December 30, 1998

This Millennium's second to last Artichoke Awards

Once again it's time for the annual artichoke awards, those "only in Pacifica" honors or "honors?", depending on whether they are golden or purple 'chokes. It's year 18 for this award-giving event.

If you're new around here, the San Pedro Valley, which became Linda Mar, grew most of the artichokes in California earlier this century.

Two Golden Artichokes, one each to our outgoing and incoming state Senators. Quentin Kopp was THE outstanding state Senator of California for the past twelve years. His acerbic personality and polysyllabic vocabulary are the external manifestations of a very nimble brain which he's used to the benefit of all.

As for Jackie Speier, I'm definitely not alone in Pacifica in admiring her abilities, and the goals she's set for herself. Pacifica has given her the compliment of heavy majorities in every election she's ever been involved in.

A golden artichoke to the Fifty Associates of Boston, owners of the Linda Mar Shopping Center, for their major revamp. The center's looking good, with a few exceptions. They also deserve a Purple Artichoke for the time taken and the inconveniences to which they've subjected the patient residents of the community. The lanes no longer allow parking at an angle, why I can't imagine. I parked in front of Ross Shoes the other night only to realize my headlights shone directly on the cash register and into the eyes of the clerks.

223 purple 'chokes to the Republicans in Congress, who managed to disgrace themselves trying to disgrace Bill Clinton. I suppose Mr. C deserves one, too, for allowing himself to be boxed in like this. Of course if all the Republican liars and adulterers in Congress had voted no, the impeachment would have failed utterly.

A great and golden artichoke to Charlie Urchins, my fellow columnist, retiring after these many years. Charlie knows Pacifica like the back of his hand. He takes very little seriously. He's a bit of a mystery, since, while I've been involved with the Tribune one way or another since 1966, I've never been introduced to him, yet I feel I know him intimately. I regret he didn't last as long as Herb Caen, his mentor.

A very purple artichoke to guys who park their rustbuckets in front of other people's houses for days or weeks at a time. If you want to park your 1998 Lincoln Towne car in front of the house for awhile, ok. If you want to hand me the keys for a drive to Reno, even better.

A golden artichoke to hardworking Jerry Crow. He's done a great job as both President of the Pacifica Historical Society and President of Rotary. A real asset to Pacifica.

A special lifetime achievement award to John Curtis. His purple artichoke is in memory of the many ways through the years that he's negatively affected Pacifica's future. The latest was to try torpedoing the new development west of Skyline.

And last, as well as definitely least, a purple artichoke to the guy or guys (any woman would have more guts) who write me anonymous letters. I put my name on it. So can you!

Paul Azevedo has been putting his name on the Reactor column since 1975. His opinions are his own, and he takes full responsibility for them.