I've written a lot about FamilySearch Indexing. And another reason I've felt a little behind with GeneaBlogie as well as reading the blogs I usually read is that I've done a lot of indexing! But I was particularly excited by the announcement the other day that San Francisco's mortuary records will be indexed in a venture involving the California Genealogical Society and Library, the San Francisco Public Library, SFgenealogy.com, the Genealogical Society of Utah, and, of course, FamilySearch Indexing.
I'm gooing to help out on this. This porject, like all FamilySearch Indexing projects is a worhty way to give something to the community.
For more details and an early progress report, see Kathryn Doyle's writeup on the CGSL blog.
Showing posts with label California. Show all posts
Showing posts with label California. Show all posts
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Monday, July 21, 2008
A Great Weekend
I'm just now back from a great weekend at Lake Tahoe, where I performed the civil wedding ceremony of two great young people, Christopher and Melissa, both in their early thirties. The ceremony was outdoors on the very shore of the Lake, with the Sierra as the backdrop.
About thirty minutes before the ceremony, a nervous Melissa fretted that the weather didn't look very good. And it did not. About twenty minutes before the ceremony, it began to rain, and Melissa calmed herself by accepting that she wouldn't have the outdoor wedding of her dreams. Then, just moments before we were to start, the rain stopped and a patch of blue sky appeared overhead! Melissa had her dream wedding after all.
The couple has an eclectic group of friends and family, ranging from a social worker from Bristol, England (the maid of honor) to a Cal Tech Ph.D chemist born in Yugoslavia, and all sorts of other interesting people. One woman, a school psychologist from Southern California, told me her father's story as a Polish resistance fighter in World War II and his subsequent flight from Poland under the Communists. I talked to Melissa's mother and aunt about their father, grandson of German immigrants, who married their Mexican mother just before World War II. Christopher is a descendant of the French Negroes of Illinois. All things considered, the wedding was a great example of the variety of this American family to which we all belong.
About thirty minutes before the ceremony, a nervous Melissa fretted that the weather didn't look very good. And it did not. About twenty minutes before the ceremony, it began to rain, and Melissa calmed herself by accepting that she wouldn't have the outdoor wedding of her dreams. Then, just moments before we were to start, the rain stopped and a patch of blue sky appeared overhead! Melissa had her dream wedding after all.
The couple has an eclectic group of friends and family, ranging from a social worker from Bristol, England (the maid of honor) to a Cal Tech Ph.D chemist born in Yugoslavia, and all sorts of other interesting people. One woman, a school psychologist from Southern California, told me her father's story as a Polish resistance fighter in World War II and his subsequent flight from Poland under the Communists. I talked to Melissa's mother and aunt about their father, grandson of German immigrants, who married their Mexican mother just before World War II. Christopher is a descendant of the French Negroes of Illinois. All things considered, the wedding was a great example of the variety of this American family to which we all belong.
Thursday, June 26, 2008
SoCal Genea-Jamboree: Prologue
BURBANK, Calif.--I'm excited to be here in "beautiful downtown Burbank" (people of a certain age get the pop cultural allusion) for the 2008 Southern California Genealogy Jamboree which gets underway tomorrow. It's the largest genealogical gathering on the West Coast. I haven't seen any celebrities (like Dick Eastman, Drew Smith, George Morgan or Randy Seaver) yet, but there will be pictures when I spot them. In fact, all I've seen since arriving about an hour ago is the inside of the Marriott Hotel at Burbank Airport (which is actually known as the Bob Hope Airport). The hotel is literally right around the corner from the airport. And today I noticed something I hadn't noticed on previous visits here: there's an Amtrak station at the airport! That's great!
The hotel is under going reconstruction and it's a bit of challenge to get around. Other than that, it's a fine and comfortable place.
Tomorrow morning starts with a beginning genealogy course from about 9:00 to noon. I'm taking a pass on that (not that I'm so smart after several years at this that I couldn't learn something!). Instead, I'm off on one of those special missions I alluded to yesterday. I'm going to southwest Los Angeles to visit my father's 94 year old stepmother. I had planned to spend the morning in Whittier visiting my grandmother's gravesite. She died 35 years ago this month, and for various reasons, I could not attend her funeral and I've never been to see the grave.
But I realized that the grave will be there for a long time to come; I can't say how long 94 year old Mary Frances Heard will be with us. She's the last family member of the generation before my parents who's still alive. I just couldn't be this close (it's about 20 miles from the hotel to her apartment) and miss the chance to talk to her! I'll have my camera and recorders ready.
Up to date reports on the Jamboree coming tomorrow!
The hotel is under going reconstruction and it's a bit of challenge to get around. Other than that, it's a fine and comfortable place.
Tomorrow morning starts with a beginning genealogy course from about 9:00 to noon. I'm taking a pass on that (not that I'm so smart after several years at this that I couldn't learn something!). Instead, I'm off on one of those special missions I alluded to yesterday. I'm going to southwest Los Angeles to visit my father's 94 year old stepmother. I had planned to spend the morning in Whittier visiting my grandmother's gravesite. She died 35 years ago this month, and for various reasons, I could not attend her funeral and I've never been to see the grave.
But I realized that the grave will be there for a long time to come; I can't say how long 94 year old Mary Frances Heard will be with us. She's the last family member of the generation before my parents who's still alive. I just couldn't be this close (it's about 20 miles from the hotel to her apartment) and miss the chance to talk to her! I'll have my camera and recorders ready.
Up to date reports on the Jamboree coming tomorrow!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Coming Up: The 2008 Southern California Genealogy Jamboree!
This time next week, I'll be at the 2008 Southern California Genealogy Jamboree, sponsored by the Southern California Genealogy Society. It's at the Marriott Burbank Airport in Burbank, California. The Jamboree is the largest genealogical event on the West Coast. I'm looking forward to every bit of it, including the "Bloggers Summit" featuring Megan, Shelly, Randy, and others. I will attempt to live blog as much as I can. And of course, there will photos--lots of them, I hope.
I also have one or two special missions to undertake while in the Southland; I'll write about those as they come about.
Please stop by here Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for a peek at this great event. Also, Miriam Midkiff is hosting Scanfest this Sunday. Stop there, too.
I also have one or two special missions to undertake while in the Southland; I'll write about those as they come about.
Please stop by here Friday, Saturday, and Sunday for a peek at this great event. Also, Miriam Midkiff is hosting Scanfest this Sunday. Stop there, too.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
UPDATE: California's Crackdown on Consumer Genomics
Some Good News (Maybe) and Prof. Manson Issues Challenges to Regulators and Industry
Diane at Genealogy Insider reports:
Lea Brooks of the California Department of Public Health told me that "Genetic testing used for ancestor tracking or forensic purposes is not covered by California clinical laboratory law standards."
That is in fact consistent with my initial reading of the regulations. However, seems to me that we'll have to see if that's the way the state and the state courts eventually interpret the regulations. And if the Department of Public Health takes this position, is the Department prepared to adopt an interpretive regulation to that effect?
On the other hand is the "personal genomics" industry prepared to adopt some "best practices" that may ease some of the regulators' concerns? And would the Department of Public Health and the industry work with the Capital Center for Government Law & Policy and our health law and policy institute students and my administrative law students come August to come to a reasonable agreement about the issues? I'll let you know.
Diane at Genealogy Insider reports:
Lea Brooks of the California Department of Public Health told me that "Genetic testing used for ancestor tracking or forensic purposes is not covered by California clinical laboratory law standards."
That is in fact consistent with my initial reading of the regulations. However, seems to me that we'll have to see if that's the way the state and the state courts eventually interpret the regulations. And if the Department of Public Health takes this position, is the Department prepared to adopt an interpretive regulation to that effect?
On the other hand is the "personal genomics" industry prepared to adopt some "best practices" that may ease some of the regulators' concerns? And would the Department of Public Health and the industry work with the Capital Center for Government Law & Policy and our health law and policy institute students and my administrative law students come August to come to a reasonable agreement about the issues? I'll let you know.
Friday, June 20, 2008
California Crackdown on Genetic Genealogy?
This story has been reported elsewhere in the geneablogosphere, notably by Lee Drew (where I first saw it) and by Dick Eastman. But it is of continuing interest.
Apparently, the California Department of Public health has decided to call a halt to the marketing of genetic tests directly to consumers. Companies such as Navigenics, Family Tree DNA, 23andMe, and deCODEme, and others have received "cease-and-desist" letters from CDPH, asserting that the companies are operating in violation of California law. Navigenics and 23andMe are Silicon Valley-based firms.
Now what's really curious about this is that it's received very little coverage here in California. Aside from one brief article in the San Jose Mercury News, there's been virtually no local reporting on the matter in California. And in fact, the CDPH doesn't even have the issue listed on its website either under "News" or "Hot Topics."
The basis for the cease-and-desist letters is to be found in California's clinical laboratory technology statutes. The law prohibits the offering of a clinical laboratory test directly to a consumer without a physician's order. The law also requires a state issued clinical laboratory license or registration for all persons receiving biological specimens originating in California for the purpose of performing a clinical laboratory test or examination.
One should note that not all these companies do the same things. Some are involved in "personal genomics" much more extensively than others which are constrained around the mainly genealogical aspects.
The other point is that there is not necessarily a violation of state law simply because a mid-level bureaucrat says there is. There are questions about how the statute was intended to be interpreted and even some constitutional questions here. On the other hand, the actions that California has taken in recent days may have a chilling effect on those companies doing business, or intending to do business in the Golden State, which is the nation's largest domestic market.
Given the stakes involved here, GeneaBlogie will stay abreast of this story as it develops and we may have a special GeneaBlogie Legal and Policy analysis on the matter.
Apparently, the California Department of Public health has decided to call a halt to the marketing of genetic tests directly to consumers. Companies such as Navigenics, Family Tree DNA, 23andMe, and deCODEme, and others have received "cease-and-desist" letters from CDPH, asserting that the companies are operating in violation of California law. Navigenics and 23andMe are Silicon Valley-based firms.
Now what's really curious about this is that it's received very little coverage here in California. Aside from one brief article in the San Jose Mercury News, there's been virtually no local reporting on the matter in California. And in fact, the CDPH doesn't even have the issue listed on its website either under "News" or "Hot Topics."
The basis for the cease-and-desist letters is to be found in California's clinical laboratory technology statutes. The law prohibits the offering of a clinical laboratory test directly to a consumer without a physician's order. The law also requires a state issued clinical laboratory license or registration for all persons receiving biological specimens originating in California for the purpose of performing a clinical laboratory test or examination.
One should note that not all these companies do the same things. Some are involved in "personal genomics" much more extensively than others which are constrained around the mainly genealogical aspects.
The other point is that there is not necessarily a violation of state law simply because a mid-level bureaucrat says there is. There are questions about how the statute was intended to be interpreted and even some constitutional questions here. On the other hand, the actions that California has taken in recent days may have a chilling effect on those companies doing business, or intending to do business in the Golden State, which is the nation's largest domestic market.
Given the stakes involved here, GeneaBlogie will stay abreast of this story as it develops and we may have a special GeneaBlogie Legal and Policy analysis on the matter.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Black History Month: Guinda, California
For those who know the Capay Valley in Yolo County, California, it's a place of great natural beauty, almond orchards, a few wineries, and (lately, unfortunately), Indian "gaming." Few folks know that the Capay Valley town of Guinda is rich in African-American history.
Read more here.
Read more here.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
Resources: California Voter Registrations 1900-1968
Ancestry.com has just added California Voter Registrations for the years 1900 to 1968. I tried this out last night.
My great-uncle, Carl Edward Manson (1893-1966), was the first family member to migrate to California from Texas before World War II. I found him and his then-wife Mary on the 1940 voter rolls registered at 5820 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles. Thereafter, I can follow him as he moved to several other residences over the next 14 years. Although he lived until 1966, Carl is not listed on the voter rolls after 1954.
I can also tell from these records that Carl started off in California as a salesman before the war and then went to work in an aircraft factory after the Pearl Harbor attack. But it seems that after 1944, California (or may just Los Angeles County) stopped listing occupation on voter registration.
I also found my grandfather, Quentin Manson, Carl's brother, on the L.A. County voter lists from 1946 to 1954. He had moved there after he got out of the Army after the war.
While Grandpa Quentin was always a Democrat, Carl started as a Republican and frequently switched back and forth between the major parties.
This set of records is a great genealogical resource. Note the following:
My great-uncle, Carl Edward Manson (1893-1966), was the first family member to migrate to California from Texas before World War II. I found him and his then-wife Mary on the 1940 voter rolls registered at 5820 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles. Thereafter, I can follow him as he moved to several other residences over the next 14 years. Although he lived until 1966, Carl is not listed on the voter rolls after 1954.
I can also tell from these records that Carl started off in California as a salesman before the war and then went to work in an aircraft factory after the Pearl Harbor attack. But it seems that after 1944, California (or may just Los Angeles County) stopped listing occupation on voter registration.
I also found my grandfather, Quentin Manson, Carl's brother, on the L.A. County voter lists from 1946 to 1954. He had moved there after he got out of the Army after the war.
While Grandpa Quentin was always a Democrat, Carl started as a Republican and frequently switched back and forth between the major parties.
This set of records is a great genealogical resource. Note the following:
- Most records include addresses.
- Many records include occupation.
- All records have party affiliation, perhaps giving a glimpse into where your ancestors stood on the issues of the day.
- The records are for every even year, because the U.S. House of Representatives and the California Assembly are elected every two years.
- The search feature will mislead you once in awhile; and after 1956, the records are slightly more difficult to use, for some reason.
Friday, January 04, 2008
Severe Weather in Northern California
One of the worst storms in decades has battered Northern California and the Sierra Nevada today.
Starting at about 4 a.m. PST, wind gusts of more than 100 mph in the mountains and up to 75 mph on the valley floor ushered in heavy rains. There have been power outages throughout the day in the Sacramento metro area. Telephone and cable services have also been affected.
Starting at about 4 a.m. PST, wind gusts of more than 100 mph in the mountains and up to 75 mph on the valley floor ushered in heavy rains. There have been power outages throughout the day in the Sacramento metro area. Telephone and cable services have also been affected.
Friday, December 14, 2007
My Trilingual Christmases
Geneablogger footnoteMaven has started a Christmas caroling meme.
I've mentioned before that part of my childhood was spent in Germany. I went to a German school for part of that time and we had a German nanny. I was immersed in the culture and language at an early age. And Christmas in Germany became one of my favorite times and some of my best memories. This my favorite German carol because of its history:
This one is a close second for my favorite German song of the season, because it was the first one I learned in Germany:
In New Mexico, the people honored a Mexican tradition called Las Posadas. This is a nine day event celebrated from December 16 to December 24 ("Buena Noche"). Every night, there is a live dramatization of Mary and Joseph's search for lodging in Bethlehem. A couple portraying Mary and Joseph go from house to house for shelter and are turned away, until finally they are admitted. There are songs that go with this dramatization--some of which I remember to this day. The songs are sung by los peregrinos, begging for shelter, and are answered by los hosteleros. At the place where they are finally admitted, there is a great party. One feature of the party usually is la pinata for the children. A pinata is a papier-mache effigy on a string, dangled above the ground. It is filled with candies, fruits, nuts and other goodies. A child who is blindfolded (con los ojos cubiertos) holds a stick (en los manos un baston) and swings at the pinata to break it (ya se romper la pinata). An adult usually controls the location of the pinata by the string. The other children sing cantos para romper la pinata (songs for breaking the pinata).
Los peregrinos:
Los peregrinos:
Los peregrinos:
Los peregrinos:
Los peregrinos:
Los peregrinos:
Todos:
And then on the way to the great party, the throng might sing:
I've mentioned before that part of my childhood was spent in Germany. I went to a German school for part of that time and we had a German nanny. I was immersed in the culture and language at an early age. And Christmas in Germany became one of my favorite times and some of my best memories. This my favorite German carol because of its history:
Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht
Stille Nacht! Heil'ge Nacht!
Alles schläft; einsam wacht
Nur das traute hoch heilige Paar.
Holder Knab' im lockigen Haar,
Schlafe in himmlischer Ruh!2. Stille Nacht! Heil'ge Nacht!
Gottes Sohn, o wie lacht
Lieb' aus deinem göttlichen Mund,
Da uns schlägt die rettende Stund'.
Jesus in deiner Geburt!3. Stille Nacht! Heil'ge Nacht!
Die der Welt Heil gebracht,
Aus des Himmels goldenen Höhn,
Uns der Gnaden Fülle läßt sehn,
Jesum in Menschengestalt!4. Stille Nacht! Heil'ge Nacht!
Wo sich heut alle Macht
Väterlicher Liebe ergoß,
Und als Bruder huldvoll umschloß
Jesus die Völker der Welt!5. Stille Nacht! Heil'ge Nacht!
Lange schon uns bedacht,
Als der Herr vom Grimme befreit
In der Väter urgrauer Zeit
Aller Welt Schonung verhieß!6. Stille Nacht! Heil'ge Nacht!
Hirten erst kundgemacht
Durch der Engel Alleluja,
Tönt es laut bei Ferne und Nah:
"Jesus der Retter ist da!"
O Tannenbaum
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Wie grün sind deine Blätter!
Du grünst nicht nur zur Sommerzeit,
Nein auch im Winter, wenn es schneit.
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Wie grün sind deine Blätter!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
Wie oft hat schon zur Winterszeit
Ein Baum von dir mich hoch erfreut!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Du kannst mir sehr gefallen!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Dein Kleid will mich was lehren:
Die Hoffnung und Beständigkeit
Gibt Mut und Kraft zu jeder Zeit!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Dein Kleid will mich was lehren!
Dein Kleid will mich was lehren:
Die Hoffnung und Beständigkeit
Gibt Mut und Kraft zu jeder Zeit!
O Tannenbaum, o Tannenbaum,
Dein Kleid will mich was lehren!
After three years in Germany, the tides of history swept us to New Mexico. A new set of cultural experiences we found there. At the time, Spanish was a required course in the Albuquerque Public Schools. Once again, as a youngster, I was immersed in a foreign language. And once again, Christmas traditions were my favorite.
In New Mexico, the people honored a Mexican tradition called Las Posadas. This is a nine day event celebrated from December 16 to December 24 ("Buena Noche"). Every night, there is a live dramatization of Mary and Joseph's search for lodging in Bethlehem. A couple portraying Mary and Joseph go from house to house for shelter and are turned away, until finally they are admitted. There are songs that go with this dramatization--some of which I remember to this day. The songs are sung by los peregrinos, begging for shelter, and are answered by los hosteleros. At the place where they are finally admitted, there is a great party. One feature of the party usually is la pinata for the children. A pinata is a papier-mache effigy on a string, dangled above the ground. It is filled with candies, fruits, nuts and other goodies. A child who is blindfolded (con los ojos cubiertos) holds a stick (en los manos un baston) and swings at the pinata to break it (ya se romper la pinata). An adult usually controls the location of the pinata by the string. The other children sing cantos para romper la pinata (songs for breaking the pinata).
Los peregrinos:
En el nombre del cielo os pido posada pues no puede andar mi esposa amada.
In the name of Heaven I beg you for lodging, for she cannot walk, my beloved wife.
Los hosteleros:
Aquí no es mesón, sigan adelante. Yo no debo abrir, no sea algún tunante.
This is not an inn so keep going. I cannot open; you may be a rogue.
Los peregrinos:
No seas inhumano, tennos caridad, que el Dios de los cielos te lo premiará.
Don't be inhuman; Have mercy on us.The God of the heavens will reward you for it.
Los hosteleros:
Ya se pueden iry no molestar porque si me enfadoos voy a apalear.
You can go on now and don't bother us, because if I become annoyed I'll give you a thrashing.
Los peregrinos:
Venimos rendidosdesde Nazarét, yo soy carpintero de nombre José.
We are worn out coming from Nazareth. I am a carpenter, Joseph by name.
Los hosteleros:
No me importa el nombre, déjenme dormir, pues que yo les digo que no hemos de abrir.
I don't care about your name: Let me sleep, because I already told you we shall not open up.
Los peregrinos:
Posada te pide, amado casero, por sólo una noche la Reina del Cielo.
I'm asking you for lodging dear man of the house Just for one night for the Queen of Heaven.
Los hosteleros:
Pues si es una reina quien lo solicita, ¿cómo es que de noche anda tan solita?
Well, if it's a queen who solicits it, why is it at night that she travels so alone?
Los peregrinos:
Mi esposa es María, es Reina del Cielo y madre va a serdel Divino Verbo.
My wife is Mary. She's the Queen of Heaven and she's going to be the mother of the Divine Word.
Los hosteleros:
¿Eres tú José? ¿Tu esposa es María? Entren, peregrinos, no los conocía.
Are you Joseph? Your wife is Mary? Enter, pilgrims; I did not recognize you.
Los peregrinos:
Dios pague, señores, vuestra caridad, y que os colme el cielo de felicidad.
May God pay, gentle folks, your charity, and thus heaven heap happiness upon you.
¡Dichosa la casa que alberga este día a la Viren pura.la hermosa María!
Blessed is the house that shelters this day the pure Virgin, the beautiful Mary.
Entren, Santos Peregrinos, reciban este rincón, que aunque es pobre la morada, os la doy de corazón.
Enter, holy pilgrims, receive this corner, for though this dwelling is poor, I offer it with all my heart.
Oh, peregrina madre, oh, bellísima María. Yo te ofrezco el alma mía para que tengáis posada.
Oh, graced pilgrim, oh, most beautiful Mary. I offer you my soul so you may have lodging.
Humildes peregrinos Jesús, María y José, el alma doy por ellos,mi corazón también.
Humble pilgrims, Jesus, Mary and Joseph, I give my soul for them and my heart as well.
Cantemos con alegría todos al considerarque Jesús, José y Maríanos vinieron a honrar.
Let us sing with joy, all bearing in mind that Jesus, Joseph and Mary honor us by having come.
And then on the way to the great party, the throng might sing:
Marchemos cantando
Let us march singing
marchemos cantando
Let us march singing
con gozo y fervor
With joy and fervor
para ir saludando
To go greet
las glorias de Dios!
the Glories of God!
Let us march singing
marchemos cantando
Let us march singing
con gozo y fervor
With joy and fervor
para ir saludando
To go greet
las glorias de Dios!
the Glories of God!
One version of the pinata song is this:
Andale, nino,
No pierdas el tino,
Mide la distancia
Que hay en el camino
Dale, dale, dale,
No pierdas el tino,
porque si lo pierdes
pierdes el camino
No quiero oro
No quiero plata
yo lo que quiero
es romper la piñata
Echen confites
y canelones
pa’ los muchachos
que son muy tragones.
La piñata tiene caca,
tiene caca,
tiene caca,
cacahuates de a montón
Hit, boy!
Don’t lose your aim,
Measure the distance
That’s on the way.
tiene caca,
tiene caca,
cacahuates de a montón
Hit, boy!
Don’t lose your aim,
Measure the distance
That’s on the way.
Hit, hit, hit,
Don’t lose your aim,
Because if you lose it,
You lose the way.
I don’t want gold
I don’t want silver
What I want is
To break the piñata
Throw candies
And mints
For the kids
Who are very greedy
The piñata has pee,
Pee,
Pee…
Peanuts by the ton!
After eight years in New Mexico, we moved to Monterey, California. That first Christmas in Monterey, I missed the Spanish and Mexican pageantry of New Mexico. Despite the lack of "traditional" Christmas symbolism like snow, there was caroling in Monterey. This is my favorite carol<auf Englisch><en ingles>: (ironically, based on a French poem)
O Holy Night
- Oh holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
- It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
- Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
- Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
- A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
- For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
-
- Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
- Oh night divine, Oh night when Christ was born;
- Oh night divine, Oh night, Oh night Divine.
- Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
- With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
- So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
- Here come the wise men from Orient land.
- The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
- In all our trials born to be our friend.
-
- He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
- Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
- Behold your King, Behold your King.
- Truly He taught us to love one another;
- His law is love and His gospel is peace.
- Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
- And in His name all oppression shall cease.
- Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
- Let all within us praise His holy name.
-
- Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
- His power and glory evermore proclaim.
- His power and glory evermore proclaim.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Obituary: Victoria Ann Rogers
Victoria Ann Rogers, born on July 3, 1946, in Santiago, Chile, passed away at her home in Sacramento on October 12, 2007. Vicky is survived by her daughter Cynthia Thompson and husband Jeff, son Ian Rogers, grandchildren Dana, Celina and Nicholas Thompson, siblings Jim Pisano and Vivian Pisano, and a large extended family. A graveside funeral service will be held on Friday, October 19, at 10:00 AM at East Lawn Memorial Park, 43rd Street and Folsom Boulevard, Sacramento, California.
Vicky Rogers was my court reporter when I was a Judge of the Superior Court in Sacramento County from 1998 to 2002. She had retired not long ago. She was well-liked by court staff, lawyers and litigants. She did a great job and had a great sense of humor. She loved her family and her job. We will miss her very much.
Vicky Rogers was my court reporter when I was a Judge of the Superior Court in Sacramento County from 1998 to 2002. She had retired not long ago. She was well-liked by court staff, lawyers and litigants. She did a great job and had a great sense of humor. She loved her family and her job. We will miss her very much.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Family History Out in the Cold--Again
It's been almost two years since we reported on the discovery of the body of an airman in California's Sierra Nevada. The airman was later identified as 22 year-old aviation cadet Leo Mustonen of Brainerd, Minnesota. He and three other airmen were on a training mission from Mather Field near Sacramento on November 18, 1942, when their aircraft disappeared. The bodies of the other three airmen were not recovered in 2005.
This week, the story took another turn:
From the San Francisco Chronicle:
A 1923 buffalo nickel, an old Army uniform and a crumbly wallet with faded photographs might help investigators figure out exactly which missing World War II airman's remains are lying in the county morgue in Fresno.
But it will probably come down to something more modern and foolproof - DNA matching.
The remains of what is believed to be the second of four crewmen who died on a 1942 training flight were found by hikers last week on a remote Sierra mountainside in Kings Canyon National Park. The body was taken by helicopter and coroner's van to the morgue Monday.
Read the rest of the story here.
The three missing airmen are 2nd Lt. William Gamber, 23, of Fayette, Ohio; and aviation cadets John Mortenson, 25, of Moscow, Idaho; Ernest Munn, 23, of St. Clairesville, Ohio. As before, the identification will be done by the Central Identification Laboratory of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. JPAC has world-class personnel and uses the best available science to perform its sensitive mission. Its facility in Hawaii is the largest forensic anthropology laboratory in the world. Hopefully, another family is about to get closure.
You Can Help
There are over 35,000 Americans still missing but deemed recoverable from World War II. The Government is committed to bringing closure to their families as well as the families of missing servicemembers from other conflicts. DNA samples contributed by family members will aid in the identification process. If your family stories include the lore of a loved one who never returned from war, it may not be too late to help write the end of the story. See the JPAC website for information on how to contribute a DNA sample.
The body of Aviation Cadet Leo Mustonen is handled with honors at the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. (Department of Defense Photo by Sgt. Michael Caya, U.S. Army)
This week, the story took another turn:
From the San Francisco Chronicle:
A 1923 buffalo nickel, an old Army uniform and a crumbly wallet with faded photographs might help investigators figure out exactly which missing World War II airman's remains are lying in the county morgue in Fresno.
But it will probably come down to something more modern and foolproof - DNA matching.
The remains of what is believed to be the second of four crewmen who died on a 1942 training flight were found by hikers last week on a remote Sierra mountainside in Kings Canyon National Park. The body was taken by helicopter and coroner's van to the morgue Monday.
Read the rest of the story here.
The three missing airmen are 2nd Lt. William Gamber, 23, of Fayette, Ohio; and aviation cadets John Mortenson, 25, of Moscow, Idaho; Ernest Munn, 23, of St. Clairesville, Ohio. As before, the identification will be done by the Central Identification Laboratory of the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. JPAC has world-class personnel and uses the best available science to perform its sensitive mission. Its facility in Hawaii is the largest forensic anthropology laboratory in the world. Hopefully, another family is about to get closure.
You Can Help
There are over 35,000 Americans still missing but deemed recoverable from World War II. The Government is committed to bringing closure to their families as well as the families of missing servicemembers from other conflicts. DNA samples contributed by family members will aid in the identification process. If your family stories include the lore of a loved one who never returned from war, it may not be too late to help write the end of the story. See the JPAC website for information on how to contribute a DNA sample.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Point Arena Lighthouse
Drew Smith of Tampa, Florida, correctly identified the photographs in Is this Your Street? as the Point Arena Lighthouse in California. (There's no prize associated with this, Drew, but our heartiest congratulations on a job well done!).
The GeneaBlogie research staff spent the Fourth of July holiday at Point Arena. The lighthouse, which at 115 feet is the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast, is located about two miles outside the city of Point Arena (pop. 450) in Mendocino County, California. The homes which once housed the lighthouse keepers and their families are now vacation rentals. And this is a great deal. Vacation rentals with ocean view in Mendocino County can run $700 a day and more. The lighthouse vacation rentals (3 bedrooms, two baths) are less than half of that--and when shared with another couple or two other couples, this can be affordable!
The point itself is surrounded by water on three sides. The land adjacent to the property is a former grazing area now known as the Stornetta Public Lands. The small islands off the coast are part of the California Coastal national Monument. The lighthouse and the Stornetta lands appear in the 1992 Mel Gibson movie, Forever Young. A gazebo used in the movie remains inside the Lighthouse property fence line.
The lighthouse property is now owned by the Point Arena LighthouseKeepers Association. Although the Coast Guard still uses the Lighthouse as an aid to navigation, it is completely automated and there is no need of lighthousekeepers.
The lighthouse was originally constructed in 1870, but was severely damaged in the 1906 earthquake. (The property is adjacent to the San Andreas fault). It was rebuilt and re-opened in 1908.
The city of Point Arena is a quirky town of less than 500 persons. A Fourth of July parade every year takes places on the city's main street, which is also California's famed Highway 1. Travelers become involuntary "floats" in the parade, most taking it with good humor. A community picnic and street fair precede a fireworks display over the harbor, creating a Rockwell-esque Independence Day celebration. It's a lot of fun!
Few places can beat the natural beauty of the Mendocino coast. We saw ospreys, sea lions, deer, hawks, vultures and songbirds of various species. Some in our party, though not I, spotted whales migrating. And then there were spectacular sun events.
Photo credit: M.P. Manson. Copyright (c) 2007, MansonMedia, Inc., All Rights Reserved
The GeneaBlogie research staff spent the Fourth of July holiday at Point Arena. The lighthouse, which at 115 feet is the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast, is located about two miles outside the city of Point Arena (pop. 450) in Mendocino County, California. The homes which once housed the lighthouse keepers and their families are now vacation rentals. And this is a great deal. Vacation rentals with ocean view in Mendocino County can run $700 a day and more. The lighthouse vacation rentals (3 bedrooms, two baths) are less than half of that--and when shared with another couple or two other couples, this can be affordable!
The point itself is surrounded by water on three sides. The land adjacent to the property is a former grazing area now known as the Stornetta Public Lands. The small islands off the coast are part of the California Coastal national Monument. The lighthouse and the Stornetta lands appear in the 1992 Mel Gibson movie, Forever Young. A gazebo used in the movie remains inside the Lighthouse property fence line.
The lighthouse property is now owned by the Point Arena LighthouseKeepers Association. Although the Coast Guard still uses the Lighthouse as an aid to navigation, it is completely automated and there is no need of lighthousekeepers.
The lighthouse was originally constructed in 1870, but was severely damaged in the 1906 earthquake. (The property is adjacent to the San Andreas fault). It was rebuilt and re-opened in 1908.
The city of Point Arena is a quirky town of less than 500 persons. A Fourth of July parade every year takes places on the city's main street, which is also California's famed Highway 1. Travelers become involuntary "floats" in the parade, most taking it with good humor. A community picnic and street fair precede a fireworks display over the harbor, creating a Rockwell-esque Independence Day celebration. It's a lot of fun!
Few places can beat the natural beauty of the Mendocino coast. We saw ospreys, sea lions, deer, hawks, vultures and songbirds of various species. Some in our party, though not I, spotted whales migrating. And then there were spectacular sun events.
Photo credit: M.P. Manson. Copyright (c) 2007, MansonMedia, Inc., All Rights ReservedSunday, June 03, 2007
A Different Sleepy Dusty Delta Day
Conditions in the Delta (as observed at Isleton, California): Partly cloudy. High temp., 84o; chance of precip 0-10%; rel. hum. 50%. Sunrise: 5:45 am PDT. Sunset: 8:25 pm PDT.
Bridge at Carquinez Strait in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta
(Interstate 80 between Vallejo and Crockett)
Bridge at Carquinez Strait in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta
(Interstate 80 between Vallejo and Crockett)
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