First Person Singular by Wendy Braitman

Hope and Change

I’m on the steps of City Hall (about 4 rows back) to take part in a signing ceremony with Governor Brown, who signed a bill today giving undocumented residents in California the right to a driver’s license. I am so proud of the community, political leaders and my big, messy, visionary State.

Tending to my Dog

When it comes to medical intervention, I’m of a “less is more” mindset, but the time had come for my sweet Rose to go under the knife. Yesterday, she had a procedure to remove a cyst from her leg, which I’d put off for weeks hoping the growth would respond to antibiotics. Post-op, she’s doing great! I picked her up from the vet, expecting to have to ease Rose into my car. With no help from me, she jumped into the front seat, tail wagging all the way home. Whew. I’m relieved.

Artwork by Pascal Campion

Democracy is Exhausting

At 9 this morning, I spoke by phone with a customer service rep from the hours-old California health care exchange. Yes, democracy’s infuriating, but I remain a big and hopeful fan.