During the months where it is light in the evenings, VGN organizes these bocce ball events in the beautiful Highland Park here in Vallejo. The bocce ball courts were recently renovated so it’s very much appreciated and we intend to make good use of them. The park is gorgeous, as well as the views as the sun comes down. It’s safe for our dogs to mill about and the fun and camaraderie are always there for us humans too. This was one of the first VGN things we did after Covid since the potlucks were put on hold. This outdoor activity was really refreshing for so many of us. Tom had the wherewithal to have us take a group shot this time, so here is the result!
I had spoken at least a few times remotely due to Covid restrictions but today makes the first in-person advocacy I did in front of the Vallejo City Council. I’m pleased to be working with LGBTQ Minus Tobacco in fighting for Vallejo to adopt a Smokefree Multi-Unit Housing Ordinance like our Solano County neighbor to the East, Benicia, and many other San Francisco Bay Area jurisdictions already have.
I find it particularly interesting that I accidentally shot the “No Smoking” decal on the door when I took this selfie, without even realizing it. I have the video of my speech available and had my daughter watch it. She and my husband were very proud. I’m sure I’ll be back to speak at City Council regularly, but so hoping this ordinance passes for the betterment of my city.
One of the joys of being on the Board and the current President of the Glen Cove Community Association is what we can do for our neighborhood, which constitutes about 10% of Vallejo. The only school in Glen Cove is our elementary school, so we pay particular attention to the safety and needs of the students there. Our Board works to make sure that the dismissal and drop-off of children, even during the pandemic, was done as safely as possible, and we ask our membership each year when they renew if they would consider chipping in a little extra for the school specifically. Because of this, we always have a budget that allows us to contribute toward the school. We ask the principal and the PTA each year what they need most. This year we provided an audio system with a microphone and colorful laptop trays for the students, among other things. VCUSD and GCCA board member John Fox joined me as we present the gifts to Principal Christine Lucero. Our local newspaper also picked up the story.
Children were omitted from the picture for their privacy.
This fire was probably another person flicking a cigarette after coming over the bridge into the hillside that seems to catch on fire very regularly. Fortunately, it did not get too close to homes and no one was hurt before a number of fire stations put it out. Regardless, we’re very happy that Glen Cove got its own Fire Station #26 back, in large part due to the work of the Glen Cove Community Association.
Meanwhile the SAME DAY in Benicia there was another fire that I could see from the Glen Cove Waterfront Park.
Chris, Tom, Bryan, Matt in back row from left to right. Mimi, me, John and Shando in foreground.
Had a great time checking out the Vallejo Maritime Historical Museum for the first time. That building used to be Vallejo City Hall. It was also good to contribute to a good cause like this. Tom Bilbo organized “Seven Seamen and a Little Lady” for our trivia team. We had Greek food and lots of laughs.
This was our third trip since Covid and our third road trip, all of which were to Palm Springs, so we’re probably done until at least Autumn. Hopefully we’ll be venturing to other places by plane again soon for the first time since Covid. When in Palm Springs we usually visit with our Bay Area friends so this trip included seeing Kevin and Kenn again.
This first video is of pit pup Ginger suckling. It’s sad, but the story we heard was that her mom was killed by a car and so she was prematurely weaned.
Foster Dinky with her mouth tumor is also featured here:
Pictured with Monte is our friend, former housemate and dogsitter John who watched our dogs while we went down to Palm Springs again. He took some great pictures of the gang.
This was Snowball and Peanut’s first trip to the Bocce Ball with Vallejo Gay Network, but all five dogs enjoyed the attention and outdoor trip.
The other pictures are of our dogs at home and include some guest dogs that were in the pictures with us and our own dogs and fosters.
