Mr. Morimune Says Goodbye

Today is TUESDAY, June 28, 2011. Rain is returning to our fair land today and tomorrow. Weird, huh? This year, apparently, we get our summer in spurts, as fall and winter just love us too much to leave for long. I can deal with that, actually. Too many consecutive days of broiling heat leave me wrung out and useless (OK, even more useless than usual).

The retirement, official last night, of Dick Morimune from Martinez Junior High School, has left the campus reeling. Mr. Morimune has been a counselor there for many years, and was by all accounts beloved. He had the ability to assist students, parents and teachers facing difficult situations with an easy and caring hand. I am assured by everyone I speak with that he will be missed tremendously. His is the kind of legacy we all strive hard to leave behind. He has made a difference in many, many lives. Thank you, Mr. Morimune. And best of luck in all your endeavors. 

I want to leave one last word of congratulations for one of my newest heroes, Frances Vaught. She spent months putting together the Music on the Knowles event on Saturday. This was an extremely well-organized effort for two important causes — the opportunity for local musicians to show off their skills and a benefit for our district's music programs. Due to circumstances that were more or less out of her control, the event was not as well attended as it should have been. But that is in no way a reflection of the hard work she and her co-workers devoted to the event. I can only hope that this event happens again next year, and this time, the place will be sold out. Meanwhile, the musical community of Martinez owes Frances a giant "thank you."

Weather:
Today — Showers likely, mainly after 11 a.m. Cloudy, with a high near 64. Breezy, with a west-southwest wind 11 to 14 mph increasing to between 21 and 24 mph. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.
Tonight — Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm before 11 p.m., then a chance of showers. Cloudy, with a low around 53. West southwest wind between 11 and 17 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60 percent.

Events:

Meetings:

The Civil Service Commission meets today at 5 p.m. at City Hall in the second floor boardroom, 525 Henrietta St.

Today in History:

1846 — The saxophone is patented by Adolphe Sax.
1894 — Labor Day becomes a U.S. holiday.
1914 — Franz Ferdinand, the archduke of Austria, is assassinated by a Serbian nationalist, marking the official beginning of WWI.
1919 — The Treaty of Versailles is signed, marking the official end of WWI.
1969 — The Stonewall Riots begin in New York City, marking the start of the gay rights movement.
1997 — Boxer Mike Tyson bites off a piece of Evander Hollyfield's ear, disqualifying him from the match.