I had an interesting day yesterday at the memory care center. The director of the facility intercepted me straight away to tell me of the 'game plan' for the day. There was a prospective client, B., visiting and she wanted me to engage with him. Never mind that he seemed to be already involved with others around a table, his attention was pulled to away in order for him to make my acquaintance. I had been given a few stats, if you will, about the person, so went straight in with a question that I've posed to other retired SF firefighters whom I've met. I asked B. from which house he retired. As it turned out, he'd worked at a fire-house very near to the one from which my uncle retired and this man and my uncle had known each other. In the 70s, my uncle founded a running club for firefighters and B. had jogged with my uncle's club for about 7 years. B. and his wife had also raised a family in my hometown. I'd probably have gone to school with his kids had they not been sent to Catholic school here in the city. I very much enjoyed spending time with B. and I do hope he'll return to the facility if it's what he and his wife determine would be good for him.
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I know I've mentioned the new park-at-the-beach a few times here. The fall-out, as it were, of our local supervisor, Joel Engardio, publicly supporting Sunset Dunes, as the park is now called, is that the residents whose support he may have once had, seemed to en masse want his head on a platter. The vote for recall---the only issue on the ballot---was 65% to 35%. I think what the recall results showed me was that those who felt fueled by anger ( pro-recall folk used words to describe a democratically decided issue like 'betrayal', 'backstabbed', 'cheated' and what-have-you) WILL go to the ballot box and those who aren't bothered one way or the other about a new park WILL NOT vote. It's all so stupid as Engardio was up for re-election come the new year. Money to put on a recall isn't scant and we taxpayers footed the bill. For those who are a tad curious, there was even a write-up about the issue in The Guardian.
Check it out, if you're so inclined--
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/sep/17/san-francisco-joel-engardio-coastal-park
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| Bartie and me in the back garden. |
It truly is a small world, isn't it? Love that photo of you and Bartie!
ReplyDeleteTruly!
DeleteThat's the thing about such changes--the people who are angry about them will make sure to vote and politicians lose their jobs over it. Which is why many won't stick out their necks for such things. (Although, if he was up for reelection, could he run in the new election and have those that like the park support him and reelect him?)
ReplyDeleteOh, I wonder if he could...
DeleteThe Levi-Strauss heir/Mayor will be appointing Engardio's interim replacement; let's hope that person isn't as anti-car-free spaces as Mayor Lurie.
Bartie knows how to relax :)! I bet your FF friend felt right at home with your shared history. And you are so right, voting or even comments online - the angry are more inclined. I guess it's human nature.
ReplyDeleteYes, it seems that this is the case. Anger fuels action.
DeleteB. was such a kind person. I am glad to have met him.
It is a small world. Bartie is precious! I love cats. Warm greetings from Montreal, Canada.
ReplyDeleteHi, Linda! Yes, it's a small world, to be sure. :)
DeleteYou really made the most of your day at the memory care center, and your story about B. and the firehouse was fascinating. It’s lovely when connections appear unexpectedly, adding warmth to a new place. I hope B. finds comfort there. Wishing you more meaningful moments and small surprises—both inside and outside the job!
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely to make unexpected connections, for sure. I also enjoyed chatting with B's wife. She was lovely. B, unfortunately, has not returned (as of yet). Thanks for your lovely comment, Mr. Shife!
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