A poem for the new year

So, with apologies to Herb Caen, here’s a view of it all

With our annual doggerel and an incomplete roll call.

Where else could we start: Christina Corpus, Noelia Corzo,

Ray Mueller and Jackie (one name is enough).

Through most of the year, they had to hang tough,

As did Lisa Gauthier, David Canepa, Mike Callagy and John Nibbelin,

The good doctor, Carlos Tapia and Chris Hsiung,

Gretchen Spiker and Effie Milionis Verducci, who labored unsung,

Judges James Emerson and LaDoris Cordell.

Thomas “Tip” Mazzucco labeled me a gossip columnist,

but his hard-charging rhetoric I actually will miss.

All’s well that ends well, let us go forth unhindered

From a journey that finished with Sheriff Ken Binder.

On the political scene, an environment often sullen

Was no deterrence to Congressman Kevin Mullin,

Josh Becker, Diane Papan and Charles Stone,

And our friend Anna Eshoo, who retired to go home,

Don Cecil, Julie Lind and the ubiquitous Nicole Fernandez,

The Political Lunch Bunch without any res(ervations).

Hector Camacho, Chelsea Bonini, Steve Wagstaffe, Jeff Gee

Jerry Hill, Sam Liccardo and Danielle Cwirko-Godycki.

(You try rhyming Cwirko-Godycki.)

Marci Dragun moved on, Melissa Michelson moved up,

Eamonn Allen moved in and the Serra Statue was torn up.

There were events galore and problems not nice.

Diana Reddy and James Coleman met the test

Of No Kings Marches and Days of Protest.

But sadly, our worries continue with the uncool ICE.

Here’s a personal nod to friends far and wide —

Who see the world as I do — quite cockeyed:

Fred M, Dave Vossbrink and BACC’s Rina Bello.

With friends like this I am one lucky fellow.

Mike Scanlon, Chuck Harvey and David J. Miller

Compadres all and mighty fine fellers.

Tom Reudy, Ed Schweitzer and the Boys Who Have Dinner,

Jim Hartnett, Rosanne Foust and Tara Fowler,

Debra Hall, Brother Aydelott and John Flaherty.

Together we managed to see some hilarity.

My compatriots on The Game, Frank Bravo and Bob Marks

Every once in a while, we light some sparks.

It is my honor to serve on Sequoia Awards

With a top-notch crew always looking forward(s):

Dennis McBride, Paula Uccelli, Andy Frisch,

Jeri Daines (Hi Colton), Diane Howard, George Schoenstein, Jenny Stahler.

Together, we honor many volunteering scholars.

Not to forget the Geezers, still meeting each week:

Brooklyn Joe, Birdlegs, Clem de la Clem and Ben,

Plus Porter, on whose hospitality we depend.

We started with bacon and strawberries — meals at Neal’s.

In 2025 we transitioned to meals on wheels.

Last, but not least are the folks at the DJ,

Who work hard to connect with you every day:

Jerry Lee, Jon Mays, Ana Mata and Holly Rusch —

When it comes to reporting on our towns they crush (it).

Alyse DiNapoli, Nate Mollat and his stalwart crew,

And Erik Oeverndiek, the layout guru,

They provide a home for this itinerant scribe,

Put up with my weekly diatribe and

I appreciate their patience with me

Even in columns written by ChatGPT.

So, there you have it. A year that was nuts, if not in a nutshell.

May 2026 be full of good news and people dear,

And, oh yes, it is an election year.

I hope the new year treats you and yours well.