Date: Fri, 12 Jun 2009 07:20:09 -0700 (PDT)
From: firehose Joe <firehosejoe@yahoo.com>
Subject: to thine ownself be true chapter 35

This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Shakespeare (Hamlet)

Thanks to Chael for assistance in editing and proofing the story. This
is wholly fictional with no reference intended to persons alive or dead.

Please do not distribute to other sites without permission of the
author. Comments can be sent to firehosejoe@yahoo.com

From the previous chapter:

"Turnabout is fair play. Anyway I believe that's the correct saying. Am I
right?" Alejandro said with a grin spreading wide across his face. "I want
you to take me to see this project you've told me about. I'm
fascinated. There are so many pockets in large metropolitan areas that
could benefit from this idea."

"Well, let's go!" Zach suggested with enthusiasm. They were soon in the
car, Zach filling in details as Alejandro asked an endless stream of
questions.

Chapter 35

Zach and Alejandro parked in the church parking lot and strolled diagonally
across the street to an opening between the residential buildings that were
being renovated as part of Zach's project. These weren't even close to what
Alejandro expected. The sandblasting and powerwashing scars on the sides of
the brick buildings were evidence of former gang graffiti, but there was no
sign of buildings being tagged with recent graffiti. Puzzled by the
rectangular foundations he saw adjacent to both buildings, he wondered what
had been there.

"What gives with the concrete foundation-looking things there?" he asked
Zach, pointing to the ground.

"You'll see in a few seconds," Zach answered with a hint of a teasing grin.

As they rounded the corner of the nearest residential building at the site,
Alejandro muttered, "Wow!" He immediately saw numerous planter boxes, some
open, some with an opaque glazed material supported by a metal frame
extending nearly six feet in the air. It appeared to him that each was a
location for growing vegetables, fruit or flowers.

Noting his confused look, Zach explained, "The brick walls provide solar
mass for retaining warmth. The planters with the greenhouse-looking
structures are for vegetables needing more warmth than the winter growing
season provides. They receive the greatest exposure to the sun and produce
a good harvest of vegetables nearly year-round. Others are filled with
smaller sized fruit-bearing trees, bushes and vines.

"Yes, some folks have commented on how much prettier the space would be if
the plantings were symmetrical. When they understand that this is a
horticultural learning lab as well as a source for fresh vegetables and
fruits they get on board quickly," Zach said with some pride.

Alejandro glanced across the courtyard surrounded by the `L' shaped
buildings. In the center of the square was a play area for children. "Wow,
that's a nice setup. Was that funded by the city?"

Zach smiled. "Parks and Recreation could only be involved if it were going
to be a public space. We tried to get a variance on that but couldn't. Nice
thing happened though. Once they understood what the whole project
consisted of, several designers in the department met with Father Joe and
offered to help.

"When they realized the level of commitment and the funding available,
their enthusiasm went through the roof. They worked with us to find the
very best playground equipment that was safe, age-appropriate, and
eco-friendly. It's been written up in several articles in nationwide
publications.

"Word must have spread. We had more than two dozen city employees volunteer
their time to help once we got the parts and pieces here. That was one big
party weekend. People were everywhere. Grills were going, coolers open,
everyone sharing. It was a blast!"

Alejandro continued to let his eyes roam, taking in new details. "It
doesn't appear that an inch of space has been left unused, yet it's still
open and very nice. I don't see the first sign of any vandalism."

"Well there's some on the street side. The buildings abut the sidewalk. We
try to keep it clean but that promises to be an on-going job," Zach sighed.

As his eyes continued to take in the details, Alejandro saw a myriad of
different kinds of plant life. "Is it just food stuff?" he asked.

"No, we've got a mini-nursery for decorative plants here. What you're not
seeing is one of the things that maximizes our space. Come on; I'll show
you." Zach's enthusiasm was growing by the minute.

Zach, leading the way, went to one of the building's entrances and began
climbing stairs. On the third landing, he entered a newly constructed cube
structure that had a spiral staircase within.

Zach looked back over his shoulder, grinning, "Almost there!"

Alex bounded up the stairs behind Zach and they soon reached the roof level
and a glassed hallway with openings to each side of the `L'. The roof
terrace spread out before them. From his vantage point, Alejandro could see
a fenced buffer around the perimeter of the roof. Within, there was another
play area with swings, slides and monkey bars situated on a mulched surface
similar to what he'd seen surrounding the play area in the courtyard.

"Come on; I want you to see this," Zach said, opening the door. Together
they stepped out onto the slightly spongy grass area. There were shaded
picnic tables and numerous comfortable looking lounge chairs where adults
could sit and watch the children.

Surrounding the perimeter was a continuous planter box with a wide variety
of plant material. Behind the box was a lattice structure on which green
leafy vines grew. Not knowing better, Alex thought it to be a secure play
area and nothing more.

Gesturing to the planters Zach said, "Each unit in the building is assigned
a box available for their use. Since this is a commons area, there are
guidelines for use and maintenance. For those who elect not to use the
space, the horticulture students maintain the box and grow materials for
landscaping or produce."

Before Alejandro could take it all in or ask one of the many salient
questions swirling in his mind Zach turned, waved with his arm and headed
toward the entrance.

"Wait till you see the other side," Zach said over his shoulder.

Through the glass panels Alejandro could see row after row of low boxes
with what looked like a misting system over some. Scanning the roofs of the
other three buildings, he could see similar setups.

Zach opened the door and gestured for Alejandro to walk through. "Here's
where the genius of our horticulturalist came through for us. We've got
plant sets, starts and seedbeds for most of the in-demand ground covers,
shrubs, vines and perennials indigenous to the Bay Area."

As they walked along the grating that allowed water to reach the roof
surface Zach pointed out the curiously leafed Western Sword and Leather
Leaf Ferns, the Redwood Sorrel and vines of the Chaparral Clematis.

"Our horticultural group has created a potential profit center here. During
the short time they've been working, the students and adult supervisors
have been building a customer base for sales in the spring as well as
nurturing plants in the planter boxes. They project that within less than
two years they will have recovered all roof planting costs for the
horticultural improvements, trained thirty or more young people and will be
on track to make money out of previously wasted space." Zach's pride was
evident.

Alejandro shared his friend's enthusiasm. "This is outstanding. I wish we
had the growing season you have here. Quite a training program you've
developed for these people."

"This is only the beginning and let me set you straight. This is not my
work you're seeing. This is what can happen when people feel empowered and
have just a few resources beyond those needed to live day-to-day. I want to
show you the rest of it. Come on," Zach said as he turned and headed back
to the stairs.

Walking briskly, Zach tried to answer the questions that kept popping into
Alejandro's mind. Turning the corner, Alejandro saw what appeared to be a
temporary construction building with the permit board mounted near the
door. "What's going on here," he asked with genuine curiosity.

"This, my Friend, is the crown jewel of the whole site," Zach said as he
opened the door.

Once inside, Alejandro let his eyes scan the open space. There were easily
more than fifty people doing various things. Lecture areas, some enclosed
with glass panels and drywall, were set up with chalkboards,
construction/demonstration model walls. All around the building were work
areas for teaching plumbing (both gas and water), welding, electrical
wiring, masonry, and carpentry.

"Each skill needed in rehabbing the units in the buildings is represented
here. Our master craftsmen are working both as teachers and on-site masters
when the kids go into a unit to remodel it.

"The teachers are being certified as instructors so they can administer
tests for State Certifications. When the students leave here they will have
covered all the basics allowing them to apply for a contractor's
license. That will be a springboard for them to hire on to larger
companies, to continue to become a master on their own, or start their own
building/repair business," Zach explained.

Alejandro was confused. "Who is responsible for the completed job? Is there
a job superintendent?"

"Ultimately the inspectors are responsible. The key to the success here is
that the master craftsmen are licensed to do the work so that each piece of
the work will pass inspection. That they don't have their hands on every
piece of the work isn't that important. It's done right and to a higher
quality standard than most construction in this town.


"In the meantime, part of the study program for the apprentices is hands-on
work in the units. Each unit is being gutted and all the wiring and
plumbing replaced. There are several floor plans that the owners can choose
from for their new space. They have to pay for materials but not
labor. There are winners all around on this." Zach was beaming with pride
and a sense of satisfaction.

Looking at his watch, Zach's eyes opened wide, "Bud, we've got to go and
change! We're going to be late as it is. Damn, where did the time go?

"Do you mind if we run by my place so I can pick up my tux and then dress
at your condo? Parking's going to be a bitch and we can walk from your
place," Zach said, eyeing the clear blue sky.

When they arrived at the museum, the cocktail reception was in full
swing. Both feeling hunger pangs, they politely elbowed their way to the
food table, wolfed down a few hors d'oeuvres and got a drink.

Just as they began to mingle, Zach heard someone call his name. Turning, he
saw a family friend. "Winston, good to see you again."

"I know this isn't your Father's thing, but I expected to see your Mother,"
Winston replied. He looked at Alejandro and smiled in greeting, waiting for
an introduction.

"Winston let me introduce you to a new friend of mine, Alejandro Algara. We
both sit on the board here at the museum." Turning to Alejandro he
continued, "Winston is an old family friend who sits on numerous boards in
the city. I've known him for years."

As Alejandro extended his hand, Winston registered surprise and a look of
concern or sadness - Alejandro couldn't tell which.

Reaching to take Alejandro's hand, Winston said, "From Chicago, am I
right?" Seeing Alejandro nod, he continued, "It is truly a pleasure to meet
you. I miss your grandparents terribly. Isabella and Juarez spoke of you
during each visit. They were trusted friends and confidants during some
difficult times. Please accept my condolences for your loss. I know you
meant the world to them. From how they spoke of you, I'm sure you felt the
same."

For a moment the air was sucked from the room. Feelings flooded
back. Juarez' pride in him. Isabella's maternal love and understanding when
he told her he was gay. It all came in like a rushing tide. Alejandro could
feel the tears beginning in the corners of his eyes as he blinked quickly
and met Winston's gaze.

"Thank you." Alejandro's words nearly caught in his throat. "Yes, they were
special people, treasured in my heart. I'm glad to meet you. In some ways I
guess I'm beginning to retrace their steps, meeting their friends."

Winston continued, "I don't know how it began but without fail, when they
came for museum events, we managed to share a meal, often a dinner party
with my friends, who quickly became their friends. Oh forgive my going on
and on."

Taking his hand, Alejandro shook it, "Winston, I'd enjoy having a chance to
chat with you further sometime in the near future. I want to learn more
about my grandparents from your perspective."

"I'd enjoy seeing you again. Please call me." Fishing out his wallet he
produced a business card with his name and a phone number. Taking his pen,
he added his address. "Please do contact me. Are you in the city for the
weekend?"

"No, I'm scheduled to fly home tomorrow." Alejandro said, thinking that
plans could be changed. "I will be in touch soon; I promise." With emotion
suddenly welling up again, he took Winston's hand, "Thank you for your kind
words. I look forward to our next meeting."

Both men shook Winston's hand. As he turned to greet other friends Zach
said, "You want to tell me what was going on there. Obviously it was about
your grandparents. You all were real close, I guess," Zach said. Over the
next few minutes, Alejandro filled him in on the high points about Isabella
and Juarez. Probing Zach, Alejandro asked about his history with Winston.

Their attention was distracted by the tinkling of a piece of cutlery
against the side of a glass. It was time for the ribbon cutting.

After the formalities and brief speeches, the crowd moved into the
gallery. Zach and Alejandro made good their escape. As they walked back to
Alejandro's condo they chatted about the two days they'd spent
together. Nearing the steps, Zach touched Alejandro's arm.

"I don't know how early you plan to get off tomorrow. It's been great
meeting you. Um..." Zach hesitated.

Alejandro looked up, surprised. "You're not leaving are you?" he exclaimed.

Zach smiled and tilted his head. "Don't want to, but we never talked about
tonight. I didn't want to overstay my welcome, or act needy and desperate."
His grin was ever-present as he watched Alejandro react.

"Get your ass upstairs. I'm not nearly done with you tonight," Alejandro
said, quickly recovering. "Were you serious? I mean about not knowing?
About tonight I mean." He felt himself stumbling with his words, wondering
what he was feeling.

Zach noticed the momentary hesitation in Alejandro's words. He knew he
would miss Alejandro when he left. Was he feeling something else? Deciding
to risk it he asked, "Just not done with the night or," he paused, "not
done with me for the night?"

Zach was met with a raised eyebrow and a smile.

"Both." Alejandro answered.

Grabbing Zach by the elbow, Alejandro teasingly dragged him into the lobby
and elevator for their quick trip to the condo.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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