Why do I care about the Mac? As a technologist this is my computer of choice. The Mac combines exceptional design with an OS sporting an intuitive interface, robust security and terrific usability.

The Mac also clearly demonstrates when design and thought of how the system is to be used – you can build a passionate audience.

As we look at various development opportunities in San Carlos, I hope we can look at the Mac for inspiration – excellent design and a lot of thought toward how people will use the project will generate grateful and excited occupants and neighbors.

Many will be celebrating the traditional transfer of power on January 20th. I’ve got nifty tip for those who would like a keepsake – C-SPAN is producing a DVD set of the Inauguration which will include many highlights that C-SPAN cameras will capture. I’m a big C-SPAN fan (and FoodTV to mention it).

You can find more information about the DVD set by choosing this link.

So it has been a while since my posts were “regular” but that will be fixed as the holiday season has concluded.

The Governor made the briefest of State of the State addresses (about 12 minutes). He laid out a stark picture of the current condition of the state budget.

As a result of all of this, California, the eighth largest economy in the world, faces insolvency within weeks. The legislature is currently in the midst of serious and good faith negotiations to solve this crisis, negotiations that are being conducted in the knowledge that we have no alternative but to find agreement.

We’ll have many more discussions about the budget over the next few months

I wanted to add a few thoughts on synthetic turf and a few of the points I am researching.

Water: There is discussion of use of water prior to play on the surface. I’d love to see the manufacturer’s recommendation and a calculation of how much water is used vs the amount of water consumed for maintaining the fields.

Greenhouse Gas Sequestration: Grass sequesters CO2. We use gasoline in the mowers to maintain the grass. The best numbers I have for how much CO2 equivelents grass will sequester is found in a study by Oregon State shows between 0.07-0.54 Tons/Acre/Year for “perennial grassland.”
If we go on the high end and say roughly 1/2 a ton of CO2 is sequestered – we need to calculate the amount of CO2 we put into the atmosphere to maintain the field. A gallon of gas will put 19.6 pounds of CO2 into the atmosphere, If this is true – then you would have to use LESS than 50 gallons of gas per year per acre in maintenance.

I’ll ask everyone to check my math and resources. I am not advocating a position in this case, but if folks are going to put up environmental benefits as a valid reason to accept or reject a proposal then we need to verify the sources and have good numbers to look at.

When I started public office a year ago – I thought I would keep my mouth shut and listen more. Looking back – I guess I opened my mouth on occasion When I ran for office I promised a “report card.” Consider this Version 1.0 and allow me to offer a few thoughts on some key areas and the upcoming year.

The Council
I strongly agree with my colleague who mentioned his appreciation to serve on a council with people he enjoyed working with. While we have differing opinions and each of us has been at the end of 3:2 and 4:1 votes there is a genuine, respectful collegiality for the folks working on the dais. I have enjoyed learning from the leadership example of our outgoing Mayor Brad Lewis. Mayor Bob Grassilli has promised “excellent Italian food” for the nights we work late (ok, I made that up, but I can hope!). I’ve enjoyed the last year sitting beside Mr. Grassilli on the dais and look forward to working with him next year.

While there were issues I wanted addressed with greater emphasis, I am extremely pleased the council is not afraid to discuss tough issues and make tough decisions. I am also happy the council has been very receptive to the public and has taken great care to ensure the voice of San Carlos citizens is respectfully listened to.

General Plan:
San Carlos is about halfway through a long process of rethinking our city and planning for the next 30 years. I have to express my thanks and gratitude to all who have put so much work into this process. While the public process is never smooth, I am pleased by the thoughtful public participation you have shared.

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