So, our governor enjoyed a little R&R along the Russian River this week, and took some time out from his vacation to "pull some strings" in county government.
(Read Chris Smith's story on his visit)
It makes for a nice tale. Jerry Brown, out for a walk in Monte Rio, stops into the Rio Bridge Cafe and Flea Market and charms the owner, Jo Ann Wilson.
"He was delightful," Wilson told Smith.
No doubt. I've spoken to Brown several times over the years. And when he isn't brusque, irascible or mercurial, he really can be a delightful guy.
On Thursday, he also was meddlesome. Hearing that Wilson is having trouble getting the county to approve an expanded flea market behind her cafe, he had her call the office of Efren Carrillo, who represents the river area on the Board of Supervisors.
"I want to know why we can't have a flea market in Monte Rio," he told the supervisor's aide, Susan Upchurch.
You'd think the governor of California would be a little more circumspect. Here's a guy who is presiding over a state government teetering on the edge of a cliff, and he's sticking his nose into local zoning issues.
Upchurch and Carrillo played along, gently chiding the governor about the redevelopment funds he confiscated from local governments in his attempts to fund state government. Carrillo said he told Brown he will "do my very best" to help Wilson.
As I said, it's a nice tale. But it made me think: Wouldn't it be swell if we could pick up the phone and get the governor on the line?
As you're driving your kids to school (and using a hands-free device for your phone): "Hey, Jerry, I want to know why my kids' school year keeps getting shorter, even though California keeps slipping behind other states in education rankings."
As you're hiking at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (and you find a cellphone signal): "Hey, Jerry, I want to know why my community spent the past year turning its pockets inside out trying to find money to keep state parks open, when it turns out that your Parks Department was sitting on tens of millions of dollars of hidden funds."
As you're registering for classes at Sonoma State University: "Hey, Jerry, I want to know why my tuition keeps going up, and the number of available classes keeps going down."
As you're reading the story from the L.A. Times on the front page of this morning's Press Democrat: "Hey, Jerry, I want to know why the California Teachers Association has a seat at your table during budget negotiations, and effectively exercises veto power over major financial decisions in state government. Can I sit there next year?"
Or as you go about your day in any number of situations: "Hey, Jerry, I want to know about crappy roads, dubious tax loopholes, long lines at the DMV, bankrupt cities, rampant foreclosures, pension liabilities ... ."
Of course, the governor won't take your call, and even if he would he doesn't really have any good answers to those questions. They are all very tough, very difficult issues, wrapped up in a budget deficit that is approaching $16 billion.
So I guess I should call him and let him know that I understand: "Hey, Jerry, if I had those kinds of problems on my plate, I'd focus on a use permit for a flea market in Monte Rio, too."
Chris Coursey's blog offers a community commentary and forum, from issues of the day to the ingredients of life in Sonoma County.
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