The Prodigal One Returns but, don't kill the fatted calf

[Oceanbeach]

Hi Forum Friends,

I have been taking a little break from all HIV/AIDS issues for the past few weeks and have not been around much...  Oh, I am back and glad to be here as usual.  I attended the Sonoma County Commission on AIDS meeting tonight.  This was the night to ratify the FY 2007 budget as prepared by the enormously thoughtful Funding Allocation Working Group.

As a member of the FAWG team, I spent the past three months to find ways in which to save existing programs for the 700 people in care county wide and maintain those services for the 1300- 1800 estimated persons living with HIV, should they need those services.

Tonight for the first time in the history of the FAWG budget scenarios, it was ratified in one meeting with no changes.  I crashed and burned toward the end of the FAWG process, took a break from all of the committees and task forces and have been thinking about taking a leave of absense from the Planning Counsil.  As the Commission round tabled on each of the issues, I had plenty of speaking time and found myself recharged with energy.

I did get some email from Craig Vincent-Jones of the Los Angeles Commission on HIV and Susan Strong, the Consultant hired by the nine Planning Councils.  There was nothing there which shook the ground... Potential cuts in RWCA funding and no action on the House or Senate floor which has been expected since June.

Last but not least... I was asked out on a dinner date by another member of the FAWG team.  We had planned on hiking down the cliff from my house to the river w/canoe once but, Matt found out how bad PN can get so we left the canoe and spent the day swimming.  I was a great first date.

I also have been to San Francisco a few times in the past week.  Went to a few bars, some private clubs, a weird restaurant and some peoples houses.  No one person should be allowed to have as much fun as I have.  Before I forget  www.Commission-on-AIDS.org.  Have the best day
Michael

[OzPaul]

Michael

Thanks for checking in !!!

I was beginning to wonder where you've been. Congrats on the funding, great news. Thanks for all your efforts and fighting the good fight. Local advocacy is so important.

It's good to know you're out and about in the local and bigger world and a first date,wow, very cool. And the big city went very well it seems. Great thing can happen when we venture out. Sometimes I wander away from my bush retreat and am usually pleasantly surprised.

Wishing you all the best
Paul

[Dachshund]

Glad you're back...your next assignment is to talk these knuckleheads into using Guerneville and the Russian River for the next AMG.

[Andy Velez]

Good to hear from you, Michael. Thanks for the report.

Onward,

[JohnOso]

Well i knew you had said you needed a break, but that is more like a grand vacation! 

Glad you've been re-energized.

Take care,
John

[Eldon]

Hello Michael,

It is good to have you back and it is a good thing that you enjoyed yourself in SF.




Have the BEST Day!