Well, I see our weather hasn’t changed much — we still haven’t had any “summer” and not much of a “fall” either. Just maybe we’ll get some much needed rain and then into a glorious spring. I think we all need it — or at least what I’m hearing from those that leave a message.

Not sure how many of you attended the 40th Anniversary of RSCA but it was a delightful day — at least for me. Firstly, I want to give Sue Nix, RSCA Vice-Chair and her son, Marc, a great big ‘thank you’ for all the work they did. But not so much for putting me by the front door. I did not get to see many of the exhibits — only the new collection cans that Gino made me come look at. I really don’t think I can get everything I seem to collect into one of them but I’m gane to try.

However the really good part of being there was I got to talk with most everyone that came in and registered. Many asked me why we asked them to sign the Registry and it was because over these past years there have been many changes to the Shores. Some have been here since development started — back in 1969, and others just recently — all interested in the “history” of the Shores.

I have been here since August of 1985, when Shell Blvd. was being started. Prior to that there was a dusty road that went out to the SBSA plant, so on the 4th of July many of us would take a chair and walk up to Shell and RWSPkway, sit and watch the fireworks. It was kind of a “group/neighbor party and you got to know your neighbors. Because the Registry asked for an e-mail address a lot people left that space open. When asked why, many simply said they did not want their e-mail address “published”. We explained that was NOT the purpose, but simply to let them know what was happening out here.

I understand there were some cages for kittens. As a cat-lover I did not get a chance to get over to see them but from what I have been told they were adorable. For anyone interested they came from the Nine Lives Foundation, located at 3016 Rolison Road [off 2nd Avenue] in south Redwood City. $20.oo per month saves one kitten for a month. If you can, please donate. I was told they had a Mainecoon there, who was really a “looker”. For me, any time I see a cat I want to take it home. I can’t remember when there has not been a cat in our family. As a child we had a beautiful, black Persian and when he wanted to play with my Dad and me he got to running around chasing us. If we got too “rough” he would go looking for my Mother, bite her on her ankle, then come running back to us for more attention.

Since I am running out of space I want to thank all of you that stopped by after seeing my name tag, and mentioned that you read the ‘Soapbox’. This got started because we had residents that wanted to complain Ð about something — but did not want their names used. I thank each of you that leaves me a message or makes a suggestion. Over these past years I have brought many of these comments to the attention of the City Council, who have acted on them. Now the problem is the bait boxes that are being thrown into the water of many of the most easterly complexes and also along the main waterways. I should have more info on this for the December issue of the Pilot. Now it’s time to start your Christmas Decorations for the RSCA Awards. See you next month and do take care!

— Pat Dixon, the Swan Lady

(Note that Pat’s phone number for calls to contribute to “On My Soapbox” are usually included in The Pilot; the number has been omitted from the website version of this article. You can send a message to Pat by emailing with the words “For Swan Lady” in the subject line. )