Chuck, we arrived in the City at a time very close to one another. I arrived july, 1979.
I came here after college because I had always been drawn to its magic since childhood. And every day since then I’ve felt it’s magic. I have also felt that it was my destiny to be here, and so many serendipitous events occurred along the way, making me the person that I have become. And I also believe none of the
Magic would have happened anywhere else on the planet. My family came into being here in a special way. A surprising and special way.
And who can forget that moment in 1981 when Dwight Clark caught that ball and a new era of pride in the City developed: can we not say that those niners were pure magic and Joe the magician.
But I share your disenchantment and disillusionment with what the city and the problems that are hard to solve but not intractable. One cannot ignore a sense of danger in the streets different than the past The aggressiveness, snarling and sneering we often see.
And the people that are here because they want to live on the streets—however dangerous or addicted they may be.
And they are treated with a permissiveness that is hard to comprehend.
Thank you for your great writing. I’ve often enjoyed it. And I understand your move. I contemplate it myself.
Just a friendly recommendation to try Sonoma County, particularly Petaluma and West County: better, milder weather than Napa or northern Sonoma County & so close to a world-class coastline and the inner Bay Area.
I completely agree with everything you wrote - both why you love SF and your frustrations about the homelessness crisis. My parents were born and raised in San Francisco and I have raised both of my daughters here. I love this city, and when I see a problem I do what I can to make a difference -- so I co-founded RescueSF.org. We are citywide coalition of residents. We use our united voice to advocate for effective and compassionate policies to address homelessness. These are policies that are common sense, but need constant public pressure to overcome political barriers. Thank you for all your words of wisdom over the years and may you enjoy peace, warmth and good wine in your retirement.
I have enjoyed your columns and emails so much. Thank you for all your work and for sharing your well-written thoughts. I hope the move is a great one!
Yep. That’s an automatic program. I am no longer writing the newsletter. Let me know how to refund. CWN
I thought I was refunded my paid subscription and just was charged $70 for the year. Pls refund. Thank you.
Know you’ll really enjoy the retired life, and what a beautiful place to do it!
Wishing you the best in this new chapter of your story 🍷
Chuck, we arrived in the City at a time very close to one another. I arrived july, 1979.
I came here after college because I had always been drawn to its magic since childhood. And every day since then I’ve felt it’s magic. I have also felt that it was my destiny to be here, and so many serendipitous events occurred along the way, making me the person that I have become. And I also believe none of the
Magic would have happened anywhere else on the planet. My family came into being here in a special way. A surprising and special way.
And who can forget that moment in 1981 when Dwight Clark caught that ball and a new era of pride in the City developed: can we not say that those niners were pure magic and Joe the magician.
But I share your disenchantment and disillusionment with what the city and the problems that are hard to solve but not intractable. One cannot ignore a sense of danger in the streets different than the past The aggressiveness, snarling and sneering we often see.
And the people that are here because they want to live on the streets—however dangerous or addicted they may be.
And they are treated with a permissiveness that is hard to comprehend.
Thank you for your great writing. I’ve often enjoyed it. And I understand your move. I contemplate it myself.
Really well said Bruce. I am hearing from many San Franciscans who feel the same way. But I’m not forgetting the magic. Thanks for writing.
I enjoyed your article and totally agree with you. San Francisco has been very good to me and I wouldn’t change any of it.
I will never forget San Francisco. It changed my life. Thanks for reading and taking the time to write. CWN
Where in the wine country?
Not completely sure. We’re scouting Sonoma and Napa counties. TBD. :) CWN
Just a friendly recommendation to try Sonoma County, particularly Petaluma and West County: better, milder weather than Napa or northern Sonoma County & so close to a world-class coastline and the inner Bay Area.
Great read! I’ve enjoyed your articles. You will be missed.
Aw thanks. I won’t tell anyone we’re cousins. :)
Great, and, as always, thoughtful piece, Chuck.
Also - where else but in San Francisco could an artist and mad scientist like Mark Pauline have created a thing like Survival Research Laboratories?
All the best to you and your wife, for your new life in wine country.
(And hopefully you'll keep writing a newsletter.)
San Francisco is unique. That’s just a fact. We will see about the newsletter. Appreciate the encouragement. CWN
I completely agree with everything you wrote - both why you love SF and your frustrations about the homelessness crisis. My parents were born and raised in San Francisco and I have raised both of my daughters here. I love this city, and when I see a problem I do what I can to make a difference -- so I co-founded RescueSF.org. We are citywide coalition of residents. We use our united voice to advocate for effective and compassionate policies to address homelessness. These are policies that are common sense, but need constant public pressure to overcome political barriers. Thank you for all your words of wisdom over the years and may you enjoy peace, warmth and good wine in your retirement.
Nice note. Thanks. Sounds like you are on the right track. Fingers crossed for SF. CWN
I have enjoyed your columns and emails so much. Thank you for all your work and for sharing your well-written thoughts. I hope the move is a great one!
My pleasure. Thanks for reading and taking the time to write. CWN