County of Alameda Consumer Affairs Commission

I attended my first meeting of the County of Alameda Consumer Affair Commission last week. This is another effort on my part to become more involved in community affairs. The Commission is planning a big project in February to inform and involve the public. The attached photo does not include all members since some were absent.

We are finishing another fine year. Eldoris and I have continued to have relatively good health. A Kaiser nurse said she is as healthy as a young colt. One of my goals is to ride my bicycle next year. Now I am unable to get my leg over the bar. I may even return to using the dumbbells in order to strengthen my arms.

On A Clear Day

While returning from our morning walk, Eldoris and I noticed how magnificent the bridges looked on a clear day. Usually the smog and fog cover San Francisco Bay and while the city and bridges are within view, the sight is not great. So I took some photos of the scene which I am sharing with others.

Caribbean Cruise

Eldoris, Mae and I took a Caribbean cruise from 9 October to 19 October 2009. The cruise aboard the Sea Princess took us from Fort Lauderdale to first Tortola, British Virgin Islands, then The Bahamas, St. Martin (both French and Dutch sides), Antigua, St. Lucia, and finally Barbados. This was a nine day cruise. Most of the passengers were British who I found both friendly and interesting. The islands are hot, humid and expensive. You can be sitting doing nothing and still be pouring sweat. The rain fall is as high as 160 inches some years and therefore there is lots of greenery. The police carry no weapons and crime is low. The food was very good on the ship and we eat far too much. I have never eaten so many shrimp. We must have eaten at least three times a day. This huge ship had over 2,000 guests and a crew of over 850. We were treated like royalty.

KatieWilliams90thBirthdayParty

About 99 friends and family enjoyed the 90th birthday party for Katie Williams at the Best Western Hotel in Patterson, California. She looked youthful and energetic for this wonderful celebration. She was even on the dance floor. The food was very good, an exception for a hotel. The event planer Hazel Harris did an excellent job joined by some young escorts and helpers. One interesting event was the young couple dancing to Billie Jean. The crowd was dressed for an upscale occasion. Almost everyone danced from time to time.

Office Paula White

Officer Paula White addressing the 30th Oakland Police Academy graduating class on July 28, 2009. The class of 28 was impressed with the professionism and dedication of our police. Our leader, Officer White did an excellent job and we regret her decision to retire soon.

Citizens Police Academy Graduation

On Tuesday, July 28, The Oakland Citizens' Police Academy had its 30the class gradation. I was among the 28 who finished the course sponsored by the Oakland Police. We learned about the policies, procedures, tasks, organization, etc. of the police. We finished with a higher appreciation of the dedication and professionalism of our police. We engaged in ride along with the police to see exactly what they do in the field and activities in the city.

National Night Out

We had a National Night Out block party last evening at the home of Fred and Sherry Merciari. It was like living in Hawaii with a view of the San Francisco Bay. Our thanks to the hosts and to Angel and Estella, the orginizers and neighborhood watch cooridator. The main purpose was to get neighbors to get together and know one another. That way we can watch out for one another. The food was excellent and the group eat all the black beans I prepared. This is one of my specialities and I was pleased. We received safety tips and exchanged phone numbers and email addresses. Crime has hit all areas of Oakland and we also need to look at emergencies situations. An earthquake is overdue. Please see the photos.

Cameron-McNeill Family Reunion

I attended the Cameron-McNeill Family Reunion in Dunn, North Carolina from 3 July to 5 July 2009. I met my sister Helen Cameron Grant in Atlanta and flew to RDU where we rented a car for the hour drive to Dunn. I must admit that the freeways are both cleaner and better than most freeways in California. Also there is more greenery.

There was a good turnout and it was extremely well organized and executed. The organizators should be commended. I feel the family had a very enjoyable time. Certainly the food was better than we could get in a hotel and more of it. I feasted on the cakes since it is difficult to get an old-fashion cake in the Bay Area. I met family members that I had never seen. Also I found about things that I never knew. Some members promised to send me more info and family history. I look forward to seeing this new info which will inspire me to do some research.

Some videos can be seen on http://www.youtube.com/. Look for OaklandSavant, the name of my other blog. Also see http://spaces.msn.com/members/OaklandSavant.

Chabot Park Highlands HOA BBQ

Our homeowners association had its annual BBQ this afternoon in Turner Court overlooking the beautiful San Francisco Bay and our lovely city. Over 50 neighbors attended and we very much enjoyed the sun and friendship. I believe we enhance the communtiy spirit also. Please see the attached photos. Also see my blog at http://spaces.msn.com/members/OaklandSavant.

Living

Life is worth living. For a retired man, I have been busy. Played pinochle today. Played poorly. I have to concentrate more. Need to count the cards and not have mental lapses. See some photos of members of our pinochle group.

Eldoris has worked too hard this week sanding the wood railings and staining them. I worked a couple days and I can say that sanding is hard work. But like a Kaiser nurse said on one occasion, she is as healthy as a young colt. Also yesterday I threw away six or seven VHS/DVD recorder/players and a couple TVs. Next month TV goes all digital so all this equipment is worthless. Also got myself a new LCD HDTV for the office. It is beautiful and I deserve it.

As part of my position as a commissioner (Oakland name) on the Citizens Police Review Board, I have to attend the Citizens Police Academy for 14 weeks. A good group. The class includes at least four people hoping to become police officers. There is a measure before the City Council to upgrade the Citizens Police Review Board to a Police Commission with wide powers to both provide oversight as well as discipline over the police. Also all citizens complaints would go the Police Commission. There is public opposition to the police policing the police.

The Rotary is now having lunch at the Sequoyah Country Club in the hills of Oakland. I am embarressed that having lived in Oakland for 40 years I had never been there until last week. It is absolutely beautiful. However, since the initiation fee is $30,000, I do not expect to become a member. The upkeep must be huge. Had a great tour.

I will be attending the family reunion over the 4th of July holiday. My sister Helen has promised to meet me there. They asked for old photos to share with other family members, so I searched my computer and discs and sent several as well as more on a CD.

I now have a twitter account. It is BukavuPundit. More things to keep me busy. Stay healthy.

Easter 2009

We had some wonderful friends and family over to our home for Easter dinner. Eldoris loves to entertain. It was a fine occasion. The food was great and I did not have to cook. Imagine getting served dinner at your own home. The Mohrs brought a video of a Easter program produced by their church, a 6,000 member institution. It was a very good presentation of the life of Jesus. It was lavishly produced, including live donkeys and sheep. Please enjoy the photos.