Attention Animal Lovers
One of my biggest concerns is animal owners not properly caring for their pets. In California, it became specifically illegal to leave an unattended pet in a hot or cold car under California Penal Code Section 597.7 when the law took effect on January 1, 2006. A little too late but at least the law exists now because of a concerned caring animal activist. But now here in the Sacramento area it is triple digits and I see people walking their dog on extremely hot pavement. The dog can’t complain and probably wouldn’t because he/she is just happy to be out with their owner. I’ve even talked to some of these dog walkers and was told “Oh, he doesn’t mind.” I once heard a veterinarian make a public announcement on a local radio station saying if you can hold your hand on the hot pavement for 15 seconds and not feel the burn, it is safe for your dog to walk on. This should be a “rule of thumb” for all dog owners and walkers. It made me think that if I was in a better financial position, I would like to create paw protectors, like little booties with elastic tops, from size extra small to extra large. I’m sure it can be made in lightweight (but effective) material. I would just hand them out for free. I would also like to see all pet stores carry them. So pet lovers – what do you think of this idea?
Driver Awareness
Another big concern of mine is rude aggressive drivers, people who intentionally run red lights and tailgaters. When I was in high school, in driver’s education, we were taught that the “rule of thumb” was to allow one car length for every 10 miles per hour. I still follow that rule but often the person behind me is pissed off that I am allowing a gap between me and the car in front of me. According to a search on the internet, nearly 2 million total rear-end crashes happen across the U.S. annually. This is about 950,000 injuries and around 2,000 deaths every year – all preventable. I’ve been rear-ended several times in my life but only once on the freeway. I’m lucky to be alive. Most were a result of me waiting for a pedestrian to cross or stopping for a red light. I’m sure some were a result of distracted driving. In my entire life, I’ve only known of one incident where a person actually got a ticket for tailgating. I often see California Highway Patrol give out speeding tickets, but none for tailgating. I wish they would – I would love to see this become a movement. Think about it. If no one ever tailgated, any accident resulting from tailgating would be rare. Driver awareness deserves attention all year long, but two months especially remind us how serious the problem is. April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, focusing attention on dangers such as texting and other distractions behind the wheel. December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, a time to remind drivers of the devastating consequences of driving while impaired. But what about tailgating, intentional red-light running, dangerous weaving and road rage? Perhaps it’s time to bring more attention to those behaviors, too. Safer roads begin when each of us accepts responsibility for the way we drive. What do you think?
Willie Nelson Takes a Stand
Here’s one that just might become a movement: Willie Nelson, singer, songwriter, guitarist, actor, and longtime activist just recently made a statement about data centers growing across the United States. Willie grew up in Abbott, Texas, and still has a home and farmland there. Now 93, he has spoken out about the growth of data centers and their potential effect on rural communities. He has expressed concern about the enormous industrial footprint they can bring, including the use of land and water, light pollution, and the possible loss of farmland and family farms. For Willie, protecting rural America means protecting its open spaces, local businesses, natural resources and the people whose livelihoods depend on the land. His willingness to speak up is another reminder that sometimes a movement begins simply because someone cares enough to say, “This matters.”
Warriors & Heroes
Warriors & Heroes recognizes people—past and present—whose courage, determination, ideas or actions have made a difference and may inspire the rest of us to do the same.
People who are willing to speak up, take a stand or make a difference deserve to be recognized. With that in mind, I would like to recognize someone whose life and contributions embody the spirit of Warriors & Heroes.
Gloria Steinem (1934 – 2026)
Gloria Steinem spent much of her life speaking up for women and encouraging them to speak up for themselves. A journalist, author and activist, she became one of the most influential leaders of the modern women’s movement, advocating for equality, opportunity and a greater voice for women in American life. She co-founded Ms. magazine and helped create organizations that gave women new ways to participate in politics, media and social change. Steinem continued her work well into her later years, inspiring generations of women to question limitations and believe that change was possible. She died on September 2, 2026, at the age of 92, leaving behind something more important than fame—a reminder that one determined voice can help many others find their own.
I have more to share, but this is it for right now. I would really like to hear about your pet project, changes you would like to see or a movement you would like to see gain momentum, either by you or someone reading about your concern. If you do, please share your thoughts in the comment section below.