Daily Archives: 05/26/2009

(Community Matters) If AP is correct, President Obama will nominate US Appeals Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to the US Supreme Court. She’ll bring more courtroom experience to the S. Court than any nominee in a very long time – plus she’ll be the first Hispanic on the court and add a second female s. ct. justice (kinda silly only currently one female out of nine & never before a Hispanic – don’t you think?) She’s a Princeton and Yale Law School grad raised by working class parents in the Bronx.

As I’ve already posted, conservatives mapped out their opposition strategies weeks ago in preparation for opposing all likely, female nominees. They’ve reportedly already agreed their opposition to Justice Sotomayor will be her willingness “to expand constitutional rights beyond the text of the Constitution.”

Justice Sotomayor was appointed by Pres GWH Bush as a federal district judge and elevated to the appeals court by Pres. Clinton. Justices Sotomayor’s the first American-born Puerto Rican appointed a federal judge; her appeals court confirmation was delayed for a year by an anonymous Senate hold reportedly out of fear that she would be a logical Supreme Court pick.

(Community Matters) Perfect closing to a beautiful Memorial Day weekend in Central Texas – dinner on Lake Austin, hosted by Suzanne, David & Chandler Booth, catered by Santa Rita & Eddie Bernal.

Steve Hall & David Booth

David & Suzanne decided to host dinner on their Lake Austin property for friends who helped settle differences with their Courtyard neighbors. David explained that once they sat down with Courtyard residents and explained their development plans (a single family home with a few outbuildings) on the former Mueller ranch, the neighbors dropped their opposition.

David & Steve standing within an excavated terraced space overlooking Bull Creek and which had been buried and overgrown

Stephen Jones, Dana Friis-Hansen, Kerry Hall & Suzanne Deal Booth

Suzanne and group just back from the tour for late arrivals.

David Armbrust, Julie Byers, Mayor-elect Lee Leffingwell & Cheryl Armbrust

Lee & Julie couldn’t have been more gracious which I appreciate since I campaigned hard for Brewster. Lee will make a super mayor. I’m grateful for the debates that went on during the campaign. I think they’ll inform us well on priorities and positions as we navigate challenging economic times for our community. I enjoyed meeting David’s wife Cheryl for the first time.

The Booth’s have engaged Jill Nokes to help restore the ranch’s 55 acres. Already, they’ve cleared many non-indigenous species and the pastures & native plants are returning quite beautifully.

David pointed out the sites for their home and a few other, small buildings – minimal disturbance to the land and design which blends with surroundings. Couldn’t ask for more repectful stewardship of an extraordinary oasis nearly central city. Jill noted the return of various bird species since they’ve replanted the pastures and preserved some of the brush piles.

Jill Nokes, Dan Bullock, Annette Carlozzi

I don’t think I’d seen Annette & Dan since their wedding – Annette still radiant when I mentioned it.

Jack Nokes, Steven, Kevin Keim, Jill

Jack and Jill Nokes are friends from St. James. Turns out they’ve long been friends with Kevin as well – Jill remembering titillating stories about Kevin in San Miguel.

(Community Matters) Do512.com

(Community Matters) At least that’s what I’m reading. So, 18,000 couples wed legally in CA will learn if their weddings are overturned or not. CA’s supreme court justices will decide if even a majority can limit the rights of a minority.

I suppose this doesn’t seem like too big a deal to most. Just remember, everyone is in some sort of minority – whether left handed, white males, super rich. Popular opinion is a fleeting thing. If the voting majority is allowed to deny any minority its rights, is anyone safe?