I feel to live in a segregated city. 

A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME…    4-25-2018

What’s wrong with the word “senior?”  I’m a senior and proud of it. All the knowledge, wisdom, and worldly experience that come with age is not something to disdain or be ashamed of.  If there are negative connotations to the word senior, then that’s what needs to change.  It’s the attitude that’s wrong, and taking the word out of the sign only serves to support that negative attitude.  I’m shocked that the leaders of the Florence Douglass Senior Center would promote that kind of ignorance. Let’s honor seniors!  It’s good to be a senior. Hooray for seniors.  

THE GONG SHOW – The judges didn’t get it    6/25/2018      

The Going Going Gong Show is supposed to be fun, but I found it a downer.  Someone should have explained to the judges what the Gong Show in Vallejo is about.  The “rapping grandma” should have gotten top scores.  How bad would it have been for us to hear a few more strains of the didgeridoo?  I left after she was gonged off the stage.  The judging was all wrong and the MC put the audience to sleep.  With all the talent in this town we can do better.  At least it was for a good cause & thanks to the deep pockets for their generosity.

CURE THE BROWN ACT    7-11-2018

Now that Kavanaugh has been nominated, Senator Collins can know how to vote.  She announced she wouldn’t vote for anyone who would overturn Roe vs. Wade, and Trump’s pick made his views clear.  We know where he stands.  

Now that election time is coming around, and two seats will become available on the City Council, don’t we also want to know where our contenders stand?  Too bad. They are gagged by the Brown Act that forbids them to show bias. But we know where Katie stands, and she’s up for reelection. We know where Malgapo stands.  But what about the others?

I think it’s hypocritical to impose the Brown Act on our nominees.  Are they for or against the VMT/Orcem deal? I want to know the answer before I cast my vote and I request the legal department look into changing that ASAP with regard to the important issues the voters will decide on.

GOODBYE VALLEJO    10-14-2018

The political activist grandmother writing this LTE was born in Vallejo a mere four years ago when I complained about the miserable excuse for a park across the street from my house, and people listened.  

I felt accepted here, and loved Vallejo even though I’ve abandoned it in favor of an old-folks home in San Francisco, near my grandchildren.  My heart still sails around City Hall, down by the ferry, and all around the town.

I said good-bye at city hall last week, thanked them for all the fun, and added a few more words for Councilman Jess Malgapo, whom I’ve grown fond of over time.  “,,,You’re like a kind uncle to me.  I remember that night when I watched you up on that dais, caught in the act, shamed and humiliated in front of the whole town.  You cried out in indignation. I can’t imagine how painful that must have been for you, a proud military officer. I felt sorry for you.  

Even though I think you did wrong with that secret committee business, I think you’re a good person.  I think your heart’s in the right place. I look at you now and think, rarely in the course of a man’s life does he get the opportunity that you have right now in front of you, Jess Malgapo; it’s your chance to be a hero.  Vote against the cement factory. Vote for the people. Be a hero, Jess. You’ll go down in history as one of the great heroes of Vallejo. Think of what your grandchildren will say about you.  

Hasta la vista, Vallejo.  I may not live here anymore, but I’m watching you. “

Love & kisses,

JOE CALLAHAN LETTER –from my new home in San Francisco   1-12-2019

Attention City Hall!  

When I moved to Vallejo in 2014, and discovered the deplorable condition of Independence Park, I asked a lot of people what to do.  All roads led to Joe Callahan, who, when we spoke by phone, confirmed his development deal with the city was connected to beautifying Independence Park.  He explained, however, that because the economy was so bad, he couldn’t go ahead with the plans, which made sense in 2014.  

Evidently, times have changed, and Mr. Callahan now proposes a big development plan on the waterfront, residential and commercial, including two parks.  

So, what about Independence Park, Mr. Callahan?  We’re calling in our chips. A deal is a deal. You get to develop the waterfront, you give us the park.  A beautiful one, as befits its place in the city.