Just The News

Era Ends With Dennis Richmond

Our “eminent gris” newscaster will anchor his final show tomorrow night. After four decades, Dennis Richmond retires from KTVU, as planned.

Richmond’s run on the station is pretty atypical. Normally the news-anchor spots change with the seasons or ratings, but not in this case. When he started, he broke all sorts of stereotypes — and then grew into the news icon of today.

In Oakland Mag’s Best of Oakland picks, he was identified as the best male TV anchor: “In all fairness, is there really anybody else?”

Click on this image of Dennis, below, and see the video which features Dennis through the years.

Conserving H2O Isn’t That Hard

Conserving H2O isn’t that hard – and we have to cut back now. The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) officially declared mandatory rationing this afternoon.

According to their pronouncement, 19% cut-backs are required by single family homeowners, 11% by apartment dwellers, and 30% by anyone watering lawns and gardens.

EBMUD means business. If you don’t cut at least half that amount, they will levy fines too.

This weekend, start getting prepared. Go get some low-volume shower heads. If you can afford it, replace your older commodes. And start to do xeriscaping, which actually looks like fun.

We should make “going brown” feel like a badge of honor.

Donations For Burma

In the wake of Cyclone Nargis, the Burmese desparately need our help. Here are places where you can donate now, while waiting for the Myanmar government to open its borders:

Foundation for the People of Burma – “Immediate response to the disaster will focus on working with our project partners in Rangoon and on the Thai-Burma border, to organize and financially support emergency supplies and services.

Relief International – “RI is activating local resources in Myanmar to provide emergency assistance to relief operations with a vision to transition to recovery efforts.”

U.S. Campaign for Burma – “Cylone Nargis Fund will be used to help people in rebuilding their communities and homes. This will try and fill in the gaps where other aid agencies were not able to assist.”

Burmese American Democratic Alliance – “BADA aims to directly fund the Burmese, the NGOs led by monks, and groups in Rangoon that are coordinating relief efforts.”

Quick thanks to local climbing heroine, Arlene Blum, who has been visiting Burma for years. She sent an email recommending these relief organizations, so you can trust their good works.

Mayoral Election Begins

Stop by the Farmers Market on Sunday, and cast your $1 vote for this year’s Village officials. The primary takes place through May 17th, and the mayor’s race takes place through June 15th.

As you probably know, our government has gone to the dogs. Over the past year, our Mayor has been Bella and she’s been ably supported by Gracie.

When you vote, you are contributing to the Pet & Wildlife Fund, which meets the emergency needs of local wildlife who get injured.

Any questions? Please reach: lee@montclairvethospital.com