SILLY HALL DENIZENS MARCH TO STAFF TUNE ON BUDGET

Say what you will of staff at Silly Hall, Marysville, Ca., the one thing one must admit is that the City Manager has a knack for catchy ditties. What with the soulful; "There is no money, There is no money, There is no money" sung full throated the other day, it would appear that he be most capable of getting his forces to whistle another catchy tune, as they march out of the jungle of doom and into the harsh light of 'queer street'.

Hang on, allow this old geezer to remind all who peek into me blog, that what came before this disclaimer and what follows is a blending of fact and fiction. Much like the City Budget approved last night at Silly Hall.

Latest visit to Silly Hall did not start well. Finding the front door closed, went round to copper station and asked how one was to enter the building for the 'special' meeting. Being one who loathes 'lateness', I tend to arrive early, and was there before most. The copper asked question of did not know when the doors would be opened to public, he checked and came back with wrong information. Seems the chaps toiling at the Marysville Police Depart were unaware of the 'special' meeting to be held at Silly Hall. Mind, one would have thought they would, as there is a placard on front of building directing folks with mobility problems to use the Marysville Police Department entrance. Like the young chap said; "I am but a copper".

I counted 7 members of the public at meeting last night. Let me see, 7 members of the public and 12 denizens of Silly Hall. Not an impressive turn-out of the voters to catch matters of such import.

It was posted that the meeting would come to order at 5pm, but this is Marysville and no one waits until the appointed hour to start a meeting a Silly Hall. Truly, this is third time there and each time, the person chairing the meeting, watches the clock and never fails to bang to order before the clock strikes the hour. Could it be a Marysville tradition? The denizens know that no one will show up, why wait?

With the speed of a cat on a hot tin roof, the Vice-Mayor went right to work, getting to the items placed before her.

This old geezer had been informed that comments to be made had to come at each item. Getting up the first time and waiting for turn, gave name and address and told the assembled me thoughts.

Polite, with little interest on part of council and staff on what this old geezer had to say, comments fell useless upon the council chamber floor. However clever the quotes used or thoughts expressed, one was playing to an audience that did not want to hear what was being said.

My dears, this old geezer had a few pearls of wisdom.

I asked City Council to give up entire pay packet. Wondered about the days that staff would not work due to cut in pay. Wondered about the 'contract' Police Chief not giving up any of his nearly $100,000.00 pay packet. One caught on rather quickly that it would be redundant to comment on each item, there be no point in hearing one's own voice. Not a one of the folks in chamber, as member of public got up. Save for a chap who was fighting to get more consideration for the Firefighters of Marys ville.

My dears, for a meeting on the passing of the budget, it was a shocker to see how quickly it went. It takes more time to do a proper cook up than what was spent on this meeting.

Less this old geezer be called less than fair in reportage of last night meeting, he has to pass on the one truth voiced by the ViceMayor. Given that staff serves the City under 'contract', they, City Manager and company, did not have to give up any of pay packet. Quite right, they did not and along with 'voluntary' reduction comes fewer work days. No pay, no work. AND, Silly Hall may well be closed on Friday.

What ever happened to belief of a 'contract' having no value if Marysville lands on 'queer street'.

Not wanting to give up entirely on efforts to reach out and touch, the last two items on agenda did receive my attention.

I reminded assembled denizens of Silly Hall of one of me favoured quotes; "It ain't what we know that gets us in trouble, its what we know ain't so."Mark Twain. Almost always have luck with Twain, but the stares back from the council members proved the mark was missed.

Lastly, reminded staff and council members of all ignoring the 'elephant' in the room. It not be the voters who did not pass a sales tax hike, or the real possibility of Marysville being chucked out onto 'queer street'. It be what all in the room knew but did not give voice to.

Out-sourcing police services to Yuba County would have city of Marysville in the black in a tick.

Truth be told, that arrow found its mark. Chief of Police Wallace Fullerton got 'beet red', tongues clucked and opinion heard from some council members.

One council member took offense to use of 'chuck out onto queer street', thought it to be a curse word, another thought me quite mis-informed, another thought me to be grand-standing, and one honest member of council told true. The Police Department of Marysville is tradition and it was never going to come to pass on their watch that it would be out-sourced to Yuba County. NEVER.

When last looked, there were two who gave comments, but the members of council kept thanking the 'one' member of the public who felt the need to share. One has to think, I was not the one referred to. Fancy that.

Latest visit to Silly Hall proves much. There be many in Marysville who will not attend meetings. Seems the local sport to post comment on local newspaper blog that trash one and all, hidden behind an alias. Mercy forbid if they would come out and show selves at meetings. I already knew that the denizens of Silly Hall care less if any member of the public comes to visit, last night just added to why folks local, question my attending.

I give me readers credit for being clever. You be 'Au fait' with the music placed at start of post. Now, imagine City Manager as mad Colonel Bogey and the rest is a right good giggle. At least I think so.

John Williams - Exsultate Justi

A far more catchy tune than "There is no money, There is no money, There is no money." Dedicated to City Manager of Marysville. Ca

CITY MANAGER RANT RINGS FALSE

'The Emperor's New Clothes'

"The Emperor's New Clothes"  is a short tale by Hans Christian Andersen about two weavers who promise an Emperor a new suit of clothes invisible to those unfit for their positions or incompetent. When the Emperor parades before his subjects in his new clothes, a child cries out, "But he isn't wearing anything at all!" The tale has been translated into over a hundred languages.

The Plot;
An Emperor who cares for nothing but his wardrobe hires two weavers who promise him the finest suit of clothes from a fabric invisible to anyone who is unfit for his position or "just hopelessly stupid". The Emperor cannot see the cloth himself, but pretends that he can for fear of appearing unfit for his position or stupid; his ministers do the same. When the swindlers report that the suit is finished, they dress him in mime and the Emperor then marches in procession before his subjects. A child in the crowd calls out that the Emperor is wearing nothing at all and the cry is taken up by others. The Emperor cringes, suspecting the assertion is true, but holds himself up proudly and continues the procession.

Writing metaphourically, this old geezer would like to turn the mirror upon City Manager Casey and other denizens of Silly Hall.

The Appeal Democrat reports in this morn's newspaper the following from Silly Hall denizens;
"There is no money. There is no money. There is no money," City Manager Steve Casey summarized Monday. "And there will be no money for the foreseeable future," added Administrative Services Manager Dixon Coulter.

The City Council will consider approval of the city's proposed 2010-11 budget at a special 5 p.m. meeting on Tuesday in the council chambers in City Hall.
According to the city's projections, sales tax — the single largest revenue source in the General Fund — will decrease by an estimated 36 percent over the same period of time.
"If the voters of the City of Marysville had approved the sales tax increase measure placed upon the ballot by the City Council in November 2008, virtually none of the service reductions proposed in this budget would be necessary," according to the summary signed by Casey and Coulter.

How full of hubris Mr. Casey & Mr. Coulter be.

The whole world knows how punitive 'sales tax' be and to raise it would drive even more shoppers away.

What a grand thing it would be if the folks at Silly Hall would try to tell voters just what cash could be saved if things were done a bit different in the City of Marysville.

These are mean times and local government has to look for more effective ways to deal with the shortfall in revenues.  Look at what has been and trim off the fat, however hard that might be.

It may well be a perfect time for Marysville to wake up to hard cold fact that the luxury of a city run police department is no longer an option.  For such a small town, with county run police force in place, it may well be the perfect time to face the music and reach out and 'out source' this service.  Am told, this single act would place the City of Marysville in the 'black'.

"There is no money. There is no money. There is no money,"  is a rant Mr. Casey needs to stop and quick.  Might he hear; "SHOW ME THE MONEY" chant of voters?  Voters who would love to know just how much cash could be saved by Marysville turning over police services to the county?  Or is that too 'out of the box' for Mr. Casey & company?

ANDY 'SPLASHES OUT' FOR LINDA 4TH BASH

Supervisor Andy Vasquez in concert with the Linda Lions Club has planned a superior celebration for the 4th of July.

There will be much to do and many opportunities to show off patriotic spirit.

This old geezer has marked diary and plans to spend entire day at the Linda Event, ending with the Light Show.

Might even get to 'dunk' Andy a few times if arm has any aim...

"MARYSVILLE GOLD" in PLAIN SIGHT

If you have a yen for adventure in Downtown Marysville, a visit to "Personally Yours" should be at the very top of list. "Apples" AKA "Ruth" has a panoply of wares available for purchase that be almost as colourful as she.

This old geezer adores folks who be different, how sad it would be if no one tried to be a splash of colour in these mean times. Ruth knows that her appearance can be off-putting to some, but she is passionate in belief that if folks get close enough to the tin she be, they will see more labels on tin that apply to the lovely person she be. Truth be told, MOI is not a big fan of tats and piercings, but it not be my body and who be I to judge another for wanting to apply more 'art' to body?

Like a merchant on 'high street' in small town in UK, Ruth is apt to hold court on pavement in front of her shop. All the better to meet and greet the folks who walk the pavement in search of the unique. Did I tell you, my dears, that "Personally Yours" be unique? A walk inside reveals bits and bobs that can best be described as 'chichi', with a heavy accent on the strong scent from incense thrown into the mix.

It takes more than one visit to shop to take in all of the wondrous things. It be a true riot to senses.

Ruth does not just flog her wares, she takes a keen interest in the life of the road that be "D" Street and takes active part in helping to plan events to be held on road. On top of that, she joins with a fellow merchant in promoting activities for wee ones. How clever is that? Very...

This old geezer loathes folks who have nothing better to do than cluck tongues and be a prophet of doom. To hear some talk, ruin is just round corner, there be merchants who are to lose homes and businesses. What a lot of tittle-tattle.

Ruth is very aware of the tune being played on road. Fortunately for Marysville, Ruth does not hear a 'death knell', rather a song of hope and opportunity for the days ahead.

Of late I tend to view the Marysville "BID" as "Hobson's Choice" and wonder when the board leaders will come to senses and see that Ruth has 'juju'. More's the pity if they do not.

Hope the filmed bit and these few words make one and all realize how golden this nugget of Marysville Gold be...

MARYSVILLE POLICE CHIEF WILL NOT 'KOWTOW' TO "YOUTUBE"

This old geezer would like to remind the Chief of Police of the "Peel" principles of modern police function;

"To seek and preserve public opinion........by ready offering of individual service and friendship to ALL members of the public without regard to wealth or social standing, by ready exercise of courtesy and friendly good humour....."

"YOUTUBE" as used by this old geezer to promote co-operation of public in efforts to stop crime, may not fit into the view held by top copper, but history has shown that "YOUTUBE" does get the message out to the public.

In these mean times, when the public purse is empty of coin, can the Chief of Police of Marysville be so willing to pass up an opportunity to spread the message of "National Night Out" or "Neighbourhood Watch". To allow a 'public employee' be filmed and share knowledge?

I would also remind Chief of Police of another principle;

"To maintain at all times a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police, the police being only members of the public who are paid to give full attention to duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interest of community welfare and existence."

"YOUTUBE" may well not be 'establishment' vehicle of the fourth estate but the power of "YOUTUBE" to reach many in the community is very real, why else would so many clever politicians use to get message out to the public?

Recently, the Chief of Police for Marysville presented his report on the police department to city council. It hardly registered a sound, unless one counts the back patting that went on. Mind, council members and the great man did give credit to the coppers who toil away daily.

Which brings up the last principle of Sir Robert Peel to remind Chief Fullerton of;

"To recognise always that the test of police efficiency is the absence of crime and disorder, and not the visible evidence of police action in dealing with them."

A 'contract of employment' is only as good as the ability to pay it. Coin in the public purse is much less than once was. Cuts in service are order of the day. With the current hard times facing the City of Marysville, one has to ponder if the luxury of a city run police department, headed by a highly paid chief, is one that can be afforded.

You have to wonder how 21st Century the Marysville Police Department leadership is in thinking.

Mind, I be just another 'OAP', what do I know...

"HOT" MERCHANTS ON "D" STREET

John Jr. and his mum, Tina, featured in this filmed bit at shop, are but one more shining example of merchants who sizzle on "HIGH STREET", that be "D" Street in Historic Downtown to all local who do not speak "Brit".

In chatting with John Sr., dad and husband to the tribe, was told that business is very good, due to large volume got from "INTERNET". Online shopping is clever, this old geezer does it much. The point made by John Sr. was that, while the business is going well, the real value of a storefront on "D" Street is to pay homage to the need to support a local 'historic' shopping district. Giving back local for having been able to land in such a place so special and be a part of its re-birth.

Impressions can be wrong, and local, there be many who tell one and all that there be "no there, there" in chatting about Downtown Marysville. That merchants on "D" Street dance to an old tune and are clueless as to what brings folks DOWNTOWN. Oft repeated is 'urban legend" that only old folks, with shops, still flog wares Downtown. Rubbish...

John Jr. lays waste to image of "OAP" shop owners. Truth be told, John Jr. thinks highly of self, so much that he has advert in window telling one and all that he be 'hottest thing since butter on sliced bread'. As he puts it; "Whatever it takes to let the ladies know "I be HOT". Mind, having seen some of his clever ideas on banners, he may well be hottest banner idea man about. Very 'out of the box' his ideas.

Tina, John Jr.'s mum is a cracker as well. A real energy figure in shop. Always with the smile and quick to field another call from the ever ringing telephone. Very passionate in belief that Marysville can come back stronger if everyone pulls together. Mind, Tina be equally passionate in hopes that a trip to local casino will bless her some day. I share her belief in that.

My dears, one may not require a banner oft. In truth, it is something that one can use from time to time. To celebrate a grand day, host a garden party, promote a civic event. Not just a banner but window placards as well. Has anyone not wanted to do something special for an event? Clever folks at Discount Banners stand at the ready to help make your party or event grand.

John Jr. & Tina do not need an advert from this old geezer to promote business. They are clever enough to do that selves. I just want to remind folks at how much is over-looked local by folks who fail to come into Downtown Marysville and give the merchants a peek in.

In truth, there may well be a civic event planned for National Night Out by this old geezer and would have no problems going to Discount Banners to do the job. Might even splash out on a clever banner for holidays at me new home, to let one and all know me holiday spirit.

The clever folks at Discount Banners prove the point made in past by this old geezer. Clever does not need a "BID" to solve problems, they be well in hand. Merchants coming together to support and make more brilliant a "High Street" in trouble requires no title or special assessments to achieve results. Were all of the merchants so in love with Marysville that they allowed selves to give of that love and time, "D" Street would be much improved.

The secret is out. There be 'HOT' on "D" Street in Historic Marysville...

"THERE IS A STORY THERE..."

From My Lips To HIS Ears

Gossip is idle talk or rumour, especially about the personal or private affairs of others. It forms one of the oldest and most common means of sharing  facts and views, but also has a reputation for the introduction of errors and other variations into the information transmitted. The term also carries implications that the news so transmitted  has a personal or trivial nature, as opposed to normal conversation.


In the last decade, gossip has been researched in terms of its evolutionary psychology origins. This has found gossip is an important means by which people can monitor cooperative reputations and so maintain widespread indirect reciprocity. Indirect reciprocity is defined here as "I help you and somebody else helps me". Gossip has also been identified by Robin Dunbar an evolutionary biologist as aiding social bonding in large groups.



The term is sometimes used to specifically refer to the spreading of dirt and misinformation, as  through excited discussion of scandals. Some newspapers carry "gossip columns" which detail the social and personal lives of celebrities or of élite members of certain communities.

My dears, all of the above comes about due to a reply to a post placed on Appeal Democrat blog by MOI.  The person left comment that 'he or she' felt me blog was a 'gossip rag'.  Fancy that.

Been called much in life but never a 'gossip columnist'.  What is thought by this old geezer in writing down thoughts is that it gives folks an opportunity to hear what is being said and heard AND noted local by this old geezer.  Were one to need any more proof of value of what is put down, research brings up some of the uses of such reportages.

Gossip can serve to:


normalise and reinforce moral boundaries in a speech-community
foster and build a sense of community with shared interests and information
build structures of social accountability
further mutual social grooming (like many other uses of language, only more so)
be used as a form of passive aggression, as a tool to isolate and harm others
provide a peer-to-peer mechanism for disseminating information in organizations

I do so love a good quote from a favoured film and have one at the ready for this post.  "Steel Magnolias" be the film.  In one scene, ladies are gathered in a beauty parlour, chatting about one of the employees, all are wondering about the employee.  The lady who owns the beauty parlour, leans into group and says: "There is a story there..."  Don't you just love it.  You know that she be right and we wait with bathed breath to discover just what the story might be.

Local, many have been the times that folks have stopped this old geezer and told a story that just begged to be told.  There be many local who want the ghost stories told, or tell of what was once the place called Marysville.  What one sees today may well not be what many remember in looking at a building or a road.

This old geezer does not write for a living.  Mind, there be an editor for London newspaper who tells oft that there is a place on newspaper if MOI wants it.  To hear it told, many would love to read the colourful and 'thought provoking' comments of.   Fancy that.

I like to think what I do is share me diary with the whole world.  Truth be told, the whole world is hellbent on calling me a blogger or worse.  "Gossip columnist",  Oh, My!

When this old geezer wrote in Fresno, the 'gossip' placed on blog got the attention of denizens of Silly Hall and others of note.  "Gossip" got a much put upon road fixed.  "Gossip" got pavements repaired.  "Gossip" got many in community to join "Neighbourhood Watch".  Got slumlords to fix up properties.  Got neighbours to sweep and wash up pavements in front of homes.  Got American Flags to be placed outside homes on holidays.  For lack of a better word, "Gossip" is good...

This old geezer may not use; "Did you hear the latest" to catch your attention BUT watch out for "Truth be told..."

PAST HAUNTS MARYSVILLE BID MEET

As reported yesterday, the Marysville BID met at local eatery to elect a new board and to try and get all of the merchants united in efforts to improve image and promote business growth.

My dears, this old geezer had video and still camera at the ready, had snaps of attendees and most interesting video. What unfolded at the gathering did not lend itself to this report. Having no wish to offend or embarrass anyone, went with this filmed bit from a very popular Broadway play, turned into a film. If you listen to the bit as you read, you might catch me drift.

The China Moon Restaurant was scene of the BID meet, a large section of was reserved for the meeting but there was still room for the general public to come in and eat. Having been told that no guests were allowed to attend, this old geezer made way to restaurant and purchased own meal and watched as the drama unfolded.

Many of the business owners are known to this old geezer. How grand it was to see so many in one place, with much ALOHA spirit in the air. One could clearly see that many were of the hope that the ill winds of the past had completely blown away and it was to be a fresh new beginning.

The meeting opened on time with a greeting from Brenda, new president hopeful, who begged all to dig into the lovely meal offered and get to know one another and get comfy for the business part of the meet to follow. No one needed any more encouragement, the queue of hungry folks snaked past the table where MOI sat and offered the opportunity to chat with many as they past.

The spirit of ALOHA was tested by late arrivals who did not need food to warm selves, they had arrived with much liquid nourishment already taken, to be added to by endless stream of bottles of more beer.

Much was made of all merchants being treated 'with respect', the past was dead, and it was a new beginning. Were I to play the video, one would clearly hear that the past was not dead and 'respect' was not an equal virtue applied to all merchants by one another. Bad form was displayed by the alcohol-fueled behaviour of some and added to by short fuse of new leadership.

The ghost of 'Christmas past' was hellbent on haunting 'Christmas present', there is no other way to describe it. Sadly, in the interest of trying to seem 'fair', the bad behaviour was allowed to go on and on and on.

A new board was formed, that event providing more drama for the evening. The past is not forgot, and notice was served that some of the merchants would be called upon in future to settle up past bills. Flexing powerfully, Brenda allowed that in the coming days, she would not declare amnesty and had strong views on unpaid dues.

Brenda acted very much the politician last night. She was clever enough to tell the gathered, that she had attended a meeting at Silly Hall and found the denizens there to be right open and receptive to BID efforts. Even went so far as to allow that Chief of Police Wallace Fullerton has a special place in heart for BID. Fancy that.

Given the learning curve, one should not have thought the meeting was going to be slick and polished. Truth be told, it was anything but. Lacking polish did not take away the very real feeling of hope in the room last night. One could see on the faces of many of the merchants, real desire to try and make Marysville a more brilliant place to be. A powerful desire on the part of many present to be a part of a fresh new beginning. A real "Band of Brothers".

I am not a member of the BID, and after last night, doubt that would want to be. I came away from the meeting with the thought that the BID is NOT relevant. Not relevant to how goes the fortunes of businesses on D Street or any other road for that matter. Not relevant to the future of Marysville. In short, the BID is 'much ado about nothing'.

Standing on pavement, having a 'gasp' with other attendees, one heard comments that proved me point. One local merchant told of his business doing well on the INTERNET, that a storefront on D Street was not going to make or break him. He also went on to tell that he had got the rights to 'Historic Downtown Marysville' and was soon to start blogging under that heading. Mind, the chap was not being mean, just clever.

One also met up with the loud and bombastic past of the BID. This old geezer was asked if he remembered meeting this personage. I did indeed. One year later and there is no pleasure being near. The funny thing about alcohol-fuelled bad behaviour is that it always travels in twos and threes. If one is going to play the fool, it helps to have a cheering section. Many beers were had by a few.

The 'colourful' past of the BID went on to tell, that were it not for HE, and HE alone, there would be no Friday Farmers Market. Fancy that.

My dears, truth be told, the businesses on D Street that matter are not going to shutter doors. There are shops that have added to the value of the shopping experience in the past and will continue to do so. Special folks that they be, they do not need the BID to tell them what needs to be done to promote the city of Marysville. They already do that. There is much LOVE of neighbour on 'high street' and have no doubt that that love will continue to be felt by any and all who want to improve conditions Downtown. Even the clever chap who gains much from online business, tells that what truly matters to him is the joy of seeing his family a part of a very special place.

This old geezer was not the only 'fly on the wall' last night. Nancy Pasternak was also there. I have no doubt that I saw one side of the pancake and she saw another. Will be curious to see her take on the gathering. Very Interesting...

HOW DARE I

Constable "Busybody" plagues Marysville

'We've gotta help this stupid little town of ours...' The local rag, The Appeal Democrat, ran an editorial the other day and used this quote.  This old geezer would dearly love to meet the local merchant who said, as he told true of the problems that plague Marysville.

Having not lived local since they planted dirt here, there be many who feel that MOI is way out of line in his posts and videos about Marysville.  How dare this old geezer have anything to say about local happenings.  I must be thick as a brick, believing as I do that being engaged is what one does when one cares about the patch of earth called home.  Going out of way to tell one and all that opinions shared are mine alone, and everyone has one, it does not stop the tongues from clucking and the doors slamming on, when this old geezer ventures out and about.  More's the pity that...

"Marysville - the oldest 'small' city in California" is much used to place a tag on Marysville.  Truth be told, if Marysville does not re-invent self, it will soon have a new tag, "Marysville - the oldest 'small' city, DEAD".

Gold brought Marysville into being and for some time, the small city managed to keep head above water and continue to live.  It never became as grand as others but there was something special about the place and folks managed to work and live and raise families.  There is still something special about Marsyville, just much harder to know what that 'special' is.

This old geezer loves to hear the stories that locals have to tell.  Having much time, it is quite easy to walk round Marysville and meet another colourful character and hear another take on why they live here or what brought them her in the first place.  Like this old geezer, there be many locals who came from someplace else, felt the charm of Marysville, fell in love with, and hooked into the dream of the place.

For a very long time, things just went along as usual, even he departure of businesses from Downtown and the ever shrinking population did not scare off the folks who loved Marysville.  It was the passion displayed by some locals that drew other colourful characters to the city, all wanting to feel special in a 'special' place.

That was before the economy in California and the entire country turned to custard.  Property values fell, jobs were lost, services cut and the mean wind of hard times blew through Marysville.  There are more shops shuttered on High Street and there be not many who have not had to cut back on things due to fear of economy getting meaner.

The denizens of Silly Hall say that all that can be done to keep the lamps on at Silly Hall is being done.  There is no coin in the public purse and belt-tightening is order of the day.  Fire Services have been cut back, Police Service are less.  Every effort is being made to keep Marysville afloat.  I wonder.

When times were good, it was easy to give brilliant pay packets to appointed officials in Marysville.  Along with the pay packets, came extras, so many that the true cost is not quite known to taxpayers.  One hears that public employees are taking cuts to pay packets, over-time cut and positions left unfilled.  One hears that public employees lower on the food chain are asked to give more up than the higher ups.

One hears much if one listens...

At recent city council meeting, this old geezer asked Chief Wallace Fullerton if he would be prepared to depart Police Department, leaving position open, in order to save jobs of sworn officers.  "I have a contract", the Chief told this old geezer.  Fancy that.  A contract is nothing if there be no coin to pay, but that seems not to bother our Chief of Police.  I also asked if he, the Chief, would be prepared to give up city provided vehicle, in order to cut expenses.  Used the example of elected Sheriff of Yuba County.  Chief Fullerton claimed to know nothing of that cost cutting measure.

What bothered most about meeting with Chief Fullerton was his attitude.  When asked questions he did not like, he made it very clear that he had every right to NOT provide answers.  Mind, last year when this old geezer asked questions of City Manager Casey, he too told this old geezer that he would not provide answers.  So much for OPEN local government.

Chatting with locals as I do, one is warned about the petty attitude of Silly Hall denizens when faced with one they do not cotton to.  "They will ignore you."  "They will freeze you out."  Or worse.

My dears, what could Silly Hall do to this old geezer?  Run out of town on a rail? Bar from Silly Hall?  Refuse requests for public information?

It is not just the attitude of the denizens of Silly Hall that vexes one, it is the attitude of local merchants and the BID.  All know that there is trouble in Marysville but none seems to know just what can be done to correct.  Much is made of past mistakes, that there is change coming, and there will be a better atmosphere in Marysville.  If you listen to folks, one comes away with impression that all of these things have been promised and aid in the past.

Dear reader, round now, there be sore bums and thirst setting in.  Pray get a cuppa and if tired, come back to post, as this old geezer has much to say still.  When last looked, space is no problem and am going to continue to bang on until all is got off me chest...

As I see it, the problem with many locals is that they have tired of doing battle with Silly Hall.  Council meetings are not attended and much of what could be fixed local is left unfixed by the elected and appointed officials in Marysville.  The 'old boy' club is alive and well in Marysville.

I wonder about much.  What is to do this 4th of July in Marysville.  Will National Night Out be a hit.  Will BID meeting bring about a new order to Downtown?  Will the lamps go out at Silly Hall?

Marysville does not exist in a vacuum.  Around Marysville are many examples of elected officials and local governments trying to re-invent selves in these hard times.  The question is asked if Marysville bothers to listen to or follow examples round.

Take the example of Supervisor Andy Vasquez.  Board of Supervisor member representing Linda, a much put upon community.  Spending own coin, prints up a business directory for Linda Business.  Puts together a 4th of July event at old mall.  An event that will fun , information, cruise to local business, light show and so much more.  Not because Supervisor Vasquez has to but because he is passionate about his community and he CARES enough to be totally engaged.

The elected Sheriff of Yuba County, Steve Durfor, caring so much about the community that he will drop off supplies to this old geezer, to give out on National Night Out.  Sheriff Durfor is one copper who is passionate in belief that 'crime prevention' is the right thing to do, that the 'broken window' approach to crime works and saves lives and cash.  Mind, it also helps to believe that fighting crime is a collaborative effort and not about 'turf protection'.

Take the local merchants who do not allow the small minded attitude of some in Marysville, turn them off to efforts to contribute, even when they know that there be some who write them off due to 'colourful' appearance.

The BID is hosting a meeting of membership tonight.  Appeal Democrat wants to believe that a new chapter in its history is being written.  Goes so far as to use the 'collegial' word to describe.  Not one to let any good opinion go unnoticed, this old geezer had this to say about the editorial;

"collegial"... what a wonder it would be if the BID can grasp the concept. Have oft thought of the BID in terms of "what came first, the chicken or the egg", the BID being an old chicken denuded of plumage of late, while the 'egg' hatched by good intentions has yet to break open and produce real value for effort spent by members of BID.


Seems to this old geezer that BID & denizens of "Silly Hall" are locked in a dance where both want to lead, and stumble over each other, neither hearing that the band is out of tune and all of the other couples have left the floor.

"We've got to help this stupid little town of ours..." should be branded on the bums of all concerned to remind when the 'collegial' atmosphere fails to happen. Mind, this old geezer does not belong to the BID, or have a shop, he just has a bit of lolly to spend in pocketbook, made harder to do as Downtown merchants fail to give opportunity to do so. More's the pity that...
 
This old geezer does not hide behind a clever sign-in name, all posts on Appeal Democrat bear me legal name.  Why hide self if one has an opinion?
 
I was invited to attend the meeting by a member of the group.  Mentioning this to the lovely lady who is running for office of president, was told that invite is not valid.  Has the BID heard of the 'Brown Act'?  Is this a transparent new beginning of the BID?
 
My dears, when last looked, this old geezer discovered that one does not have to have a fancy title, hold office, own a business to be engaged in what matters.  If one LIVES on a patch of earth, calls it home and is passionate about making that patch of earth more brilliant, all one needs to have is willingness to be part of the solution.  To be engaged in the process of making a place a better place to live, work and play.
 
My dears, this old geezer has the hide of an elephant.  Truth be told, they be some who also feel MOI is a big as elephant as well.  Be that as it may, whatever poison arrows sling me way will be deflected, am not bloody likely to quite me one man campaign to make Marysville more brilliant.
 
Having said all of the above, it goes that my opinion is like an arse, we all have one, am just more willing to expose me arse on 'jump street' than most.

'LOCKDOWN' AT MARYSVILLE SILLY HALL

Why is that entire staff has to depart for Lunch at same time at Marysville Silly Hall? Has history proved to denizens of Silly Hall that no one is apt to come by to pay monies? Or is it just a case of elected and appointed setting schedule to serve their needs and not the needs of the public?

Gives a whole new meaning to a 'small town' attitude. Mind, this is Marysville, and the denizens of Silly Hall thrive on living in the past and not the present.

Marysville 'Silly Hall' Denizens served Notice

This old geezer serves notice to denizens of 'Silly Hall' that he will take an active interest in local government and encourages others to do as much. Time for clucking tongue and muttering about what is wrong in Marysville is past. Now is the time for all good men and women who love Marysville to do all possible to ensure that the lamps do not dim at 'Silly Hall'.

How grand would it be if many locals attended a meeting of city council to let elected and appointed denizens know that they must do all possible to get 'we the people' pro-active in the business of saving a lovely place we call Marysville.

MARYSVILLE COPPERS NEED A GIGGLE

It may well be that Chief Wallace and his coppers lack a sense of humour, that will not put off this old geezer trying to force a giggle or two at the Marysville Police Department. As one can see there be coppers in UK who can poke fun at selves and win over the community in the process.

Marysville Police Department Displays

Steel Bracelets & Blackjacks on display at copper station. How original is that? What with all of the talk about coppers reaching out to community, why is it that powers that be in Police Department feel that displays of colourful and 'rough' promote a sense of 'friendly' to the folks sworn to 'serve' as well as protect?

This is the 21st Century, coppers are educated to take a different approach to crime and community relations. Neighbourhood Watch, prevention of crime and engaging the whole community in the process is order of day. How horrid that Chief Fullerton or Silly Hall denizens have grown so comfy with the colourful past of Marysville, they fail to see that times have changed and a different image or message about the work done by the coppers has moved forward.

Mind, with less and less coin in the public purse, there seems less interest in thinking 'out of the box' and more time spent dreaming of days of past glory and not a brighter future for the coppers on patrol in Marysville.

URBANE MEETS RURAL DAY IN MARYSVILLE

INVITE TO STROLL & SHOP 'DOWNTOWN'

 Friday past was the scene of another "Farmers Market" on "D" Street in Downtown Marysville.

A year ago, when first landed here, this old geezer went to this event, both being new to the area.  It was the first year that the Farmers Market came to be, as was it the first year this old geezer had a real opportunity to see how 'alive' Downtown could be due to a 'special' event.

Having just arrived local, MOI was full of hope that Marysville would live up to expectations of it being a grand place to live.  Much can be said for the efforts of merchants to sponsor the market as way to bring more shoppers Downtown, or at least have locals linger a wee bit longer before heading home from work.

To be true, this old geezer found his calling in "Linda" and departed the city proper, while holding onto a "Marysville" postal address.  The market had not impressed last year, due in part to not being fond of paying high prices for produce available at local market AND unwilling to purchase items best found in a 'real' store at prices that are more friendly to pocket book.  I did shop at the market three times and felt had given it a fair chance to impress.  I was not sure how much merchants benefited from the event or how big the effort might grow.

Speed forward a year, the Farmers Market is still alive.  This year it got off to a bang due to a controversy over who should or should not be able to peddle wares on the road.  Names were called, monies returned, local newspaper stirred up the tale and BID board members resigned or were forced out due to the 'tempest in a teapot' local scandal.  Nothing like a little dirt being hurled to draw a crowd on the pavement.

To my eye, the number of vendors is still quite small, with the mix of, being more eclectic than a year ago.

One can understand the farmers being there.  While there is but one featured on this blog, there are many more.  All seem to sell exactly the same produce at almost the same prices.  If one is looking for a cheaper vendor, spare the effort as it seems as if farmers have 'fixed' the price, each supports the other at going for a 'good' price.

There is a local bread maker flogging product at market.  Mind, I do not understand the logic of purchasing a $6.00 loaf of bread.

'CELEBRATED' LOCAL VENDOR

 Lem's is not the only vendor with meat for sale.  There be others, one being a shop on "D" Street that sells 'tri-tip' every day of the week.  Oft wondered why some feel the need to control the marketplace, when the customer will decide who they will favour with cash.  Give folks a choice I say, with a crowd, no one person need 'hog' all of the action.

HONEY TO SWEETEN THE STROLL

 The lovely couple featured to the side are on the 'honey business'.  The lovely man in snap is soon to be 76 and he still gathered up the honey for  market.  His lovely wife is quick with a smile and even quicker to offer one a 'honey straw' to suck on.
Fancy that, a sweet to keep one with a smile on face as  one peruses the vendors.

A MARYSVILLE 'FARMER'

 Now special reason why this farmer was featured over others.  Might well be I like the colour of his sign or was impressed by his friendly manner in dealing with a shopper.  Overheard him telling someone how to get to his farm and also pointing out other points of interest.

Got to love a chap who makes it 'fun' to deal with the public.

FARMERS MARKET 'PLASTIC WARES

 The vendor to left is one that makes one wonder.  Does one truly go to a Farmers Market looking for "Tupperware"?  Mind, there might be a certain logic to the items for sale as on has to do something with the produce bought.
Here again, the price set on items was no bargain.  She reminded this old geezer, the lovely lady selling, that her product was "The Best" and one expects to pay for "The Best".  And I thought using a old butter tub was clever....

'SOUL FOOD' VENDOR

 Along with food for the body, there be food for the soul at Farmers Market.  The folks at this stall are quite keen to engage one in a chat about 'godly' things.
Lovely folks no doubt but one wonders if the market is the right venue for them.
Have no doubt that one and all wish each other well and the presence of these good folks is as welcome as all others.

CIGAR BOX CONTRIBUTES SMOKERS DELIGHT

 You have to love a vendor sponsored by a shop that promotes 'smoking'.  Gives a whole new meaning to 'smoked' meats.
When asked if the meats offered were good, was told proudly that there were no better 'spareribs' to be got.
The Cigar Box is a shop on "D" Street, one that will serve up a 'cold one, to go with smoke products.

COLOURFUL & MUSICAL RIDE FOR WEE ONES

When first looked at this vendor, wondered how one could flog a 'dirty' product.  The featured items seemed a bit used.  Plus the had horrid sounds coming from with lights flashing on faces.

Turns out that they are a ride for wee ones.  Not just wee ones, but children who one would have thought were too big to ride.

So many were using that the music from the 'rides' overtook that part of the road.  Might have been fun but still hold fast to idea that 'ride' offered, looked and sounded horrid.

You who read this old geezer's posts know him to be cheeky and will not let all who are 'au fait' with down with this post.  It is another 'slice of life' viewed by as he walks the roads of Marysville.

As much as the next person, this old geezer loves to walk about and shop.  Just not keen on paying high prices for items best got someplace else.  Truth be told, am quite willing to gather up veggies in a tin from local store and have no fear of the 'freshness' of fruit off the bin at store.

Being one who eats early and of a certain age that feels 'eating' on the road is a bit 'tacky', the idea of stuffing cake hole 'on the go' does not appeal to.  Mind there is a place to sit but in the middle of the road...

The BID sponsorship of the event, along with other sponsors is a noble idea.  It closes off a part of "D" Street and makes a 'happening" take place on a road that is very short on 'happenings.

One has to wonder at how much good is achieved by this event.

This old geezer stayed at the market for a few hours and was impressed by just how many local merchants went out of way to come down to and support.  More than one merchant known could be seen gathering up quite a bit of produce.  Merchants who are not directly in front of the vendors.

Nice to see that The Brick had a banner up and was open, even if limited food was available due to kitchen being closed down at 3pm.

I ran into a photo-journalist from Appeal Democrat and some new neighbours at the market.  Lovely.

I did not see any local elected officials or denizens from "Silly Hall" and noted that there were some merchants who closed up shop as usual and did not buy into any need to support.  More's the pity that, as it defeats the purpose of and can not be very helpful in getting future business.

As these things go, it is a long time til September and one will have to wait and see how the numbers stack up at the end of the second year of the event.  With recent controversy at market played out, tempers will cool and one would hope that folks will return to being 'neighbourly'.  In a 'free market', there is room for one and all.

Was asked at market if I feared running out of things to do a reportage on.  HA!  Not by half...

PERFECTION....enough said.

Candy Box Lady - Marysville Ca

OSCITANT DENIZENS OF 'SILLY HALL'- MARYSVILLE

'Silly Hall' denizens in kit for DeFrees Visit

 My dears, prepare selves for a shock.  The denizens of 'Silly Hall' are trying to pretend that this old geezer is a 'bit of bad meat' ate of late and causing bad dreams.  Allow MOI to share impressions of latest visit to.

Most are 'au fait' that MOI is early riser.  Was standing on the pavement outside side entrance to Silly Hall waiting for community officer to show up at Police Department.  One catches the most interesting folks coming to toil at Silly Hall.

City Manager Casey was caught with coffee entering the building before 8am.  Mind, Mr. Casey is so full of self that he need not greet members of the public or could it be he still smarts at run in with this old geezer a year ago?  Mr. Casey is one of the denizens of Silly Hall who feel that he need not answer questions from the public, just play GOD with members of the city council.
I mention the arrival of Mr. Casey for good reason.  Many have told this old geezer that they too have been given the cold shoulder by My. Casey and wonder if he truly understands how odd that be.  Mind, Mr. Casey will pretend that he remembers not MOI...

I visited the lovely lady who deals with Neighbourhood Watch, one Lucy Merrill.  She being one of the lovely folks met when first landed here.  I liked her then and made effort to keep in touch and still find her most helpful in solving problems.

National Nite Out is soon to be here, August 3rd, and have brilliant idea for the event.  Am trying to sort out the details of and will let one and all know when it gels.  It is me opinion that merchants of D Street could band together and host a gathering of sorts on that day, letting one and all know that to shop in Downtown is safe and the merchants do all possible to make it a worry free visit ti 'high street'.  There are egos to stroke, the BID for one and the idea may fall short but there seems to be interest on part of merchants and it does not require approval from anyone to host a public showing of 'Civic Pride'.

Ms. Merrill is trying to help make National Night Out more brilliant than it has been in the past.  Got to love a lady who does not allow ego to get in way of helping the public.  Mind, there is almost no lolly to do things with and MOI is trying to get a wee bit of help from lovely folks known.  The elected sheriff of Yuba County is trying to track down some things for, and might even spring for a few.  Fancy that.  I went to great length to assure Silly Hall that any sort of event would require 'bugger all' from.  Besides, there is not much in the tin these days to rattle.

Ms. Fangman, City Clerk, was visited yesterday and got some information from her.  Ms. Fangman is another denizen of Silly Hall that likes to pretend that MOI is unknown to.  She is polite but there be no chatty manner with.  Ms. Fangman went on to tell this old geezer that requests for information from via emails would not be answered.  Ms. Fangman blames this on the massive number of emails she receives and can not be expected to answer them with care.  One has to hand deliver or mail a request for information or nothing will come of it.  One assumes this follows with City manager as well.  Truth be told, to assume anything with regard to the 'old guard' at Silly Hall could be fatal to health...

I will this day walk over a 'hard copy' of request for information.  So much for Silly Hall acting like they are in the 21st century.  Odd about email bit, as the website for coppers pushes online reporting of crime. I must be thick as a brick and am missing something.

 

Throwing cash down drain at 'Silly Hall'

No visit to Silly Hall is without surprises.  When next you visit, and I do so hope that one and all local will, pray feel how cool the place is. So chilled is the place that one could almost use a jumper to ward off a cold.  Mind, who cares at Silly Hall?  The 'public purse' pays the bills.  Must be grand...

Having told one and all about Chief of Police feeling put upon by this old geezer, it was a bit of a shocker to catch him being silly outside of office visited yesterday.  Not expecting the door to open with MOI framed by, poor "Wallace" was caught trying to hide his interest in my visit to said office.  "Wallace" is a large man and is not 'light of foot' making his fleeing the scene much heard.  How sad that the man feels the need to join the growing queue of folks who refuse to deal with this old geezer.  Whatever...

The fragile egos of appointed personages at Silly Hall, added to lack of cash in the purse, lends an air of doom to the place.  One feels as if the denizens are caught in the Twilight Zone and are clueless as to how to get out.  Ages ago they stopped listening to the public and now only hear own voices in making choices that will have much impact on the city for a long time to come.

Not to worry, today is a bright new day and expect I shall find brilliance on display somewhere on the path walked today...

TOP COPPER FIZZLES AT COUNCIL MEETING

Lamp advert for Marysville

My dears, it has been too long since this old geezer graced Marysville City Hall with a visit.  Last time there was to attend a city council meeting with regards to 'uncovered' living in the riverbed.

Due to the nature of the issue at hand, there were many folks at the council meeting and much was told to council members with regard to the problem.  That was then, this is now.

Last night, this old geezer attended another meeting of the city council.  Why not, it was a lovely night, live but round the corner from and what better way to be informed than to take part in the process of 'open government'.

Sadly, there were no 'burning issues' and members of the public stayed away in droves.  How very sad.

Not even the presentation of an award to young chap got much in the way of a crowd.  AND, the young chap and family departed as soon as award was presented.  More's the pity that as the young chap could have got a lesson on how government works.

The highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the Police Department Report by the Chief of Police.  A quick read of selected passages and it was done.  Council members were in a 'lovefest' mode with regard to the top copper and report and it barely got any reaction from council members.  Mind, toward end of meeting, council members 'air kissed' one another and made much ado about the report and the top copper, almost feeling smug at the low crime stats and all.  Nice to hear that the sworn members of the police department are mentioned so casual as being most important part of the picture.

Knowing no shame, this old geezer went up to the top copper and felt the need to ask questions of.  Chief Fullerton is a large man, with a commanding voice and a politician's face and handshake.  Mind, you do not get to be top copper without playing politics, it being a given that one would be kept at arm's length by the great man.

Chief Fullerton is 'open' as long as he likes the questions being asked and becomes apoplectic when he feels the public is not in awe of his 'greatness' or blinded by the many stars on uniform.  He shuts down and tells quite true that if he does not like questions asked, he does not have to answer.  Clever but true.

Unlike top copper of Yuba County, who has to go out and get elected, the top copper of Marysville is under 'contract' and feels no great need to deal with anyone other than city council.  Truth be told, that is the case and one has to go to local administration for answers wanted.  This very day a request was sent to city manager for information.

'Open Government' is only open if members of the public make an effort to attend meeting.  If elected officials and appointed officials speak loud enough to be heard and are truly interested in letting the public see that they are interested in what the public has to say.  From where I sat, it was hard to hear most speak and one could see the veil of boredom drop when a matter came up council was not fired up about.

Like the telly, last night's offering at city council meeting may have been an off night.  I will have to return oft to see if that be the case.  If nothing else, it will make for interesting visits in the future.

URBANE IN MARYSVILLE?

Old Postcard View of Marysville

My dears, Marysville may not be center of the world and like the old postcard much of its glory may be a bit faded but it is not without a certain appeal.  Appeal one finds in many unexpected ways.

Much of me life has been spent living in urban areas.  While Marysville is not New York or London, it is still a city with a downtown core.  A center that provides much support to locals living there.  There are shops of all kinds, many of which make life easier if you want to live in a downtown area.  There are the many take-away food places, hair salons, eateries and a hardware store.

My personal favourites are; The Brick, China Moon, Ace Hardware, 7/11(that is where the REDBOX film rental is located), St. Joseph's and City Hall.

It does not require much effort to walk about downtown.  Truth be told, you can visit most things of interest in not much time. "D Street" is the main road for shops and can be walked from one end to the other with ease. 

This old geezer likes the fact that folks tend to remember one here and are apt to say "Hello" to as you walk round town.  Just the other day, there must have been 5 people sing out me name as I and Paul walked through downtown.  Captain Wilson had a smile and welcome for, as did the lovely lady who owns "The Candy Box".  Then there was Brenda and Tom.  Not to forget the lovely couple met last year and remembered by.  Fancy that.

"I think I am going to like it here"...

REVELATIONS

Putting pieces back together

What a difference a week makes in the life of this old geezer.  Week from Saturday past, flat had been burglarized, life was never going to be the same at the Linda Villa.

Promises were made that one would stay on the road, promises that will not be kept and are sure to have some feel poorly toward this old geezer.  That is the way of it and nothing done on my part is going to make minds change.  Truth be told, the strong feeling of 'violation' had one not wanting to repeat the experience, no amount of trying was going to return a carefree attitude about living in that flat ever again.  It was best to face up to it and move on, quickly.
The Monday after the break in of flat, MOI and Paul had secured digs in another location.  Marysville proper was to be new home.  A lovely English-style cottage flat was rented in the heart of downtown Marysville.  Removal van was hired and workmen set about bringing sticks of furniture and many trips to local hardware store ensured that all sort of supplies to make proper new home were got.

Just short of a week has past and the flat is right proper.  So proper that one felt free to invite a lovely lady for coffee and cake the other day.  Fancy that.

Along with the move, my business relationship with Kay Properties is at an end.  Murray Kay has been on a road of self-destruction for some time and recent trip to Hawaii and behaviour there and upon return, on the part of Murray made it quite clear that 'self-pity' had doomed efforts to save.  Being burglarized just pushed up the date of my departure, one I had been trying to stave off.

I did all of the 'right' things at the Linda Villa, used e reputation to try and give some respect to Murray and his business.  Unfortunately, for Murray, my reputation is excellent and not up for being soiled by the actions of a business partner, however sorry one feels for.  Failure to pay bills, return deposits, treat tenants proper, evict evil creatures, keep utilities turned on and carry insurance were some of the reasons that this old geezer had many sleepless nights.  Murray did not seem to care how many people he hurt and he sped toward his ruin.  Ruination that seems certain, even with the efforts of a 'white knight' (NOT MOI), who more than like has arrived a day late and dollar short of salvation.  More's the pity that as many lovely folks will be hurt when the end comes to Kay Properties.

It pains me that lovely folks who moved into the Linda Villa due to this old geezer's charm and dream are going to be left holding an empty bag.  Murray has a long history of not returning security deposits and more than like, all future deposits owed will have to be lost.  The queue of folks seeking legal action against Murray Kay is at least 12 long and getting longer.  MOI knows how to do the legal move against Murray, it being a complete waste of time as a judgment against Murray will be worthless.  How can you get blood from a stone??

Banks are closing in on all properties and have every reason to close down complex due to lack of insurance, something that makes banks very afraid.  They just might suffer a complete loss.

Unless completely daft, am sure that some truly lovely friends were made at the Linda Villa.  Not many, but the few being of a superior nature.  Babs, Victoria, Larry, Daniel & Mapu and lastly, but not least, James & Chandra.  Should the worst come to the Linda Villa, these lovely folks will be left out in the cold, a place they do not belong and will receive no relief from Murray on.  Murray is hellbent on protecting his own hide and not the least concerned about the tenants he will harm due to his lack of business sense or code of honour.

My anger is directed toward the behaviour of Murray Kay, not the man.  The man is so filled with self-pity that it robs him of the ability to see clearly that it was his actions, alone, that caused all of the hard times facing at present.  No amount of blame placed on others can negate that.  I have accepted my losses, not willingly but with grace, and moved on.  Murray would oft tell this old geezer how long we two would know one another.  To hear Murray wax on, it was going to be to me grave.  I did not think that upon hearing the remarks and can tell true, I am not in me grave and the 'knowing' has stopped.

My dears, allow me to end this here, or I will go on and on and surely bore you to death.  I have loads more stories to tell and will, just needed a bit of time to put the pieces of me life back together.

Stay tuned...

VIOLATED

Grab & Dash

Returning from early morn coffee and French pastry at local shop, me flatmate and I were gobsmacked to find the front door to flat open.  Entering, we discovered that the bath window had been forced and the flat had been burglarized.

"Burglarize" - to break in and steal...

My dears, that is not how this old geezer feels, violated more like, knowing that an evil creature entered my most private place and went through things in search of something to steal.  Truth be told, the evil creature was more than like a druggie, making the violation more hard to take, given the stand this old geezer takes against the use of drugs.

Taking to me cot and thinking of the events of Saturday did me no good.  What can one do after all is lost?  The coppers came quickly and took a report, even told they would try and see if any evil creatures looked about.  Not that much could be done, as cash has no identity other than that of the person holding.

Let me be quite clear.  The lovely lady who took my call might not have known what a 'flat' was but she took down the information and a patrol vehicle came quickly.  The officer was very kind and went about doing his job.  He did not patronize, nor did he hold out false hope.  Real copper work is quite different than what one sees on the telly.  In the real world, crime is not solved in a one hour time slot.

After the fact, neighbours told of hearing sounds behind flats, which may or not have been the evil creatures at work, but it fits the time line.  Mind, no one saw anything.

Over time, this old geezer has had bricks thrown through windows, property ruined, hate hurled at and even been attacked on the road by evil creatures wearing masks.  I will tell you true, having an uninvited person in flat is far more horrid.  It will be a long time coming round to feeling safe.

Many tenants feel that this old geezer is too 'in your face' in questioning folks found creeping round the complex in the night.  Truth be told, matters not the hour, I take the safety of folks in this community very serious and will continue to.  More's the pity that the value of my efforts to protect is lost on many.

With pluck, I shall continue to provide a safe harbour for self and my neighbours.  Harm found this old geezer, and unlike many, I will not give up on the community I am a part of.  The departure of good souls from Linda is exactly what the evil creatures want.  It is time the evil creatures are shown that it is their days that are numbers...