The train operators for BART are among the highest paid in the country – and I as a consumer pay for this. I absolutely can not and will not lend any support to the union. I think their demands are unrealistic, and show just how out of touch they are to the plight of every day working folks trying to get by in the Bay Area. I also hold management accountable for years of poor planning while continuing to agree to unsustainable contracts. Over the years, I have been confused by your poor decisions with regards to system growth, train cleanliness and the general reliability of the service.

Imagine if successful companies like Google, Apple or even Microsoft ran the way that BART does – they would have gone out of business years ago – Well enough is enough – Many in the region are doing their best to avoid falling through the cracks of a VERY crummy economy – I personally know a number of folks who are out of work, some of whom have or will lose their homes & businesses. I am frankly insulted by the daily news indicating the threat of a strike – and am outraged by the attitude of entitlement displayed by your workforce at a time when most folks are trying to just make sure they get through the worst of our current situation.

While I am not thrilled with the management and or service provided by BART, and I WILL be burdened with the ramifications of this strike,  I would gladly spend the next few months dealing with a difficult drive, if it were to mean that all who do not want to work are allowed to WALK – and a new workforce can be brought on and up to speed to work an honest shift for an honest salary. I am not one who wants something for nothing and am compelled to offer a perspective that will hopefully be at the very least heard.

Sincerely – Soon to be Driving from the east bay

I just sent the above letter to the main contact form on the BART.gov website – Should you have an opinion on the situation that you would like to share with the good folks at BART – you can do so via this link~

However, yesterday’s visit turned out to be a really fantastic treat. The Oakland zoo is tucked along the hillside above 580 in the Oakland hills. It is over 525 acres spread along an expansive area well removed from the chaos in the city below. The grounds are covered with all sorts lush landscape. This part of the bay area is a Mediterranean climate zone which means that all sorts of seemingly tropical plants thrive among the more expected manzanita bush and oak tree forest.

Rather then small cages and dusty concrete boxes, groups of animals are given entire hillside atmospheres to roam and enjoy their local habitat. A group of lions had nearly 3 acres of to cruise around – either lounge in the sun or hang out in a shaded creek. A couple black bears have a similar home on an opposing side that is not only spacious, but really mimic a natural environment. Clearly, it is not the same as being in the wild – but the park like feeling is a far more enjoyable experience then other far more well renown zoos. (IE – San Diego) The grounds were not ultra manicured (more park like)  but felt very natural, and all the enclosures struck me as not only large, but also incredibly kept and clean.

I have to tip my hat to the folks at the Oakland zoo, who have done an awesome job to not only provide a cool day for a local family, but to also do their best to do right by all the animals there for us to enjoy. All said, we had an great time – and found a truley unexpected treasure in an equally unexpected location.