Showing posts with label Greg Sebourn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Greg Sebourn. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

Thank You Fullerton


Thank you to Fullerton voters as well as my family, friends, and supporters who helped make this possible!

Stay tuned for more information.

Thursday, October 16, 2014

OC Register Endorses Sebourn, Paden for Fullerton Council

Editorial: Paden, Sebourn for Fullerton Council

Fullerton is recovering from a largely negative bout in the public limelight. A high-profile prosecution for police brutality cast shame on city governance, prompting a recall of three council members and engaging the city in questions of oversight for law enforcement.
The resulting scrutiny bore fruit: Fullerton became a pioneer in using police body cameras and is pondering a civilian review board. Yet, residents are now facing another important election, one that will no doubt greatly influence how the city engages a whole range of issues: Homelessness, infrastructure, pensions, development and more.
To continue the city on its positive path, the Register recommends the mayor pro tem, Greg Sebourn, and challenger Sean Paden for City Council.


Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Fullerton Recall Election Results


Shall F. Richard "Dick" Jones be recalled (removed) from the office of City Council Member?
Completed Precincts: 87 of 87
Vote CountPercentage
Yes10,01765.5%
No5,27334.5%


For Member of the City Council Candidates to succeed F. Richard "Dick" Jones
Completed Precincts: 87 of 87
Vote CountPercentage
TRAVIS KIGER6,87355.5%
GLENN GEORGIEFF2,93223.7%
ROBERTA J. REID1,0748.7%
DOROTHY A. BIRSIC8016.5%
MATTHEW HAKIM7065.7%


Shall Pat McKinley be recalled (removed) from the office of City Council Member?
Completed Precincts: 87 of 87
Vote CountPercentage
Yes9,98365.6%
No5,23434.4%


For Member of the City Council Candidates to succeed Pat McKinley
Completed Precincts: 87 of 87
Vote CountPercentage
DOUG CHAFFEE5,45142.3%
BARRY LEVINSON3,95630.7%
MATTHEW ROWE2,77521.5%
SEAN PADEN7095.5%


Shall Don Bankhead be recalled (removed) from the office of City Council Member?
Completed Precincts: 87 of 87
Vote CountPercentage
Yes10,01265.7%
No5,22534.3%


For Member of the City Council Candidates to succeed Don Bankhead
Completed Precincts: 87 of 87
Vote CountPercentage
GREG SEBOURN5,14340.5%
JANE RANDS3,34026.3%
RICK ALVAREZ2,82922.3%
PAULA WILLIAMS1,38710.9%

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Election Day - June 5, 2012

Today is the June 5th election that Fullerton voters have been waiting for.  Please take a few minutes to hit the polls and cast your ballot.

On a similar note I want to share with you some of what I saw throughout the campaign.

First of all, I believe that ALL of the replacement candidates ran a clean and honest campaign.  I know many of my signs were taken but do not believe that any of the candidates took them.  Throughout the campaign all of my interactions with other candidates were congenial and professional.  I tip my hat to all of them for their willingness to step up and represent their city.

Leading up to today I have heard a small minority blindly lay the blame for for the Fullerton Recall on Tony Bushala.  Blaming Bushala for the council majority's collective failings is tantamount to a child blaming their parent for scolding them after being caught with their hand in the cookie jar.  It just goes to show the depth of denial that some people have when it comes to failed leadership.

It also is a prime example of deflecting responsibility.  Instead of defending themselves and showing that, somehow, Tony Bushala is wrong, they chose to just cross their arms and pout about how mean Tony is for calling them out as poor leaders.

So, while many might think the Fullerton Recall is about Tony Bushala, the fact remains that it was Don Bankhead, Pat McKinley, and Dick Jones who saddled Fullerton taxpayers and water ratepayers with $27 million in illegal overcharges (they're still over charging us!) for the last 15 years, cultivated and protected the culture of corruption that lead to the beating death of Kelly Thomas, gave hundreds of millions of your tax dollars to out of town developers to build low-income apartments around Downtown Fullerton, dozens and dozens of bars in Downtown Fullerton, and MORE THAN $1.2 BILLION OF DEBT!!!!!

Blaming Tony Bushala for these huge failures in leadership by the City Council majority is wrong.  Larry Bennett, the Recall No manager, is more culpable as a Fullerton Planning Commissioner than Tony Bushala, a private citizen.  Yet Bennett's own campaign continues to ignore the failed leadership and has actively campaigned to maintain the status quo by blaming Tony Bushala.

Today, I ask that you weigh the City's future, our massive debts, the culture of corruption, and the overwhelming failure to lead by the council majority and vote YES ON THE FULLERTON RECALL!




Friday, June 1, 2012

America's Most Wanted Goes After Surveyor Who Murdered Florida Woman

***  UPDATE  ***
GONZALEZ ARRESTED IN MEXICO!

"The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has announced it will hold a news conference today at 1:30 p.m. to announce a major development in the Tia Poklemba case.
Sheriff Mike Scott, detectives who worked the case and Poklemba’s mother and sister will be in attendance.
Poklemba's body was found bruised and bloodied on the side of a San Carlos Park road on Aug. 8, 2008. She later died.
Luis Gonzalez, then 25, was charged with manslaughter with a weapon and fleeing the scene of a fatal accident. He was never located and it was believed he fled to Mexico."  read more HERE


**UPDATE - SEE BELOW**

Luis Gonzalez
Wanted for Murder
Gonzalez, who was working as a land surveying technician, repeatedly ran over and murdered 25-year-old Tia Poklemba of the Fort Meyers area of Florida on August 8, 2008.

Tia (right) and her mother Deb (left)

Help find justice for Tia's family and friends. 

The land surveying community is small and I think we can help bring Gonzalez to justice.  Verify that the laborer you have on your survey crew is NOT Luis Gonzalez!

To learn more about the case, go to AMW.com.

If you see Luis Gonzalez or know where he might be, call 911! 

**UPDATE - The AMW story has also been posted on the California Land Surveyor's Association website.  Anyone with information is urged to contact your local police.  Call 911 if you see Luis Gonzalez or know where he is.**

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

June Money Bomb - Support Reform

With just one week left to get out the vote and share my message with voters, I need you help!

This is your last pre-election opportunity to support reform that makes sense.

Please donate today!


Monday, May 7, 2012

FREE EVENT - Meet the Candidates

I will be at the Fullerton Public Library (353 W. Commonwealth Ave.) tonight from 6PM-8PM for NUF's (Neighbors United for Fullerton) meet-n-greet.

Other replacement candidates will be there as well for you to speak with and ask questions.  This is your opportunity to interview candidates.

I hope I see you there!

Friday, April 27, 2012

Special Event - Monday April 30


Community Forums - Hear the Candidates

There are several upcoming forums being presented by community, business, and political groups that will allow you to hear from the candidates in the Fullerton Recall Election.

May 2, 6PM-8PM

Atlas PAC hosts a forum for their endorsed candidates (including yours truly) Scott's Restaurant & Bar
3300 Bristol Ave. Costa Mesa ($15 for members, $20 for non-members, $4 valet)

May 7, 6PM-8:30PM

Neighbors United for Fullerton is hosting a meet-n-greet at Fullerton's Main Branch Library, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave. (free)

May 10, 6PM-8:30PM

The League of Women Voters  is hosting a forum at Fullerton's Main Branch Library, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave. (free)

May 14, 6:30

The Fullerton Chamber of Commerce is hosting a forum at Fullerton's Main Branch Library, 353 W. Commonwealth Ave. (free)


There may be other events, both private and public, yet to be scheduled.  Subscribe to this site to receive updates.  

Also, if you would like to host an event, please contact me at GregSebourn@yahoo.com or at (714) 292-5914.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Atlas Political Action Committee Endorses Sebourn


Contact:  Allen Wilson                         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tel.: (909) 859-9047

Atlas PAC Gives Strong Support for Greg Sebourn for Fullerton City Council’s Recall Election to Replace Don Bankhead

April 23, 2012
FULLERTON –Atlas PAC proudly announced its endorsement of Greg Sebourn for Fullerton City Council’s Recall Election to replace Don Bankhead.  Sebourn, an avid and proven tax fighter, is a small business owner that understands the sacrifices made by today’s small business owners striving to stay afloat in the midst of the recession.

“I am proud to have the support of the men and women of Atlas PAC,” said Sebourn “Atlas PAC represents good governance by the People and for the People.  Few organizations have such a pure mission and clear message.”

Atlas is a politically based membership organization made up of business, political, and community professionals who share a passion for free enterprise, limited government, reduced government regulatory burdens, low taxation, and individual liberty.Atlas furthers its ideals by funding candidates and causes who aggressively advocate the values of Atlas.

Since 2011, Sebourn has spearheaded a movement to repeal the City of Fullerton “in-lieu franchise fee” which the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association has characterized as illegal.  Those efforts placed enormous pressure on current council members to vote to end the transferring of funds.

“The City is still over charging ratepayers by 10%.  That has to end and we must assess how to return the illegally collected funds back to the ratepayers,” said Sebourn.  “Every day that passes, the City collects 10% too much!  I want to know where every penny comes from and where it goes.  I want a complete accounting of City Hall.  The citizens deserve to know where their money has been spent.  Obviously, it has not gone to improving roads.”

# # # # # #

More information about Greg can be found on the campaign website at www.gregsebourn.com.  Also, Greg can be followed over at Twitter @GregSebourn.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

April Money Bomb - Please Donate Today

After scoring a major victory for Fullerton Water Ratepayers on Tuesday with the elimination of the decades old water tax, it's easy to get complacent.  However, we mustn't get too comfortable.  If you want to see actual reform hit City Hall, if you want to know what it means to improve city streets, if you want accountable, open, honest leadership...

Please donate today!  

I need your help raising money so that I can focus on the issues at hand.  With a $1.1-billion debt hanging over us, its important we continue to find real solutions that keep us from going bankrupt.
Helping is easy and there are no minimum or maximum limits.  
$50
$75
$100
$250
$1,000
You Choose!

All major credit cards accepted.
or click on the donate page at www.GregSebourn.com.

Campaigns are costly and time consuming.  Signs, mailers, and fliers are all important and very expensive when you look at the size of Fullerton and the quantities I need to purchase.

With your support I can win the election and represent you at City Hall.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Meet the Candidates - You're Invited


North Orange County Conservative Coalition 

Make Wise and Informed Decisions

at The Ballot Box on June 5 and In November!


Join NOCCC To Meet Your Local Candidates 

 Thursday, April 12, 2012
7:00 – 8:30 pm

With Special Guest Speaker and Emcee, Brian Calle

     Brian Calle is an Opinion Columnist for the Orange County Register, the Managing Director of Gambit Consulting Group, a Senior Fellow at the Claremont Institute, Editor of FreedomPolitics.com, President of the Young Executives of America, a Distinguished Speaker in the Friedman Foundation School Choice Speaker's Bureau and a member of the Board of Governors for the University of Southern California.

     Please join us as Brian introduces many of our invited local candidates running for office including Orange County Board of Supervisors, City Council, School Board and Orange County Republican Party Central Committee. 

One hour from 8:00pm - 9:00pm will be set aside for folks to meet and chat with candidates who wish to stay.


 The Foxfire Restaurant Conference Room

5717 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim
91 Freeway @ Imperial Highway


Dessert Assortment & Beverages provided.
$5 suggested donation to help cover costs.

Please RSVP to Karla at karladeane@aol.com or Desaré atdeseric@sbcglobal.net 

Why not dine at the Foxfire Restaurant before the meeting?
Separate reservations required through the restaurant.
Please call 714-974-5400 or visit www.foxfirerestaurant.com

Monday, February 13, 2012

Sebourn for Fullerton City Council 2012

I have officially filed my intention to run for Fullerton City Council.   It was not an easy decision to make but with the support and encouragement of my family and friends, I think it is the right decision for Fullerton.
I have been speaking out and writing about the tax and spend policies of our failed leadership as well as the lack of transparency at City Hall for several years. Every step of the way I have been there fighting to keep taxes low.
Fullerton deserves quality leadership, accountability, and fiscal transparency. Are these too much to ask? No!
If you think I'm the right person for the job, if you think I am someone you can rely on to give you cold hard facts with realistic solutions instead of the usual failed policies, then please support me.
Email me, GregSebourn@Yahoo.com, so we can take back our City together.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Contrasts in Architecture Are Rare in Fullerton

I'm not an architect nor do I pretend to be.  At best, I notice some architecture while clearly ignoring other types.  I'm a land surveyor, not a building surveyor.  So when I see structures, I look to quantify them, not qualify them.

At least that was my modus operandi until May 11, 2011. 

On that day I was walking Independence Mall in Philadelphia and admiring the history and reflecting on what it would have been like in 1776.  As I crossed Market Street to go look at the Liberty Bell I looked left and right scanning the streets.  Then something caught my eye.  The antique cityscape had something shiny and new nestled in between two pieces of historic-looking buildings.

Those who have visited Independence Mall will agree that they are awed by Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Christ Church Burial Ground, and other important pieces of American history.  It is breathtaking for those with that certain affinity for history.

And in the midst of this structural history I find my eyes gazing on a structure unlike anything else on the Mall.  For that matter, I don't recall ever seeing anything like this structure with my own eyes. 

The structure has jutting polished metal forming right angles and contrasts sharply against the backdrop of American history.  The building's unusual placement on the Mall speaks volumes of its purpose, though no billboards announce what that may be. 

As I circle the Mall admiring the formation of our Country, my mind and camera wander back to the building, now more striking than when I saw it just moments ago. 

Nearing the building, I look for signs as to what the building is and what it represents.  Seeing none and realizing I'm now short on time, I turn away to make my next appointment.

Troubled by the mystery, I turn to the internet to find my answer. 

I find Google Earth to be a great tool for understanding our world.  Once again, the tool came through with an answer which was supported by additional sources.

The National Museum of American Jewish History stands as a monument to, as the name implies, American Jews.  Its purpose is to connect Jews more closely to their heritage and to inspire in people of all backgrounds a greater appreciation for the diversity of the American Jewish experience and the freedoms to which Americans aspire.  The architect, James Polshek, has created a striking symbol of American Jews and their story through the placement and use of materials, textures, shapes, and colors.  You can see more of James Polshek's work at http://ennead.com/#/projects/nmajh.

This experience, seeing the building on the Mall and recognizing the unusual beauty of its presence in that location has caused me to question the direction the City of Fullerton has traveled for decades. 

A recent Friends for Fullerton's Future blog post brought to light the Redevelopment Design Review Committee's selections of less than inspiring architecture. 

I used to have the strong opinion that modern designs just would not work in our downtown.  After long debates and discussions with friends and my visit to Philadelphia I am confident that it can work well. 

Entrepreneurs looking to raise the bar and make their place in Fullerton should look to innovative designs which will stand in contrast to our old and confused architecture.  More importantly, when every other building is a bar or tattoo parlor, business owners need to look at ways of setting their establishment apart from the rest of the herd. 

There is a great transcript of a debate on this architectural issue that took place at Harvard in 1982.  Click HERE and read the arguments that shape our structural world. 

Sunday, March 20, 2011

NATIONAL SURVEYOR'S WEEK

NATIONAL SURVEYOR’S WEEK
MARCH 20th TO 26th, 2011

The honorable and historic profession of surveying has been in existence since the very dawn of civilization. From the "rope stretchers" of ancient Egypt to the Roman Empire and into modern society, the surveyor has been an essential part of man's development.

During the Colonial Era and the early days of the United States of America many of the leaders of this country served not only their fellow citizens, but were actively engaged as land surveyors at some point in their career. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Abraham Lincoln set the standard for diligence, service and ethics which still guides the efforts of the modern surveyor.

The licensed Professional Surveyor is uniquely qualified to research the documents, maps and other information necessary to establish the location of land boundaries. This ensures that the land owner's property lines will be properly and correctly marked on the ground. The modern professional surveyor is often involved in providing other services such as Photogrammetry, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Hydrography. The professional surveyor is able to accurately measure the land and develop maps, plats and reports for many useful purposes.

In recognition of the groundwork laid by our forefathers, and the ongoing dedication of present day surveyors, the Orange County Chapter is pleased to recognize March 20th to 26th, 2011 as NATIONAL SURVEYOR'S WEEK. Surveyors, and their respective professional societies, are encouraged to promote a better understanding of our profession among all Americans.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Teachers Union Asks for Higher Taxes





It's no great surprise that the California Teachers Association is calling for higher taxes.  Here is an email that they sent to CTA members yesterday urging them to contact their legislators. 

In response to the email, I contacted my legislator, Assemblyman Chris Norby, and asked him to NOT vote for any new taxes, fees, or the extensions of any current taxes or fees. 

CTA needs to give up its stranglehold on the classroom and return to the teachers' lounge. 
________________________________

Urgent Update: Assembly Speaker John Perez announced on Tuesday that he plans for the Assembly to vote on the budget on Wednesday, March 16, beginning at 1PM. Keep contacting lawmakers at their Capitol offices.Your help is needed now to stave off additional devastating cuts to public education and other public services. Get in touch with your state Senator and state Assembly Member at their district offices and urge them to support Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed budget that would protect public education from more cuts.
Also urge your lawmakers to extend the temporary taxes or put the issue before the voters during a June special election. Lawmakers have a choice between extending the temporary taxes or authorizing billions of dollars more in devastating cuts to public schools and other public services.
Background:To prevent a potential cut of $2 billion or more to our schools, the Legislature must agree to extend the temporary taxes or to place a measure on the June ballot to allow voters to extend them. Either option takes a 2/3 vote of the Legislature to achieve the goal, and it will require at least three Republicans in the state Senate and two in the state Assembly to join with all Democrats to extend the taxes or put the measure on a June special election ballot.
Your efforts can help convince both Democratic and Republican lawmakers to pass the governor’s proposed budget and extend the temporary taxes. The governor’s proposal will help erase the state’s $25 billion budget deficit while protecting schools and other essential services from further cuts. To unsubscribe or change your email preferences, please follow the link below:
http://metrics.mmailhost.com/?r=MTAwMg0KSjQ5NzI5LUNUQS0xLTQ5LQ0KMjEzNzEzDQoxMTAwMDAwMDA3MDkyY2UNCmh0dHA6Ly9jdGEudGhldmFuLnVzL0VtYWlsU3Vic2NyaXB0aW9uLmFzcHg%2fSUQ9N0NCMEE0MTMzMzYyMzcwMS1HNTIyODQ5NzI5OEItRDIwQTQxOTkxNjM2MTg5RTINCnRydWUNCmdyZWdzZWJvdXJuQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ%3d%3d
Key Points:
·         K-12 schools and colleges have already been cut over $20 billion over the last three years--$1,900 per K-12 student.
·         Class sizes are soaring, programs are disappearing and entire school years are shrinking in many school districts.
 ·         More than 30,000 California educators and 10,000 other public school employees have been laid off over the past three years. Another 19,000 received layoff notices this March 15th.
·         The governor’s plan to extend temporary taxes for five years will help prevent further cuts to schools, public safety, health and other vital state programs.
 ·         Without an extension of current revenues, public schools and colleges will lose more than $2.3 billion.  ·         The governor’s balanced budget approach will help protect students and essential services, create jobs, and stabilize the economy. 
Here’s what you can do to help!
Contact your legislators in their Capitol offices by phone and use our CTA legislative portal to contact them, too. Find it at http://metrics.mmailhost.com/?r=MTAwMg0KSjQ5NzI5LUNUQS0xLTQ5LQ0KMjEzNzEzDQoxMTAwMDAwMDA3MDkyY2UNCmh0dHA6Ly93d3cuY2Fwd2l6LmNvbS9uZWEvY2EvaXNzdWVzL2FsZXJ0DQp0cnVlDQpncmVnc2Vib3VybkB5YWhvby5jb20%3d.
Urge your legislators to support the governor’s budget plan and extend the temporary taxes.

 If they are unwilling to do so, ask them to let the voters decide by putting the issue before the electorate as a June 2011 ballot measure. 
Then close the loop by e-mailing lfeldman@cta.org to let us know:
 1) Who did you meet with or reach by phone or e-mail?
2) What was the response?  Will the lawmaker support the governor’s budget?
For more information, contact Legislative Advocate Estelle Lemieux or GR Communications Consultant Len Feldman at 916.325.1500.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

ALL SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE HUNT BRANCH LIBRARY

This past Sunday I drove my son to the Fullerton Library to look for a particular book on music.  When we arrived, we were greeted by this sign.

Although the sign says ALL SERVICES AVAILABLE AT THE HUNT BRANCH, it should also read LIMITED SERVICES AVAILABLE HERE.  In fact, it should say VERY FEW BOOKS AND SERVICES AVAILABLE HERE - USE HUNT BRANCH. 

As it turns out, the only books available at the main branch, at least as of Sunday, were some children's books.  Granted, my son is 13, the book he was looking for though was certainly not a children's book. 

Fearing more wasted time, $20 less in my bank account and an hour later, my son had a book from Borders and I was back to putting away my camping gear. 

The lessons learned by my son:
  • Government rarely knows best what the People need;
  • Sometimes you have to pay a premium to get what you want;
  • Waste comes in many forms;
  • Don't procrastinate;
  • Some signs don't accurately convey the intended message;
  • Homework on weekends sucks.
The lessons learned by me:
  • Even a 13-year old can spot a dysfunctional system.

Monday, March 14, 2011

Trig Star 2011 - Trabuco Hills High School On Top

And the winners of the 2011 Trig Star High School Competition are...

Third Place- Gabriel Hahr, Trabuco Hills High School - $200
Second Place - Uma Rajpurkar, Trabuco Hills High School - $300
First Place - Kavan Zommers, Trabuco Hills High School - $500

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR ORANGE COUNTY TRIG STARS!!!

Greg Sebourn

The Beauty of a Storm

The Beauty of a Storm
Orange County, Ca.

My Grandma - A Eulogy

LET'S TALK ABOUT 1914 FOR A MOMENT.



FOR STARTERS, GRANDMA WAS BORN TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1914 IN HER FAMILY'S ATWOOD RANCH HOUSE.



IT IS WORTH NOTING THOSE ALSO BORN IN 1914:

JACK LALANNE

JOE DIMAGGIO

DANNY THOMAS



AND WHO DIED IN 1914:

JOHN MUIR, THE FAMOUS NATURALIST FOR WHICH NUMEROUS ROADS, PARKS, HOTELS, AND NATURE RESERVES ARE NAMED.



IT IS ALSO WORTH NOTING THAT IN 1914 WOODROW WILSON SIGNS MOTHER'S DAY PROCLAMATION AND BABE RUTH MAKES HIS MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT WITH THE RED SOX. MOTHER'S DAY AND BASEBALL- TWO OF MY FAVORITES!! (PERHAPS HER NICKNAME "BABE" CAME FROM BABE RUTH???)



GRANDMA WAS BORN INTO A PERIOD OF TIME FILLED WITH TURMOIL. IN JUNE OF 1914 ARCHDUKE FRANZS FERDINAND WAS ASSASSINATED. WITHIN ONE MONTH WORLD WAR I RAGED ACROSS EUROPE. TWO DAYS AFTER HER BIRTH HOWEVER, GERMAN AND BRITISH TROOPS INTERRUPTED WWI TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS. (PERHAPS THEY PAUSE KNOWING THAT A GREAT WOMAN WAS BORNE) WORLD WAR I CONTINUED UNTIL THE TREATY OF VERSAILLES IN 1919.



ALTHOUGH SHE WAS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD, SHE SAW THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS CREATED AND THE 19TH AMENDMENT WAS APPROVED BY THE U.S. CONGRESS GUARANTEEING THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN TO VOTE.



SHE LIVED THROUGH MANY NOTABLE EVENTS. LIKE THE 1933 LONG BEACH EARTHQUAKE OR WHEN ATWOOD FLOODED ALONG WITH MOST OF ORANGE COUNTY IN 1938 AND THE FLOOD-WATERS CLAIMED MORE THAN 50 PEOPLE, 43 OF WHICH WERE FROM ATWOOD! ALL OF THIS DURING A TIME THAT WE READ ABOUT IN SCHOOL AND KNOWN AS "THE GREAT DEPRESSION". SOMEWHERE IN ALL OF THAT SHE FOUND THE LOVE OF HER LIFE, GRANDPA LEO, GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL, GOT MARRIED, AND HAD KIDS!



THEN THERE WAS WORLD WAR II. FROM PEARL HARBOR TO HIROSHIMA, GRANDMA WAS RAISING MY UNCLE BOB AND MOM ARLINE. WITH AIR-RAID SIRENS AND BLACKOUTS SHE WAS A WIFE AND MOTHER. WHAT A TIME TO RAISE CHILDREN! I BET GRANDMA'S PARENTS WERE ABEL TO TELL HER A THING OR TWO ABOUT RAISING KIDS IN WARTIME.



GRANDMA WAS THERE WHEN THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA HELD THEIR 3RD ANNUAL NATIONAL JAMBOREE IN 1953. SHE SAW AIRBASES OPEN IN '42 AND CLOSE IN '99. SHE WATCHED WALTER KNOTT START UP HIS BERRY FARM AND WALT DISNEY TURN ORANGE GROVES AND STRAWBERRY PATCHES INTO DISNEYLAND!



SHE SAW THE HORSE AND CARRIAGE FADE AWAY INTO HISTORY AND SPACE TRAVEL EXPLODE BEFORE HER WITH THE FIRST LUNAR LANDING. JUST IMAGINE HOW MUCH TECHNOLOGY HAS CHANGED OVER THE LAST 100 YEARS. FROM TUBE RECTIFIERS TO SUPERCONDUCTORS; FROM TRANS-ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH CABLES TO SATELLITE TV.



SHE SAW MORE IN HER 93 YEARS THAN MOST OF US WILL EVER READ ABOUT, LET ALONE LIVE THROUGH!



OF THOSE 93 YEARS IT IS MY HONOR TO HAVE BEEN HER GRANDSON FOR 35 OF THEM. SHE WAS MY MOTHER WHEN MOM HAD TO WORK. SHE WIPED MY NOSE AND PUT FOOD IN MY MOUTH. SHE LET ME PLAY WITH GRANDPA EVEN THOUGH SHE NEEDED HIM TO TAKE HER TO THE STORE. SHE WAS MY GRANDMA AND I WILL MISS HER IMMENSELY.



JUST LOOK AROUND THIS ROOM; SHE DID THIS. SHE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR BRINGING SO MANY GOOD PEOPLE INTO THIS WORLD AND TOGETHER TODAY. THIS IS HER LEGACY.



A Dedication To My Loving Wife, Stacey. Thank you for all you do for me!

Brad Paisley - I Thought I Loved You Then


I remember trying not to stare the night that I first met you
You had me mesmerized
3 weeks later in the front porch light taking 45 min to kiss you goodnight
I hadn’t told you yet but I thought I loved you then

Chorus
Now you’re my whole life now you’re my whole world
I just can’t believe the way I feel about you girl
Like a river meets the sea
Stronger than it’s ever been
We’ve come so far since that day
And I thought I loved you then.

I remember taking you back to right where I first met you
You were so surprised
There were people around
But I didn’t care I got down on one knee right there
And once again I thought I loved you then

Chorus
Now you’re my whole life now you’re my whole world
I just can’t believe the way I feel about you girl
Like a river meets the sea
Stronger than it’s ever been
We’ve come so far since that day
And I thought I loved you then.

I can just see you with a baby on the way
I can just see you when your hair is turning gray
What I can’t see is how I’m ever gonna love you more
But I’ve said that before.

Now you’re my whole life now you’re my whole world
I just can’t believe the way I feel about you girl
Well look back some day at this moment that we’re in
And I'll look at you and say I thought I loved you then
And I thought I loved you then...