Activism, Tobacco

Activism at Oakland Pridefest Event

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I’ve been an activist against Big Tobacco since the early 1990’s when my father died at the age of fifty from his addiction to nicotine and it gave me a primary reason to go to law school.

Whenever I can I’m going to continue to fight against an industry that targets youth and queer people in particular with insidious tactics. Getting data by conducting surveys is one way I can do that. LGBTQ Minus Tobacco has given me great opportunities to fight locally, as I had been doing more regionally and nationally when I lived in New York City.

Nature

Rowing and Rowing

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I’ve been rowing with others in a whaleboat most weekends with Solano Rowing Club, but my friend Nancy recently inspired me to try to get back into kayaking, which there is a great club in Vallejo that facilitates that. In Dan Foley Park we kayaked adjacent to Six Flags Park and got to see giraffes eating on the side of the lake! Who knew!? There are roller coasters and other things to see from the lake, but the hills and the park are wonderful as well. What a cool place! We hope to do this regularly. Dan Foley is such a beautiful place. We’ll be back for more.

Speaking of rowing in a whaleboat, periodically the boat needs to be brought back and forth between my neighborhood in Vallejo (Glen Cove) to Benicia. During one of those trips, I had to take a picture of these geese on top of this house right by the water. I hope the residents of this house don’t have to suffer from this kind of goose attack that often, but it would be worth it for the views they have!

Activism, Gay, Parties

Vallejo Gay Network Potluck Second September

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This is our second September hosting a VGN Potluck, although our plan is to do so in March 2023. It just so happened that month had worked out for us. We’re getting better at hosting and we think that the outdoor encouragement works better for the traffic. It was a great time and we had some dignitaries attend as well.

Bears, Gay, Parties

Return to Dining with East Bay Bears

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After almost two years of Covid and moving to Vallejo, we finally made it back to see our friends with the East Bay Bears, who we try to Zoom with every week. It was so great to be back (and not be required to wear a mask). We always get a room to ourselves and it’s rich food and fine people that I missed indulging with.

California, Pets

Polar’s first time at Glen Cove Waterfront Park

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…with Monte & Cappy. We figured these were our three dogs most likely to appreciate it. We have a 17-year-old Pom-chi (Timber) who is a little frail who we bring out sometimes, but the beachhead is a little rough for her. Our other dog is blind and generally uncomfortably nervous whenever he gets in a car for some reason that I suspect has to do with his previous guardians.

Polar’s hair is still growing in, but he minded pretty well and he certainly loves car rides. He’ll be going out with us regularly I’m sure. He’s also not deaf like Monte, so he’s a little easier to communicate with, although Monte minds pretty well regardless.

California, Video

Pier 4 of Glen Cove Marina

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I’ve been rowing with the Solano Rowing Club for some time now. This is some footage during low tide while I was waiting for the whaleboat to return. It’s great exercise and I’ve learned a lot. I feel a draw to the water that has been on both sides of my family for generations.

Hello from Vallejo, California!