Our economy is your failed ideology

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Pacifica Tribune letters-to-the-editor, 6/13/12.  "Marketing Pacifica" by Bob Hutchinson

I've been to Riptide, its birds not economy

Editor:  Great letter last week from Bill Moore about marketing Pacifica. You nailed it about Sue Digre's tunnel vision concerning her idiotic old assertion that "our environment is our economy."

Our "economy " is our wishful thinking 

Sue's failed ideology has helped dive us to the brink of bankruptcy. With only a $900,000 surplus in our general fund we are one lawsuit away from insolvency. And what does Sue Digre want to do? Continue to block development and much needed property tax income, try to tax Pacifica businesses more and build trails to nowhere. It hasn't worked in over 10 years, Sue. It's time for you to go.

Really, its true

Alternatively, the letter from Dan Underhill titled "Misinformation" seemed more like an autobiography since he's the one giving false facts. Dan said the recall campaign against Sue Digre and Pete DeJarnett is funded by big developers from outside Pacifica. That sound like some of the bull the cigarette makers were pushing on us about Prop 29. Then Dan without giving any real facts, says we should all go to ultra liberal minded John Mayberry's blog (Riptide) for the real "facts." I've been to Riptide. I've never seen so many intolerant, anti-business anti-development people in one place. A real beacon of the truth. Not.

If you want to join our grass roots effort to help save Pacifica from the likes of Sue Digre and Pete Dejarnett contact Therese Dyer theresedyer1932@gmail.com

Reference - Bill Moore, "Marketing our passing through environment"  Pacifica Tribune Letter "Marketing Pacifica", 6/6/12.. And, Dan Underhill, "Get your information from Pete" Pacifica Tribune Letter "Misinformation", 6/6/12. 

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Response to Dan Underhill

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Pacifica Tribune letters-to-the-editor, 6/13/12. "Misinformation" by Therese M. Dyer 

Spin award

Facts, fairness trophy not yours

Editor:  This is in response to Dan B.Underhill's letter "Misinformation" accusing the developers of the assisted living project of being behind the Recall. Boy! have you been misinformed. 

 I don't need anyone behind me to decide what I want to do or not do. Let's make it crystal clear that I was for the quarry project and any other project that brings this city revenue. As for being called foolish, I've been called a malcontent by the Mayor himself, half baked by Paul Savin. Wow! how gallant. All men who are afraid taking a stand. You can't imagine how those comments keep me awake at night. Ha, Ha, I have names for you too, but unfortunately they can't be printed.

Bull?  Give bulls a better name than that

As for Ian Butler, he must think he owns Channel 26 (we pay for it through our Comcast bill.) If I'm paying for it then I should be interviewed regarding the recall, not be bias and give all the air time to the Mayor. That is, if you live in a free society. But we don't as Pacifica has become a third world city and that's the reason we should become a Charter City, recommended for cities that are underdeveloped. You left your letter stating saving other subjects for another day. I can hardly wait.

Reference - Dan Underhill, "Get your information from Pete" Pacifica Tribune Letter "Misinformation", 6/6/12. "I keep finding a great deal of misinformation in the letters to the editor. It is hard to know where to start. For a more accurate understanding of the "recall" foolishness, and why the residential developers who are pushing it are wrong", etc.
 
Posted by Kathy Meeh

City Council meeting, Monday June 25, 2012

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Attend in person, 2212 Beach Boulevard, 2nd floor.  Or, view on local channel 26, also liveinternet feed, pct26.com.  The meeting begins at 7pm, or shortly there following.  City Council updates on City website.   Agenda, 6/25/12, 53 pages.

Nicks's restaurant 85 years in business in Pacifica

A.    Closed session - None. 

B.    Open session (7:00 pm)
Consent Calendar (pass through)
1.     Approval of cash disbursements.
2.     Approval of Minutes (meeting of 6/11/12).
3.     Cancellation of August 27, 2012 city council meeting.
4.     Approval of city street light ($33,280.50) and street sweeping ($111,711.60) private services maintenance agreements,  previously approved in with fiscal year (7/1) budget 2012-13.
5.     Approval of consultant services (HF&H) to review Recology of the Coast rate application, annual year 1/1/13 through 12/31/12. Fee estimate to review $39,446 (page 23). 
6.     Approval resolution amending JPA North County Fire Authority (NCFA) agreement updates. The NCFA includes Daly City and Brisbane, agreement pages 24-34.
7.     Sewer collection system capacity improvements Palmetto Mainline upgrade. Sewer mainline line pipe relocation away from water line requires new manholes every 300 feet x 6 (unit price $7,500 each), change order $45,000 (page 35).  
8.     Resolution supporting Measure A Highway 1 San Pedro Creek Bridge Replacement, request for $2 million additional for San Pedro creek widening work, page 39-40. 
Special Presentation - Proclamation:  Nick's Seashore Restaurant 85th year anniversary
Public hearing - None. 
Consideration
9.     San Mateo County Transportation Authority (TA) 5/25/12 call for projects, submit application due by 6/29/12:  Highway 1/Calera Parkway (Westport Drive to Fassler Avenue) widening project, (page 37 and 44-51).
10.    Palmetto Avenue utility undergrounding and streetscape project, information update only.  
Adjourn

Posted by Kathy Meeh 

Interest rates will remain low though 2012

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News email from Los Angeles Times, 6/20/12.  "Fed extends 'Twist' program to drive rates lower"

Interest rates will stay this small

Not quite this low

"The Federal Reserve is extending a program intended to further lower long-term interest rates, noting hiring has weakened, consumer spending is rising more slowly and the economy needs more support.

The Fed will continue Operation Twist through the end of the year. The Fed has been selling $400 billion in short-term Treasurys since September and buying longer-term Treasurys. It says it will shift another $267 billion through December. The Fed wants to spur more borrowing, spending and growth." 

Updated full story see Los Angeles Times/Business, "Federal Reserve extends Operation Twist until end of 2012," includes embedded Associated Press video of Federal Chairman Ben S. Bernanke's report, 59 seconds.
Kathy Meeh

More space and protection for Western Snowy Plovers on Federal Land

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What's for lunch?

San Francisco Chronicle/Peter Fimrite, 6/19/12.  "Habitat set aside for Western Snowy plover doubles."

"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Monday designated 38 square miles along the West Coast as critical habitat for a federally listed beach and mud-loving bird called the Pacific Coast western snowy plover.  The designation more than doubles the amount of habitat set aside for the threatened pocket-size birds in California, Oregon and Washington. 

It means proposed developments on federal land could come under more scrutiny. It is not clear how the designation would affect the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which did not add new critical habitat, but federal land managers in general would have to consult with the fish and wildlife service before anything could be done that might impact plover habitat."  The area most affected in our region are 618 acres of Napa and Sonoma marshes.  Read Article.
Related -  Pacifica Shorebird Alliance.   Monterey Bay Acquarium article, source of photo.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Japan's Masanori Murakami Shares Memories!

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Living in Japan, baseball fan Kohei Nirengi is anything but typical. Approximately, 95 percent of his collection consists of American major leaguers.

He had reached Masanori Murakami years ago, wanting an autograph because of the pitcher's Jackie Robinson-like fame in being the first Japanese barrier breaker to reach the majors.
Kohei writes autograph requests by hand. Anyone who hears from this collector knows the purpose of the letter:

"Baseball is the most beautiful game."

Helping add such touches in translating David Patton's words, Masanori Murakami included an additional response to questions.

Here's the translation of the response Kohei helped secure:

Q1: Are you a Giants fan?
Murakami: "Of course! I go to San Francisco almost every year. I saw Willie Mays in person last year.  I sent his 80th Birthday gift to him. Mays' and my birthday is May 6, but he is older than me by 13 years."

Q2: I would be interested in hearing of your favorite memory of your U.S. playing days.

M: "Willie Mays and Tom Haller invited me to each of their homes. I still treasure to keep a cuff links which was a gift by Mays. Also I got a chance to talk with Roberto Clemente at a locker room, especially I was impressed by his volunteer works. Lastly, I got a 'save' as Marichal hit Roseboro over the head with his bat  and then we had a brawl against the L.A. Dodgers at Candlestick Park."
I asked the humble Kohei if he was prepared for other collectors clamoring for his skills.

His answer? Kohei has contacted Murakami again. Kohei's charities of choice have been his local animal shelter and Japanese organizations aiding tsunami and earthquake survivors. He's asking the fabled pitcher what charities he supports, in hopes of the two of them combining on a private signing to help causes they both favor.

Kohei assures me that BBTL readers will be among the first to learn of the details of how and when such an opportunity could happen. Please, add a comment below if you'd be interested in Murakami's autograph while aiding Japanese charities.

Coming Monday: Do all TTM collectors include a SASE? What happens when someone doesn't? Diamondbacks pitcher and collector Brad Ziegler explains.

The Envelope, Please: Roger 'Super RC' Chen Shares The Autograph Joy On Youtube

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Look for
this RC
on Youtube!

Don’t be afraid to wish.

After viewing another empty mailbox by my front door, I grumbled, “I hope other collectors are getting some responses today.” No, I didn’t run down the street, peeking in other mailboxes.

With Youtube, I didn’t have to!

I’m so happy to see collector videos on Youtube. When I saw a great story about pitcher Ryan Tatusko, posted by “Super RC,” I had to know how “Super” this collector was.

He didn’t disappoint. The “RC” wasn’t a Rookie Card abbreviation. This truly super collector is Roger Chen. I thank him for the e-interview, which I share with you:
“Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share some thoughts about my 'graphing experience: it's always been a passion of mine and though my ultimate goal is to have a good collection, I want to be able to show others how to do it; to help them build the confidence that they TOO can have their favorite player's autograph through the mail (or in person).

The love affair for TTM autos was Will Clark signing my 87 Topps rookie card about 20 years ago. It came full circle last week when I met Will at AT&T park and he signed my ball and I had a 45 second conversation with my boyhood hero.”

Q: How did Ryan Tatusko respond to your tribute, showing all the cards he signed?

A: He was VERY appreciative of the video. I did the video because I wanted to honor him the right way for making the time to sign. I hope I did just that.

Q: Do you have any of the cards left to give out? If so, please offer detailed instructions of how you'd like requests/contacts to be made?

A: I have a few left. Just reach out to me on youtube or this email address and provide a U.S. mail address (limit 1 per person).

Q: What kind of in-person 'graphing do you do?

A: Primarily at the minor league ball parks: I enjoy the closer quarters and more personal interaction with the athletes because I can spend more time talking with them often times one on one. Most of the guys are generous to sign my entire stack of cards but I try to keep it to 2-3 cards per person per encounter.

I’ve also had success waiting outside the player's parking lot. It provides a great opportunity for chatter and eye contact without the separation of a dugout, fence or a beam.

Q: You mentioned the response from JW Porter on another great video. Have you gotten by-mail answers to questions from other former players?

A: Though I haven't gotten responses from former players, I did a personalized response from Leilani Munter: race car driver and environmental activist. As you can see in the video, her care package was really awesome.

Q: I've never tried Twitter. What type of responses have you gotten tweeting current and former players?

A: I’ve reached out to prospects during spring training and got more responses then as opposed to the regular season: simple ask to send stuff & get signed, wait for a response.

Q: I'm sure other collectors jumped at asking for a Ryan T card. You made a very generous offer. But what other kind of feedback have you gotten from other Youtube videos of yours? How has it helped connecting with other collectors?

A: Fellow ‘tubers have given me a lot of support and encouragement for the gesture, and my main goal was to share in Ryan's generosity. A lot of people I’ve sent to are also TTM and IP auto collectors as well.

Q: What's your current focus or specialty for baseball autograph collecting?

A: Right now I focus on the in-person autograph: I enjoy that instant gratification and personal interaction. I have also dabbled in the TTM auto of former players as well turning old baseball cards into signed beauties.

Q: Future goals?

A: I see myself doing more TTM’s and trading fellow graphers for their IP or TTM autos 50/50.

Q: Advice for other collectors thinking about posting their own Youtube hobby video?

A: Absolutely DO IT: you are on a platform to let the original signers know that the package was recieved, and you appreciate their time for signing your stuff... also, people who see how generous a signer is may follow suit and send stuff to that person as well.

Roger is an “old school” hobbyist. I’m grateful that he’s sharing all he knows. You’ll see in his Tatusko video a helpful aside about using Staedtler pens. Anyone with other questions, write him at superrc@gmail.com. His twitter handle is @roger_chen.

Coming Friday: A Review of Jim Abbott’s “Imperfect: An Improbable Life.”