Vandersloot, Bookfair and Fairgrounds

DR. JAN VANDERSLOOT, RIP
First, a brief comment on the unexpected passing of Dr. Jan Vandersloot yesterday. Anyone who has been involved in development and/or environmental issues knows the name and would certainly recognize Vandersloot's commanding presence. He has been THE voice of the local environmentalists for years. Although I didn't know him well, our paths would occasionally cross and we'd discuss our views on whatever the issue of the day happened to be. You can read Brady Rhoades column from the Daily Pilot on Vandersloot's passing HERE. The following is the comment I posted online:

This is very sad and surprising news. Although I knew Dr. Vandersloot only casually, when our paths did cross he was eager to engage me in discussions about our environment and the politics thereof. His bearing was almost regal and his passion for all things nature was clear. I find myself wondering who, now, will pick up the baton for this fine, fallen man. Condolences to his family and many friends - and to every patch of weeds he tended, every chunk of tideland he nurtured and every tree he hugged. He will be missed.
(photo courtesy of Daily Pilot)

BOOKFAIR REMINDER
First, don't forget the Costa Mesa Library Foundation Bookfair this weekend. You can read all about it again, HERE. It's still in full swing today, Friday, through Sunday. Do some Christmas shopping and support a very worthy cause.

FAIRGROUNDS MEETING MONDAY
On Monday, November 9th, Assemblymen Solorio and Tran host a public hearing at the Costa Mesa City Council Chambers beginning at 9:00 a.m. through 11:30. Here's a list of the anticipated panelists:


State Assemblymember Jose Solorio

State Assemblymember Van Tran

Katrina Foley, Councilmember, City of Costa Mesa

Kimberly Brandt, Development Services Director, City of Costa Mesa

Kristina Dodge, Board Chair, OC Fair and Event Center

Steve Beazley, CEO, OC Fair and Event Center

Randy Cheek, SEIU Local 1000

Bob McKinnon, Supervising Real Estate Officer, State Department of General Services

Rick Hanson, Manager, Orange County Fairgrounds Equestrian Center

Originally Jeff Teller from the Orange County Marketplace was scheduled to attend. At publication his participation is not firm.

Reservations are required. Call John Nam at Solorio's office to RSVP at 714-939-8469.

GENIS IS BACK!
Incidentally, this issue has revitalized former mayor Sandra Genis, who has spoken before recent council meetings with wit, intelligence and passion. She has begun posting on her blog, La Femme Wonkita, again, too. So, I've re-linked to it over there on the right. I suggest you visit her recent posts on the Fairgrounds issue.

WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT...
And, just to remind you what this is all about, here's a little video clip for your viewing pleasure this weekend.