---- Al Knoll <anasasi@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> In response to a steadily diminishing flurry of requests ... Mike is funnier
> in person than the pensionerd.
>
> To satisfy those who yearn for the gude olde daze, I offer a short trip
> report.
>
> I was but a sapling when Drake hauled ashore for repairs.  I was young and
> strong when DeAnza first set foot.  When gold was discovered, I was tall and
> mighty . I have weathered storms, floods, earthquakes, provided succor,
> shade and sustenance to those who passed my way be they indians or squirrels
> or deer or magpies or jays or bicyclists.  My friends were all murdered
> recently, now I stand alone against the big machines and the chainsaws, but
> I still stand, unmoving, resolute, afraid.  Once in a while a kindly fellow
> has visited sometimes on his bicycle sometimes in his funny white box.  He
> spoke for me when others cared not to listen, he stood for me when others
> cared not.  My distant relative in Tulare was thought to be the top ranking
> Valley Oak in California but a recent retally showed that I stand alone as
> the mightiest.
>
> I welcome your visits, Al says I'm only 9 miles from the Capital, along the
> garden highway, he visited yesterday and cried.

Al, is this your tree?  http://www.sacbee.com/2010/10/30/3143644/levee-project-threatens-landmark.html

Good luck on saving it.  Maybe a group of Vanagon drivers could camp around it ad infinitum, along the lines of Butterfly setting up housekeeping in the Coastal Redwood.

Again, good luck.  mcneely