THIS COLUMN WILL BE PRESENTING ITSELF precisely between these two dates. Thus, I get all my allotment of greetings out with this post!

To those friends and readers who share my political views, a deep sigh of mutual concern for the (possible!) direction of our society signaled by the last election. Let us hope. More importantly, let us pray! A wailing wall would not be out of order!

To those who post reactions ranging from contempt for the tiny and flawed contribution I make with my words to a form of anger that I exist … What can I say? Hey folks, I’m the best I’ve got and I apologize for that error, that tiny blip in the universal flow that led to my creation!

Or perhaps alternatively to all, it’s morning in Benicia, a new year aborning and time — is it possible? — to reach out and find some common ground. We are all travelers in the same territory, confronted with the same age-old set of problems.

In any case, ’tis the season to be jolly and politics should move to the back of the hall until summoned again in the new year!

We are blessed indeed to be living in this lovely town of Benicia by the bay, and Barbara and I are deeply grateful for the privilege. In one sense we are nouveau Benician, in that, as a couple, we moved here only 16 years ago. In another we are almost old timers in that Barbara began teaching here in 1970! That’s 44 years ago! During which time we lived in a variety of nearby towns, including Vallejo. And during which, one of the great joys of my existence was to occasionally steal a morning from my Sacramento commute and indulge in that marvelously rich and exciting experience that was Barbara Bosworth’s extraordinary kindergarten or first-grade class, and those beautiful, fired-up and enthusiastic children, their minds sparking, all their energy alive and flowing. I have had a lifetime in education at all levels, as participant and as observer, and never experienced anything quite like it!

I believe that parents of children in that classroom, during that period or even some still about who experienced it directly, will understand and perhaps, just perhaps, even share my feelings and conclusions.

But back to Benicia.

We have walked in many parts of this lovely setting and while we have some favorites — such as the western waterfront and park walk or the downtown extension stroll out onto the pier — we find beauty in abundance in innumerable places.

I really do not want here and now to enter an extensive and prolonged foray into the current Valero debates, but perhaps this sense of Benicia as a unique and very, very special place enters into one’s feelings about the proposed plans of the refinery — the impact of the trains, the potential environmental consequences for our beautiful town and setting. Consideration of impacts includes both the daily impacts of those long trains invading our space and the far greater consequences of adding the dangerous brew of Alberta tar sands crude to the refinery — not a prospect to be relished!

As I have noted before, one of the great ironies of this situation is that Benicia is not merely not alone in its vulnerability, but that the list of the threatened extends from Alberta to our town’s borders, including Sacramento and Davis, which are confronted with unique and critical dangers. Should all of this not be factored into our calculations, or does Benicia exist as an island unto itself? I would think the answer self-evident; but then I am not a participant in the decision-making process.

I do recognize that for those whose jobs are at stake, the equations and realities are different, and while my conclusions and feelings are unchanged, I am aware of economic impacts that affect many.

But back to the heart of this message. Put all of that behind us for the moment; whether conservative or liberal, Republican, tea partier, Democrat or whatever — together we are jointly blessed with this town and its dramatic and beautiful setting; with a fascinating history that richly connects us with our state and country; and with the very friendly and welcoming ambience that is Benicia!

And I, certainly, for one am very deeply grateful for that marvelous reality.

To each and every one of you, warm friends and acquaintances, critics and doubters and to all fellow Benicians, a wonderful, love-filled and exciting new year!

Jerome Page is a Benicia resident.

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