Around and About: Locals gather as candidate Bob Smith hosts park event

Dana Park rocked to the music of the Boogiemen from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. last Saturday as the public was invited to a “Meet and Greet” for 83rd Assembly District Candidate Bob Smith. The candidate rode around the park on his Segway, which he purchased when they were first available in Barstow and has ridden in parades for several years how.

It was hard to count how many people attended because they were coming and going. Even the kids from the adjoining skate park enjoyed the free hot dogs and drinks provided. Some of the younger ones even abandoned their skate boards to enjoy the Bounce House, watched over by Michelle Perez, Smith’s Campaign Coordinator. Her daughter, Daisey, was celebrating her third birthday, a fact acknowledged by the band leading the crowd in singing Happy Birthday to the shy little one.

The Boogiemen band includes Judge John Gibson on drums (he can sing too), John Sanchez and Attorney Jon Mahlum on guitars. Actually they all sing, but I didn't know the Judge did. A person I really enjoyed meeting was Sheila Gibson, Judge Gibson's wife. She's delightful and fully recovered from being under the weather a week or so ago when he spoke to the Barstow Area Republican Caucus.

The event was organized by Deborah Coleman. There were many activities to enjoy before the short program got underway. KDUC had a putting event for the youngsters where they were awarded a duck bill. There was face-painting and Fire Captain Allen Knutsen and Engineer David O'Neil passed out fire hats and suckers.

Paul Courtney, Campaign Czar (that's the official designation), was everywhere, even on the Segway. (I think that'll be his next toy.) Fire Chief Darrell Jauss was at the park early on. Newberry Springs Assistant Fire Chief Steve Miller manned the BBQ. He also coordinated the food with JoJo Cousino's help.

The program was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Judge John Gibson and a beautiful Invocation by Bill Courtney.

Paul Courtney introduced Mayor Lawrence Dale, adding that Mayor Dale was going to run again for mayor.

Mayor Dale next introduced Bob Smith, saying that we need representation in Sacramento and this is the first time we've been this close to getting it.

Bob Smith formally acknowledged his main volunteers: Mayor Dale, Benny Fedrick, Paul Courtney, Deborah Coleman and Dave Clark. His message was that he could help make responsible changes in Sacramento, if elected, and that his responsibility as an Assemblyman was to pay attention to the laws and work within them, but that it was up to “you guys” to get him there to make it happen.

Somewhere along the line JoAnne Cousino announced that she was going to run again for City Clerk. So that really made it a day of announcements in addition to everything else.

Deborah Coleman asked all her volunteers to stand up and be acknowledged. These included Denise Orr, Tricia Callahan, Thabang Kesiilweand and Patricia Kelley.

Some of those attending and enjoying the perfect weather Saturday included Julie McIntyre, Tim and Kim Silva with Taylor and little Tristen, Peggi Fries, Rick and Donna Harpole, Mike Garcia and Rod and Lynda Condor and Frita Powell. The Harpoles had just gotten back from the pageant in Las Vegas early Saturday morning, where Anne Shirley, Jessica Powell and others had gone to support Raquel Beezley.

Although they were late arrivals it was great that Linda and Bob Vasseur were able to attend. Linda was in a wheelchair after her foot surgery and still in a lot of pain. Bob is caring for her full time at present.

Bob Smith's family was well represented by his wife, Debbie, daughter Michelle Rivera and her family, Albert, Lauryn and Julia and Michelle's baby sister, Melanie Smith. Debbie' daughter, beautiful BCC student Libby Harris was also there. Aaron Harris, fully recovered after his head surgery, was out of town visiting friends.

Paul Courtney's family was out in full force: his parents, Bill and Louise, son, Branamier, Pia Courtney with little Lauren, and sister, Phyllis Courtney. Deborah Courtney was elsewhere with her sons for the day.

The volunteers had a lot to clean up and put Dana Park back in pristine order, but then that is what volunteers do.

ABOUT THE WRITER
Bette “ Bee Jay”  Moses is a special events correspondent to the Desert Dispatch. She can be reached at (760) 987-6915 or bette.moses@gmail.com.