Sacra Gold

  In 1970 two things happened to me: one good thing, one bad thing. The good: I was accepted by my session at Folsom Presbyterian Church to study for the gospel ministry. The bad: Because I had a low number in the national draft lottery, I received an induction letter.  Although I was contingently accepted by Union Theological Seminary to study for the ministry, I could not afford to attend the New York School. Then, my draft board told me that I didn't qualify as a conscientious objector. In my service during the Vietnam Era I received a "service connected" disability. In fact, the Veterans Administration has had me tested for a mental health category: Shared Post Traumatic Stress. This is where my empathy for fellow combat troops created a period of very strong and sometimes difficult emotions.  Since then, two more things have happened: two very good things! Good #1: The PC USA General Assembly has requested "attention be given to those leaving the military as con...

  Cameron Cullen, Project Manager at the Downtown Streets Team of West Sacramento stands before the thriving Melvin Brookin's Community Garden.  "We serve individuals learning skills and attitudes needed to transition to permanent housing, explains Cullen. Originally from the Boston area, he relishes the future prospects connected to the garden initiative.  "The work around the garden provides an opportunity to promote vocational skills," says Cullen. In fact, the carefully constructed raised beds utilize masonry cornerstones instead of miter joints or nails which create an attractive appearance as well as flexibility if the garden beds need to be relocated. "We are looking forward to planting water melons in the next few weeks," Cullen relates with a good bit of enthusiasm. Nicole, who works for the nonprofit West Sacramento Mercy Coalition explains that she has pulled out lettuce and squash from the garden in order to demonstrate cooking skills to clients...

  About 5 miles beyond Wheatland, this five mile trek is a gentle hike. However, it is definitely for the toughest senior of veterans. That is because of the lack of conveniences. You'll have to stow a chest full of drinks and food. Although families use the trail, and it's flat, you'll have to be prepared to find Spencerville Road which takes you to the trailhead. Out of Wheatland, take Spencerville Rd. to Camp Far WEst Road and then and look for a branching before the bridge. Finally, you'll link back with Spencerville Rd (make a right) which goes to the trailhead.

  This walk is rated a B for senior veterans and handicapped vets. The parking is excellent. Going north on Watt avenue from HWY 50, look for the sign that says River Access. You won't drive even a mile on Watt Avenue before you see that access sign to your right that takes you to La Riviera Drive. If you go to the river, you have gone to far. In fact, this walk is on the southern side of the river. After you park your car, take the trail to the left, or down river. The view is lovely and the trail is flat. In Spring, you'll see plenty of Vetch that spreads a purple swath of color just off the trail. The huge walnut trees (exotics escaped from an old farmstead) mingle with equally huge cottonwoods creating a mysterious sense of deep forest hiddenness.  There are some benches. Also, enough people using the trail to feel safe. Rangers are common. Despite this usage, though, there are plenty of small trails (such as the one my wife A'Delle is standing on)that branch out to the...

  The nicest thing about the new wineries in Berekeley, California, is that they universally have empty benches. Usually, seated patrons (even with their own snacks) are not only tolerated but welcomed.  Some of the wineries can be located simply by cruising west on Shattuck (turn right off of University as you approach the university campus). A reasonable and flat walking area is actually on the campus itself. Eateries abound around campus. These restaurants cater to students. The food represents a swath of cultures and can be sampled by the aroma outside the kitchen door. And yes, benches abound on campus. It's almost ideal for a 1960's retiree who wants a break from a trek.

🥖🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓 In April, the Fresno County Fruit Trail begins with fifteen or more fruit stands. Strawberries are the dominant April crop at this stands. HWY 99 gets you to Fresno. However, the best farmers' markets are in Fowler or Sanger a few miles southeast of Fresno.   Maps of the Fresno trail can be found online. Simply google Fresno County Fruit Trail. The trick to finding a decent trail, though, is to follow King's Canyon Road out of Fresno.  The watershed at Sanger along this Canyon Road is full of hiking opportunities. The further your trailhead is away from Fresno, the more privacy. I found that this is the best time to be in Fresno, which gets really hot and polluted (from fires) in the summer season. The early crop season for strawberries adds a touch of healthy food.