Stash's Palaver

MEMO TO RICHMOND RESIDENTS: save money, shop El Cerrito! The politicians of our neighboring city have decided to place a “soda tax” on the November ballot. Voters will be asked to decide whether or not a penny per ounce tax should be levied on all sugar-sweetened beverages such as Snapple and Coke. If passed by Richmond voters, the cost of buying a tasty Snapple, “Made from the Best Stuff on Earth” as they say, will increase in Richmond. This could create an opportunity for El Cerrito merchants to generate some sales.

The rationale behind this Snapple tax is to discourage sales of these types of beverages because too many kids are too fat. Whether a one-cent-per-ounce sugar tax would encourage a person to drink a glass of water instead of a Pepsi remains to be seen. Granted, it isn’t healthy to drink a lot of sodas, nor is it smart to consume a steady diet of fast food at Micky D’s. It’s beyond me why parents allow their kids to consume junk food and soft drinks other than the fact that many parents are not qualified or fit to be parents. (Perhaps a tax on kids is a solution to that problem.)

Enter the Nanny state with government attempting to force a behavior change that ought to be the responsibility of parents, and the solution is, naturally, a tax. (Revenue generation is always paramount.) Kids and adults are getting fat on bacon, burgers, fries, churros, and ice cream. Eventually, this costs everyone money in subsidizing health care for the people who lack some basic common sense regarding moderation and a balanced diet.

Cue Alice Waters; maybe she can talk some sense to the hordes lined up at the drive-through for junk food. The ballot campaign pro and con should be interesting. Meanwhile, an opportunity awaits for El Cerrito business.

I HATE PLASTIC PEANUTS and other styrofoam packing material. Fortunately, there is a good way to get rid of it. The recently rebuilt El Cerrito Recycling Center accepts both of those nuisance items, along with e-waste such as computers and monitors, every day. Not only is this good for El Cerritans but very helpful for local businesses. Presumably the center is working on accepting fluorescent tubes and CFLs. It isn’t likely anyone will drive out to north Richmond just to dispose of a light bulb.

WHILE ON THE SUBJECT OF RECYCLING, a tour and talk by the people behind the El Cerrito center is scheduled for Thursday, June 21st at 6 p.m. For more information, call Dave Weinstein at (510) 524-1737.

NEW BIZ: a big “hello” to T-Mobile which just opened next to I-Hop and Staples at 11511 San Pablo Avenue. Kim Lester is in charge of the new store which has hours from 10-8 Monday through Saturday, and 11-6 on Sunday. Ask Kim about getting fees waived for the first 90 days and for a free Starbucks card upon activation. An official grand opening will be scheduled in the future.

HAVE SOME FUN on a 25-mile bike ride on June 10th from Waterfront Park in Martinez. Bike the Bridges is an annual event supported by local law enforcement including the ECPD that benefits Special Olympics. Ride across the Al Zampa and new Benicia bridges and then enjoy lunch hosted by Outback Steakhouse all for $45. More info at: 2012bikethebridges.kintera.org.

THAT WAS A SPECTACULAR FIREWORKS display to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge last month. Plenty of El Cerritans were watching as some of the best views of the world famous span are from our city. A number of years ago I had the good fortune to go atop the south tower on a remarkably clear day. Herewith, photographic evidence of my hour high above.