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Soli Deo Gloria

Southern Sojourn (Enter)

    Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to visit parts of the south, but I never had had the time to explore.  In the summer of 2009 & 2011 I took some time and roamed the back roads of the Carolinas, Georgia and Lousiana.  I found a fascinating country where some areas were booming, and others  abandoned to their poverty.
    Places where traditions seem odd or funny and yet others where it appeared time had stood still.  It is a wonderful place, where the next hill or turn in the road could bring a smile or perhaps a tear.

Rio de los Santos Reyes (Enter)

       The Kings River that flows through Central California and is a river of distinction in several ways.  One, it is divided into three unique and deliberate regions with specific functions, watershed, recreation and agricultural irrigation.  It is also only one of two major rivers in the world that does not flow to the ocean.  The other being the Jordan in the Middle East.
        This on going project focuses on the many uses, issues and beauty of this river environment. How man has used it, reclaimed it, and at times abused it.

The Harbor (Enter)

        The Harbor is a place of contrasts. The unique simplicity of its purpose is a sharp departure from the complexity of the souls who live here.   As the sun, land and water converge, so do the lives of a variety of people.  Below that scenic veneer are deeper stories. Men who have escaped to the sea for the solitude and peace it provides and successful men who have prospered from the sea. The haves’ and have-nots.
        It is against this backdrop that the people’s lives intersect at The Harbor. They all seek it, some find peace, some succeed, and some self-destruct.   The contrasts are a glimpse of all of us, seeking much the same thing.....a place to be ‘safe’.

The Old Administration Building (Enter)

        The Old Administration Building (OAB) on the Campus of Fresno City College in Fresno Calif. is a 180,000 plus square foot masterpiece antiquity.
The building was abandoned in the late 1970’s due to earthquake safety concerns and many of the rooms became unusable. For 30 years the building was left to decay. In 2009 a revitalization effort began and in 2011  the OAB was reopened as a vital center of the City College campus
        In 2007 and 08 I was allowed inside before the renovation efforts began.  What I found was a giant time capsule and a testament to man’s neglect.

San Miguel Shootout (Enter)

  On a hot summer morning in 1978, Marvin Martin, barricaded himself inside a small house in what used to be a motel and fired on San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s deputies. After a  three hour standoff,  tear gas was fired into the building, which quickly caught the old structure on fire.  Martin came out firing.  A SWAT team responded  with heavy gunfire, mortally wounding Martin who, even after being shot multiple times, continued to reach for his weapon to kill the officers.  It was one of the first cases that appeared to be a “suicide by cop”.  Click on the image to see the series.

Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant Protests (Enter)

      The subject of nuclear power has always been controversial. In the mid 1970’s through the late 80’s  Pacific, Gas and Electric’s Diablo Canyon Nuclear plant became a flash point of protests.
      Thousands of protesters made their way to the gates of the plant to hold 1960’s style rallies.  Some reached the plant from the ocean, others hiked overland the seven miles to hoist their signs near the huge containment domes.  Those at the gates sang songs chanted of the evils nuclear power, while others taunted  P,G&E officials as the National Guard stood by.   Many of the protesters were arrested and eventually all left leaving only the locals to carry on the fight.  A fight that will be revived as the energy debate continues.

Ronald Reagan Campaigning  (Enter)

   In May of 1976, then former governor of California Ronald Reagan attended a campaign barbeque held in his honor at the Paso Robles Fairgrounds.   The afternoon was blazing hot.  Activities called for a rodeo, BBQ and speeches from Republican dignitaries.  Reagan played his role elegantly, riding a horse in the mini parade to the rodeo, and with wife Nancy, covering all the political bases.  Reagan was in his element!
     At the time of the fundraiser Reagan was challenging Gerald Ford for the Republican nomination and a strong show of support, like this event in Paso, paved the way for Reagan’s eventual victory four years later.