California Travel Insider

Social networking from California: A Letter

 

Seeking Dana Smith by Barbara L. Steinberg

This letter was originally published on February 26, 2010. My hopes for 2012, other then the usual: health, happiness, and world peace....would be an answer to this letter. Of course, I have passed another birthday and have rounded the corner towards 56. Maybe this will be the magic year.

Dear Mrs. Smith –

May I call you Dana? Now that I am nearly 56 years old it seems appropriate. I don’t know if you will remember me…though I believe you will. You were my English teacher (freshman and senior years [1970-1971 & 1973-1974]) at W. T. Woodson High School.  This is not the first letter I have written you.  I wrote to you after I graduated from high school and thanked you for coming into my life!  Here I am again.

You and I bumped heads that first year, 1970.  Diagramming sentences and all those English technicalities drove me crazy; I was so bored.  You may have suffered some of the same boredom. 

My senior year (1973-1974) with you included media/marketing and writing courses.  What an eye-opener for me!  Those experiences would eventually figure into my professional life in so many ways.  In my senior yearbook you wrote, “I expect to be buying your books soon,” Good Luck, D. Smith.  That was the most powerful and memorable thing anyone had ever said to me.

After graduating, I told you all of this in a letter. After moving to California, I stopped by to say ‘hello’ and let you know what was going on in my life.  You told me that you and your husband (whom I never met) were moving to Kentucky.  I believe you said he was a photographer and planned to open a studio.  Again, this is what I think was said.  I don’t remember if you said where in Kentucky or (specifically) when you were going.

I don’t recall if we spoke again, but I have thought of you often.

I have been looking for you for a long time.  I stopped by and called WTW – the English department, the principal – no one responded.  I contacted the teachers association.  Each time I explained, but no one seemed interested.  I have looked online. Searched through www.WhitePages.com, Google searches, and people-finder websites. Someone from my graduating class knows someone who is currently on staff in the English Department. They were going to do some asking on my behalf, but then I never heard anything more.

I posted the following on Facebook believing that this ‘six degrees of separation’ Mecca would find someone out there who recognized you. Or maybe even find you!

Barbara Steinberg I am still hoping to find Dana Smith who taught English at W.T. Woodson back in the '70s. She was still in Fairfax the last time I saw her but she said planning to move to Kentucky. Her husband was a photographer (I think this is what I remember).  December 13, 2009 at 8:38pm


Why is it so important that I find you?  Because I want to thank you…again!  Thank you for seeing something in me when I was only 17-years-old. Something no one else had noticed or nurtured. My life took many paths; all of them leading to my life as a writer and editor. Though I have been writing my whole life, I wasn't professionally published until my mid 30s. For 16 years I was the director of publications for California Tourism. Since 2006, I have been a freelance travel writer and marketing California as a travel destination.

I have often talked about what you taught me about the power of marketing. And, ironically, one of the first places I visited in California was the Hearst Castle…all because you had us watch "Citizen Kane" our senior year in a media class you taught. That’s true!  And from time-to-time, I take out my yearbook just to re-read your message. There are a couple of books I want to write, but finding the time is a major stumbling block. Your words of support may bring that to fruition someday. 

I hope this letter reaches you!  I want you to know that after 38 years I still remember and thank you from the bottom of my heart. In the meantime, others will know about the power of few well-placed words. Years later I still remember.

Love -Barbara

PS – Just before my senior year I visited a friend in the UK. Her mother, Joan, was a travel writer. When she explained this concept to me I said, “That’s a job?! I want that job.” I was just 17 years old and was just getting ready to begin my senior year in your class. The Universe, and D. Smith, saw the writing on the wall.   

Facebook the ultimate social network

The following article was originally published in the Sacramento News & Review, January 21, 2010. This episode in my life still has me wondering. There are still no answers. Dale would probably tell me to stop asking questions.

Connection with Dale

An encounter on Facebook made one writer look at social networking in a new light

By Barbara L Steinberg More stories by this author...

The word of the day is reconnected.

“I just reconnected with so-and-so!” It’s the latest thing, thanks to the magic of Facebook and the great pastime called “social networking.” Honestly, I never understood the phenomenon, or the fascination with spending hours and hours recounting pointless bits of information. Was this really reconnecting?

But a recent Facebook encounter has me looking at social networking in a whole new light. It also has me asking some big questions of the universe.

Recently I decided to attempt a modern-day, Facebook reconnect with a friend from the past named Dale H. The two of us met in 1986, dated briefly and then went our separate ways.

Thursday, December 3: Just a few keystrokes and poof! Simple! I located Dale on Facebook and sent him a message.

Friday, December 4: Dale responded. He was happy to hear from me and provided a phone number. We made voice contact. He was living in Los Angeles but spending time in Sacramento caring for his elderly parents.

Saturday, December 5: We are supposed to get together, but missed the opportunity. He had things going on.

Sunday, December 6: We spoke again and say we’ll hook up sometime in the next week or two. Maybe breakfast at the Fox & Goose where we met 23 years ago?

Wednesday, December 9: My cell phone rang. “This is Barbara,” I said.

A woman’s voice asks, “Do you know Dale H.?” I said yes.

“This is his daughter,” the voice told me. “I wanted to let you know my dad died this morning.”

Needless to say, I was stunned. Dale was a young man, just 51 years old.

I was left to wonder, “Why? Why now? Why Facebook?” Was this another case of “Be careful what you wish for”? Or was there some other ultimate social-networking lesson to be learned?

Esoterically, a friend told me, “Somehow, he reached out to you to find him.” And I liked that explanation and that idea that, somehow, the phenomenon of social networking brought us back together, even if just for a moment. His family didn’t know who to call and found my number on his cell phone. I had a few people I could reach to let them know what had happened to Dale—some, strangely enough, through his Facebook account.

I have told this story of my ultimate social-networking experience repeatedly to family, friends and strangers. Thanks to Dale, I now say to everyone: If there’s someone out there you’re missing … someone you have wanted to find—reach out and reconnect. Don’t wait!

                Here's the rest of the Facebook story....

Member of:

        

California Dept of Fish & Game, CAPS Mourn Loss of Colleagues

Set Up Fund for Victims’ Families

The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and California Association of Professional Scientists (CAPS) remembers and honors their fallen colleagues. 

January 5, 2010, Clu Cotter, DFG Associate Biologist, 48 years old, Kevin O'Connor, DFG Senior Biologist Supervisor, 40 years old, and Tom Stolberg, DFG Scientific Aide, 31 years old, all of Fresno, lost their lives in a helicopter crash. Helicopter pilot Dennis (Mike) Donovan of Landells Aviation, also lost his life. They were on a routine aerial deer survey when the crash occurred in a remote section of Madera County. An investigation is under way into the cause of the crash.

Governor Schwarzenegger announced that State Capitol flags will be flown at half staff. DFG Director John McCamman also ordered flags to be flown at half staff across the state at all DFG buildings in honor of the fallen scientists.

McCamman immediately instituted critical incident counseling teams to work with DFG staff to help them deal with the loss of their coworkers. DFG is also working with the victims’ families to offer support.

“Fish and Game employees are very much like a big family and this is a tremendous loss to our team,” said Director McCamman. “We will continue to do everything we can to help the victims’ families and our employees during this difficult time.”

DFG annually conducts helicopter surveys to track trends in California deer populations. Surveys are conducted from the air because of cost-effectiveness compared to ground surveys, access to remote
locations and to reduce bias compared to road-based observation. DFG has grounded all helicopter surveys and captures until further notice.

CAPS has established a memorial fund for the three biologists and helicopter pilot killed in the crash in Madera County.  CAPS welcomes donations to this account which will benefit the families of Department of Fish & Game employees Clu Cotter, Kevin O'Connor, and Tom Stolberg, and helicopter pilot Dennis Donovan.

"State scientists are a very tight-knit group," said CAPS President Patty Velez, a state Environmental Scientist at the Department of Fish & Game's Monterey office. "We want to make sure we do everything we can to help the families during this time of tragedy."

 

CAPS is soliciting contributions from the general public and from its own members.  CAPS appreciates the assistance and cooperation provided by the Department of Fish and Game for this effort.

 

CAPS is also working to ensure that its member's beneficiaries receive the benefit of every insurance and related program to which they are entitled.  This includes a special provision in the CAPS Memorandum of Understanding, Section 5.11, which provides a $50,000 air travel benefit to DFG scientists killed while flying during the course of their work.  CAPS negotiated this provision years ago in part due to a DFG helicopter crash which proved fatal to two biologists in 1992.

 

Checks made out to the "State Biologists' Memorial Fund" can be sent to:

 

State Biologists' Memorial Fund

c/o CAPS

455 Capitol Mall, Suite 500

Sacramento, CA 95814

 

Unfortunately, contributions are not tax deductible.

 

Thanks for your support!!

Memorial services have been arranged for  Clu Cotter, Kevin Connor and Tom Stolberg.  They will be held Thursday, January 14, 2010, at 1 PM at the Northside Christian Church.

Northside Christian Church
2709 E. Nees Ave.
Clovis CA 93611
559.323.9675

Member

Yosemite's Badger Pass Ski Icon Nic Fiore

Nic Fiore: The Likes of this California Hero Won't Be Seen Again!
 by Barbara L. Steinberg©   

I feel very blessed to count myself among the thousands of Yosemite Badger Pass visitors to have experienced the aura and joy that was Nic Fiore. Nic Fiore defined the spirit of Yosemite and with his passing last week, an era has truly come to an end.

A Badger Pass ski instructor for more than 50 years, Nic Fiore was a legend to tens of thousands of novice skiers whose good fortune brought them under his wing.

I don't ski. I never did. But meeting Nic Fiore was the highlight of a winter's visit to Badger Pass.  He was already more than 80 years old, he oozed youth, health, and exuberance. I watched in wonder as he zigged and zagged down the snowy slopes with skiers 40 to 50 years his junior.  I was enthralled listening to his stories and, in particular, the story of his arrival at Yosemite. A young, handsome Canadian...he came...and never departed.

I will never forget that day. That experience. That Nic! Truly, one of a kind! And along with countless of Californians, Yosemite National Park staff, and Nic Fiore fans around the world...I mourn the loss of this California icon.

Nic Fiore: Obiturary:

Nic Fiore
1920 - 2009

Nic Fiore arrived in Yosemite Valley on a snowy night in 1947 to work as a ski instructor at Yosemite’s Badger Pass.  He slogged through three feet of snow to his dormitory, exhausted from the transcontinental train trip from his native Montreal and the following morning met ski school director, Luggi Foeger.  Until that moment Fiore hadn’t seen the valley’s sheer walls.  The 27-year-old ski instructor turned to his new director and, while looking up, exclaimed, “Luggi, this is fantastic, but where do the beginners ski!?”

In the 57 years following his arrival in Yosemite National Park, Nic Fiore answered that question like no other American ski instructor, teaching some 137,500 people how to ski at Badger Pass.  He retired in 2004, after teaching skiing for more than 60 years.  His career began in 1940 as an Army Ski Instructor for the Royal Canadian Armed Forces.  Following World War II he became certified by the Canadian Ski Instructor’s Alliance and taught skiing in Canada’s Laurentian mountains, before moving to Yosemite.

Fiore, who died Tuesday in Fresno at age 89, is believed to have taught more people to ski than any other ski instructor in North America.  Thousands of baby boomers were introduced to skiing at dry land ski schools conducted by him during the 1950s and ‘60s, and he became a Yosemite institution not only in winter.  He also managed the Glacier Point Hotel, Big Trees Lodge, Hotel Wawona and Yosemite Lodge, and in 1966, began directing Yosemite High Sierra Camps, often walking from five to 25 miles a day between camps.

In 1965, Nic Fiore authored the ski technique guide, “So You Want to Ski” and, in 1967, he was selected by the French government to represent the United States at its prestigious French National Ski Instructor’s academy in Chamonix.  Fiore subsequently coordinated similar exchanges in the U.S. to improve American ski instruction techniques. 

For many years, Nic Fiore served as Executive Director of the Professional Ski Instructors of America/Western Division and became the only person to receive both the Northern California and Nevada Ski Media Association and the Southern California Association of Ski Writers awards for outstanding contributions to the sport of skiing.  Fiore is the only ski instructor ever to have been inducted into the California Tourism Hall of Fame and the California Outdoor Hall of Fame.  He was also nominated three times to the U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame. 

The venerable Yosemite Winter Club, one of the oldest ski clubs in the western United States named its highest award in his honor.  The club’s Nic Fiore Award is presented annually to “an individual who demonstrates enthusiasm, commitment and a love of winter sports” as did Fiore.  Though, the honor he cherished most were the three generations of skiers who would crowd around him at ski shows in Los Angeles and San Francisco, seeking a moment with their instructor, the energetic and joyful Nic Fiore.

Badger Pass is one of America’s smallest ski area, but is widely recognized for its excellence as a place to learn to ski and snowboardboard, credited to Nic Fiore’s legacy as its longtime director of skiing. While some contributions to skisport happen in an instant, his occurred over 60 years.  Nic Fiore never earned more than a ski instructor’s wage, yet said his reward was in passing the joy of skiing to three generations of skiers.

He is survived by two daughters, eight grandchildren and five brothers and sisters.  A memorial service in Nic Fiore’s honor is planned to occur at Yosemite’s Badger Pass ski area in autumn.  His family has asked that contributions be made in his memory to The Yosemite Fund (yosemitefund.org) and the Air Warrior Courage Foundation (airwarriorcourage.org). 

Big Pine California Celebrates Artist Carroll Thomas' Big Birthday

Carroll's 99th Birthday is Truly Reason for Everyone to Celebrate 
Story & Photos by Barbara L. Steinberg©   

We first had the great pleasure of meeting Carroll Thomas as he celebrated the opening of his Big Pine gallery on Hwy. 395. There was much to celebrate as Carroll had just blown-out the candles (figuratively speaking) on his 96th birthday. Our wide-eyed response to both of these amazing feats, "No! Way!" He was the spriest 96-year-old we had ever met. And I'm thinking, "C'mon now. You can't be a day over 80." (Photo of Carroll at 96,  April 2006.)

What incredible luck. Enjoying our favorite road trip along the Eastern Sierra...and spending time basking in the artistic glow of a true California treasure in the form of Carroll Thomas.  

The time to celebrate and honor this California classic really is now. I recently spoke to Carroll's partner of 30+ years. She said he has had a few health issues this past year, but still paints almost every day. Mr. Thomas is the oldest living American Painter, still creating works of art, while personally operating and maintaining his own gallery located in Big Pine, California. Another double whopper. Seems appropriate that he should be living and working along side the oldest living things on Earth...the ancient bristlecone pines. We are so blessed in California to have to many of the oldest, tallest, onliest, largest things on the planet. This, of course includes Carroll Thomas.

 

Carroll has been painting landscapes and wildlife most of his life...well, at least 90 years! The first painting he ever created still hangs in his studio in Big Pine, California. He attended the School of Fine Arts in Minneapolis, MN in 1928. But times were hard -- that pesky old Depression -- and, in his late teens/early 20s, he hopped a freight train from Colorado to find work in California.  He lived in the mountains with a friend where they hunted and fished to feed themselves. (Carroll's first painting hanging on the wall of his studio.)

 

His first gallery - which he opened in 1978 -- was near Lake Tahoe. This lasted a few years before he began traveling and searching for a place to really "settle down." That place was Big Pine.  Carroll had been traveling his whole life -- painting the beautiful landscapes and wildlife images that hang in the gallery today.

 

His works evolved from watercolors to oils. Personally, I prefer the soft liquid feeling of the watercolors. But oil painting was more practical, Carroll explained to me. Oils or watercolors, there is strength in his paintings and a clear love for nature and wild places.

 

Last year, we specifically journeyed down this favorite stretch of Hwy. 395 to deliver belated birthday greetings to Carroll at 98 years old. Carroll, along with family and friends, will gather to mark his 99th birthday April 25, 2009...though the actual date is the 29th. I live 300 miles away and gave serious consideration to attending this auspicious occasion. However, I will have to settle on being with him in spirit, on both days. (Photo of Carroll & Barbara 2008)

 

Next year, come Hell or high water, I will be there to watch Carroll blow out the candles on his centennial birthday. Plan ahead and get your name on the invite list!

 

    
For more information while You're Visiting the Eastern Sierra:  The Other Side of the California, Mammoth Lakes Vistiros Bureau, Mono County Tourism, Lone Pine Chamber of Commerce, and Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau.
 

 

 

Story & Photos Available for Reprint. Contact: BarbaraSteinberg@CaliforniaTravelinsider.com

Life Imitates Art at Historic Asilomar Conference Grounds Pacific Grove California

  LIFE IMITATES ART AT ASILOMAR CONFERENCE GROUNDS
    WITH “BECOMING JULIA MORGAN” LIVE STAGE PLAY
          IN HISTORIC MORGAN-DESIGNED THEATRE

This original play honors the life and achievements of California ’s iconic female architect is presented at Asilomar December 18-21. Fans of Julia Morgan and William Randolph Hearst won't want to miss this award-winning production.

Asilomar Conference Grounds, home to the world’s largest collection of Julia Morgan designed buildings, will literally and figuratively set the stage for an original live theater production “Becoming Julia Morgan” December 18-21. The historic Pacific Grove retreat, designed and built in part by Julia Morgan as a YWCA camp in 1913, will present the play in the Grace M. Dodge Chapel Auditorium, a classic and highly revered example of Morgan’s signature Arts and Crafts style built in 1915.

Written by Bay Area playwright Belinda Taylor, “Becoming Julia Morgan” is a two-act play that chronicles the life and career of California architectural pioneer Julia Morgan. The dramatic production follows her life over a six-year period, 1931-1937, with flashbacks to her student days at UC Berkeley and L’Ecole de Beaux-Arts in Paris, and a flash-forward to modern times. The play involves a San Francisco Examiner reporter who tries valiantly to overcome her no-nonsense, deeply private persona while trying to write her biography. The ensemble production will feature four actors playing a total of 17 characters, including Laura Akard as Julia Morgan.

The family-friendly production will be offered at 8:00 pm on December 18, 19 and 20, plus a 2:00 pm matinee performance on December 21. Tickets are available at $25 per adult and $15 per child for the show only; $50 per adult and $30 per child for a show and dinner package; and $225 for a special show, dinner and overnight lodging package. The overnight package is based on double occupancy and includes full breakfast for two plus a special keepsake book about Julia Morgan.

Paying further homage to Morgan, all related show festivities will be held in historic Asilomar buildings that were designed by the famous architect. Evening performances begin with a beer and wine reception in the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Social Hall, which was Morgan’s first completed building in 1913; pre-theater dinner is offered in the nostalgic Crocker Dining Hall, which showcases an interpretive display of archival photos; and the play will grace the expansive stage of the Grace M. Dodge Chapel Auditorium, which recently underwent a $1.2 million restoration project to conform to modern building codes while painstakingly preserving Morgan’s period-specific integrity. 

“We are thrilled to sponsor Ms. Taylor’s brilliant production, which is the first full-length play chronicling Julia Morgan’s life and career”, said Scott McQuiston, Asilomar Front Desk Manager and the play’s director. “Not only is Asilomar the perfect stage for this production, but the holiday period is an ideal time for such an inspiring story about an important figure whose local architectural contributions have been recognized worldwide.”

Reservations and ticket information for the production of “Becoming Julia Morgan” is available by calling 831-372-8016. Reservations are advised for the dinner and/or overnight lodging package; show only tickets are available for purchase on a space available basis prior to the performance.

About Asilomar Conference Grounds

Tucked on 107 scenic acres along the Asilomar State Beach and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Asilomar Conference Grounds welcomes guests in 312 ocean- and forest-view rooms. Boasting 29,000 square feet of meeting space, the historic retreat is centrally located in the charming town of Pacific Grove , just minutes from the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, the scenic 17-Mile Drive , a host of golf courses, wineries and restaurants.  But, perhaps its most distinguishing feature is its rich history and the buildings designed by Julia Morgan. As California ’s first licensed female architect who assisted in the creation of Hearst Castle , Morgan created Asilomar’s original 15 structures between 1913 and 1928. Thirteen structures remain today and combined constitute her largest collection of Arts & Crafts style architecture in one location.  These structures were listed as a National Historic landmark in 1987 and are listed on the Registrar of Historic Places.

Asilomar is operated under contract with California State Parks by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts, a subsidiary of Delaware North Companies, Inc., one of the world’s leading hospitality and food service providers.

In further recognition of Julia Morgan's incredible contributions, nn December 15, Governor Schwarzennegger is inducting Julia Morgan into the California Hall of Fame

        

Another Little Thing - Southwest Airlines Burbank Airport

Another Little Thing by Barbara L. Steinberg 

And sometimes not so little. I was whining about having to leave my little corner of paradise…an oceanfront room at the Four Seasons-Biltmore Hotel in Santa Barbara.  Jump in the rental car and fight my way downstream to the Burbank 'Bob Hope' Airport after the calm of staring at the ocean.  OMG, back in the flow of traffic and taking what seems to be forever to drive all of 88 miles. I arrived at the Enterprise rental car lot only slightly frazzled. Searching to make certain every last item was retrieved from my midget Chevy and stuffing things into bags every which way.  I was way too early for my 2:50 flight, but I didn’t want to pay for another day of rental plus you just never want to take chances with the SoCal traffic. It's a much better idea to allow too much time, hang-out in the airport for a while, and imagine myself back in Santa Barbara.

So, I’m sitting at my Southwest gate.  Three men move into the seats directly across from me.  An elderly gentleman in a wheelchair, a guy in baseball cap sporting a capital “B”, and a guy in cool bowling-styled shirt.  I was really focused on the shirt – I love that style.  I kept glancing up. The man with the “B” hat was in the middle, directly across from me.  Finally I began to focus on him.  He was casually attired in a white shirt, gray pants, and nicely-worn white tennis shoes. I don’t know how many times I looked into his calm, tanned face before I thought, “Hmmm, he looks really familiar!” I thought I heard the word, ‘Hollywood’ and then I found myself straining to hear more. I didn’t want to approach without being sure – and the sound of his voice was so distinctive…and then I think I’m pretty sure. I didn’t want to be one of those looky-loos…some goofy celebrity hound.  Then, the guy in the ultimately cool shirt got up and I saw my chance.

I sat down and nervously said, “Are you…?” And he finished my sentence, “Johnny Mathis…yes, I am!”  I immediately apologized for intruding. Told him the sad story of having to leave beautiful Santa Barbara…but this was the end of my travel rainbow…and the reason why the powers that be had me leaving early. This one little encounter left me smiling and giddy, though I must admit I felt so awkward.  Of course the camera kept malfunctioning in my attempts to have one of his people take our photo.  Oh, god, he must be asking himself when this will all be over.  Eventually I had to give up and snapped a solo photo of him.  Natch…it was too dark.  Finally I got the flash to work and got a reasonable photo of him alone – profile – not what I had hoped for but I’ll take what I can get.

Eventually the group’s flight to Las Vegas was called to board -- Johnny was heading for a two-night gig at the Hilton.  And what an average thing to do, but for JM and his friends to line-up along with the rest of the Southwest crowd…he was right in front of me under the 51-55/56-60 line  And then he turned and said, “Is the camera working now? Let’s try again!”

Score! One more little thing..the word AWESOME says it all!

Sacramento California Elder Elm Care

Goodbye to Dear Friend
by Barbara L. Steinberg©

When I moved to my (nearly) century-old Craftsman in Midtown Sacramento one of its defining exterior features was a towering American Elm. This wonderful old tree was planted -- who knows when -- after my home was built in 1908. But it is part of the past and Sacramento's "City of Trees" heritage. This aging tree provided much needed shade from Sacramento's sweltering summers and my home's south-facing exterior.

Almost immediately I noticed the tree seemed to be in distress. Because it's a city tree, I contacted the city arborist for a "check up" and to be sure I was doing the best by my senior-citizen Elm. The tree was checked and happily was Dutch Elm Disease-free. It needed some pruning so I hired a city-recommended firm to provide a little coiffing of the tree canopy and dead limbs. (The city's urban forest staff is whoa-fully under-staffed, over-worked and under-funded and so the cost of this operation -- more than $500 -- was assumed by me. I loved our Elm and knew it was money well spent.)

Each Spring I watched with anticipation as our Elm came back to life. The leafy canopy was not as robust as I hoped, but it was there none-the-less. I would deep-water and fertilize, and on really HOT summer days I would provide an afternoon shower to cool it's aging skin. And sometimes a little hug and thanks.

This Spring, imagine my joy when the Elm leafed out in full glory. The canopy more beautiful then I had ever seen in my 10 years living here. Besides being a major source of shade, it has provided shelter for countless birds and one year a family of baby squirrels who cheered me with their endless comic antics. And our resident hummingbirds often perch among the massive limbs. And so I believed it would continue for me and the wildlife.

Quite suddenly, one major limb began to wilt. It had done this in the past and so at first I wasn't overly concerned.  But then another limb. And another. I quickly called our arborist...

Just this week, the sad news came...Dutch Elm Disease...and my majestic Elm will be gone in two weeks. I am losing a dear, old friend. And I can tell you, I will feel every cut of the blade as this aged friend is removed. As soon as weather permits, I will honor its memory with a new tree. A hardier scarlet or red oak, which I hope will grow and fill the empty space.

Care for your trees -- especially those encased in park-strip concrete. Deep water and fertilize on a regular basis. Not all trees are susceptible to DED, but they need TLC to stay healthy and strong. They are so important to the well-being of our environment...and our souls.

And so I offer this poem, written in 2003, to honor my Elm.

Elder Care

 

Another day of century heat

Scarcely diminishes with the setting sun.

In an offering of relief,

I bathe the withering and cracked skin

With the cold spray from my hose.

Soothing water runs down the long body

Filling every crevasse.

I am especially careful to soak each limb,

Each tiny finger.

The soul of my towering Elm sighs,

And, with grateful arms,

Bends to embrace me.

 

Barbara Steinberg

Sacramento

July 19, 2003

Chuck's Coffee Shop Locally World Famous in Belmont Shore Neighborhood, Long Beach California

Welcome to Chuck's By the Sea! 

Only in California could a culinary delight called "the weasel" garner a cult following. But at Chuck's Coffee House in the Long Beach neighborhood of Belmont Shore the cult has been gathering for more than 40 years. This was no different on a recent Sunday outing when we happily landed at Chuck's Coffee House.  Just one-block from one of Southern California's stellar beaches, Chuck's is everything you'd expect from the quintessential beach-town diner.

It's all about the local beach scene. My friend, Debbie, and I were more than happy to join the throng of hungry Southern Californians sitting curbside in front of Chuck's. The Long Beach "June Gloom", which had lingered into July, was no deterrent to beach-goers dining outside or waiting patiently for any available table. With just 49 seats, Chuck's is compact -- to say the least -- barely standing-room inside the wedge-shaped establishment. Though you can easily grab a spot at the front counter - a true classic.  However, most visitors to this Belmont Shore landmark, sign-in and then wait to dine. Luckily, plenty of plastic chairs are provided. Outside we joined at least a dozen other patrons and dogs, and waited to discover the secret of "locally world famous" Chuck's and the "weasel" so prominently promoted on the sign outside.

Debbie and I didn't mind the wait since it gave us time to chat with some of the Long Beach locals including a very cheerful English bulldog named Motor. Lucky dog, he was enjoying breakfast at Chuck's with his parents Thelma and Keith.

True to their word, our curbside sit-down was less than 20 minutes. The best news was that we were seated at a small booth inside. It hadn't occurred to me to say "inside" or "out" but as a Chuck's first-timer, I definitely wanted to be inside with all the best action.

We had a clear view of the kitchen. A small space, but great short-order chefs were hard at work slamming out all the best diner grub. You know, heart-stopping, artery-clogging, waist-expanding gastronomic delights. All my personal favorites. The efficient and friendly wait-staff hurried past, arms stacked with plates. The only thing left to do was to choose from the mouth-watering breakfast and lunch items. Just reading Chuck's welcome on the back of the menu is enough to make you drool:  "...homemade chili and beans, real baked ham, 16 different omelettes served with fresh salsa...buttermilk pancakes, homemade soup..." and this doesn't even include the yet to be explained "weasel".

Too many choices. So we asked our waitress for her recommendation. High points for the fact that she actually told us what she thought. Breakfast was her personal favorite and I must agree, it's one of my favorite meals. She confirmed that the "weasel" really is the most popular item...drum roll please!  The Weasel is scrambled eggs topped with the house-made chili topped with cheese and onions. Whooooweee!  Hold me back. And with a side of sour-dough French toast...you could just slap me stupid with joy.

And what about Chuck...does he exist?  I should say so. Since 1964, he's been there providing Long Beach and Belmont Shore visitors and neighbors with his diner best.

True to form, I inquired, "Is Chuck here?"  Absolutely.  Looking like the true southern California, beach-dwelling, diner king, Chuck joined us.  A true host, Chuck offered us a Mimosa to toast this most auspicious occasion...the first of what I hope will be many more chow-downs at "locally world famous" Chuck's.

We felt lite true celebrities to share our table and a weasel, with Chuck.

Chow, babies!  We're Motoring.

Barbara L. Steinberg©

California Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights

  In today's frantic and frenzied world, children are prisoners to life inside and regimented schedules. Adults should be responsible for making sure children know how to play outdoors. Know what it means to run, swim, hike, fish, explore and be free -- to be children. 

    Get involved and make the difference in the life of a child. Learn more about the California Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights. Not only will it raise a healthier generation of children, but will improve the lives of adults too!

Barbara L. Steinberg

California Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights 

With recent concerns about youth detachment from outdoor activities, lack of physical exercise and increased health risks, the California Roundtable on Recreation, Parks and Tourism adopted the California Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights for the purpose of recommending a fundamental list of experiences that every child in California would benefit from experiencing, before entering high school.

Numerous studies document that children who do these things are healthier, do better in school, have better social skills and self-image, and lead more fulfilled lives.

Mission
To encourage California’s children to participate in outdoor recreational activities and discover their heritage.

Objective
That every child in California,  have the opportunity to experience each of the activities listed within the California Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights.

Every child should have the opportunity to:

1. Discover California's Past
2. Splash in the water
3. Play in a safe place
4. Camp under the stars
5. Explore nature
6. Learn to swim
7. Play on a team
8. Follow a trail
9. Catch a fish
10. Celebrate their heritage

Take your children, and yourself, outside into the GREAT outdoors.