Our Hero, thus far.

I started this blog around the time that I first moved into an apartment after living on the streets. My concept was to give a day by day account of starting a new business, sort of a rags to riches story with an underlying social message that living on the streets for part of your life doesn't make you a big dummy (despite the stereotypes that the Potty Mouths on the Sentinel Forum like to rant). Didn't quite work out that way - I went long periods without posting.

Now I'm giving it something of a reboot. My life is much improved these days - I'm in another, nicer apartment. I live near the beach, right in the thick of the local tourism economy. I live right next to an amusement park as a matter of fact and love to go on the rides. I'm getting much more focused about practicing my art, juggling and music on a regular basis, as well as making a redoubled effort to write to this blog regularly. I'm collaborating on a YouTube channel - KLSD radio - which is gradually but steadily taking Santa Cruz by storm.

Lynn Robinson hasn't answered my email about pressuring landlords to evict "undesirables" yet - what's up with that? I sent the first email April 29. No answer. Ran into her on the street and she said she'd write back. No answer. Resent my 3 questions on July 18. Still no answer. The emails were about the unilateral policy (meaning it's something she's gone and done on her own, not subject to a Council vote) of urging landlords to evict alleged gang members - apparently they're guilt of future crimes, like in The Minority Report. Here's the questions that I send her:

Have you or the City collected any empirical data to show whether this policy has been effective at reducing violent street crime?
What is the criteria for determining who qualifies as a gang member?
What happens to these people after they're put out of their homes?

Seems like some pretty basic things that Lynn ought to know the answer to before embarking on the policy on the first place. I understand that much of the town is in a panic over gang violence, but I don't see how undermining people's housing and economic security is supposed to improve things. Apparently, Lynn Robinson doesn't know either.

As for starting a business, I've made some progress. Met a corporate lawyer who's willing to help me get the ball rolling. Decided that "Arts and Entertainment" is a good way to succinctly put the many-varied creative things I'd like to do under one umbrella. It's an Arts and Entertainment business. Found out about a new recording studio that's strategically located. Researching motion control cameras - a lost art I'd like to revive (Notable exception of recent motion control work: Moon). Lots of networking. Stay tuned.
Just learned that George Lucas was 33 years old when he made Star Wars (which came out the year I was born!) That will be my age this October - makes me feel like I haven't squandered time, and still have a shot at doing great things now! You'll see.