Before beginning the Reunion journey, let's append our theme word, "OVERWHELMING,"
to the traffic situation in Paso Robles. Well, it's not really a 'situation.' It's more like
a 'disaster.' Probably no big deal for the pilgrims who've only recently traded city
life for "Darn Near Paradise" life. But for those of us who were born, branded and bred
here, it's a cryin' shame.

Undoubtedly, the city fathers are balding and boo-hooing over this one,
as they pull their hair and consult and advise and hang their heads trying
to figure out a solution.

This is a 1:30 p.m. picture of Creston Road as you head down Capitol Hill. Two, three
or more times a day, cars are choking residents and other drivers
as they sit here, waiting for the light to change at the bottom of the hill. And this
is on a Thursday, folks.

And if Creston Road is a steady stream, Spring Street is a nightmare. Vine Street
is the alternate route. Just don't drive too fast or the "DIPS" will give you whiplash
or teeth embedded in the steering wheel.

SOLUTIONS:

1. ALL RESIDENTS who moved to Paso after 1980 must
pay a $975 annual surcharge for every car they
drive. This money will be used to help fund the
following:

NEW CITY BUSSES, TROLLEYS, TRAINS,
WALKING LANES ---
whatever it takes to get folks to stop using
their cars and trucks.

A NEW subway system under the Salinas
River to connect the east and west.

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2. MANDATORY car pooling after lots of meetings
that will determine who rides with whom, when and why.

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3. Incorporate a USER FEE which would pay businesses
to provide online shopping and delivery.

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4. PASS A LAW against driving too slow(ly).

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CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Paso's good friend, Keith Tarwater. Keith
drew the pictures for the "Pioneer Day at the Museum
October 11, 2003" special envelope that could be purchased
and mailed as a first-day issue collector's item at the museum.

The new post office replica is pretty cool --- a great addition
to a great Paso treasure, the Pioneer Museum. Do you realize
that without the help of people like Keith, there wouldn't be
a record of the city's roots and heritage. There wouldn't be a
sense of values, direction and wisdom from those who spoke
for Paso through the years. There wouldn't be that important
connection to what may have been (and should be) 'best' about
this place on the map.

TO THE REUNION PICTURES FOR SURE THIS TIME!