Springs Splash by Thomas Martin – April 2020
So, how are you holding up in these turbulent times?
If you are like this writer you have a variety of things to do including writing this draft for the Gazette. The tough question is what should I write about? The dailies, tv, and radio provide up to the minute reports as “Breaking News” which it is repeated ad nauseum. Anything we write about today (mid-March) for the April edition will likely have been forgotten when you receive this copy. In any event let’s see.
Important News!
This message from Bernie Sanders arrived just in time to go to press. Bernie is asking people to donate $20 to five charities who are helping people on the ground in this crisis. The five areMeals on Wheels, No Kid Hungry, Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund, National Domestic Workers Alliance.
Also, should you feel symptoms that might be the virus, call your doctor, go to Sonoma Valley Hospital where there will be an opportunity to be tested.
Some suggestions I’ve heard about in a time of pestilence!
Well, let’s read a book. Wait! The local bookstore and public library are closed. Thank goodness we’ve stocked up with those editions recommended by our local book club and friends at the pub before it closed. Don’t forget the “Little Lending Libraries” along the street which your neighbors stock and where you are expected to reciprocate. Of course there is always the tube to watch, but it’s such a bore most of the time with 3-4 heads jabbering away with the same messages.
The Regional Parks are open, and they aren’t charging for parking! Unless you are bedridden, taking a walk with your dog or other pet sounds like a good thing to do. Each time one passes along Arnold Drive by the Regional Park you can see people are following up on this suggestion. There’s seldom a place to pull in and there’s an overflow in the restaurant parking lot up the street. While the Mission, Barracks, and Vallejo House are closed downtown, the Jack London Park is apparently open. Remember! Six feet apart as you share the trail.
{Unfortunately at the time of press all Parks were closed due to the HEALTH DEPARTMENT'S orders in place regarding the COVID 19 pandemic)
For those who wish a more sedate stay at home there’s no shortage of activities. One could clean the silverware, closets and drawers, do household carpentry or painting, and, of course, garden! It would be an interesting dialogue to have neighbors detail to each other choices they have made.
Don’t forget to complete your census questionnaire!! ITS NOT TOO LATE
Most people will either receive, or have received, an invitation in the mail or to complete the 2020 U.S. Census on line. Simply go to the website:www.my2020census.gov and follow the instructions. If you do not have access to a computer, at some point, likely in April, someone will knock on your door and announce he/she is your friendly local enumerator from the Census Bureau. The person will ask who lives at the address and leave a Census Questionnaire with you. It’s easy to complete and return. Return postage is free.
Why is this important? First, it’s required by federal law. Why? The Founding Fathers added it to the Constitution. Seats in the House of Representatives are apportioned based on a state’s population as counted every ten years. In addition, federal expenditures are distributed to states based on their population for a variety of reasons such as school lunch programs.
There’s someone at the door! The person who may come to your door is:
NOT the police or immigration officer. He/she is a Census Enumerator that is a head counter. In fact, the person has officially sworn they will not reveal names, addresses and any other information received from residents. They may not reveal under pain of fine and/or imprisonment. It’s a matter of confidentiality! By law your answers and information are confidential. Donald Trump’s ICE will not have access to your names and addresses.
