The Terminator Fires Dirty Harry Over State Parks

LibertySugar — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:00:46 -0700

Well this only-in-California story involves Clint Eastwood, a Kennedy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and environmentalists. Governor Schwarzenegger let go conservationist/ex-mayor/actor/director/producer Clint Eastwood from his position as a California park commissioner. Arnold's brother-in-law, Bobby Shriver, also got terminated.

Arnold says he just wanted to give other people a chance, but Clint thinks it's politics. Eastwood and Shriver suspect they were fired because they opposed a toll road through an Orange County beach. Clint said: "Somebody got a bee under their bonnet at the right moment, so there we are. I guess he felt we were going to be guys who were going to be obstructionists for anything through state parks."

Enter the environmentalists, just read more. Several groups have submitted letters to the state Senate, asking the legislature to save the parks. The environmentalists are not pleased with Arnold's dismissal of Clint and Bobby, and are especially concerned about the governor's plan to close 48 parks in order to balance the state's budget.

Arnold isn't prepared to let family or Hollywood friends get in the way of his plans. Do you think his decision is strictly business, or very personal?

Source

Northern California Must See Spots

DearSugar — Tue, 27 Jun 2006 08:11:10 -0700

Dear Sugar
Vacation time is here and this year my husband and I are headed to visit his family in San Jose. It is my first time in this part of CA and I can't wait.

The plan is to roll it into a week of; family, San Francisco,
Napa/Sonoma, and anything else we can fit in. Can you help me fill out my must do/see list?

I need a locals take on things like the best wineries to visit, the best sushi, best shopping, the best fancy restaurant (we enjoy eating). Just help me make it a sensational vacation! Cal Gal

Dear Cal Gal
Check out this post Honeymooning In San Francisco we wrote. They know their town so get after it and have some fun.

Town Hall and Gary Danko are the two top schmancy restaurants in San Francisco - and right now Town Hall is hotter than ever. Try and call ASAP for a reservation (rumor has it they book up two months in advance).

As far as "must see spots" in San Jose, I recommend going to Santana Row. It's the city's finest shopping district (Gucci, Escada, Tods, etc...) with a collection of fabulous restaurants as well. Blowfish (sushi) is a must eat as well as Amber India (Indian) and Straits Cafe (Malaysian).

Gilroy Outlet Stores are 20 min south of SJ. There are 145 stores there if you are really looking to tear it up.

Big Basin State Park has beautiful hiking trails in the coastal redwood groves. If the weather cooperates, it's a nice place to hike and picnic.

In downtown San Jose, there ain't a whole lot happenin outside of work hours, but there are a couple of good places to eat. The Fairmont Hotel has a nice fancy brunch, there’s an upscale restaurant called Arcadia in the Marriott Hotel and Kubota, in Japantown has amazing sushi.

Outside Of San Jose there are several attractions as well:
The Monterey Aquarium is about an hour and 15 min from SJ. It's a bit touristy, but also a fun place to buy souvenirs, eat ice cream, rent kayaks and see the beach and the seals.

About an hour West of SJ is the famous Santa Cruz boardwalk. (They filmed The Lost Boys there, remember the carnival scene?) It's sort of an Atlantic city on the west coast.

Also, about an hour 15 min drive is the quaintest town I've ever encountered called Carmel By The Sea. It's filled with restaurants, art galleries, candy/cheese shops and cottage homes by the ocean. Clint Eastwood used to be mayor here!

Carmel Valley is in the same vicinity. The weather is almost always perfect and it’s a wonderful, rural alternative to Carmel. The top hotel, restaurant and winery is Bernardus Lodge - the fancy restaurant there is called Marinus. Have a fantastic trip.

TresSugar

The Terminator Fires Dirty Harry Over State Parks

Northern California Must See Spots