Vanilla Meringue to host storytime
Never let it be said that San Mateo County lacks an eclectic mix of entertaining cultural options. The days of “Deadwood City” and “Boringame” appear to be over. Let us count the ways.
First up, the Burlingame downtown main public library is set to host a drag queen in the children’s room Saturday at 11 a.m.
Vanilla Meringue, whose Facebook page also is promoting the weekend event, is scheduled to present what’s described as storytime.
The library’s website notes: “Our world is diverse and beautiful. Only positive things can be gained by reinforcing to children the power of loving yourself and accepting others for who they are.”
It is also explained that Ms. Meringue’s various offerings are going to include books, music, dancing and “lots of glitter.” Families are invited. The event is free.
Clearly, Mr. Rogers is so yesterday.
Meanwhile, just a few miles south in unincorporated Redwood City, an application for a drive-through designer coffee outlet, replete with bikini-clad serving individuals, is pending.
So, if all goes well with the local bureaucrats, caffeinestarved customers will one day be able to receive a thongrelated soy latte, easy on the Splenda.
Another downturn?
It’s the topic that makes lots of Silicon Valley denizens a bit uneasy. We’re referring to the economic meltdowns in the late 1990s and another one 10 years ago.
Both of those financial jolts hit the high-tech region hard. The negative ramifications were widespread and significant.
However, it’s worth noting that there was at least one salutary result of those sudden and unanticipated fiscal collapses: Much less traffic congestion along the Peninsula due to employee layoffs and other cutbacks.
Last week, both Facebook and Twitter experienced huge drops in their share prices. If those declines persist and if the infection spreads, is it possible we could see a repeat of the local effects of those previous downturns?
Hey, if you have to negotiate the Highway 101/92/Hillsdale Boulevard nightmare corridor on a daily basis during rush hour, it’s something to think about at least.
Tom Constantino
A dozen years ago on a hot summer afternoon, there was a knock on our front door. On the porch was a perspiring Tom Constantino, asking for fresh political support for his longtime friend and ex-congressman, Pete McCloskey.
Tom appeared exhausted. Battling the early effects of Parkinson’s disease, he refused to be daunted by the crippling ailment. Still able to walk, albeit with considerable effort, he came into our home and rested.
We talked for perhaps 15 minutes, and then he was back outside walking the neighborhood for McCloskey. Loyalty was Tom’s hallmark.
A former U.S. Marine, San Mateo County Community College District trustee and McCloskey aide, Tom died June 28 at the age of 74. He left his mark on the Peninsula. Services have been held. He won’t be forgotten.
Garbology defined
No matter how odd, there’s a definition for just about anything and everything these days. A personal favorite is “garbology.” Yep, it’s the study of garbage, trash, refuse, all of the discarded stuff of modern society. Who knew that debris had attained a measure of academic respectability? We do now.