A Beautiful Day

It's TUESDAY, April 26. There will be A few clouds in the sky today, but mostly it's going to be sunny and warm. And I hope that will be a metaphor for your day. With all that's going on in the world - the tumult and stress and pain - life here in our little corner is relatively calm, at least for the moment. We got through the last series of storms without any major damage, there seem to be more shoppers downtown lately, and the constant fighting over issues seems to have subsided, at least for the moment. Let's enjoy the peace and sunshine now, while it's here. You never know when it's likely to get stormy again, and you know it will. But for now, even though most of the world doesn't know us as a destination spot, we know for a fact that we live in one. And the best part is, we have arrived.

1. You Can't Hide Your Lion Eggs - Boy, did I goof up yesterday. Of course, the kudos for Patty Lorick and the Recreation Department are well deserved, and I meant every word. But I forgot to spread the credit where credit is definitely due - when it comes to last Saturday's Barbara Chambers the Martinez Lion's Club were the sponsors and major perpetrators of this great event. My apologies, and many kudos to you as well, for a job well done. 
2. There's Appeal in Them Thar Hills - To absolutely no one's surprise, the Planning Commission's April 12 approval of the project - 112 homes on 300 acres of hillside property - has been appealed by four different groups of people, all of whom live nearby. The controversial project will now go before the City Council, probably sometime in June. 
3. Pooling Resources - The cumbersomely named Park, Recreation, Marina and Cultural Commission will meet tonight to discuss, among other things, the kinds of activities planned for the new aquatic center, scheduled to open in July. Recall that the City Council last week set the rates for this facility at $5 for adults, $4 for seniors (55 and older), and $2.75 for kids 3-17. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Senior Center, 818 Green St.
4. A Planning Respite - After months of controversy - first the Cannabis Dispensary Ordinance, then Alhambra Highlands - the Planning Commission gets a break tonight. The only item on the agenda is an appeal of the Zoning Administrator's decision to allow an addition to a garage and a backyard cottage of a home on Linton Terrace. Though neighborhood disputes can be difficult and emotional, it's unlikely that this particular item is going to fill the chambers with angry people. If you're a commissioner gazing out on that, it can't be a lot of fun.
5. A Shout-Out to Mike Marchiano - Speaking of the commission, I'd like to give a special tip of the hat to former commissioner Mike Marchiano, who had to resign earlier this month due to health reasons. Mike has been on the commission since April of 2008, first as an alternate, then as a full time commissioner the following year. He was a thoughtful presence, and brought a lot of insight to the commission's deliberations. Be well, Mike, and thanks for your service.