Newest articles and comments on The Sacramento Press written by Davi Rodrigues

Davi Rodrigues on "Del Paso Boulevard to get a makeover this summer"

2012-02-04T04:51:01Z

"One concern for Barker is the lack of lights on the smaller residential streets that tend to get very dark, making it difficult for people to navigate the streets at night." How did the indians and the settlers ever get along without street lights?

Davi Rodrigues on "Local Man Fired for Feeding Cats"

2012-02-02T01:56:44Z

I should also point out that some poisons are used to control rats and mice that might end up poisoning the cats when they eat them, so attracting more cats by feeding them is not necessarily doing them any favors

Davi Rodrigues on "Local Man Fired for Feeding Cats"

2012-02-02T01:54:17Z

The health department inspects food facilities yearly, and the presence of animals, even cats, could get the business closed until they brought them under control. If this guy had any sense, he would have fed them far, far away from this facility to help keep his employer in compliance with the code, and to help keep the public safe from contaminated food.

Davi Rodrigues on "The American Dream?"

2012-02-01T14:56:02Z

Free enterprise is the solution, and always has been. If cab drivers find there is too much competition, they might find another business, or quite possibly send word back to india or pakistan that there aren't as many opportunities here for immigrants as there were in the old days.

Sacramento Diggins

2012-01-17T05:15:12Z

For those of you not in the know, "diggins" is an old term used in reference to a mine, wash, or other site where gold rush era mining or prospecting took place. Old treasure maps, as we called them anyway, had the name of a previous claim holder or another reference before the term "diggins". It was often accompanied by the customary pick and shovel in an x formation. I remember reading these old treasure maps as a kid, because back in 1960 or so, we were planning a trip to Alaska for hunting, fishing, and of course, treasure hunting. I wish I still had one of these maps for nostalgiac purposes, but it was not among the various collections of items from my grandparents belongings when they passed. We did make it to Alaska, but not until 1966, and unfortunately, we did little treasure hunting because the sacred treasure map got left behind. There was rock hunting though, and of course lots of fishing and hunting along the way there and back.

Treasure hunting never got left behind as I grew up, and I made time for it now and again, although not so much prospecting as it was more like archeology. All the digging, sifting, and and examining we did as kids in preparation for the big Alaskan treasure hunt did not go to waste, as I put them to use right at home searching for artifacts of an antique or archaic nature that were covered up by time, growth, or progress. Sacramento had numerous locations where the previous generations used to discard the basic unneeded, unwanted, and sometimes, the lost, items of human condition. These locations became the new "diggins" sites, and old bottles, ceramic plates, coins if you were lucky, and some things you spent the next year trying to figure out what they were, were the treasure.

My treasure map was all in my head, because I knew where the diggins sites were, and didn't ever figure I'd forget them. Unfortunately I have forgotten the precise locations of a few, but moreso, I have lost them to development. It's pretty hard to get to your favorite diggin's spot when a building or parking lot is over the top of it. One such spot was the the site of the old Bateson building downtown. I still have a ceramic bottle I dug up from that site, most likely an old beer or wine bottle. I was told that the state retrieved some artifacts from there when the construction took place, and I'm not surprised at all. I don't know what was there before, but from the few things I retrieved, it most likely was a camp of some sort. Aside from the Bateson site, many other diggins have been paved over or are otherwise now out of reach. Old Sacramento before it got its' makeover held several diggins sites when I was young. There's probably still quite a bit of artifact down there, but you'll never get to it now. Actually, you probably better not. The river was another good place, but the best part of it went off-limits sometime in the 80's I think. We used to dive in 5 different sites, usually for bottles, but occasionally other antiquities as well.

It's no secret how artifacts end up in a diggins site. More often than not, it's a former trash dump from a bygone era. In the old days there was no trash service, and there were mainly two ways of dealing with refuse; burn it or bury it. There was a third way, and that was to just leave it, but that normally saw its' destruction when left to the elements and passer's-by. The burning method still left artifacts behind, although not in the best condition, but some things don't burn, and even glass bottles can survive a poorly crafted campfire. This leaves the burying method as the most fertile ground for a treasure hunter, and happening upon a good dump site from the late 1800's or even early 1900's saw your best chances for a treasure trove of Sacramento history.

The pictures included with this piece are all items I unearthed during the 1960's through around 1980 in Sacramento. As stated earlier, the ceramic bottle was from the Bateson building site, and the milk bottles came from three different diggins sites. I was always impressed by the big milk bottle with the 5 cents molded right into it. If you think about it, that's the same refund you get on a plastic bottle today, so our previous generations were way ahead on the recycling curve. The others are basically old medicine bottles, which often had better survival rates due to their smaller size. Those little white porcelain plugs are old bottle tops, usually from beer bottled in the late 1800's through 1920 or so. I've found many of these with the original "Buffalo Brewing Company" embossed into them. The wire retainer is of course rusted away, but it always impressed me that the dye they made back then lasted for nearly a century, and while underground. I still recall the very first coin I unearthed at one of my diggins sites. It was brass, and I thought I'd found a gold coin. It had 4 eyes around the outside, and a plain etched star in the center. After speaking with an old timer of the era, I was advised that many of the saloons, brothels, and other business establishments used tokens instead of currency, and that this was the most likely explanation. I lost that coin somewhere along lifes way, but it always stood out among my finds.

Although I haven't treasure hunted much in the past two decades, I still think about it from time to time, and set out last summer to see if there was even the slightest chance one of my old sites was still available. After visiting 6 of those I remembered, only one was still accessible, and still offered a slight opportunity. I grabbed my hand pick, folding shovel, and sifter, and set out for short search. In less than an hour, I turned up two of the porcelain beer bottle tops, one with the embossed name and location still somewhat readable. I'm not sure what the name was, but Stockton, CA was definately the bottler's location. As light was getting low, I ended my treasure hunt for the day, Feeling somewhat satisfied that there was still a bit of open lands available for a treasure hunter to practice his craft. Sacramento still has a lot of buried history out there, some just aching to be on display in that empty corner shelf of your home, and with you waiting for the next guest you have over to ask "Hey, what the heck is that?"

Davi Rodrigues on ""Strong Mayor" Proposal at Secret Public Meeting"

2012-01-09T14:55:53Z

I believe it is up to the government to post the notices, not the people.

Davi Rodrigues on "Selland's Market-Café expands to El Dorado Hills"

2012-01-07T06:48:47Z

I've always thought highly of the Sellands. They turn out a good product. I sold them some equipment many years ago for their restaurant/store, and they were a pleasure to work with. That was the first time I tried thier food too, and became a regular customer for quite some time. I'd still be one, but the money dried up for me. I hope they still have customers with money in their new location.

Davi Rodrigues on "Redevelopment agencies lose in the courts"

2012-01-05T15:07:19Z

I don't know that this spells the end for RDA's, but it does take away the local control of them. That might be incentive enough not to create them anymore of course. But who's getting the money that has been generated by the ones already created?

Davi Rodrigues on "Preventative measures in gang violence discussed a year after barbershop shooting"

2011-12-21T17:26:40Z

Don't kid yourself Isaac; He's only insulting a small percentage of the people of this city

Davi Rodrigues on "City parking should not be leased out: tell Council to say no"

2011-12-14T04:13:59Z

You gotta be kiddin' me? Circling blocks trying to find a space? There isn't any if you have to do that. Where in the streets and highways code does it allow for a private company to own rights to a public right of way? By the way; who is doing the enforcement on parking under this highway robbery scheme?

Davi Rodrigues on "Ask Officer Michelle - Concerns About Kidnapper out on Parole"

2011-12-11T21:52:42Z

Cherylwin, If this guy doesn't know where you are, how will he know how to stay away from you? I know it's a tricky situation, however if you think he's coming back to sac to live, work, etc, it kind of makes a little sense for him to know what part of town he should stay x amount of feet from. Finding people in the area is not very hard unless they really really don't want to be found, and unless you're willing to hide out from your relatives, friends, business, community involvement and such, he can pretty much track you down with relative ease. You might want to consider putting up a strong resistance message that he should stay away from your habitats because everyone around you knows what he looks like, what he did, and that you're not going to live in fear, but instead boldly proclaim his no-fly zone. I don't know your situation at all, or anything about you of course, but I do know that one cannot have any reasonable expectation of anonymity in this age of public records, social media, and just plain communal living.

Davi Rodrigues on "Firewood supplier roundup"

2011-12-10T18:37:17Z

Screw the burn ban! Firewood and fires are an inherent cultural tradition for northern Californians and higher altitude dwelling central and southern Californians. If you have a problem with that, you should relocate to an area that doesn't generally burn for heat or cooking.

Davi Rodrigues on "Check Before You Burn: Wood Stove & Fireplace Change Out Incentive Program"

2011-11-29T02:18:58Z

If you take the money to upgrade to an EPA approved unit, you also must sign an agreement not burn on the days that only EPA approved fireplaces or inserts are allowed to burn. Kind of negates the point of upgrading

Davi Rodrigues on "Latino culture center faces deep budget gap"

2011-11-22T09:06:55Z

With government services being cut so drastically over budget restraints, I don't see how any arts program can be spared the axe. But with so many latinos in the area, why aren't they coming forth with their wallets to support this endeavor?

Davi Rodrigues on "Community Reacts to Prop 8 Decision"

2011-11-20T17:15:43Z

My first reaction was to ask if we can now appeal the court ruling that halted implementation of prop 187.

Davi Rodrigues on "County Suspends Annual Building Fee Increases"

2011-11-16T03:59:25Z

I have little respect for the county fees right now, since the board of supervisors waived the fees for a county employee who built a whole house without paying them, and when caught asked for and got off with not only not being fined , but got a severe reduction for a "hardship". Hard for me to take these fees seriously when the administration practices corruption like that. Shouldn't the county be waiving everyones fees and reducing the amount required all across the board?

Davi Rodrigues on "Sacramento man occupies Wall Street among other things"

2011-11-15T05:10:43Z

How does this actually relate to Sacramento? Was this possibly fictitious Billy one of those camped out in Sacramento, or is he portending to be on Wall street?

Davi Rodrigues on "Education reform issues voiced at Latino Town Hall"

2011-11-11T15:37:08Z

This is a sad commentary for those people who attended this meeting, as well as a harbinger of things to come for Sacramento. Here we had 150 people clinging to their race as an important factor in their government, and race hustling mayor all too eager to massage that weakness for his own political use. The longer people clutch race for their safety and prosperity, the longer racism and divisiveness will live on. Good thing they are not representative of the larger sacramento population at present, since 150 is such a small ratio of the stated 27 percent, but 150 racialists can infect a lot more people when you have a mayoral protagonist to aid them.

Davi Rodrigues on "Hanging with Hatch: Parking enforcement 101 "

2011-11-09T17:24:56Z

I don't know where hatch was during my last ticket event, but the meter ticket and the citation time clearly indicated a two minute difference, somewhat contradicting the "grace period" statement in the story. My complaint with ticketing isn't with the one's who issue; it's with the adjudication department. Also, the city has purposely omitted any loading zones around the entire perimeter of the state capitol, and if you have to conduct an event or get stuff onto the state park or capitol grounds, you're playing a stacked deck game of chance because most of the spaces close to the capitol building are only 1 hour.

Davi Rodrigues on "New mayoral candidate plans to bring 'fresh leadership' to Sacramento"

2011-11-06T15:07:19Z

"Hilbert is building a campaign support team with an international flair. His team will include advisers from San Diego, Mexico City and Madrid" Advisors from mexico city? Sacramento doesn't need advice from a third world, drug cartel infested, air polluted city in corrupt mexico that has to export 20% of their population to the US in order to keep their own jobless rate down. Honestly don't know much about Madrid, but if he already thinks there's not enough talent locally to get advice from, maybe he should be running for mayor in one of the locations he mentioned that already seem to know everything

Davi Rodrigues on "Cultures of food around the city: ethnic grocery store roundup"

2011-11-02T16:03:26Z

There was an explosion of ethnic stores in the area, and California as a whole during the 90's and early 2000 decades, but now many of them are failing, or have failed. Waves of immigration fueled the growth, but once established, a huge section of that retail business ends up in the hands of the big boy retailers, as it was destined to. In addition, many ethnic store owner such as those from India, Pakistan, Mexico, and middle east, although merchants to their very core in their home countries, were unprepared to do business in California. They signed costly leases, and discovered regulations. Add to that the recessions, lawsuits, and family bickering, and the lifespans of these stores followed a similar pattern. So many changed hands to extend that pattern also.

Davi Rodrigues on "Check Before You Burn Starts November 1 in Sacramento County and its Cities"

2011-10-30T19:10:34Z

controlled fires are not inherently abusive, or meant to greedily exploit people

Davi Rodrigues on "Check Before You Burn Starts November 1 in Sacramento County and its Cities"

2011-10-30T02:20:21Z

Indoor fires are part of our culture, tradition, and heritage. These restrictions are overly intrusive and downright unjust. Amazing that the county can afford code enforcement out in response to this. This county code should be overturned.

Davi Rodrigues on "SHRA to expand program to buy, rehab and resell foreclosed properties"

2011-10-26T16:59:01Z

This is not a free market enterprise; It invites cronyism, corruption, and most probably doesn't comply with the law.

Davi Rodrigues on "Is your America destroying congressional or senatorial power, Sacramento?"

2011-10-23T16:23:07Z

Sorry Russell, but you have a confusing method of getting your point across. Actually, what is your point(s)?

Davi Rodrigues on "Bus tour shows off south area development"

2011-10-21T15:11:04Z

The special bus?

Davi Rodrigues on "Matsui Announces $300,000 in Federal Grants for SETA's On-The-Job Training Program"

2011-10-21T01:06:36Z

Nothing say government economic policy failure like a new costly handout to keep corporations in subsidized labor. The matsui dynasty must end!

Davi Rodrigues on "Council gives go ahead for study of 'neighborhood friendly' river crossings"

2011-10-21T01:01:55Z

Ya got me on these, although seavey circle projects, channel 10 are right on the northern border line of land park community. The WIC office is actually not in land park, as the boundary is Broadway. Reall, if that's all you got, it's still pretty much nimbyism. None of that would be allowed on riverside and 7th avenue or anyplace in between. And that guy picking cans out of your trash is probably my dad. We used to live in land park back in the day, and he just uses that as an excuse to go to the old neighborhood.

Davi Rodrigues on "Council gives go ahead for study of 'neighborhood friendly' river crossings"

2011-10-20T19:08:51Z

Land park nimbyism? Of course there is. Does land park have any homeless shelter there? How about a food bank or welfare office? Low income housing? I could go on here, but that's what nimbyism begets

Davi Rodrigues on "Council gives go ahead for study of 'neighborhood friendly' river crossings"

2011-10-20T16:31:40Z

If staff need something to do, perhaps they need to scale back staff again

Davi Rodrigues on "Council gives go ahead for study of 'neighborhood friendly' river crossings"

2011-10-20T14:06:40Z

What we have here, is a stimulus plan. Two 600,000 dollar "studies" in less than three months.

Davi Rodrigues on "What Does the Fight for Justice and Fairness Look Like?"

2011-10-20T03:29:43Z

The real disclosure? Brendan Bishop is a political and policy research consultant. Brendan has been with Jim Gonzalez and Associates since 2008. He has worked on various projects within the firm including lead organizer in Sacramento for Proposition 7, membership coordinator for the Renewable Energy Accountability Project and organizing the LGBT community in Las Vegas to re-elect Senator Harry Reid. Brendan brings his passion for social justice, public policy and equality as well as his experience in grassroots organizing to the firm.

Davi Rodrigues on "'Occupy' protesters bring their message to City Hall once again"

2011-10-19T13:59:49Z

"We are here to tell you what your constituents want" Yeah, he doesn't speak for the constituency. If he did, he'd be one of the city council members. If these guys get a variance from the code to occupy the park, I want one too, for our mobile billboard to occupy a parking space for longer than the time allowed. seems fair enough to me...right?

Davi Rodrigues on "Occupy Sacramento: Voices of the protesters"

2011-10-19T13:53:13Z

Occupying shouldn't mean squatting. The park belongs to everyone; not just "occupiers". Let me put this in perspective: Our group has a mobile billboard that carries anti-illegal alien, pro-border security, and pro-deportation messages. We are limited to parking it downtown to the posted times. Should we be allowed to "occupy" a parking space in front of city hall to protest the council's decision to boycott Arizona?

Davi Rodrigues on "Public Safety in the American River Parkway"

2011-10-18T02:54:52Z

"overhung both sides of the blue current" Well there ya go. the water was blue before we dammed it all up

Davi Rodrigues on "Historic Maydestone building opens after renovation"

2011-10-16T18:15:58Z

How long is this picture of johnson's smiling face going to occupy the main page of this publication? It's fast becoming political propaganda

Davi Rodrigues on "Arrest made in viral video assault case"

2011-10-14T04:24:22Z

The accused here, is still working his way through several prior cases that have upcoming hearing dates. It also looks like he's becoming a chip off the old' block, since his father appears to have as many priors as Jr. Sad, but he loses any sympathy when he attacks a nealy defenseless woman for no apparent reason.

Davi Rodrigues on "Arrest made in viral video assault case"

2011-10-14T04:14:33Z

Maybe nobody has felt compelled to write about crime here before.

Davi Rodrigues on "Many farmers' markets turn in for winter while few remain"

2011-10-13T18:53:10Z

I believe that's called "a retail store"

Davi Rodrigues on "Occupy Sacramento protesters want exception to city camping law "

2011-10-13T00:03:40Z

hippie movement revisited

Davi Rodrigues on "Don't Give Up - Give Back"

2011-10-11T20:09:49Z

A takeover? What do you mean by a hostile takeover?

Davi Rodrigues on " Pumpkin Pickin at Davis Ranch Harvest Festival"

2011-10-11T00:04:53Z

They may have been expecting more pictures, more adjectives,...who knows..... A good article can bring thumbs down over the subject, the writing, the writer, or the timing. Don't let it get you down. At least they read it.... I write things people don't like all the time, but at least I know they read enough of it to get my intent when I get unfavorable feedback.

Davi Rodrigues on "WHERE’S QUACKALS? QUICK QUACK CAR WASH OFFERS $1,000 REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE RETURN OF STOLEN MASCOT"

2011-10-10T23:54:38Z

Sufferin' succathash.....

Davi Rodrigues on "Ask Officer Michelle - Video Taping Police on Duty"

2011-10-09T17:19:15Z

Good luck with "responsible" publications. Propaganda rules in America. Even from the police I'm afraid. I would caution anyone videotaping police, especially when it's you the police are contacting, to be careful your use of a camera or cell phone doesn't become your primary concern. First preserve your safety. Don't make any sudden moves, especially to point something at the police, EVEN IF IT'S YOUR CAMERA OR CELL PHONE. If you don't already have the camera rolling, that moment is not the best time to be fishing for it among your stuff. But, as stated, it's not unlawful to document, so be insistent after the danger period has passed. The first few minutes of police contact are not the best times to be expressing your independence. All that good camera gear, and the best video footage in the world will do you no good if you are too dead to use it Case in point is that of Donald Venerable: VENERABLE et al v. CITY OF SACRAMENTO, et al. 2:01-CV-00369-DFL: An African American man who was in the midst of a verbal domestic dispute with his estranged wife was wrongfully shot and killed by Sacramento Police who mistook his cell phone for a weapon. Case settled $800,000. U.S. District Court, Eastern District (2003)

Davi Rodrigues on "Washington Park vandal targets children"

2011-10-08T03:22:43Z

Strange demographic for a person to pick on...elementary school age kids. Some retarded juvenile pranksters.

Davi Rodrigues on "Medical marijuana supporters protests in front of Sacramento Federal Courthouse"

2011-10-08T03:19:10Z

They won't be happy until they're allowed to use food stampstto purchase weed

Davi Rodrigues on "Occupy Sacramento continues after 20 protesters arrested"

2011-10-08T03:16:29Z

Villar is a hypocrite, liar, and corrupt politician.

Davi Rodrigues on "A need for caffeine, coffee shop roundup"

2011-10-08T03:12:58Z

Folger's; that's the richest kind. :) Maxwell House and Yuban too. All brewed in a glass percolator using tap water without all the added chlorine and flouride. It was good stuff.

Davi Rodrigues on "Ask the County Law Librarian - Renters' Rights in Foreclosures"

2011-10-07T04:24:44Z

I guess that only applies to residential, and not commercial tenants though. I was getting a tire fixed in a small shop in Sac when an indian guy walks in with a clipboard and tells the owner of the business who is working on my tire, that he just bought the building at forclosure auction, and he wants the new lease (on the clipboard) signed right now, AND he wants a deposit, first and last months rent check right now as well. It got kind of ugly as this Indian guy started going through the guys office and other rooms while the baffled business owner demanded he get out and let him review his lease and options. The new property owner was a real jerk.

Davi Rodrigues on "A need for caffeine, coffee shop roundup"

2011-10-07T04:13:47Z

I don't drink out much anymore, but when I do it's more of an experiment than it is a pointed quest for a certain hovel. Usually I end up somewhere in the morning, and I look for something inviting. I say inviting, but it's more like I'm being compelled by the desire. Coffee is a beckoning beverage for me. I'm just short of an addict. I say just short of, because I do quit from time to time, and the physical withdrawal doesn't take but several days. The mental addiction never seems to be conquered though. I quit cigarettes after smoking for some 15 years or so, and never really looked back. I am never lured by the thought, nor enticed by the smell. But the attraction for coffee never ceased, even after quitting for just about ten years once before. No matter if it was the first two, or the last one of those ten years, my attraction to coffee always remained. Coffee's aroma was like a spell cast upon me that could not be broken by a mere mortal like myself. Coffee is not to be dismissed as a vice and negative physical influence. It is a drug of sorts, and it does work on your health over time. I feel quite different when I quit. I also take notice of my diminished physical strength when I use it. Although it's stimulating, after some years of use, that tends to be underwhelming and a mere satisfaction of need. So be careful. These are cautionary warnings from an experienced elder. coffee treats you much better in youth, and abuses you later. With that said, if you're going to drink it; get the good. I like a bold, rich brew that is not so burned it ends up tasting like a cigarette later. Italian bold beans are my favorite, and that's hard to find out in the shops you mentioned here. Some of these shops brew up these blends with cinnamon, and vanilla flavorings that leave an aftertaste that destroys the experience. Plain strong italian coffee buffered with some artery hardening cream from real cows is the drink of highwaymen.

Davi Rodrigues on "MidLife GridLife - I Was A Radio Groupie"

2011-10-01T05:46:21Z

KROY AM went back to my earlier years as well, but into the late 60's/early 70's. I think one of the DJ's was Gene Lane, and another went by Wonder Rabbit. Radio has changed a bit, but if there is favorable content, good management, and desirable DJ's, people still tune in. It's all good stuff, and I don't know why you're out of it now.

Davi Rodrigues on "Del Paso Heights businessman considers Council seat in 2012"

2011-10-01T02:52:46Z

You know, I remembered something to that effect as well.

Davi Rodrigues on "Sacramento gets $19.4 million from feds to rehire peace officers "

2011-09-30T03:47:04Z

'Cause we're also takin' care of Nebraska's sheer of "immigrants" out here in Sac

Davi Rodrigues on "Curtis Park Bungalow celebrates its 100th birthday"

2011-09-24T06:09:45Z

Our first house was a bungalow also. It was run down a bit, and we did some changes too. the bathroom only had access from both of the two adjoining bedrooms, and that was just not practical. We cut a new doorway through that lath and plaster wall, and then sealed off the other two. The rest was all rebuilding, and not changing. Bungalows are old dried out odd-sized wood, lath and plaster walls, and lead paint. the wiring is brittle, and the pipes are rusty and clogged. It was an ok first house, but I wouldn't like to fix one up again. Curtis Park was a pretty good section of town back then. My grandmother used to own a ceramic shop up near the entrance to the S&P Railroad, and there was never any trouble. Well; that we didn't cause anyway

Davi Rodrigues on "Pastors remain on task, city council hopefuls interviewed"

2011-09-24T05:56:16Z

those same nations and people may have still gone to war without religion as an excuse or instigator. Take away religion and people still fight. And on the other issue, that's kinda the point I was making. there's alot of people who aren't going to turn to the mormons, the catholic, and the capitol christian center for help with faith now. The church could have easily denied gays marriage services, or use of the church for gay related services, but instead, they wanted their reach to extend beyond the confines of the church, and into political policy and law making. I think it's bad mojo, and distracts from the main agenda of the faith. Did it increase the popularity of the faith....no. Was the public more trusting of the church....I doubt it. Did it limit the ability of the clergy to teach the faith...I'll bet it did. I certainly don't think any of them are any closer to stamping out homo-ism after spending all that capitol, both monetary and human, but they sure got a black eye for it in many circles. these pastors may just encounter the same results also. I doubt every single person within their hopeful parish feels the same way they do about the redistricting. I wonder if they are considering coming to church sunday. I should add that I might be a little homophobic too, but I don't let that get in the way of my management of our non-profit, 'cause it is not in our statement.

Davi Rodrigues on "Pastors remain on task, city council hopefuls interviewed"

2011-09-23T20:45:12Z

the church, their flock, and their message are thiers to lose. Examples abound. Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton are both getting to be seen as poverty pimps and race hustlers. How many even know they were clergy now? How many souls are they saving now? Justice is not a mission of faith. Politics especially no. Matin Luther King Jr began his crusade, and soon after, churches were bombed. Not saying that the faithful cannot fight for justice and equality, but here I believe is where the separation of church and state really matters. The church isn't going to be much of a sanctuary if it chooses up political sides. By the way Ed; I'm not entirely immune to patronizing, but c'mon now..

Davi Rodrigues on "Pastors remain on task, city council hopefuls interviewed"

2011-09-23T17:45:40Z

Religious leaders often lose their own faith, and turn to politics or other mortal pursuits, but still cling to the cloth for recognition. People spreading their faith have been welcomed and even shielded all across the globe, even in very hostile locations, because they confine their activities to the administration of their faith. It is most often when they stray from that and meddle or influence the political spectrum that they come to harm, and taint the message, the faith, and the organizations that they represent.

Davi Rodrigues on "Pastors remain on task, city council hopefuls interviewed"

2011-09-23T17:36:01Z

I see Ed, What do you call someone who spouts useless ignorant rhetoric when they use their real name?

Davi Rodrigues on "Pastors remain on task, city council hopefuls interviewed"

2011-09-23T16:54:56Z

Commenters do not necessarily have shilling motivations for having a user name. Mark Twain was not hiding was he?

Davi Rodrigues on "City appeals decision in homeless class action suit"

2011-09-23T14:15:28Z

While sleeping overnight on public land might be considered a basic humn right, longer term residency, including storage of personal property becomes a tenancy. No property owner, even a publicly stewarded one, should be required to provide free storage of personal property. When you're at the level of transiency that you need to claim a basic right to sleep overnight on public property, you need to pare down your poseessions to that which you can keep with you.

Davi Rodrigues on "Ask the County Law Librarian - Dogs in Public Places"

2011-09-22T23:58:22Z

The culture of people who bring their "purse" dogs into the grocery store is not acceptable.

Davi Rodrigues on "Many Homeless in Sacramento, Out in the Cold This Winter"

2011-09-22T20:11:40Z

I was wrong. Looks like a pop-up blocker was preventing it from showing up. There is charitable status for this corp

Davi Rodrigues on "Many Homeless in Sacramento, Out in the Cold This Winter"

2011-09-22T19:14:36Z

This organization has registered as a California corporation, but it is not listed on the California state attorney general's registry of charitable trusts. Am I missing something here?

Bootleg Banquet

2011-09-22T04:09:11Z

Bootleg Banquet

Sacramento is host to several thousand food facilities, the majority of which are sit-down restaurants, fast food franchise outlets, and independently operated sandwich, coffee, baked goods, and dessert shops. Also making up a notable percentage of Sacramento's food facilities are mobile vendors and caterers, insitutional providers such as schools, churches, and care homes, and of course grocery and other food markets. Whatever your feelings you may have in regards to the sophistication or quality of fare available in Sacramento, one cannot argue that we lack opportunities to eat. Even a flat broke, destitute transient has choices in this area, what with Loaves and Fishes, Union Gospel Mission, and a number of food bank outlets offering meals or goods, so even someone with empty pockets has options here.

One growing addition to Sacramento's food fare scene, although seldom mentioned by media, is illegal mobile vendors. These bootleg food vendors crop up all over the city and county, although some sections of Sacramento seem to host more than their share of them. Illegal vendors have to be separated from the rest of the food facility operators by nature of compliance. These vendors have earned the illegal designation because they have forsaken the lawful pathway to sole proprietorship and above board business practices. Accompanying that, these unlawful operators have evaded inspection of their equipment and products, as well as having skipped any scrutiny of their food handling practices. In addition, they are often a component part of Sacramento's underground economy, and detract from the opportunities for those who operate above board in their business practices.

The Operators

Illegal vendors have little range in fare really, most of them offering tamales, home bagged chicharrones, sliced fruits and prepared fruit drinks, heated spiced corn, and ice cream. There are a few stragglers that stray from the majority, and they are usually semi-clandestine barbeque stands which offer on the spot barbequed ribs and chicken, and sometimes you'll see an un-permitted hot dog stand here and there. By the numbers, it's hard to argue against a claim that most illegal vendors in the Sacramento area tend to hail from Mexico and countries south of that. Street vending without bureaucratic interference is probably a given in those countries, so some of these vendors might be surprised at any enforcement effort when it comes their way, however I've noticed that many have just plain chosen to evade the regulation. Illegal vendors are not just street merchants either. Some have migrated to the internet to market their products, and a quick look on Craigslist will usually turn up a half dozen or so wanna-be caterers, or home-manufacturers of baked goods, tamales again, and to a smaller degree, other ethnic prepared foods. Un-permitted caterers deserve a noticable mention here too, and they don't necessarily fit in the previously mentioned ethnic group, as many people believe that a start-up under-the-table catering business is a traditional rite of passage to being a restauranteur.

Red Tape For Public Safety

True that all food vendors are required by state and county code to undergo safety inspections. Not just at the outset, but every year or more to keep the public safe from foodborne bacteria. Before one opens a food facility of any type, they are required to submit an application to the County Environmental Management Department (EMD), complete with equipment you will be using, location at which it will be prepared, and plans for your location if you are building one. Mobile vendors also must comply with many of the same requirements, subjecting their mobile equipment to inspection and their handling practices to scrutiny. In addition, they must provide the location of an approved facility where their goods are manufactured or stored. Yes; of course it's all cumbersome, time consuming, and wallet draining, but we didn't get to this point for no reason whatsoever. The state health code was crafted and amended in response to the close quarters we all live in, and the growing chances that one small bacterial outbreak was going to affect exponentially more people as the population grows. Bacteria is the gift that keeps on giving. While one person suffers and conquers its' effects, they also spread it unknowingly, often before they even feel its' symptoms. Basically one food vendor can sicken 50 to hundreds of people in one day, and those people may spread the contimination after that contact, so it's a worthy invasion of private enterprise by government regulation. Most of us have felt the unpleasantness of foodborne illness in our lives, however we tend to forget how we felt back then, as new hunger dulls the memory. The more hungry we get, the more we tend to throw caution to the wind. That's just human nature, and here we have the health department thinking ahead of ourselves for us. The local EMD sets basic safety standards for temperature, sanitization, handling procedures, and products. Temperature is a big concern, both hot and cold, because that either retards spoilage, or kills the bacteria. Food products stored at temperatures too low or too high are a big contributor to spoilage and bacteria growth. Sanitiation being high on EMD's list also, the areas that foods are stored in and prepared upon, as well as the cleanliness of those preparing it are examined and prescribed.

The Case For Enforcement

There are thousands of permitted food facilities in Sacramento county, but only a few hundred illegal vendors, so why should we concern ourselves with a few hard-working immigrants or poor schmoe's trying to start a small business? One reason is that without enforcement efforts, a few hundred illegal vendors would mushroom into a thousand. Los Angeles, California has proven a good example of how a little tolerance gives way to runaway flagrant disregard. One section of downtown Los Angeles had become a hotbed of illegal vending, and law enforcement's effort to bring some control ended up with one person being shot dead, not over illegal vending per se, but when an area of town succumbs to corruption, it becomes eponentially more hazardous to clean it out. Just because one part of town has a cultural tendency does not lessen their need for the same safety protections the EMD provides everywhere else, and you certainly cannot go to war with bacteria while voluntarily leaving several safe havens open for it to flourish. Illegal vendors are a bacterial petri dish in most cases. They have no refrigeration or heat, a previously mentioned main weapon against bacterial growth, and their equipment is usually some of the most conducive for it to take hold and stay. Illegal vending carts are usually rough wood surfaces painted with potentially hazardous coatings, and their storage containers normally non-commercial ice chests and home use or home made containers to hold warmth. Basically, they are a walking or movable transportation device for food borne illness. In addition, almost all of them have zero facility or capability for one of the most common methods of prevention where bacterial spread is concerned; hand washing. Illegal vendors handle cash, dirty equipment, discarded items, and their own basic human functions, then handle the customers food without the safety of clean hands. I've taken photos and videos of some of them working on their cars, tending to their kids needs, and even doing the human equivilent to hacking up a furball, and then going immediately back to handling customer's food. Video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNXy0IPTwoA
Aside from the food safety element in the illegal vending realm, there is the underground economy to consider. All permitted vendors are registered with many state, federal and local agencies, and thus exposed to the many regulatory fees and taxes imposed and levied upon them, some of which go towards implementing all of the various safety programs previously described. A person with an above board presence has little opportunity to escape detection of, or scrutiny by any taxing agency, but one who operates clandestinely can pay nothing to no one, and also deny having made a cent in the past if and when any detection occurs. People operating an underground economy business are also free to partake of any of the free social services provided by government, without worry that a 1099, wage report, or filed tax return might get them exposed to a benefits fraud charge. The only person that knows how much they make is them, and they cheat; remember? Video Here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b056jLhIgWw
A final point in our enforcement case is actually a big one, but usually only to those who play by the rules: A level playing field in business. As mentioned earlier, people opening a food facility spend thousands of saved or borrowed dollars to comply with a myriad of regulatory codes for public safety. Building a lawfully compliant business often results in months long delays and unplanned additional expenses that surface during the inspection or application process. It isn't even the slightest bit fair to open your establishement after subjecting yourself to an expensive, and often seemingly overburdening bureaucracy, only to see an illegal cart vendor that resembles something that Jedd Clampett would build, set up a few feet or even a block away, siphoning off any portion of the customer base included in your business plan. Watching some underground economy dweller leech dollar after dollar within visual range of someone who rightfully earned their place in the business community might be more than just a little insulting. Likewise, someone who is paying rent to a permitted facility so they can produce products in a lawful and safe manner for a catering business should be given a bit of enforcement effort to cripple those who use their homes to haphazardly manufacture dinners or desserts for weddings or parties.

Applying The Law

Sacramento County has developed a response team of sorts to combat illegal food vendors. Sac County EMD has a link to on their web page to report food facility issues, including those operating without permits. Sacramento County Code Enforcement also has a link on their web page to report any perceived code violations, and they will route them to the appropriate department. Sac County's EMD has conducted sweeps of areas where illegal vendors have been reported, sometimes seizing unsafe food products and equipment. An unpermitted food vendor can also be issued a citation that can result in a stiff fine. Conducting such sweeps often require the aid of local code enforcement or even law enforcement officers, as most EMD inspectors are not trained to deal with hostile operators or nearby supporters. With code enforcement and law enforcement officers constrained by budget factors, the EMD sweep effort gets hampered, but not halted. Over the past couple of years, EMD sweeps have resulted in the siezure of around 100 unsafe food carts. EMD also provides downloadable fliers to the public which a motivated soul can print and pass along to vendors who might not be in the know regarding the law. One can even post this in a location where illegal vendors frequent.

Malfeasance

While the EMD has shown incentive and willingness to address illegal food vendors, other government agencies have evaded or shirked any involvement in enforcement, even though they have both reason and authority. County Code enforcement is quick to direct you to EMD. I once reported one vendor within walking distance of the County code enforcement office, but was quickly rebuffed and redirected. Sac city had a bit more pro-active program a couple of years ago, as I spoke with what was then the lone officer citing illegal vendors on Franklin Blvd one day. Sac City PD, as well as Sac County Sheriff doesn't generally cite code issues, and are usually dismissive if you complain of it even in their immediate vicinity. That attitude amplifies ten fold when unpermitted vendors show up at a community sponsored public event. Not only will they not cite or demand illegal vendors stop, but they often patronize them in full view of lawfully operating ones. For several years in a row, the celebration of Mexican Independence Day at our state capitol has attracted dozens of illegal vendors, many of which were in direct competition with the much ballyhooed gourmet food trucks this year. Nonetheless, they were allowed to share in the customer base without regard to permitting status or sanitary requirements. It would be a terrible injustice to omit the state government from the grievance list where malfeasance is concerned, and although our CHP performs without bias where our traffic enforcement is the task, I've seen them balk like a lead footed child who was asked to clean their room when a demand was made to remove illegal vendors from the capitol grounds. They do it upon your report, unlike the City PD, but I don't know if you'd want to be on the business end of their pinch book if you had the misfortune to later run afoul of the vehicle code and have a memorable face as well. Schools officials can often be added to the list as well, as I've taken issue with illegal vendors targeting kids at lunch or after school lets out with their unsanitarily prepared products. One pack of illegal vendors were positioning themselves between the busses and the school just before the bell rang, and my discussion with the principal had zero effect. In fact, in an insulting turnabout, the school called their own police department on me for documenting the incident. And lastly we cannot leave out the state legislature, who also tolerate, if not outright condone this section of the underground economy right before their shifty eyes. I once pointed out several illegal vendors to Senator Darryl Steinberg right at the entrance to the west side of capitol as he strolled by. I was barely acknowledged before he took up a pandering position on the capitol steps and welcomed the crowd to his humble domain. It's hard to take people like that seriously when they babble on about tax cheats and people or companies that don't pay their fair share, after you witness their unwillingness to put their own house in order. Likewise, I'm certain the city council and mayor of Sac know quite well that many of their public events are lousy with illegal vendors and that it gives appearance that the city is encouraging the underground economy. This is an unfortunate, and all too common characteristic that has surfaced in American government lately. The closer you get to the center of government, the more society tends to deteriorate. Corruption is magnetic in the sense that as soon as a nucleus is established, smaller and similarly bent entities begin to revolve around it. It's a form of political gravity that citizens wanting good government would do best to defy.

The Conclusion

Illegal vending is an unworthy participant in the Sacramento area's business community. With the county's permitted restaurants and mobile vendors already suffering from the recession and loss of customer base, there is no good reason they should be forced to compete against shady, surface-money skimming operators who aren't the slightest bit concerned about their customer's safety. Sacramento doesn't profit from the underground economy that illegal vending contributes to either, and for any government entity to condone or dismiss it, detracts from the fairness and propriety that good civic management should be known for. Tolerance and apathy does very little good for the illegal vendors as well, since that offers no incentive for them to them to improve their standing and join the above board business community.

Disclosure: Davi Rodrigues is the current chief of operations of Save Our State, and advocate for california native citizens rights and opportunities

Davi Rodrigues on "Hundreds Gather at State Capitol to Celebrate Mexico's Independence Day"

2011-09-18T13:22:36Z

I detest piggybacking, hijacking, free-ride-seeking spam posters. To the virtual gallows with you!

Davi Rodrigues on "Hundreds Gather at State Capitol to Celebrate Mexico's Independence Day"

2011-09-17T13:47:05Z

Yeah, I gathered there too. To protest mexican interference in California citizen's governmental affairs. Anyone notice how the mexicans were given access to the inside of the state capitol where they waved the mexican flag and addressed their citizens from? Have you ever seen an American civic activity group granted such favor? Not me. It takes nearly an act of god to get the rules committee to grant access to ANYONE or any group. I say it is improper that a foreign flag be waved from inside our state capitol.

Davi Rodrigues on "Art installed in Terminal B, opens Oct. 6"

2011-09-13T20:04:04Z

Sounds to me like there is a canvass ceiling.

Davi Rodrigues on "Art installed in Terminal B, opens Oct. 6"

2011-09-13T20:01:05Z

Maybe their bids weren't high enough to be considered real artists :)

Davi Rodrigues on "Art installed in Terminal B, opens Oct. 6"

2011-09-13T17:27:36Z

I don't dislike latinos. I have grown weary to the point of near revulsion from constant exposure to that theme. It's kind like when the radio plays a good song until you get sick of it, or a commercial ad on TV that you have just had quite enough of. When art becomes a tool of propaganda or commercial use to the point it is invasive, it should come as no surprise that people start regurgitating it. I don't know why the shift in attitude at the arts commission, but it has at least challenged my normally philistine tendencies to consider art as a worthwhile cost. Within reason of course. Oh, and that "stick" is not something I want removed. It's called a backbone actually, and you'll find it common among people who cast aside the notion or accusations of bigotry and racism leveled by people who want to control your ideas, thoughts, and speech

Davi Rodrigues on "Art installed in Terminal B, opens Oct. 6"

2011-09-13T05:51:20Z

I'm actually pleasantly surprised, and leaning towards euphorically stunned. I'm not an art lover, or even an art appreciator, but seeing a publicly funded art display in this area that is nearly devoid of the omnipresence of Latino/mexican influence is so refreshing I may even want the author of this article to remove any reference to the price of it all. It's like I can suddenly appreciate my surroundings without feeling a nagging pain in my arse

Davi Rodrigues on "Urban Rifle Hike"

2011-09-13T04:38:10Z

I don't think it was merely luck that prevented my getting shot by law enforcement. they are trained, and also at risk for losing thier job or freedom if they use their weapons without good cause. Mere possession of a weapon, especially so one that is not in a position to be fired, is not grounds for lethal force. To my knowledge, no one else has walked to that range. I did ask when the subject came up. They did say that one person came on a bicycle once, and that may have been me also, but maybe not. I have a scabbard for my bike which I've carried the rifle in a few times. I'm hoping that others will join me on the next hike, and maybe then it will become less unusual over some time. I think many people are not comfortable with the general public seeing them with firearms, or they like to keep their ownership and use somewhat private. Everyone has their reasons for it, and they range from privacy to protection, to fear, and then some. By the way; This hike occurred prior to the IHOP incident, but if we let events like that dominate the associations made in respect to guns, all gun owners assuredly will be presumed suspects before long.

Davi Rodrigues on "High-Flying Action at Capital Airshow - Photos"

2011-09-13T03:53:52Z

I can watch this from home, but the camera has failed. the sounds drove the dogs batty, but it's fun for a couple days

Davi Rodrigues on "Excitement builds as autumn approaches"

2011-09-13T03:47:27Z

I'm looking forward to burning some of the firewood I cut, split, carried, and stacked earlier this year. During the summer while I was getting the firewood, I was worried that I might die of heat stroke or over-work before I got to appreciate the warmth of a winter fire, or inhale the aroma of Walnut and Eucalyptus as it burned away in the fireplace. I'm already feeling the cooler weather descend upon the Sacramento valley, and it won't be long until the crackling of a fire will be heard, and hypnotic dances of flames seen at our house.

Davi Rodrigues on "2nd Amendment Day"

2011-09-13T01:59:10Z

The law as originally written was directed at concealed weapons. People had loaded weapons in a pocket, purse, etc. The legislature sought to restrict that practice, especially for automobiles, where a gun might be concealed under the seat, etc. So the "open carry" was excepted from the prohibition if it was unloaded, and visible so everyone, and especially law enforcement was aware that you had one. So carrying a weapon to the range or on your way home, to an event, or whatever, you placed the unloaded gun in plain sight...on the dashboard or similar. So now there were no surprises, and if a cop encountered you they could ask to check it to see if it was unloaded. The only way you could carry it concealed was to lock it in a locked container, in an unloaded condition again, but this mainly applied to being transported in a vehicle. The only way to transport it on foot was still to open carry, although the law allowed for concealed in a locked container for short distances, such as from you car to your house. So if you don't own a vehicle, and you want to transport a handgun, you carried it openly, and in a holster so it wasn't in your hands. Nothing TEA baggy about it. just the effort to comply with a very cumbersome, and soon complicated law in regards to transporting a handgun. It's become even worse lately, with the addition of 1000 ft school zones where it must be locked and unloaded, but in a vehicle. That alone took away some peoples ability to transport a handgun from their home if they did not have a vehicle. So you see......it does limit people's rights as per their guns. What with the government trying to get people out of their cars and all, it limits your rights a bit, and soon to be alot, to use your gun anywhere but home

Davi Rodrigues on "2nd Amendment Day"

2011-09-12T21:54:47Z

The Big, Bad Government just passed a bill to ban carrying/transporting an unloaded handgun where it can be seen. Their problem with that practice is that other people see it, and then realize there is a right to have guns. I'd say their intent is nefarious

Davi Rodrigues on "Urban Rifle Hike"

2011-09-12T19:47:41Z

This did not occur on september 11th, but was published on that day

Davi Rodrigues on "Urban Rifle Hike"

2011-09-12T16:49:36Z

I don't think the range has any litmus test for sanity with respect to their customers.

Davi Rodrigues on "2nd Amendment Day"

2011-09-12T11:49:22Z

Right or wrong, it's still the law. If we don't have that, we'll all be feuding forever, or until the meek inherit the earth.

Davi Rodrigues on "2nd Amendment Day"

2011-09-12T03:40:21Z

When a framework of rationality, reason, and human rights fails to settle a dispute; there's always the Supreme Court........

Davi Rodrigues on "Urban Rifle Hike"

2011-09-12T03:24:41Z

The rifle was not in a case or bag. Part of the exercise was to ready myself for the tour in the outback, and getting used to carrying it in the manner one would when hunting. From that, I learned I needed to adjust straps, add some cushion in one area, and to change from the right to the left side prior to it starting to get sore. It's times like this that are best to discover worn straps and fasteners, 'cause out in the sticks it's hard to repair. I wasn't surprised about being stopped, but I was taken aback at the response. I think being treated like a serious imminent threat when there was no aggressive behavior reported or encountered, was a bit much. Likewise, handcuffing was also unwarranted. I also understand the concern others have/had. Unfortunately their exposure to guns is primarily negative, mainly because the media seldom reports on gun owners who are NOT involved in crime/gangs/shootings/mishaps. I'm hoping my community will become less inclined to see every gun in public as an imminent threat or crime in progress after many more hikes occur.

Davi Rodrigues on "2nd Amendment Day"

2011-09-11T16:26:10Z

Amazingly, the supreme court got it wrong then? Ruling recently that the intent of the 2nd amendment was to apply it as an individual, rather than collective right for militias. Perhaps they did not have access to the historical documents you referred to in their vast library of references, or maybe they went beyong Washington's contribution and considered all of the framers intent?

Urban Rifle Hike

2011-09-11T14:34:18Z

Sacramento to Rancho Cordova

I decided to take advantage of the lull between the hot, and the soon to arrive stormy weather and go for a hike to the gun range today. I needed to prepare for hunting season, and the best way is to suit up and practice a little. You don't want your first day out in the field to be the testing ground for you and your gear, because it usually costs some dough to go on safari, and these days, that's a big concern. You could end up spending a hundred or two, and come home empty handed and with pulled muscles or who knows what other ailments. Before I went abalone diving for the first time each year, I always took a quick check out dive locally for the same reasons. So I put on my hiking boots, grabbed my 30.06 and 20 rounds in a waistband carrier, along with a bottle of water and a small amount of cash for range fees and emergencies. I slung the .06 across my back and headed out from home shortly after noon. My route was a little less than "as the crow flies" due to school zones, but I guessed the trip was 10 miles one way. The temperature was hot, but not unbearable, and the sun was beating down pretty good, but that's one of the hazards you may have to endure if you hunt in the warmer parts of the north state.

I had to cross the freeway almost immediately and then headed for the straight line of Folsom blvd. Folsom was to be the straighest and longest leg of the tour. Traffic was pretty heavy actually, and it wasn't long before I found myself waiting to cross several lights, most on the freeway onramps.I had made it a little past Bradshaw road, and only about a half mile from home when I heard sirens and suddenly saw two different units in the oncoming side of traffic. I swear I thought they were headed elsewhere, because one looked like he was passing the other, but I found out that I was their call. Turns out there were several more behind me, but I am deaf in one side, and was concentrating on the two that were in my immediate front. Those two stopped and took up firing positions from their cars, one a handgun, and the other a rifle. Next, came orders being barked out from several people, both fore and aft. I couldn't tell you how many units were there at that point, but it was more than five, and from several agencies. They began giving me conflicting orders because they weren't at all in sync, but I yelled out that I have a hearing problem and told them that they were not being consistent. You know, one guy is yelling don't move, and another is yelling put your hands out away from your body, etc, etc.

I ended up face down on Folsom Blvd on the hot pavement with probably a hundred cars stopped on both directions watching this. They cuffed me, and started drilling me with a few questions, to which I just answered that I was going to the gun range. they got me up and walked me to the car, put me in and then drove off the street to a business parking lot. There was some discussions to the effect they just needed to check me out and make sure that I was or wasn't something. So there I sat in the back of a unit with several others inspecting my gear, my rifle, my rounds, and a few other personal effects. Every so often one would come and tell me it wasn't going to take long. After a bit someone came and asked where I lived, home address, because I don't have that on anything I had with me. My license has a PO box, and they found that stashed in a side pocket of my little camera case. I don't care that they know where I live, so I gave them my street. They asked if the gun was registered to me at that address, and I doubt that really, having moved once since we bought that twenty years or more back.

One smart ass cop, and I don't remember which one made an off handed comment as to my hearing loss as he shook my hearing protection in front of me. Something to the effect of "If he's deaf, he doesn't need these". I let that one go, because when your half deaf you get people making stupid comments from time to time, but anyone that shoots at a range, even a smart ass, is required to wear hearing protection, even if you're born with no ears. Them's the rules out there. So after a little time someone came and got me out and said that I was going to be freed, but also started questioning me about where I was going, and what I was doing. There was some rhetorical question about me testing them, to which I just told them I was actually testing myself. I reiterated that I was going to the range and gearing up for the season, to which another said the range is like 10 miles from here. He asked if I would like a ride there, to which I flatly refused (who wants a ride in the back of a patrol unit?), and I told them I was well aware of the distance and that exercise was part of the plan. I reminded whomever it was I was standing next to that I was told I was to be freed, and didn't like being lectured while wearing handcuffs. So I was released, and there was some further questioning of my judgement in a veiled sense. One cop said I should at least open the bolt on my rifle as I walked, but I mentioned I had ten miles alongside the road and I wasn't about to get dirt in there. Another pointed out that my route was to take me through a bad part of town, and I reminded him that I have lived in the bad part of town here for quite awhile. Actually, the part he was referring to is somewhat worse alright, but at least it's a busy street and there would be witnesses to call for ambulances or whatever. I was allowed to gather up my stuff, re-sling the rifle, and headed out with a few of them still shaking their heads as if they did not believe I was going to complete my hike. I headed back down Folsom Blvd at a little increase in speed, having lost a half hour or so with that episode. I saw quite a few units pass me from time to time for the next hour or more, but maybe they were keeping an eye on me for safety reasons.

So that was the cop encounter for the tour, but that's also not the end of the discourse for the day. I'll catch you up on that next, because I still had nine miles of city slickers to go. Just to recap though, there were many units that ended up responding, CHP, County sheriff, and City police. I didn't get hurt or anything, but my good pair of glasses were scratched up pretty badly while I was down on the pavement. I am a little more concerned than yesterday about the manner in which gun owners are percieved, and the loss of what I consider our better ways of life. Also, I did make the gun range, and it was more than ten miles. I think I'll be paying a price for that tomorrow.

After my detainment was over, and I gathered up my stuff, I asked the cops whether they were going to ticket me for jaywalking if I crossed the street to pick up my route again. One told me to go back to the crosswalk, but backtracking didn't seem efficient, so I headed east again without the protection of shade trees. After about a half mile I found another light to cross, and headed to the shadier side of the street. As I cross, and being half deaf I've learned the hard way that you have to look all around you because the normal sound warnings are not there, I had plenty of opportunity to look at everyone. Many, many people were astounded by the very sight of a slung rifle in public. You could also see them on cell phones, most likely dialing 911. I resumed my eastward direction and picked up the pace to make up lost time. The heat was becoming more apparent by now, and the trees started getting fewer in between. I passed a homeless looking chap with a pit bull on a leash, but he just smiled. Soon a car rolled up behind me and when I glanced back he was on the cell phone. After a bit he passed me at a good clip. Next I passed a light rail station with numerous people disembarking, Most were younger kids, and had the "what the hell" look on their faces. One guy said "that guys just walkin' around with a rifle". I passed a few more lights and crosswalks, at which many more people gawked, and several more got on their cells. Only got a couple of honks the whole trip, but amazement was probably the most common, with surprise next, and bafflement third. I'll bet the cops got a hundred calls after I left them. I made my way across the freeway again to head up Zinfandel drive and take it to White Rock. On the down side of the overpass I waited for a light, and a car with a mother and her probably eight year old son stopped for the light. The kid's mouth fell open and got all wide-eyed in surprise, and that soon got mom's attention, and they both soon smiled. That was probably the most positive response I had all day!

I made my way up White Rock Road without any real problems, and there being a little less traffic, I saw less aghast people. As I passed a sign waver on the corner of White Rock and Sunrise, many people were staring at me from inside and outside of the Burger King on the corner. I guess those sign wavers do really get people's attention. By now, my shoulder is showing signs of wear from the sling, and I've slowed a little in pace. My one bottle of water is nearing the end, and it's still plenty hot. I was sweating profusely, and my upper shirt was half drenched. It was about here when I started questioning my ability to make the gun range, as my legs were tired, and I was developing some blisters on the feet. I pressed on, and only ran across a road construction crew alongside Sunrise Blvd. One hard hat guy smiled and waved. I could now see the gun range ahead and tried to pick up my pace after downing the last swig of water. The range is set back on Douglas, and I decided to take a shortcut through the open field as opposed to going all the way around. After about ten or so minutes of trudging through dried grass and weeds, I noticed I was suddenly amid broken skeet. A quick look around and I realized I was at the outer end of the shotgun range, and luckily nobody was using it. I tried a course deviation that would take me along the outer edges of the broken skeet pattern, and then walked up behind that part of the range. Somewhere along here a rangemaster met me and asked why I was on the range like that. I told him I had no idea that was the case until I saw the skeet, and also told him there was not fences or even a sign anywhere from that direction. He started telling me that I shouldn't walk on any fields out here because there was no public land, and that it was all private,... yada yadda..(not true either, as there is a huge regional park just up the street).

The interview continued with him asking how I got there, to which I answered "I walked". Then he asked me a rhetorical question in regards to whether I walked with my rifle that way, and didn't the cops meet up with me. I mentioned that I had encountered the police, and that it was not particularly pleasant, but I made the trip anyway. Next, he asked why I was here. I told him I came to use the rifle range, to which he said that they might not let me shoot because I broke the rules and was on the skeet range. I reminded him I was not aware that I was entering the range, and reminded him again that there were no signs or fences, and also asked what happens if some kids get in there that way. As we walked towards the office he asked how was I getting back, and by now, I wasn't sure if I was able to walk, so I told him it depended on how I felt after I shoot. He once again made a comment about maybe I wasn't going to be able to use the range because of the manner in which I arrived. After a minute he said they were going to let me shoot, but handed me a one page document in relation to the rules, and demanded I read the entire thing first. No problem; and nothing on their about open carry, but you could tell that was an issue now. He asked if I had hearing protection, and I pointed to the counter where I had placed my equipment. He said he could rent me some if I didn't have any, and then made a point of telling me he could sell me a case for the rifle, and stood there with this condescending look waiting for me to answer that "with ok, let me see what you got." You could tell that this sort of public display is not something they care for, and certainly don't like. I was a bit taken aback by this flavor at a gun shop. I paid my range fees, bought another bottle of water and headed out. From here it was clear sailing with the exception of too much sweat getting in my eyes for the next 30 minutes or so, and in my tired and weakened condition, the steel buttplate on my rifle quickly took a toll on my shoulder. The light t-shirt was no help either. There was no 1 inch grouping today, but did manage to keep them all on the target and within acceptable game kill standards at 100 yards.

I called for a ride home, and my wife came shortly after. The walk was over ten miles, and I'd place it closer to eleven with all the zig-zagging. I'm definately out of shape and requiring some rest today, but planning to make the trip again soon, although I am going to give the dispatchers a courtesy call next time.

Disclosure: Davi Rodrigues is current chief officer of Save Our State, and a proponent of native born citizen rights and opportunities

Davi Rodrigues on "2nd Amendment Day"

2011-09-11T13:36:35Z

RPH, The TEA party's minority rule is related to their interpretation of the constitution. The constitution can end up being "minority rule". To make an example, prop 187 passed with majority supporting. The courts overruled it saying it was unconstitutional. The TEA party often claim the same of many laws passed by legislative and executive bodies. That they may have been enacted by a majority, but should be ruled unconstitutional just as 187, 103, etc I wanted to attend this, but have limited financial mobility these days. While I strongly support the 2nd amendment, and exercise it with my feet, I have to say that I'm always apprehensive where Meckler is a prime mover of an effort.

Davi Rodrigues on "A Sacramento Haunting Somewhere Near Bradshaw"

2011-09-10T14:23:09Z

Oh Bellboy..... 12 to check in to the hotel silly.

Davi Rodrigues on "SactoMofo? Fo Sho!"

2011-09-09T22:52:25Z

Oh, but I do. I've been every year to that event. There are lots of illegal vendors. I've taken videos and pictures of them. They may not be associated with this MoFo, but they set up at the mex independence day event. Why is that so hard to believe?

Davi Rodrigues on "SactoMofo? Fo Sho!"

2011-09-09T21:50:43Z

If this event is going to be at the state capitol, and at the same time as the mexican independence day event, I'd say there will be unpermitted, illegal vendors. there always is at the mexican independence day event at the state capitol.

Davi Rodrigues on "SactoMofo? Fo Sho!"

2011-09-09T21:17:30Z

and those trucks will be competing against all the illegal, unpermitted, and uninspected food vendors that have been appearing at this event at the state capitol for the past few years.

Davi Rodrigues on "Enjoy seasonal produce at two Farmers Markets"

2011-09-07T02:57:32Z

Die spammer, Die...... A pox on all spammers!

Davi Rodrigues on "United Farm Workers & Union March: Soles for SB 126 "

2011-09-07T00:09:21Z

I am not a grower or labor contractor, and I do have compassion for hard working people; American hard working people. These blasted foreign imported farmworkers have been a constant thorn in the side of hardworking California citizens, AND the real family farmers and ranchers who have been driven under by the willingness of lowballing mexicans and other latin american workers who have no respect for themselves, or the laws of this nation, to work for nothing wages, and then supplement it with the services that we are being forced to pay for. If they don't like the conditions, Hit the road. I'm not against unions; just against corruption. Here in America, we encourage individualism and personal strength. In contrast, the UFW is telling these workers they are nothing without the union, and will be nothing without the union.

Davi Rodrigues on "United Farm Workers & Union March: Soles for SB 126 "

2011-09-05T15:18:37Z

And that's what the UFW is becoming; a protection racket. Farmworkers already have the same protections to unionize as does the rest of California residents. The UFW wants an extra incentive to force them into the union. I'd love it if the farmworkers would stage a boycott of those evil farms that abuse them. Then California and the US might have a chance to get back on a proper footing without the corruption of mexican influence in politics, and cheap labor in the fields.

Davi Rodrigues on "Rally for Farm Workers' Rights, Stop Methyl Iodide, and Take Back California"

2011-08-25T23:32:07Z

Confucious, you are not. Confused, yes; but not Confucious

Davi Rodrigues on "La Familia presents the "Dream Act Symposium""

2011-08-25T18:54:35Z

That is self-serving propaganda. Yes, illegals do get services. The can get WIC if they are pregnant. they can get free childcare, regardless of status. They get free education for their kids, and free school lunches for them regardless of status. I could go on here, but I'm not because I've spelled this out on our own media more times than I care to count. An illegal working here is not a badge of honor. It's a crime. They are not contributing to "the economy". they are contributing to the corruption in our economy. We have a national unemployment rate over 9%, and the state's is 12%, and that would show much worse if it counted all the self-employed people who have been displaced by illegals working for unlicensed businesses who are not reporting wages and/or taxes. No thanks; An above board economy and government doesn't count cheaters and corruption as a contribution

Davi Rodrigues on "Rally for Farm Workers' Rights, Stop Methyl Iodide, and Take Back California"

2011-08-25T15:59:02Z

You want power, not justice

Davi Rodrigues on "Rally for Farm Workers' Rights, Stop Methyl Iodide, and Take Back California"

2011-08-25T15:30:39Z

What a bunch of commie hogwash. Fortunately the more reasoned democrats have seen through the posers who have hijacked the UFW and Chavez's legacy. I saw the last few marcha's, and noticed the CHE flag, the commie flag, and amnesty agenda, as did most of the democrats who attended the convention. They want no part of your subversive agenda.

Davi Rodrigues on "La Familia presents the "Dream Act Symposium""

2011-08-25T15:20:13Z

the DREAM act is a fraud being foisted upon America and California by a corrupt manipulative government, greedy business entities, and self-serving race hustlers. You notice how they use people purportedly who have been brought here when they were infants, but the act also covers the ones coming here only five years ago. In addition, they keep bringing up the issue of not punishing the kids for the parent's wrongs, but there's also no talk of punishing the parents at all. Instead, the parents will claim the legal status of their kids as a reason for their own deportation stays. If the act passes, there will all this wailing about splitting up the family. And I will call BS on this "nation of immigrants" propaganda. This nation went through periods of immigration, but that doesn't mean everyone is an immigrant, or that this country wasn't really built by Americans, and American born

Davi Rodrigues on "Too many taxis in the city?"

2011-08-24T05:24:19Z

First it's regulations, then it's subsidies, and after that comes bailouts. That's what happens when government sticks it's controlling nose into private business operations.

Davi Rodrigues on "Parking Enforcement Fail "

2011-08-24T01:21:30Z

the vehicle code might exempt them.

Davi Rodrigues on "Big Agribusiness is holding our Democracy Hostage"

2011-08-23T14:48:11Z

As mentioned, buying strawberries from the asians who own small plots of strawberry farms will normally keep you away from the chemicals and also allow you to avoid the corruption of big agribusiness. You will also be contributing to the effort to halt the illegal alien flow from south of the border.

Davi Rodrigues on "Big Agribusiness is holding our Democracy Hostage"

2011-08-23T14:45:35Z

The greatest form of protest that could happen is for the corrupt nation of Mexico to start warning its' citizens of the dangers of working in the fields of California for the agribusiness. The mexicans, and your organization should have a protest picket line on THEIR side ot the border, thereby crippling the agribusiness access to cheap, abusable labor before it even gets to California. Once they get here, it takes 10 times the effort convince them to protest because they are by then receiving the bribes and enticement of taxpayer subsidies in the way of food stamps, WIC, etc.

Davi Rodrigues on "Big Agribusiness is holding our Democracy Hostage"

2011-08-22T15:47:47Z

The farmworkers who are subjected to this will do anything but quit working for growers. They don't want to give up their WIC, rent subsidies, food stamps, and other freebies. They want the world to come to their aid, but they're not willing to take much of an important stand themselves.