Mar

22

“Make a Wish”

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I am a “visual” person. I took this photograph when I was out at Lake Yosemite a couple of days ago. I don’t remember the name of the flower/seed I was holding up to the sun. All I remember is that I used to pluck such things from the Earth on my way home from elementary school.

makeawish.jpg

Mar

21

Sick :-(

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I have been sick the past few days with flu-like symptoms. :(

However, I feel better tonight than I did the last two nights. Spring Break starts next weeks so I hope to get better before then.

Mar

17

Gustine, Cow Bank

Filed Under Central Valley, Personal | 1 Comment

Yesterday, I drove to Gustine on the 140 Freeway. Gustine is a small town on the west side of Merced County, a bit past the Great Valley Grassland State Park and near the 5 Freeway.

Driving to Gustine, I passed a fruit stand and remarked to myself that I would check it out after the Merced County Association of Governments Governing Board meeting.

Upon arriving to Gustine, I got lost. The city, even though it is small, is somewhat confusing because of the streets. I decided to go to the Post Office after I found myself at the corner of 3rd and 3rd. After visiting the US Post Office and asking for directions, I discovered the City/County Building was just two blocks away. :-P

After the meeting, I visited the fruit stand. I parked and approached the building and was greeted by an older lady. “Hi” I said and she replied in Spanish.

I began to speak with her in Spanish. My Spanish is not the best, but I am constantly practicing and improving. I am glad I had the opportunity to practice my Spanish in a more “real world” setting that just conversing with people I am familiar with.

Entering the store, there was an array of fruits and vegetables. I immediately saw jicama and asked how much: $1 dollar per pound. I love jicama! It is especially good with salt, chili powder and lemon juice and when accompanied by mango, cucumber, orange, pineapple and just about any other fruit available.

After filling the bag with two good sized jicamas, we went to weigh it and that is when I saw a cow bank. “Una vaca!” I exclaimed.

cowbank.jpg

I had a similar cow bank when I was younger. My parents purchased it for me as we returned from Mexico to the United States through Tijuana. It broke and I glued it back together. However, it has been lost for at least 6 years.

Seeing the cow bank reminded me of times past and I purchased it. I had to sacrifice one of the two jicamas for it because the cow bank cost a pretty penny ($15 dollars to be exact, I know, expensive) but it was worth it. :-D

Mar

14

From Possible to Probable

Filed Under Human Development | Leave a Comment

Today in Public Policy 1, Carol Whiteside, President of the Great Valley Center, spoke.

I am inspired each time I hear her speak. It is great that she had the opportunity to share her vast knowledge of the Central Valley with us.

We watched the Valley Futures Project – San Joaquin Valley Overview and I think it had a dramatic affect on us. The ability for the VFP to make people think is incredible and it sparked a lively question and answer session.

A major point Carol made was the difference between what is possible versus what is probable. Anything is possible, but is it likely to happen?

How do we go from possible to probable? I asked. I have summarized her reply below.

  • Visionary, charismatic leader needed
  • Call on the best of people
  • Rediscover sense of greater good
  • Articulate need to sacrifice for nobler purpose
  • Be trustworthy
  • Be clear, articulate why action must be taken, what difference such action will make, length of time of individual commitment and action, and be fair and consistent

Enacting change is difficult because to challenge the status quo is a task that few endeavor to do.

Mar

12

The Future of the Central Valley

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Tonight I post a basic question to provoke thought.

What is the future of the Central Valley and what are we going to do about it?

Mar

11

RIF: “How Congress Works and Why You Should Care”

Filed Under Personal, Reading is Fundamental | Leave a Comment

Last night I finished reading Lee H. Hamilton’s “How Congress Works and Why You Should Care.” It’s a great book!

The book is divided into six chapters: The Roles of Congress, The Impact of Congress, How Congress Works, Public Criticisms of Congress, Key Ways Congress Could Work Better and Civic Participation.

In Chapter 1, Hamilton describes three “key powers” of Congress: passing basic laws of the land, controlling the purse, and shaping foreign policy.

Regarding the third power, Hamilton writes “I was disappointed in every administration’s consultation with Congress on major foreign policy issues. Often the administration contacted just a few selected legislators, failed to consult on a regular, sustained basis, and frequently approached Congress after a decision had been made rather than seeking genuine input.” The failed Dubai Port deal reflects a lack of consultation on behalf of the President with Congress. Without thorough consultation on such close-to-home foreign policy matters, the President risks alienating party members and allies in the legislative branch, suffering a domestic backlash from members and their constituents and failing to see a proposal go through. It would be prudent for the President in the future to consult Congress before making such deals public. As Hamilton mentions, “genuine input” is critical.

Throughout the entire book, and in particular chapter 2 through 4, I like how Hamilton describes the impact of congress, how the institution works and the criticisms it regularly receives. Chapter 4 is of particular interest to me. Hamilton writes about the public’s trust of politicians that “it’s crucial for members of the public to listen very carefully and ask hard follow-up questions if they find too much wiggle room in an answer.” Next time I communicate with a legislator and I see wiggle room, I will ask another question.

Chapters 5 and 6 are thought-provoking because Hamilton writes about the “Key Ways Congress Could Work Better” and the importance of “Civic Participation.” In chapter 5, he lists a series of questions that legislators should be asking:

“What will be the size and composition of the American population in then, twenty, forty years? What are the biggest projected demographic shifts, and what impact will they have? What are the consequences of the growing number of unemployable youth in our increasingly technological society, as well as the growing number of the oldest members in our society and their increased need of services? What can we do to ensure we have adequate food, energy, and water supplies well into the future? What can be done to reduce the threat of both new and reemerging diseases? Will there be major consequences from the growing economic inequality within the nation, as well as between the United States and other nations? What fundamental challenges will we face to maintaining our economy that is both prosperous and free, and what might be new future threats to our national security? What changes will be needed to ease our government into the twenty-first century?”

Congress should do more strategic thinking and long-term planning. The institution cannot get lost in the heat of the moment for if it does, then we are severely being short-changed a better future.

Chapter 6 is my favorite because Hamilton offers some encouraging words for readers like me to get involved. The following statement struck me: “Most Americans simply do not recognize the power they have to make a difference.” And this must change.

Mar

9

“Big State, Big Valley”

Filed Under Central Valley, Personal | Leave a Comment

Today Marissa and I attended the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley Board Meeting in Bakersfield. We departed from Merced at 6:00am and arrived at 8:30am.

I have roughly 17 pages of hand-written notes. Still digesting the notes, I have two thoughts I would like to share.

First, I am inspired. In fact, I am more than inspired. I don’t know a word yet to describe how I feel. It is great to know that so many people are committed to the future of the San Joaquin Valley.

And it is more than just commitment. Actual work is being done and that is the most amazing part. The CPSJV isn’t just some blue-ribbon commission, it is a commission committed to achieving results because results matter.

Second, it is important to “stay united.” The San Joaquin Valley is a diverse region. Each county is similar in many respects, but each county is also different in just as many respects. However, at the end of the day, to achieve results, then a balance must be achieved.

During Public Forum, I commented on the continued need for greater student involvement in the Partnership’s work. I spoke with Mark Keppler of The Maddy Institute and I am now the “point” person for ensuring that more students get involved and especially attend the next meeting in Fresno. With a plan and hard work, you can rest assured that more students will get involved. ;-)

This is an exciting time to be a resident of the San Joaquin Valley! If you are a resident, then I encourage you to learn more about the Partnership! The future of the region is at stake.

Mar

7

2008: The Shift, A Call to Act

Filed Under Election 2006, United States | Leave a Comment

2008 will represent a fundamental shift in American politics. For the first time in over 50 years, no incumbent president or vice president will seek the Office of the President.

The historical significance of the 2008 election should not be lost on the world, the American people or the parties which seek to assert their philosophy, policies and power. For sure, this fact is not lost on me.

The 2006 election, a precursor to 2008, will serve to establish the national agenda and the time for action is now.

A power exercised is a power utilized. I encourage everyone to exercise their power to envision the future, to identify problems and potential solutions, to discuss their thoughts about the future with others, to actively and continuously engage those who vie for their vote to shape the future, and, most importantly, to make a commitment to their fellow human to work together for a better future.

Make no mistake, the future is of the utmost concern to me.

I believe each person has the power to shape the national agenda and shape the agenda we must.

———-

Important events that led me to write this post:

  • 2/25/06: IDEAL seminar, hotel room discussion with Fellows about the future of the country
  • 3/2/06: HIST 150, Vietnam War discussion, being labeled a “terrible populist” and not recognizing the “failings of democracy”
  • 3/3/06: Housing Office, discussion with co-workers about the shortcomings of society

Mar

6

Organized

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I have cleaned my room and organized my papers, books and other things. I am happy. :-)

Mar

5

My Objectives for March 2006

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February was an exciting month! I submitted my Truman Scholarship, Strauss Scholarship and UC Student Regent applications. Each application was unique and completing each one was rewarding for me. I didn’t get called for an interview by the Truman folks and I will have to wait for word on the other two. Looking ahead to March, I have a lot of work ahead of me. I am ready for it.

My Goals (as of March 2006)

  • Daily, eat healthy, exercise, get plenty of sleep, relax often and take care of myself
  • Constantly communicate with my family, friends and colleagues
  • Stay “well-read” and keep up-to-date on current local, regional, state, national and international news and events
  • Education is Key! This statement subsumes everything regarding my education while at UC Merced: attend class, do my homework, talk with my professors regularly, help others, etc.
  • Fulfill my duties and responsibilities as a Resident Assistant (RA) and member of the UC Merced community
  • Get involved and get others involved in the Merced community
  • Fulfill my duties and responsibilities as a Fellow in the Great Valley Center’s IDEAL program.
  • Continue to advocate the importance of Communication, Human Development, Education, Political Participation, Public Service
  • “Adapt, Overcome, and Move On!”

My Objectives for March 2006

  • Continue to work on my Great Valley Center IDEAL Project: Students for the Central Valley
  • Get involved in the San Joaquin Valley Regional Blueprint.
  • Get others involved in the California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley.
  • Get others involved in the Community Partnership Alliance.
  • Complete at least two RA programs.
  • Continue my Plans of Study of a) California Politics; b) The Central Valley; c) Grassroots-based Organization and Mobilization d) American Politics; e) International Politics (with an emphasis on Latin America, China and the Middle East); and f) Political Philosophy.
  • Get others involved in the Merced County Transportation Alliance (This is the group responsible for the passage of the County’s Transportation Measure which is slated to be on the June 2006 ballot.)
  • Graduate School: Research Political Science/Public Policy programs across the country and contact them for more information.
  • Continue to have “MAD” (Inside joke for My Madera Hall peeps) fun!

The time for action is now. March is going to be an action-packed month. Also, I will try to blog more this month.

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