First off, I would like to congratulate the Philadelphia Phillies on their World Series triumph. If it's any consolation Dodger fans, at least we can say that we lost to the World Champions. And also congratulations to the Tampa Bay Rays as well. They have a very young team and certainly have the foundation to be at the top for a while to come.
Now, as for my trip to the 49ER game. Sunday 10/26 I took my annual trip to the Bay to see my Niners do battle with the Seattle Seahawks. It's something I've been doing at least once a year, especially since 49ers tickets are easier to come by these days. Because I have so many points from my Amtrak travel rewards program, my trip was pretty much free. I decided to take the red-eye up north from L.A., and doing so required me to catch a connecting bus from L.A. to Bakersfield then a train to Bakersfield to the Bay. The train from Bakersfield, known as the San Joaquin route, travels throughout much of the San Joaquin valley all the way up to Oakland. It isn't one of the most scenic routes here in California, but if traveling by rail to the bay from SoCal, it is more frequent. If you want the scenic route, take the Coast Starlight . The scenic points are from Santa Barbara on up towards San Luis Obispo as it runs along the ocean in these parts. This train only runs once a day, departing L.A., at 10AM daily and runs as far north as Seattle.
Now, the 49ERS game. Every year since 2005 I've made it up to a 49er game once a year, and since 2006 I've attended games in which past 49ERS teams and players are honored during Alumni Day. My favorite alumni day was back in '06, when the 49ERS celebrated the 25th anniversary of The Catch by having Joe Montana and Dwight Clark re-enact the historic moment. They we're a little slow, but hey, it was great to see the two who started the Niners dynasty of the 80s.
Now as for the game, well, as most all Niners fans know by now, this isn't the glory days of the last 2 decades. However, with the Niners playing against a team who had been struggling as well, and with coach Mike Singletary making his debut as head coach after Mike Nolan had been fired earlier in the week, the Niners were expected to come out inspired. Instead, the Niners played one of their most lackluster games of the season, losing to the Seahawks 34-13, in spite of outgaining Seattle by more than 120 yards. Costly turnovers by QB JT O'Sullivan inside the red-zone, untimely penalties, defesive meltdowns allowing the Seahawks fullback Leonard Weaver 2 TD'S and over 100 receiving yards, and a rift between Niners Tight End Vernon Davis and coach Singletary, and you knew this just wasnt our day. The only thing that made the Niners look good on this day would be the throwback unis from the glory days of the 80s, which still look sharp. As for the throwback unis, the current group should NOT be allowed to wear them until their level of play somewhat resembles a team that is committed to winning. We havent had that in the last 6 years, and it doesnt look like it's gonna change soon. Wearing the throwbacks are a disservice to those who put so much glory behind them. As for the stadium , Candlestick Park, well, we're still stuck there at least until 2012, if we ever, and I mean , ever, get our new stadium. Were still waiting......
After the game I ventured down to the Wharf to pay a visit to the resident seals. Yeah, Fishermans Wharf is your typical tourist trap, but one of the things I like every time I visit San Francisco is going out to the wharf and listening to the seals bark out to it's public. And of course there are plenty of vendors there serving fine food. I've always loved the shrimp salad sandwiches and clam chowder.
Another San Francisco ritual I have is riding the trolley, no not the cable cars that San Francisco is famous for, the trolley. The Line F trolley from the Wharf to the Castro or vice versa. I've always had a thing for street cars and trains, and San Francisco operates some of the classic trolleys from around the U.S. and even Italy. Inside the street cars you'll find historical information about the car you are riding, including where the car originated from. Oh yeah, did I say that the trolley goes to the Castro ? I'm sure you are aware of the Castro , right ? Hey, a trip to San Francisco wouldn't be a trip without cruising to one of SF's most famous neighborhoods, right ?
Since it was a Sunday night, the vibe in the Castro wasn't energized as usual, however, with elections coming up, I did see a lot of political signs up, especially those encouraging voters to Vote No on Prop 8. Prop 8, as we in California all know, is the measure that would put a stop to same-sex marriages. Yes, it is a very sensitive subject, but one that should not be ignored. As a country, we have fought to fight discrination for many years and this is another battle that we find ourselves in. The topic isnt whether you agree to a domestic lifestyle, or if you should teach your children about same-sex marriages. There have been commercials running about same-sex marriages being taught in elementary schools and the infamous " field-trip" ad. Well, ask yourself, when you were in elementary school, was the topic of marriage ever taught in class ? And as for field trips, the last time I remember, a parent or legal guardian had to sign off for a child to leave the school premisis, right ? My point is, no one should be denied the right to show their love to whom they choose, even if it is a domestic partner, and taking away ones rights to marry their lover , even a dometic one, is just as discriminatory as some of the discrimination problems our country has faced in the past.
It is very rare that I give my views on any political matter, but this is one I am giving my utmost attention and fight too. This is for my friends who enjoy a domestic lifestyle, this is for those who want to enjoy the right to continue their affection, and most importantly, its for those of us who continue to fight discrimination for all, as my parents, my grandmother, and many friends of mine have done and will continue to do to this day. Think it over. And when you go to the poll this Tuesday, please do the right thing. And if you can, please get the word out as well. No amount of support to defeat Prop 8 is to big or to small.
And now finally, I leave here with some pics from SF this past Sunday, including the 49ER game, the seals at the Wharf, and the trolleys. And last but not least, since today is Halloween, some clips from a favorite cartoon classic of mine. If you have any kids and are going out tonight, may you all have a safe Halloween. Have a good weekend everyone, and remember, we are only 4 days away 'till election day.
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