Our organization was against the American River Parkway holiday alcohol ban when it was proposed, on the basis that the rowdy behavior of a few was being held against the moderate behavior of the many, and this recent article in the Sacramento Bee about an event on the river involving alcohol proves the point.
Drinking beer outdoors near water in the summer is such an all-American form of recreation that any banning of it seems an over-wrought response, and we would encourage a public safety presence whenever crowds are in the Parkway to handle the rowdy rather than a ban of a much cherished American pastime enjoyed by the many.
Besides, even though the story’s headline screamed out: Social media stir up big, boozy bash on American River, bring arrests and citations; there were only seven arrests among the thousands said to be in attendance, so how big and boozy could it have been?
An excerpt.
“County parks officials said Monday that a social media-spawned party that drew thousands of people to the American River on Sunday resulted in alcohol problems rivaling those they used to encounter before a holiday booze ban was implemented along a popular stretch of the river and parkway.
“Such non-holiday events as the one Sunday could lead parks officials to seek a year-round alcohol ban, although county lawmakers say implementing and enforcing such a ban would be a challenge.
“The Sacramento County Sheriff's Department on Monday was still totaling the number of arrests as a result of "Rafting Gone Wild."
“The event, which officials estimate drew 3,000 to 6,000 people to the stretch of the American River between Sunrise Boulevard and River Bend Park, was organized largely via Facebook and other social media. It also was through social media that the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department and park rangers learned of the event, and were able to beef up staffing in anticipation of the crowds.
"It really was a river gone wild Sunday," said Deputy Jason Ramos, Sheriff's Department spokesman.
"This was something that was organized, and it spread like wildfire via social media," he said.
“Although 10,000 to 12,000 people confirmed via Facebook that they planned to attend the event, Ramos said, many of those confirmations were from people outside the Sacramento area.
"I think the more mild weather probably kept the number down a bit," Ramos said.
“At least seven people were arrested and numerous citations were issued during the day, most for alcohol-related offenses, he said.”
Showing posts with label Holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holiday. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Monday, July 04, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Christmas & New Year Break
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Blogging will resume Monday January 3, 2011.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, September 06, 2010
Labor Day
Have a wonderful holiday, the weather looks to be perfect for a day on the river; and the world is, as usual, somewhat chaotic with overtones of peace and joy, (and a great golf tournament on tv), so enjoy the day!
Monday, July 05, 2010
Independence Reflection
Now that the fireworks are over, the flag is put away, and the barbeque is cool—though in our house the clean-up from the feast still lingers—it is a good time to reflect on the great and noble ideas upon which our country is founded, ideas which still ring true in the hearts of Americans.
An excerpt from an article from the Heritage Foundation.
“The Fourth of July is a great opportunity to renew our dedication to the principles of liberty and equality enshrined in what Thomas Jefferson called "the declaratory charter of our rights."
“As a practical matter, the Declaration of Independence publicly announced to the world the unanimous decision of the American colonies to declare themselves free and independent states, absolved from any allegiance to Great Britain. But its greater meaning-then as well as now-is as a statement of the conditions of legitimate political authority and the proper ends of government, and its proclamation of a new ground of political rule in the sovereignty of the people. "If the American Revolution had produced nothing but the Declaration of Independence," wrote the great historian Samuel Eliot Morrison, "it would have been worthwhile."
“Although Congress had appointed a distinguished committee-including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston-the Declaration of Independence is chiefly the work of Thomas Jefferson. By his own account, Jefferson was neither aiming at originality nor taking from any particular writings but was expressing the "harmonizing sentiments of the day," as expressed in conversation, letters, essays, or "the elementary books of public right, as Aristotle, Cicero, Locke, Sidney, etc." Jefferson intended the Declaration to be "an expression of the American mind," and wrote so as to "place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent."
“The structure of the Declaration of Independence is that of a common law legal document. The ringing phrases of the document's famous second paragraph are a powerful synthesis of American constitutional and republican government theories. All men have a right to liberty only in so far as they are by nature equal, which is to say none are naturally superior, and deserve to rule, or inferior, and deserve to be ruled. Because men are endowed with these rights, the rights are unalienable, which means that they cannot be given up or taken away. And because individuals equally possess these rights, governments derive their just powers from the consent of those governed. The purpose of government is to secure these fundamental rights and, although prudence tells us that governments should not be changed for trivial reasons, the people retain the right to alter or abolish government when it becomes destructive of these ends.
“The remainder of the document is a bill of indictment accusing King George III of some 30 offenses, some constitutional, some legal, and some matters of policy. The combined charges against the king were intended to demonstrate a history of repeated injuries, all having the object of establishing "an absolute tyranny" over America. Although the colonists were "disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable," the time had come to end the relationship: "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government."
“One charge that Jefferson had included, but Congress removed, was that the king had "waged cruel war against human nature" by introducing slavery and allowing the slave trade into the American colonies. A few delegates were unwilling to acknowledge that slavery violated the "most sacred rights of life and liberty," and the passage was dropped for the sake of unanimity. Thus was foreshadowed the central debate of the American Civil War, which Abraham Lincoln saw as a test to determine whether a nation "conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal" could long endure.
“The Declaration of Independence and the liberties recognized in it are grounded in a higher law to which all human laws are answerable. This higher law can be understood to derive from reason-the truths of the Declaration are held to be "self-evident"-but also revelation. There are four references to God in the document: to "the laws of nature and nature's God"; to all men being "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights"; to "the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions"; and to "the protection of Divine Providence." The first term suggests a deity that is knowable by human reason, but the others-God as creator, as judge, and as providence-are more biblical, and add a theological context to the document. "And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are a gift of God?" Jefferson asked in his Notes on the State of Virginia.”
An excerpt from an article from the Heritage Foundation.
“The Fourth of July is a great opportunity to renew our dedication to the principles of liberty and equality enshrined in what Thomas Jefferson called "the declaratory charter of our rights."
“As a practical matter, the Declaration of Independence publicly announced to the world the unanimous decision of the American colonies to declare themselves free and independent states, absolved from any allegiance to Great Britain. But its greater meaning-then as well as now-is as a statement of the conditions of legitimate political authority and the proper ends of government, and its proclamation of a new ground of political rule in the sovereignty of the people. "If the American Revolution had produced nothing but the Declaration of Independence," wrote the great historian Samuel Eliot Morrison, "it would have been worthwhile."
“Although Congress had appointed a distinguished committee-including John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston-the Declaration of Independence is chiefly the work of Thomas Jefferson. By his own account, Jefferson was neither aiming at originality nor taking from any particular writings but was expressing the "harmonizing sentiments of the day," as expressed in conversation, letters, essays, or "the elementary books of public right, as Aristotle, Cicero, Locke, Sidney, etc." Jefferson intended the Declaration to be "an expression of the American mind," and wrote so as to "place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and firm as to command their assent."
“The structure of the Declaration of Independence is that of a common law legal document. The ringing phrases of the document's famous second paragraph are a powerful synthesis of American constitutional and republican government theories. All men have a right to liberty only in so far as they are by nature equal, which is to say none are naturally superior, and deserve to rule, or inferior, and deserve to be ruled. Because men are endowed with these rights, the rights are unalienable, which means that they cannot be given up or taken away. And because individuals equally possess these rights, governments derive their just powers from the consent of those governed. The purpose of government is to secure these fundamental rights and, although prudence tells us that governments should not be changed for trivial reasons, the people retain the right to alter or abolish government when it becomes destructive of these ends.
“The remainder of the document is a bill of indictment accusing King George III of some 30 offenses, some constitutional, some legal, and some matters of policy. The combined charges against the king were intended to demonstrate a history of repeated injuries, all having the object of establishing "an absolute tyranny" over America. Although the colonists were "disposed to suffer, while Evils are sufferable," the time had come to end the relationship: "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government."
“One charge that Jefferson had included, but Congress removed, was that the king had "waged cruel war against human nature" by introducing slavery and allowing the slave trade into the American colonies. A few delegates were unwilling to acknowledge that slavery violated the "most sacred rights of life and liberty," and the passage was dropped for the sake of unanimity. Thus was foreshadowed the central debate of the American Civil War, which Abraham Lincoln saw as a test to determine whether a nation "conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal" could long endure.
“The Declaration of Independence and the liberties recognized in it are grounded in a higher law to which all human laws are answerable. This higher law can be understood to derive from reason-the truths of the Declaration are held to be "self-evident"-but also revelation. There are four references to God in the document: to "the laws of nature and nature's God"; to all men being "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights"; to "the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions"; and to "the protection of Divine Providence." The first term suggests a deity that is knowable by human reason, but the others-God as creator, as judge, and as providence-are more biblical, and add a theological context to the document. "And can the liberties of a nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm basis, a conviction in the minds of the people that these liberties are a gift of God?" Jefferson asked in his Notes on the State of Virginia.”
Sunday, July 04, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Interactive Parkway Map
The Sacramento Bee has published this very nice interactive map full of good stuff, and today will be a great day to get out there.
Have a wonderful Father's Day!
Have a wonderful Father's Day!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Memorial Day
Have a wonderful Memorial Day!
A very nice reflection on this day’s meaning from Mark Helprin in the Wall Street Journal.
An excerpt.
“In American military cemeteries all over the world, seemingly endless rows of whitened grave markers stand largely unvisited and in silence. The gardeners tend the lawns, one section at a time. Even at the famous sites, tourism is inconstant. Sunsets and dawns, winter nights, softly falling snow, and gorgeous summer mornings mainly find the graves and those who lie within them protected in eternal tranquility. Now and then a visitor linked by love, blood, or both will come to make that connection with the dead that only love can sustain.
“Sometimes you see them, quiet in some neglected corner beneath the trees or on a field above the sea, but numbers and time make this the exception. If not completely forgotten, the vast ranks of Civil War dead are now primarily the object of genealogy and historians, as the fathers and mothers, women, children, and brothers who loved them are now long gone. As it is for everyone else it is for the dead of all the wars, and neither proclamations nor holidays nor children innocently placing flags can cure it.
“Nonetheless, a universal connection links every living American with those who have fallen or will fall in American wars and overrides the lapses in sustaining and honoring their memories. We are and shall be connected to them by debt and obligation. Though if by and large we ignore the debt we owe to those who fell at Saratoga, Antietam, the Marne, the Pointe du Hoc, and a thousand other places and more, our lives and everything we value are the ledger in which it is indelibly recorded. And even if we fail in the obligation, it is clear and it remains.”
Sunday, April 04, 2010
Friday, January 01, 2010
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Take Me to the River!
One hopes that is one of the songs—a personal favorite—played at the harmonica convention in Sacramento this summer and that it will be played in the Parkway along the American River in the heat of the August day.
But for today, get out on the river and have a great July 4th!
Excerpt from the news release about the convention.
“Sacramento, CA, June 8th, 2009--Sacramento's Radisson Hotel will be rocking and rolling this summer as hundreds of harmonica players from expert to novice will descend on the city as The Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica (SPAH) kicks off its 46th anniversary convention in Sacramento, CA, from Tuesday, August 11th thru Saturday, August 15th, 2009.
“The magical sound of the harmonica is loved and appreciated around the globe. It would be tough to find a genre of music where the harmonica has not left its mark. Here in the United States, the harmonica played an important part in the birth of the blues as well as the good old days of Vaudeville. It can be found in the worlds of classical and jazz music, rock and roll, country and western, bluegrass and folk--you name it and the harmonica has created miles of smiles and dancing in the aisles!
“What happens at a harmonica convention, you may ask? World class performers teach and entertain from early morning ‘til late at night. Amateur and professional, male and female, young and old, they all come together with a common love and passion for the music. The sharing and jam sessions are non-stop. Attitudes and egos are left at the door. It is a musical celebration of life like no other.
“Some of this year’s headliners include Tommy Morgan, the dean of Hollywood soundtrack harmonica players, Mark Hummel, California blues legend and impresario and Jia-Yi He, master of the classical harmonica.”
But for today, get out on the river and have a great July 4th!
Excerpt from the news release about the convention.
“Sacramento, CA, June 8th, 2009--Sacramento's Radisson Hotel will be rocking and rolling this summer as hundreds of harmonica players from expert to novice will descend on the city as The Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica (SPAH) kicks off its 46th anniversary convention in Sacramento, CA, from Tuesday, August 11th thru Saturday, August 15th, 2009.
“The magical sound of the harmonica is loved and appreciated around the globe. It would be tough to find a genre of music where the harmonica has not left its mark. Here in the United States, the harmonica played an important part in the birth of the blues as well as the good old days of Vaudeville. It can be found in the worlds of classical and jazz music, rock and roll, country and western, bluegrass and folk--you name it and the harmonica has created miles of smiles and dancing in the aisles!
“What happens at a harmonica convention, you may ask? World class performers teach and entertain from early morning ‘til late at night. Amateur and professional, male and female, young and old, they all come together with a common love and passion for the music. The sharing and jam sessions are non-stop. Attitudes and egos are left at the door. It is a musical celebration of life like no other.
“Some of this year’s headliners include Tommy Morgan, the dean of Hollywood soundtrack harmonica players, Mark Hummel, California blues legend and impresario and Jia-Yi He, master of the classical harmonica.”
Friday, July 03, 2009
On the River
The Sacramento Bee has a great article on kayaking on the American River, surely a nice weekend venture; and though its not going to be above the 100 degree mark that makes for a perfect July 4th on the river, it will be plenty warm and should be a really great day.
An excerpt.
“You know you want to.
“You've watched with envy as those kayakers glide down the American River on a hot summer day.
“But you still haven't tried it? Didn't know how to get started or where to launch from?
“Your worries are over. Just in time for the long Fourth of July weekend, here's a how-to guide to running the American below Lake Natoma. This isn't meant for experts. It's for anyone who can swim, has some common sense and wants to take advantage of one of the region's finest attractions.
“Let's get started.
“The basics
“Don't be an idiot. Wear a life jacket. Seriously. There isn't a more important thing to know about kayaking here. It may look shallow and slow and safe. It isn't. There are strong currents, deep holes and tricky spots all along it. Get a life jacket. Put it on.
“Get a kayak. There are plenty of options out there, rentals, used boats, inflatables, the ones you sit inside, the ones you sit on top of. Decide which one suits you best.
“The sit-upons are easier to crawl back on top of if you fall in. The ones you sit inside of protect you from the water better and can be used year-round, even in winter. You can find a kayak and paddle starting around $200.”
An excerpt.
“You know you want to.
“You've watched with envy as those kayakers glide down the American River on a hot summer day.
“But you still haven't tried it? Didn't know how to get started or where to launch from?
“Your worries are over. Just in time for the long Fourth of July weekend, here's a how-to guide to running the American below Lake Natoma. This isn't meant for experts. It's for anyone who can swim, has some common sense and wants to take advantage of one of the region's finest attractions.
“Let's get started.
“The basics
“Don't be an idiot. Wear a life jacket. Seriously. There isn't a more important thing to know about kayaking here. It may look shallow and slow and safe. It isn't. There are strong currents, deep holes and tricky spots all along it. Get a life jacket. Put it on.
“Get a kayak. There are plenty of options out there, rentals, used boats, inflatables, the ones you sit inside, the ones you sit on top of. Decide which one suits you best.
“The sit-upons are easier to crawl back on top of if you fall in. The ones you sit inside of protect you from the water better and can be used year-round, even in winter. You can find a kayak and paddle starting around $200.”
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
California’s Lost Coast
We were privileged guests at the most beautiful wedding celebration we have ever attended over the weekend, and as it was such a wonderful testimony to the magnificent grandeur of the natural beauty of our state, I wanted to share it with you.
Before Sunday the most beautiful wedding we had attended was in a canyon retreat center next to the ocean by Malibu several years ago—which was truly extraordinary— but this wedding in the Lost Coast area of Northern California, has replaced that as the most beautiful and enjoyable wedding celebration we have ever been blessed to experience.
From the exquisite setting, the elegant ceremony with cellist, the terrific company of the other guests, the wonderful food and service, and the absolutely stunning drive from our Bed & Breakfast room in the Victorian community of Ferndale to the wedding site at Mattole Campground along the banks of the Mattole River between Petrolia and Honeydew—surely one of the most enchanting and magnificent drives in the United States—was truly and will surely remain, one of our most treasured experiences.
The National Geographic has a nice map of the area.
Before Sunday the most beautiful wedding we had attended was in a canyon retreat center next to the ocean by Malibu several years ago—which was truly extraordinary— but this wedding in the Lost Coast area of Northern California, has replaced that as the most beautiful and enjoyable wedding celebration we have ever been blessed to experience.
From the exquisite setting, the elegant ceremony with cellist, the terrific company of the other guests, the wonderful food and service, and the absolutely stunning drive from our Bed & Breakfast room in the Victorian community of Ferndale to the wedding site at Mattole Campground along the banks of the Mattole River between Petrolia and Honeydew—surely one of the most enchanting and magnificent drives in the United States—was truly and will surely remain, one of our most treasured experiences.
The National Geographic has a nice map of the area.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving from the White House
President's Radio Address
"THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week, Americans gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving. This holiday season is a time of fellowship and peace. And it is a time to give thanks for our many blessings.
"During this holiday season, we give thanks for generations of Americans who overcame hardships to create and sustain a free Nation. When the Pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving nearly four centuries ago, they had already suffered through a harsh and bitter winter. But they were willing to endure that adversity to live in a land where they could worship the Almighty without persecution. When President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, the United States was in the midst of a terrible civil war. But in that hour of trial he gave thanks -- because he believed America would weather the storm and emerge into a new era of liberty.
"During this holiday season, we give thanks for those who defend our freedom. America's men and women in uniform deserve our highest respect -- and so do the families who love and support them. Lately, I have been asked what I will miss about the presidency. And my answer is that I will miss being the Commander-in-Chief of these brave warriors. In this special time of year, when many of them are serving in distant lands, they are in the thoughts and prayers of all Americans.
"During this holiday season, we give thanks for the kindness of citizens throughout our Nation. It is a testament to the goodness of our people that on Thanksgiving, millions of Americans reach out to those who have little. The true spirit of the holidays can be seen in the generous volunteers who bring comfort to the poor and the sick and the elderly. These men and women are selfless members of our Nation's armies of compassion -- and they make our country a better place, one heart and one soul at a time.
"Finally, I have a special note of thanks to the American people. On this, my last Thanksgiving as your President, I am thankful for the good will, kind words, and heartfelt prayers that so many of you have offered me during the past eight years. I have been blessed to represent such decent, brave, and caring people. For that, I will always be grateful, and I will always be honored. Thank you for listening."
# # #
"THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week, Americans gather with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving. This holiday season is a time of fellowship and peace. And it is a time to give thanks for our many blessings.
"During this holiday season, we give thanks for generations of Americans who overcame hardships to create and sustain a free Nation. When the Pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving nearly four centuries ago, they had already suffered through a harsh and bitter winter. But they were willing to endure that adversity to live in a land where they could worship the Almighty without persecution. When President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, the United States was in the midst of a terrible civil war. But in that hour of trial he gave thanks -- because he believed America would weather the storm and emerge into a new era of liberty.
"During this holiday season, we give thanks for those who defend our freedom. America's men and women in uniform deserve our highest respect -- and so do the families who love and support them. Lately, I have been asked what I will miss about the presidency. And my answer is that I will miss being the Commander-in-Chief of these brave warriors. In this special time of year, when many of them are serving in distant lands, they are in the thoughts and prayers of all Americans.
"During this holiday season, we give thanks for the kindness of citizens throughout our Nation. It is a testament to the goodness of our people that on Thanksgiving, millions of Americans reach out to those who have little. The true spirit of the holidays can be seen in the generous volunteers who bring comfort to the poor and the sick and the elderly. These men and women are selfless members of our Nation's armies of compassion -- and they make our country a better place, one heart and one soul at a time.
"Finally, I have a special note of thanks to the American people. On this, my last Thanksgiving as your President, I am thankful for the good will, kind words, and heartfelt prayers that so many of you have offered me during the past eight years. I have been blessed to represent such decent, brave, and caring people. For that, I will always be grateful, and I will always be honored. Thank you for listening."
# # #
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