Exchange of letters with Stanford, in chronological order from top to bottom Sept. 7, 2023 Jon Denney, Vice President for DevelopmentStanford University, Office of Development Dear Mr. Denney, Thank you for your letter reminding me of the current balance on my pledge to Stanford. I write to explain why I am unable to fulfill my obligation. I face an ethical dilemma. Do I fulfill my financial promise to Stanford and allow my funds to be … more
Author Archives: mdelapa2
Wedding Poems
somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond any experience, your eyes have their silence: in your most frail gesture are things which enclose me,or which i cannot touch because they are too near your slightest look will easily unclose me though i have closed myself as fingers,you open always petal by petal myself as Spring opens(touching skillfully, mysteriously) her first rose or if your wish be to close … more
Confessions of a Political Convert
(Originally published in The Santa Barbara Independent, March 30, 1989) Several months ago, David Hardy, former staff assistant to former Supervisor David Yager, wrote a provocative piece about his experiences in county government. I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving Santa Barbara without adding to the archive of former staff assistants. You learn a lot working for a state politician, or for that matter any politician. Good things, like how to light a fire under … more
Climate Change, Anxiety, Hypocrisy
Fighting Despair We need the right kind of climate optimism (Vox)Climate pessimism dooms us to a terrible future. Complacent optimism is no better. How to fight climate despair (Vox) Worried About the Climate? Join the Club—Literally. (The New Republic) Climate change anxiety is real. Here’s how you can manage those feelings (NPR) Feeling climate despair? There’s a word for that (LA Times) Yes, you can talk to kids about climate without being bleak (LA Times) … more
Carmel River, Weather and Other Water References
Carmel River Weather References Emergency References Other Water References
Protected: Endurance:
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Protected: Uncle Joe
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Protected: Dissonance (draft)
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
Protected: Dissonance Outline
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
DeLapa Writing Collection
Professional – LandWatch Professional – Sea Studios Professional – Other Personal