The Mayor’s Week in Review (Sept. 2 - 8)

Overcoming obstacles: 

I had a chance to think about obstacles last week – including their size in relation to age - and how some folks embrace them and tackle them right to the ground.  That’s what Nina Creedman did, the namesake for the Creedman Memorial Cup, which I had the pleasure of awarding to this group of fine young men (seven year olds) who call themselves the “Lightening Sharks.”

A talented alumnus of the MV Soccer Club, Nina was diagnosed with childhood diabetes.  She never let that stop her, however, from achieving her dreams of playing great soccer at many ages:  Rec, Select, High School, college varsity, and even during graduate school.   Nina displayed great skills, sportsmanship, and was above all else a team player – playing hard – embracing it all – hurdling over any obstacle. 

The Lightening Sharks faced a group obstacle: with no opposing team showing up for tournament play, they had to decide whether to forfeit, or divide their own team into two, and play against one another.  They chose the competition – knowing only half the team would smell victory – the other half defeat.  It was the act of overcoming this obstacle in such a sportsmanlike manner that won them the Creedman Cup . . . . and the rest is last week’s history.

What obstacle, however great or small, did you overcome last week, or will you face this coming week?  Who cares: grab it, embrace it, forget it even exits – blow by it. The Creedman Cup is yours for the taking.

What else?

Small Town Character:  Sherran Moyer shared with me a wonderful example of small town character this week from a curbside on Elm St.  Check out the attached photo; in case you can’t read it, it says: “LITTLE FREE LIBRARY -- Take a book.  Return a book.  Enjoy.”  Come on – that’s truly awesome.  

More on preparedness:  CERT has an upcoming class on Oct. 10, 12 & 19 -- and slots are still available.  Sign up now: Marin County CERT.   It’s a good month to think about doing so since as you know from last week’s column (and from the Proclamation I read at Monday’s Council meeting – which I’m sure you watched online :)), that September is National Preparedness Month.  (OK, I admit it: I snuck this section in simply to have a reason to showcase my new favorite shot of the week: The Chief & me).  I LOVE this shot. 

2013 Beyond the Book Bash:  Here’s another important opportunity coming up -- The Mill Valley Library Foundation’s annual fundraiser on September 21.  With subsidies from the County on the decline, we have to work harder than ever to keep our precious Library cooking as it does.  One way we face this “obstacle” head on is through the fine work of the Library Foundation.  The Foundation has been incredibly helpful -- to the tune of $170,000 last year alone!  This is always a great evening for a great cause in a great venue – learn more (and by tickets) here: Love Your Library! 

Climate change:  As most of you know, the City has a long-standing commitment and track record when it comes to environmental protection and other sustainability related initiatives.  Last week I told you about the ribbon cutting we held this past week to celebrate our first electric vehicle charging station and the purchase of four all-electric Mitsubishi i-MiEVs for our City fleet.  I look at the event as symbolic of two things: 

·      First, our commitment to lowering 2005 greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 20% by 2020.  This “climate action plan” is a big theme woven throughout our new General Plan and our core values supporting the environment, health & safety, and our quality of life.  

·      Second, the event was a blessing.  While other cities fight major crimes, broad unemployment, and financial crisis, we are out celebrating the future.  Of course, we could not do it alone; we need YOUR support, and then a little help from our friends too.  Last week’s friends included: the Transportation Authority of Marin, the California Energy Commission, the Association of Bay Area Governments, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. 

Milleys:  Monday night was fun!  It was first time we've asked Abby Wasserman and Trubee Shock, the Milley mavens, along with Teresa Rhea, the Chair of the Art Commission, to showcase this year’s Milley recipients at a Council meeting.  Congratulations to: 

·      Dick Fregulia - Musical Arts

·      Kristin Jakob - Visual Arts

·      Ann Killion - Literary Arts

·      Jim Lange - Performing Arts

·      Phil Sheridan - Contributions to the Arts Community

·      Alan Nayer - The Sali Lieberman Award

·      And my favorite Centenarian -- The Mountain Play Association, which is getting The Vera Schultz Award 

While I have your attention, as Mayor I have the distinct honor of representing the City at the opening of the program on October 20.  Will I see you there? 

About town: 

Monday: 

·      6:30 - 7:00pm: Pajama Story Time (630 pm at the Library):  I love this program . . . though nobody wants to see a 54 year old bald Mayor show up in my pajamas :) For the rest of you kids, just wear your PJs and bring your best stuffed friend to the library for an evening reading favorite picture books

·      Planning Commission Meeting: 730 PM at City Hall 

Tuesday:  Art Commission Meeting: 7 pm at City Hall 

Wednesday:  Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting:   7 pm  at City Hall 

Thursday: 

·      Library Board of Trustees Meeting:  7 pm at the Library

·      Emergency Preparedness Commission Meeting:  7 pm at City Hall 

 Saturday: 

·      Fire Class (10 am at the Community Center):  Join us for this free 2-hour class and learn why we are at greater risk than Oakland was before its 1991 fire and what we can do about it.  Pre-registration strongly recommended -- call (415) 269-6836 or send an email to fireinmv@comcast.net.  

·      SHARE-A-Book Dogs (1 pm at the Library):  Kids in kindergarten and older can make 15-minute appointments to read aloud to friendly four-legged friends. It's a great way to increase confidence and improve read-aloud skills in a fun, relaxed atmosphere

Sunday Special:  The San Francisco Opera – 11 am at the Library.  Join the San Francisco Opera Education Department for an exploration of the exciting world of opera!  The learning vehicle will be Rossini’s The Barber of Seville, which will be performed at San Francisco Opera in November. For more details, call 415-389-4292 x4741.

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Thanks, as always, for reading. 

Andy 

PS:  "Good judgment comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgment."  Will Rogers