Newest articles on The Sacramento Press written by Davi Rodrigues

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?"

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

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