That nasty rule of politics has to be relearned by some, and there’s no better example than a pair of tales unraveling in the Bay Area.
The latest involves state Treasurer Bill Lockyer and his wife, Alameda County Supervisor Nadia Lockyer. She reportedly had a late-night argument with her husband and left with their 8-year-old son for a Newark hotel, where she was joined by a boyfriend. They then had a row and Nadia was hospitalized with injuries.
Now, a sex tape of the supervisor and her lover has surfaced, and readers of the San Francisco Chronicle are titillated with a growing list of sordid private-life details. And the 35-year-old lover? He’s an unnamed 35-year-old construction worker who as yet has no charges pending against him, although he has a lengthy criminal history.
Then we have newly-elected San Francisco Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi and his Venezuelan wife, Eliana Lopez. He’s charged with several counts that include spousal abuse and child endangerment after an alleged New Year’s Eve ruckus at their residence in front of their 2-year-old son. A video taken the next day by a neighbor shows bruises on her arm, but Eliana claims the charges against her husband are politically motivated.
Mirkarimi is under court order to stay away from his wife. Adding to the interest is that the sheriff has a spousal-abuse department under his command.
Then, along comes an incident closer to home. That would be Riverbank City Councilman Jesse James White, 23, who has had previous run-ins with the law.
This time, White was arrested in the wee morning hours of Feb. 20 in Oakdale after crashing his Corvette into a parked vehicle. He was tackled by bystanders when he tried to flee the scene, leaving behind his 4-year-old son. He apparently has entered a treatment program, as has Nadia Lockyer.
All heavy press incidents. All sad pictures of unraveling lives. All involving elected officials given the public’s trust to govern effectively.
Another loss
Services were held Wednesday for 90-year-old Lois English, thus reducing our 90-plus list by one. She had been a resident of this community for 70 years and had been involved for years in several activities.
Word also was received here this week of the death of Thomas Calabrese, Patterson’s first city manager (1973-77). He was in his early 70s, lived in Hawaii and had been in declining health for some time.
Political wisdom
’Tis the political season, and an authoritative source has forwarded me these bits of wisdom.
“The problem with political jokes is they get elected.” — Henry Cate VII
“Those who are too smart to engage in politics are punished by being governed by those who are dumber.” — Plato
“Why pay money to have your family tree traced. Go into politics and your opponents will do it for you.” — Author unknown
“A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country.” — Texas Guinan
“Politicians are the same all over. They promise to build a bridge even where there is no river.” — Nikita Khrushchev
More questions
Readers continue to forward questions, apparently expecting Fast Talk to supply answers. Here’s the latest.
n If a parsley farmer is sued, can they garnish his wages?
n Would a fly without wings be called a walk?
n Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?
n What do you do when you see an endangered animal eating an endangered plant?
n If a deaf child signs swear words, does his mother wash his hands with soap?
I’m working on the answers, but don’t hold your breath.
A good thought
One loyal reader passes along this thought:
“People are always saying that there is nothing for kids to do in the summer. In my youth, I used to play baseball. These days, however, they play baseball in the springtime, while still in school. Shouldn’t the kids be doing their homework on these school nights and play baseball in the summer when ‘there is nothing to do’?”
Ah, there’s something about good logic that rings a bell. With the rating of our educational system in this country, it just could be that a little more homework in the springtime would suit the bill.
For the sports fan
My oh my, how the spring season arrives with a bang. Track and field, softball, tennis and golf action last week at Patterson High, even before the cage teams finish play.
And in the game that basketball fans everyone were excitedly awaiting, Tusculum got past Mars Hill, 87-72. But of course you knew that.
And finally…
Local dentist Tom Klein will present his interesting research on local servicemen who lost their lives in World War II when the Patterson Township Historical Society holds its annual meeting this Sunday afternoon at City Hall.
All interested should stop by at 2 p.m. It’s free, but take your own popcorn.
•Ron Swift is editor/publisher emeritus of the Patterson Irrigator. He can be reached at ronkay@gvni.com.
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