"Start 'em While They're Young"

The other day I was drinking coffee outside of a cafe on the corner of my block when I noticed what sounded like a protest. I live on the corner of Hayes and Divisadero where not much surprises me, but on this particular afternoon the sight of second-grade protesters definitly did. The group was marching down Divisadero, lead by who I can only assume was their teacher shouting "What do we want? LIGHTS ON! When do we want it? NOW!" After reading the handout they were passing out I learned that "Lights On" is an afterschool program that needs funding. The old woman sitting next to me said something that summed up my feelings on the matter, "Way to go teach! Start 'em while they're young."

A Refreshingly Ethical Journalist

This weekend I was saddened but also inspired to read about the life of a very influential journalist and editor in Oakland, Chauncey Bailey. The chronicle dedicated a two page spread to the life of Bailey, a journalist who was assasinated recently in relation to his active role in supporting the black community of the bay area. The SF Chronicle explains that Bailey became a journalist to overcome racism by getting his opinions and messages across in print, so that the public would have little choice but to read what he had to say. Bailey's life and drive to becoming a journalist is a great inspiration to those of us who have a passion for shedding light on information that would otherwise be left in the dark. (The murder is still under investigation)