Dear Readers,

For this newsletter I decided to reflect on what I’ve discovered about our community—mostly the amazing generosity of spirit that has emerged in this crisis.  Here are some thoughts:   

  • The fun spirit of Ebbetts Pass Moose Lodge!  They are doing honk-and-go lunches every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The lunch crew is pictured below:
  • I have discovered the incredible creativity of winemakers doing virtual wine tasting, such as Scott Klann doing his Friday night happy hour of Newsome Harlow and Ten x Ten wines; Steve Millier of Millaire Winery talking all things wine, Hovey Wine discussing how their sparkling wine goes with a perfect brunch; and our other wonderful wineries and winemakers.

 

  • The very resourceful community on-line store for Calaveras businesses: www.ShopCalaveras.net developed and created by Lisa Bolton of Tea Break Design & Consulting.

 

  • Our wonderful neighbors who shop for their neighbors, “Pat, my workout buddy does my grocery shopping and has returned with items for me to try.  This is an experience!”

 

  • Short-term rentals are still on the “do not open” order.  I thank our local real estate and property management companies curbing short term rentals, and now developing plans on managing the units when the order is lifted, both from the health requirements and to encourage visitors to our area.

 

  • Very thoughtful Caltrans sign “Stay at Home” on the Utica Grade sign.

 

  • Impressive are the businesses helping businesses such as Sierra Hills Market that carries bread from Aria Bakery and Todd’s Bread.  Meaningful gestures.

 

  • It is great to hear our local musicians doing Facebook concerts: Grover Anderson popping up everywhere; Anthony Delaney and his jazz musicians at The Pub; Brian Jirka and his rock n’roll group; Nate Nathan with his eclectic style; Steve Hayward with the Freeze Radicals; smooth guitarist, Nicholas Lefler, and more. Here's a great photo of one of the Facebook concerts:

I’ve met with numerous business owners who have cried, been angry, scared, and frustrated.  Yet, they truly want to do what is right for the County and their community. 


Recently, while walking in my neighborhood, a woman stopped me.  She was very angry.  She expressed her frustration about businesses being closed, not surviving as a County, and no place for kids to play.  She argued that since there have been no deaths, we should just open up the County. When she was finished, she said “Thank you for letting me vent.”  I realized that one of the gifts we can give to each other is simply to listen and be present for each other.

 

Yes, we need to recognize the downside of this crisis, especially if we are to remain alert to our own frustrations and stay compassionate to other’s burdens.  Clearly, rumors abound and many of us feel we do not have any control over what is happening.  The future feels very uncertain.  Many of our elderly are experiencing isolation.  We miss visiting family and friends.  And there are the financial losses that many people and businesses face. 

 

In these stressful times, we can turn on each other, often taking the high moral ground.  Mask or no masks?  Business open or closed?  Bar still serving or not?  Second homeowners coming and going?  Despite these lapses, I believe most people are trying their best, and some face more distress than others do. 

 

As your County Supervisor, there is no question that the light exceeds the dark.  When all this is over, we can leave a legacy that we acted with compassion and heartfelt community spirit.  What we do today, will be remembered.  Let’s hang-in there.

 

Warmly, 

 

Merita

891 Mountain Ranch Road, San Andreas, CA, USA
209-286-9007

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