ah california

the morning fog lies hazy over the santa clara valley (aka silicon valley) as seen from a high point in the santa cruz mountains looking east. i finally found a great place to walk not far from san jose.  this is part of a 700 acre natural area preserve with miles of hilly interconnecting trails. you can certainly see why fires are a constant threat.

listening to the fall fundraising drive on the san francisco npr station kqed, i was seriously tempted to contribute at the $12/per month level to get the two premiums offered:

first, a red cross approved earthquake preparedness starter kit. packed in a handy red canvas bag, you would find a combination nightlight for everyday use/emergency flashlight with solar power, which will also recharge your mobile phone (probably not your laptop)

next, a red cross approved emergency am/fm/weather channel radio, small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, with solar power and a hand crank

and a 32-page booklet that describes all the supplies that you and your family should lay in for an earthquake emergency. i figure it would also be helpful when the dte power goes out.

also, for the very same contribution, a 24-hour mediation retreat for two at the medicine buddha center in santa cruz county, featuring a health assessment, guided meditation, healing yoga, and gourmet local organic food. now those are two premiums i could go for.

maybe wdet could adapt these to offer in the detroit area.

after my hike, i made a quick trip to the upmarket lifestyle center in san jose called santana row. here's how they repurposed a church portal.

ah, california.