"With gratitude and humble heart..."

Well, as I write this, votes from 10 of the 12 precincts on the Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters Web site have been posted. While we wait for the final count, we'll reflect. At least, I will.

For me, there is an overwhelming sense of how much I owe the many old and new friends who helped this campaign. Some took precinct lists and phoned their neighbors. Others went door to door talking to people and leaving bookmarks. A few opened their homes and gave me a chance to talk to neighbors they'd invited. A few arranged for me to talk to groups such as Rotary and Kiwanis. Others made it possible for me to speak to groups that gave money to the campaign. Finally, my wife, Monica, has served tirelessly and brilliantly as my campaign manager and Margaret De Beixedon is keeping the accounts straight and reports to the California Fair Political Practices Commission accurate, as Treasurer. I owe all of you a great deal.

It used to seem odd to me when a successful political candidate professed humility after being elected to an office. I could understand 'pride.' I had trouble with 'humility.' But not any more.

So many people offered encouragement. Friends lent their considerable talents to the various campaign tasks. Some assisted in meeting the expenses of the campaign. Some offered valuable advice on how to go about organizing things. Others quietly commended me to their friends and distributed my literature. One designed my bookmark and another the graphic on this page. I realize now that when a candidate says, "I could not have done it alone," that is the truth.

So as I look forward to how things will turn out, I realize how very grateful I am to many, many people. I promise to do my best to justify the trust you have afforded me.

In the lap of the gods?

What an interesting expression! "It's in the lap of the gods." I understand the point but I don't see the picture. I don't think of gods sitting down. Gods do things. That's why people have to take them seriously. They don't just sit. And, then, when they rise to swing into action, does what is in their laps simply fall to the ground? If so, why would anyone put anything of value in their laps in the first place? I just don't see it.

Anyway, that's where my campaign is right now.

Several of my friends walked precincts for me on Saturday, for which I am grateful. Others have been 'passing the word' on my behalf to their friends. And, very happily, others have helped underwrite some of the costs of the campaign. To all of them and you, I say a hearty "Thanks!" This has been one of the most interesting experiences of my life. And that's a fact!

So, it's in the lap of the gods. Tomorrow we vote. If we stay up late enough, we probably will know how it turned out. I am "cautiously optimistic," as they say.

The next step is for the County Supervisors to validate the outcome of the election. Then, on December 10, there will be a ceremony at the Library at which the newly-elected trustees will be sworn in and officially begin their four-year terms of office.

That same evening, from 5:30 to 7:30, Thomas and Richard will be hosting a reception for all the friends who have helped in this campaign. We will gather at 1720 Braeburn Road, and celebrate. We look forward to hearing that you can come and to seeing you on December 10th.

Then the work begins on a new Strategic Plan for the Altadena Library District and that is squarely in our laps.

How to find your polling place

Some friends were out precinct walking on my behalf today and wanted to know where the election polling places are.

There are several. The easiest way to find yours is to click on the VOTE button on this page, over there on the bottom right. That button will take you to a form on the LA Registrar of Voters Web site. By typing in your own address you’ll find your polling place.

You can also go directly to http://www.lavote.net/LOCATOR/ .

See you at the polls!