There almost 50 people from a class size of about 105. I was surprised that Gary and Linda weren't there. I also would have loved to see and catch up with Mike Tokuno.
Friday, July 17, 2015
40th High School Reunion
Sharon and I went to the Gridley Union High School Class of 1975 40th reunion at Jake's on the Butte County Fairgrounds in Gridley. In some ways, it is hard for me to believe that Sharon went with me to my 20th high school reunion. There was a 25th that we missed; it was about the same time we were moving into the Marina Point house.
There almost 50 people from a class size of about 105. I was surprised that Gary and Linda weren't there. I also would have loved to see and catch up with Mike Tokuno.
There almost 50 people from a class size of about 105. I was surprised that Gary and Linda weren't there. I also would have loved to see and catch up with Mike Tokuno.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Russian Colony
In 2014 at Sea Ranch, I came across a series of historical markers on my run and during our hike. These included Russian Colony, Site of Klamath Sinking and Del Mar Landing and Lumber Mill.
Russian Colony
1912-1913
Marker 35C-4
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This site is located near 476 Sea Stack, Sea Ranch, California. The Sea Ranch Archives Committee has identified twenty-six historic sites scattered about The Sea Ranch. They have constructed trail markers with information explaining the significance of each place. They were placed as part of The Sea Ranch 50th anniversary being celebrated from Memorial Day 2014 to Memorial Day 2015. The GPS coordinates for this location are 38° 44' 37.0" N 123° 30' 53.7" W.
Russian Colony
1912-1913
22 Russian Families settled nearby, plowing the surrounding fields with two massive steam tractors. The Russians sought to establish a community where they could maintain their customs and practice their religion, but an unwise financial arrangement prevented them from realizing their dream. One of their members is buried nearby, the victim of an unfortunate accident.
1912-1913
Marker 35C-4
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This site is located near 476 Sea Stack, Sea Ranch, California. The Sea Ranch Archives Committee has identified twenty-six historic sites scattered about The Sea Ranch. They have constructed trail markers with information explaining the significance of each place. They were placed as part of The Sea Ranch 50th anniversary being celebrated from Memorial Day 2014 to Memorial Day 2015. The GPS coordinates for this location are 38° 44' 37.0" N 123° 30' 53.7" W.
1912-1913
22 Russian Families settled nearby, plowing the surrounding fields with two massive steam tractors. The Russians sought to establish a community where they could maintain their customs and practice their religion, but an unwise financial arrangement prevented them from realizing their dream. One of their members is buried nearby, the victim of an unfortunate accident.
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Carmel Run
On Sunday while we were at Carmel, Sharon and I walked along the beach. I then ran along the beach and the ocean to the Carmel River Beach and back. Using data from Runkeeper on my iPhone, I generated the following Google Map.
Monday, July 13, 2015
Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park Hike
Using data from Runkeeper on my iPhone, I generated the following Google Map and views in Google Earth of our hike on Saturday in the Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. We hiked 4.6 miles in about 2 1/2 hours. There were some amazing views of the coast and the ocean. I recommend doing the Ewoldsen Loop Trail in a counter clock-wise direction.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
2015 Carmel Day 3
After a light breakfast at the Green Lantern Inn, Sharon and I headed down to the beach. We walked to the north end near the Pebble Beach Golf Course. From there, I ran along the beach and then along the ocean to the Carmel River Beach and back. I ran into Sharon on the way back and we walked back up to the hotel. A map of the walk and run is here.
After getting cleaned up and packing up the room, we stopped to check on the corgi painting, but the gallery was still closed. We drove down 17-Mile Drive and stopped for brunch at Roy's at the Inn at Spanish Bay [eggs benedict and shrimp frittata].
Winding our way home, we stopped at Casa de Fruit. We were shocked at the number of people there and the lack of any fruit or vegetables for sale! We got back to the house in Carmichael about 5:30 pm.
On Sunday, Sharon saw three corgis. Carmel is a very friendly dog town. We talked about taking a trip back with Jack and Tiber in the next year.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
2015 Carmel Day 2
Talking to another couple recently, Sharon and I were asked how long we had been together. When I responded more than 20 years, we were asked "what's your secret?" Some small part of this secret is days like today. We had a very nice day.
Up fairly early, we had breakfast at the Green Lantern Inn. Packing up the car, the plan for the day was a hike in Big Sur. We drove down the coast to Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. I had never driven down the coast pass the turn off for the Carmel Highlands Inn. At Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, we hiked the Canyon Falls and Ewoldsen Trails. We covered a little more than 4.6 miles. The trail climbs for steadily for about 1,200 feet over the first half of the hike.
There were some gorgeous views of the ocean. On the ridge over the ocean, we were able to see some grey whales. Have I said recently how much I don't like heights? A Google Map and views of the hike in Google Earth are here.
Heading back north towards Carmel, we stopped at the Nepenthe Restaurant for a very late lunch. The place was packed. We sat in the bar and had an appetizer while waiting an hour for a table. The table was worth the wait; it had a spectacular view of the coast. I don't think that any picture could do the view justice. We split a shrimp sandwich and a bowl of chowder.
After a nap, we got cleaned up. We wandered down to the Hotel La Playa for drink. From there, we wandered back towards the downtown. We had a bad glass of wine at Andre's Bouchee.
We finished the night with a fantastic late dinner at the Flying Fish Grill. We split a great panfried oyster appetizer. Sharon had the Almond Seabass, while I had the Black Bean Halibut.
We both enjoyed the day a great deal!
Friday, July 10, 2015
2015 Carmel Day 1
Leaving Erin and Dylan to housesit, Sharon and I took off for a weekend getaway to Carmel. It always seems like it takes a lot longer to get there than I think it should. Leaving the house about 9:15 am, it was about 12:50 pm by the time we rolled up to the hotel.
We are spending two nights at the Green Lantern Inn. I stayed there once in January of 1995 when Greg and Dean got married. The room was not ready yet so we walked in town.
We had a late lunch at La Bicyclette. We had lunch here when we visited Morgan two years ago. Sharon had a lentil salad, while I had Belgium stew.
We walked around town after lunch. Part of the plan for the weekend was to shop for a corgi painting. Unfortunately, it looks like the studio is going to be closed on Friday and Saturday.
After checking in and taking a nap in the room, we did some wine tasting. We stopped at Caraccioli Cellars and Puma Road on Dolores Street. The latter was not very good.
We had a late dinner at Grasing's. Again, we had eaten there two years ago when we visited Morgan. After an artichoke appetizer, Sharon had abalone, while I had a new york steak. Both we both disappointed with the meal; the abalone was very expensive and not very good. We enjoyed their last bottle of Mary Edwards 2009 Klopp Ranch Pinot Noir. While we will come back to the bar, we probably will not eat here again.
Thursday, July 09, 2015
ESPN 30 for 30 Shorts: Spyball
Grantland and ESPN Films have released the thirty-fifth film in their 30 for 30 documentary short series.
You can find Spyball on the ESPN web site at http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=13168190.
More about the film at: http://espn.go.com/30for30/film?page=spyball.
30 for 30 Shorts: Spyball
The latest film, directed by Christina Burchard and Daniel Newman, tells the story of a man who played our national pastime by day and served his country by night.
You can find Spyball on the ESPN web site at http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=13168190.
More about the film at: http://espn.go.com/30for30/film?page=spyball.
Wednesday, July 08, 2015
California Historical Landmark #563
Working out of St. Helena from January through November of 2015, I have started exploring California Historical Landmarks in Napa, Sonoma and Lake Counties, including: Site of Stone and Kelsey Home [#426], The Battle of Bloody Island [#427], Sulphur Bank Mine [#428], Lower Lake Stone Jail [#429], Stone House [#450], Old Bull Trail Road and St Helena Toll Road [#467], Chiles Grist Mill [#547], Schramsberg [#561], Charles Krug Winery [#563], Site of York's Cabin [#682], Site of Hudson Cabin [#683], Sam Brannan Store [#684], Sam Brannan Cottage [#685], Site of Kelsey House [#686], Beringer Brothers Winery [#814], Old Lake County Courthouse [#897], Petrified Forest [#915] and Litto's Hubcap Ranch [#939]. I visited all seven of the California Historical Landmarks in Lake County and finished visiting all of the Napa landmarks.
Charles Krug Winery
California State Historical Landmark #563
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
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This landmark is located at Krug Ranch, 2800 Main Street, St. Helena, California. There are 16 other California State Historical Landmarks in Napa County. The GPS coordinates for this location are 38° 31' 05.7" N 122° 28' 56.1" W.
You can log your site to this site at waymarking.com!
Founded in 1861 by Charles Krug (1825-1892), this is the oldest operating winery in Napa Valley. The pioneer winemaker of this world-famous region, Krug made the first commercial wine in Napa County at Napa in 1858.
Charles Krug 1825 - 1892
Charles Krug, a Prussian Immigrant with controversial political beliefs for which he was briefly jailed, finally arrived in San Francisco in 1852. He likely came with no grape-growing or winemaking experience, but his insight, thirst, and inherent understanding that premium wines are made from European grape varieties inspired him to take the lead in advances in winemaking. Innovations such as using a cider press to efficiently crush the grapes, planting insect-resistant rootstock, and establishing the first public tasting room, truly made him a founding father of the pioneer Napa Valley wine industry.
Cesre Mondavi 1883-1959
Cesare Mondavi, an Italian immigrant, settled first in Minnesota in 1908. After a brief career in the iron mines, he opened a saloon. In 1922 he moved his family to California's Central Valley, where he became an independent fruit shipper, sending wine grapes to his former saloon customers, Italian-born home winemakers. In 1943 he purchased Charles Krug Winery for $75,000. He and his sons, Peter and Robert, renovated the winery, making it one of the "Big Five" in the Napa Valley. In 1965 Peter and Robert parted ways, with Peter remaining at Charles Krug. Today, Peter and his sons, Marc and Peter Jr., continue the family tradition of making premium bordeaux-style wines.
California State Historical Landmark #563
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This landmark is located at Krug Ranch, 2800 Main Street, St. Helena, California. There are 16 other California State Historical Landmarks in Napa County. The GPS coordinates for this location are 38° 31' 05.7" N 122° 28' 56.1" W.
You can log your site to this site at waymarking.com!
Founded in 1861 by Charles Krug (1825-1892), this is the oldest operating winery in Napa Valley. The pioneer winemaker of this world-famous region, Krug made the first commercial wine in Napa County at Napa in 1858.
Charles Krug 1825 - 1892
Charles Krug, a Prussian Immigrant with controversial political beliefs for which he was briefly jailed, finally arrived in San Francisco in 1852. He likely came with no grape-growing or winemaking experience, but his insight, thirst, and inherent understanding that premium wines are made from European grape varieties inspired him to take the lead in advances in winemaking. Innovations such as using a cider press to efficiently crush the grapes, planting insect-resistant rootstock, and establishing the first public tasting room, truly made him a founding father of the pioneer Napa Valley wine industry.
Cesare Mondavi, an Italian immigrant, settled first in Minnesota in 1908. After a brief career in the iron mines, he opened a saloon. In 1922 he moved his family to California's Central Valley, where he became an independent fruit shipper, sending wine grapes to his former saloon customers, Italian-born home winemakers. In 1943 he purchased Charles Krug Winery for $75,000. He and his sons, Peter and Robert, renovated the winery, making it one of the "Big Five" in the Napa Valley. In 1965 Peter and Robert parted ways, with Peter remaining at Charles Krug. Today, Peter and his sons, Marc and Peter Jr., continue the family tradition of making premium bordeaux-style wines.
Tuesday, July 07, 2015
Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Ultimate Spider-Man Web Warriors
The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!
Code Expiration: September 29, 2015
Code Expiration: September 29, 2015
Starbucks iTunes Pick of the Week - Joey Alexander - Ma Blues
The complete list of Starbucks iTunes picks of the week is here!
Code Expiration: September 29, 2015
Code Expiration: September 29, 2015
Monday, July 06, 2015
Lunch with David
With David working in the Napa Valley, he and I met for lunch at Gillwoods Cafe in St. Helena.
One of my favorite pictures of Tomasin and his boys is here.
A couple of pictures of Drew and David from a ski trip to Tahoe and Heavenly in February of 1993 are here.
Sunday, July 05, 2015
2015 Wharton Sports Business Academy Day 1
Sharon and I took Jack to the airport on Saturday night. Jack caught a 11:05 pm USAirways flight from Sacramento to Charlotte. Changing planes, he boarded a 9:00 am flight from Charlotte to Philadelphia. Landing in Philly at 10:30 am, Jack was picked up and taken to UPenn. By noon, he was on the campus.
Jack will be spending the next four weeks at the Wharton Sports Business Academy at the University of Pennsylvania. The program has an amazing schedule. So that I can keep track of what he is doing, I am going to be publishing the schedule for the day each morning for the next four weeks.
Jack will be spending the next four weeks at the Wharton Sports Business Academy at the University of Pennsylvania. The program has an amazing schedule. So that I can keep track of what he is doing, I am going to be publishing the schedule for the day each morning for the next four weeks.
Saturday, July 04, 2015
2015 Fourth of July
We left there after 9 pm to take Jack to the airport; more on that tomorrow morning. I was amazed at the number of fireworks displays that were going off around Sacramento as we drove from Elk Grove to the Sacramento Airport.
I finished the night taking Tiber for a late walk in the neighborhood. It sounded like a war zone with all of the explosions and sirens.
Friday, July 03, 2015
California Historical Landmark #264
Back working in Sonora in June, July, August, September, October, November and December of 2014, I started exploring the California Historial Landmarks in Calaveras County. Sites that I visited included: Valley Springs [#251], San Andreas [#252], I.O.O.F. Hall [#256], Fourth Crossing #258, Congregational Church [#261], Stone Corral [#263], Double Springs [#264], Chili Gulch [#265], Jenny Lind [#266]; Mokelumne Hill [#269]; Pioneer Cemetery [#271], Douglas Flat [#272]; Carson Hill [#274], Robinson's Ferry [#276], Angels Camp [#287], Altaville [#288], Vallecito Bell Monument [#370]; Old Mining Camp of Brownsville [#465], Red Brick Grammar School [#499], Calaveras County Courthouse and Leger Hotel [#663], Angels Hotel [#734]; Prince-Garibardi Building [#735], and; Birthplace of Archie Stevenot [#769].
Double Springs
California State Historical Landmark #264
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
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This landmark is located on Double Springs Road, 3.6 miles east of Valley Springs, California in Calaveras County. There are 40 other California State Historical Landmarks in Calaveras County. The GPS coordinates for this location are 38° 12' 47.9" N 120° 46' 25.0" W.
You can log your visit to this landmark at waymark.com.
Double Springs
First County Seat of Calaveras County - Feb 18 1850
Land located in 1847 by Charles L. Peck. Claimed under preemption notice to the Alcalde of San Francisco. Recorded Sept 18, 1850 at page 69 in record B, 3rd archives of San Francisco.
Surveyed and platted as Double Springs town site in 1850. First county court house of imported Chinese panels erected 100 feet southwest of this monument. Hon. W. Fowle Smith, first county judge and L. A. Collier, first county clerk.
Erected by Calaveras County Chamber of Commerce
June 8, 1930.
California State Historical Landmark #264
See this location on Yahoo Maps in Flickr
See this location on Google Maps
This landmark is located on Double Springs Road, 3.6 miles east of Valley Springs, California in Calaveras County. There are 40 other California State Historical Landmarks in Calaveras County. The GPS coordinates for this location are 38° 12' 47.9" N 120° 46' 25.0" W.
You can log your visit to this landmark at waymark.com.
First County Seat of Calaveras County - Feb 18 1850
Land located in 1847 by Charles L. Peck. Claimed under preemption notice to the Alcalde of San Francisco. Recorded Sept 18, 1850 at page 69 in record B, 3rd archives of San Francisco.
Surveyed and platted as Double Springs town site in 1850. First county court house of imported Chinese panels erected 100 feet southwest of this monument. Hon. W. Fowle Smith, first county judge and L. A. Collier, first county clerk.
June 8, 1930.
Thursday, July 02, 2015
Sacramento Area Highest Players Drafted By the MLB By Year
Year | Rd | Player | School | Team |
1965 | 2 | *Doug Carson-ss | Bishop Armstrong | Tigers |
1966 | 1 | LERON LEE-of | Grant | Cardinals |
1967 | 1 | Andy Finlay-of | Burbank | Braves |
1968 | 5 | *Dennis Wallin-c | Rio Americano | Angels |
1969 | 6 | *Geoff Brandt-of/rhp | El Camino | Senators |
1970 | 2 | BUTCH METZGER-rhp | Kennedy | Giants |
1971 | 1 | TAYLOR DUNCAN-ss | Grant | Braves |
1972 | 1 | Mike Ondina-of | Cordova | White Sox |
1973 | 6 | *Steve Hogan-inf/of | Grant | Padres |
1974 | 1 | BUTCH EDGE-rhp | El Camino | Brewers |
1975 | 4 | Larry Prewitt-rhp | Pacific (Placer, Sierra) | Mets |
1976 | 2 | Steve Finch-rhp | Cordova | Rangers |
1977 | 1 | DRUNGO HAZEWOOD-of | Sacramento | Orioles |
1978 | 3 | Dave Crutcher-rhp | American River (Woodland) | Rangers |
1979 | 7 | Tim Gloyd-ss/2b | Pepperdine (Sac City, Placer) | Dodgers |
1980 | 1 | DION JAMES-of | McClatchy | Brewers |
1981 | 8 | Greg Chinn-of | Sac State (Cordova) | Dodgers |
1982 | 6 | *Todd Trafton-c | Elk Grove | White Sox |
1983 | 1 | RICKY JORDAN-1b | Grant | Phillies |
1984 | 11 | *Bill Geivett-inf/of | UC Santa Barbara (Highlands, Sac City) | Cubs |
1985 | 2 | *Mark Cole-ss | Kennedy | Padres |
1986 | 4 | PAT GOMEZ-lhp | San Juan | Cubs |
1987 | 5 | Tim Holland-ss | Rio Americano | Orioles |
1988 | 3 | DARREN OLIVER-lhp | Rio Linda | Rangers |
1989 | 2 | ANDY FOX-3b | Christian Brothers | Yankees |
1990 | 1 | David Zancanaro-lhp | UCLA (Del Campo) | A’s |
1991 | 6 | Tim Doyle-lhp | Sac State | A’s |
1992 | 18 | Kumandae Miller-of | Grant | Giants |
1993 | 1 | DERREK LEE-1b | El Camino | Padres |
1994 | 4 | JEREMY POWELL-rhp | Highlands | Expos |
1995 | 1 | GEOFF JENKINS-OF | USC (Cordova) | Brewers |
1996 | 3 | NICK JOHNSON-1b | McClatchy | Yankees |
1997 | 5 | JERMAINE CLARK-2b | USF (Will C. Wood) | Mariners |
1998 | 1 | TONY TORCATO-of | Woodland | Giants |
1999 | 2 | Jake Joseph-rhp | Cosumnes River (San Juan) | Mets |
2000 | 2 | MIKE TONIS-c | Cal (Elk Grove) | Royals |
2001 | 2 | *J.P. HOWELL-lhp | Jesuit | Braves |
2002 | 4 | MARK McLEMORE-lhp | Oregon State (Del Oro) | Astros |
2003 | 2 | Todd Jennings-c | Long Beach State (Casa Roble) | Giants |
2004 | 1 | J.P. HOWELL-lhp | Texas (Jesuit) | Royals |
2005 | 6 | Steve Hammond-lhp | Long Beach State (Sac City) | Brewers |
2006 | 2 | ANDREW CARPENTER-rhp | Long Beach State (Sac City) | Phillies |
2007 | 1 | Casey Weathers-rhp | Vanderbilt (Laguna Creek, Sac City) | Rockies |
2008 | 3 | Jake Jefferies-c | UC Davis | Rays |
2009 | 1 | Tim Wheeler-of | Sac State (El Camino) | Rockies |
2010 | 4 | Cory Vaughn-of | San Diego State (Jesuit) | Mets |
2011 | 2 | ANDREW SUSAC-c | Oregon State (Jesuit) | Giants |
2012 | 2 | Martin Agosta-rhp | Saint Mary’s (Jesuit) | Giants |
2013 | 2 | Andrew Knapp-c | Cal (Granite Bay) | Phillies |
2014 | 1 | Derek Hill-of | Elk Grove | Tigers |
2015 | 7 | Nathan Lukes-of | Sac State (Center) | Indians |
Capitalized/Bold Face-played in Major Leagues; s-supplemental pick; *-did not sign.
Wednesday, July 01, 2015
ESPN Films 30 for 30 Vol 2: Sole Man
Sole Man is the story of Sonny Vaccaro. The directors joked that Vaccaro is the real-life "Forrest Gump" of basketball. If you pick a significant event, team or game over the past 30-plus years, and chances are Vaccaro has a direct connection to it.
Vaquero founded the ABCD All America Camp, an elite showcase of high school basketball standouts, which ran from 1984 to 2007. He cofounded the first national high school All-Star game, The Dapper Dan Roundball Classic, with concert promoter and boyhood friend Pat DiCesare in Pittsburgh in 1965.
Hired by Nike, Vaccaro helped them build a marketing empire. He is largely responsible for convincing the company to take a chance with a very young Michael Jordan.
Fired by Nike, Vaccaro went to work for Adidas. There, he set his sights on a high school star named Kobe Bryant. Sonny and a former friend start a bidding war between Nike and Adidas. He eventually left Adidas to work for Reebok.
More recently, Vaccaro has been involved in Ed O'Bannon's class action suit with the NCAA over the organization's use for commercial purposes of the images of its former student athletes. The suit argued that upon graduation, a former student athlete should become entitled to financial compensation for future commercial uses of his or her image by the NCAA.
Sonny Vaccaro participated in the making of the documentary. He is interviewed extensively. While not my favorite of Volume 2, it is another story that I really didn't know much about. It is worth seeking out.
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