You too can see our sexy (mostly) CHP riding on horseback around Capitol Park. They are out in full force lately, thanks to the Guv’s recent executive order and the ensuing rallies on the steps for state employees. Someone’s gotta keep the peace. So why not let the CHP do it, when they are on the “exempt” list, and they know for certain their salaries are secure? I’m not sure if the governor’s plan to cut wages backfired or not. Certainly placing more CHP in the public eye means more CHP getting paid. No salary savings there.

I really don’t mind watching the parades of men in uniform. However, had there been no executive order, there would be no great need to put the Capitol on lockdown. Had there been a budget, there would have been no need for an executive order. Had you voted last go around, there may have been a few good legislators in office, willing to compromise to keep the state moving and grooving as the happening place that it is and should continue to be. But then again, I’m counting the “shoulds” and “coulds” and not the reality of the grand BS that is the annual state budget.

What does it all mean? If you’d like to see your tax dollars at work, come for a stroll around the Capitol on a weekday. You’ll see an ocean of people, dotted by CHP, surging along in a sea of disillusion.

I can’t help but wonder if the extra brown shirts on patrol remind the governor of his childhood European home. Definitely a disturbing thought.

Yes, the lights went out all over town. I would also like to note that the Bee overlooked the Richmond Grove area of downtown, which also lost power today.

Have you ever noticed how quiet it becomes when there’s no HVAC buzz, no neon lights, no (gasp) PCs humming? It was as if we could hear a pin drop over on S Street. But actually, our enjoyment of the silence was interrupted by Light Rail. Apparently they had all the power this afternoon, but they weren’t sharing!

“Mama, why do they call that place ‘The Naked Lounge?’ What is it?”
“Oh, it’s a good coffee shop—best lattes in town—“
“Why do they call it, uh—naked–?”
“I don’t really know—to get your attention maybe? There’s nothing naked going in there that I know of—”
The light changed to green , thank goodness, as both my daughters peered into the dark cafe to see what exactly might be happening in the Lounge.
We then turn left onto 16th Street, and the corner ad there proclaims “Hot Italian” alongside a sexy black and white enlarged photo of Sophia Loren. My husband gives me that look, the out-of-the-corner-of-the-eye look, and we both laugh.

Which comes first–a naked lounge, or a hot Italian? Whatever–I’ll take mine hot, and to go, please. Keep the change.

I couldn’t help but feel some sort of relief in seeing these folks. Based on the air quality and the fire-marathons we’ve been observing, their help is much needed. I hope this convoy and the international groups coming in can make some headway. It has been a long, smoggy summer so far.

I’m crossing my fingers for containment.

If you don’t speak the language of love (no not, “charge it!” but French!), no worries. All films have subtitles in English. Et c’est merveilleux!

Nope, my name is not on the by-line. Nor do I know any of the authors. And actually, I have not picked up a hard copy yet at one of the local retailers listed on the site. It just looks like a good idea. I’m ready to get off the couch, now that the smoked heat is lessening. Reading about restaurants and the latest local food frenzy in established magazines gets tiresome. Perhaps reading this new mag will help incite some exercise enthusiasm, all over town.

This evening, the wonderful respite from bumper-to-bumper Southbound is alas, also gone. I particularly enjoyed last week’s cruise after entering the freeway on W Street and being able to drive the speed limit all the way to the 43rd Street offramp.

Unfortunately, C.C. Myers rained on my vehicle-free I-5 parade. Open on time? Open early? Are you kidding?

They’ve done too good a job at keeping us all in the loop. I imagine the buses are back to empty and the light rail has minimized from sardine to regular standing room only commutes.

At least I have something to look forward to after Independence Day. I-5 shall close again, and there will be at least 2 or 3 people celebrating the fact. (You, me, and that CHP officer sitting for endless hours in the vehicle blocking the ramp–when does he get to use the restroom?)

I’m so happy about it, I may ride the Light Rail, or perhaps I’ll take the bus in to work. Maybe I’ll even get back on my bike. In any case, I’m looking forward to the second honeymoon…I-5, we shall dance again.

Even the HVAC-circulated air in my office reeked of cinders.

After all this, I’m asking you, dear reader, to pray for rain. Or chant. Or sing. Or do whatever it is you do. I’m hoping for rain, ASAP.

I enjoyed my copy–but the best tidbit of the whole edition was the listing of bank-owned homes by zip code, address, and price. I know you can get this info off the Internet, by filling out a bunch of screens. Here, however, you can get it for free, anonymously, Nice. SN&R says they’re doing their readers who rent a favor and I have to agree. Thanks! They say they’ll be doing it weekly, so go get one if you’re house-hunting!

By the way, did you notice there’s no bank-owned property in 95831 or 95819? I know, I ‘m looking too.

I’m told the event is kid friendly with food, performances, and souvenirs. There will be several music performers, including at least one Christian rock group. Oh yes, and a Ukrainian female rapper “Verka” should be there as well—it looks like she raps in English—non-religious, as far as I can tell.

If you want more info, here’s a mini-video of last year’s event. Caution: it’s all in Russian, but can give you an idea of what went on last year. I particularly like the “Russian Biker Club” segment where one guy wears a leather jacket in the video that says “Russian by Birth, U.S. Marine by Choice.”
Hoo-Rah!