Birthday reflections

It is the day before Christmas. Christmas Eve is my birthday. I have now reached my 54th year of life on this earth. Here is where I am at now, and how my 2023 has gone:

My journey in my new city of Sacramento, which began in the fall of 2022, continues.

I continue to stay in a homeless facility.

I have been homeless in five states, including California, at various periods in my life. The majority of homeless people I have seen have had some sort of issues with addiction, be it drug addiction, alcoholism, etc., but many times, poverty and the loss of a job has been to blame, and I am seeing more and more of the latter this time around. Nationwide, since the COVID pandemic, price gouging in rental properties has been a huge concern. California is an extremely expensive state in regards to cost of living.

According to HUD, the fair market rent for a studio apartment in Sacramento (the 2024 estimate) is $1543. Last year it was $1277. And Sacramento is among the less expensive places in California to live.
In comparison, according to HUD, the fair market rent for a studio apartment in Oakland is $1825. Last year it was $1658.
Fair market rent for a studio apartment in San Francisco is $2292. Last year it was $2156.

I challenge you to show me ANYONE making under $20 per hour who can afford even $1500 per month comfortably for an apartment.

But California is not alone. For comparison I’ll just post the numbers for Phoenix: Fair market rent, the estimate for 2024, for a studio apartment in Phoenix is $1460. Last year it was $1344. Compared to Oakland or San Francisco that’s low, but for Arizona, a state that traditionally has been one of the more affordable states, that’s dramatically higher than normal, and significantly higher than in 2020, when the FMR for a studio was $847.

The lack of affordability in rental housing is a big problem that’s contributing to the homeless crisis and the Federal government needs to take immediate action at the Federal level to bring these rental prices down.

I continue to look for employment, preferably with the state of California.

Obtaining a civil service job in California is frankly a nerve wracking and frustrating process. It is a difficult process that doesn’t need to be as difficult as it is. Fortune 100 corporations have significantly streamlined processes for applying to positions and those companies are able to attract highly competent and qualified people. And because of the aforementioned high cost of housing, it is simply not possible for me to consider any job that pays less than $20 per hour, so that I can have at least a fighting chance to afford to live in my own place here in Sacramento.

I continue to explore generative AI.

I served on a jury here in Sacramento for four days. The case was felony possession of drugs and a weapon with intent to sell. There were five counts. We found “not guilty” in one count and deadlocked on the rest; the judge declared a mistrial. The defendant was visibly relieved to the point of tears. The courthouse in Sacramento dates from the 1960s and is on its last legs. Its replacement is a state-of-the-art 20 story building a few blocks closer to the river which is about 90 percent complete. Jury duty is crazy. This is only the second time I have ever had to serve on a jury, the last was back in Phoenix several years ago on a DUI case (we found that guy guilty).

Outside of all of this, there is nothing new to report. I am waiting for word on whether I got one particular job or not with the state of California; that position begins in early February.

The holiday season is starting!

As the holiday season is getting underway, I wanted to give you a quick update on my journey here in Sacramento. Since my move in September 2022, I've been on the hunt for work, participating in several interviews along the way. It's been a bit of a rollercoaster. I have been on several interviews this year, but no deal has yet been sealed. After months of looking for a civil service job in California state government, I did find an agency interested enough in me to extend a conditional job offer back in June, only to rescind it because my previous companies don't give detailed manager references - only basic employment verification information. That was absolutely unfair. I have since filed a formal complaint and appeal with the State Personnel Board, and they have opened an investigation.

Currently, I'm still in temporary accommodations, and any support you can offer means the world to me. The best way that you can help is by checking out my stuff on Fine Art America. I've been showcasing my art there for a while now, from wall pieces to apparel and home decor. https://fineartamerica.com/profiles/20-michael-reed

Speaking of creativity, I've been playing around with generative AI this year to great effect. I recently used ChatGPT to craft a fictional story called "The Beistfamilien." It's all about this tribe, a fusion of ancient beasts and early humans, navigating their unique existence through time. If you're into mystical tales, this might be right up your alley.
https://books2read.com/b/bpNodX

And if you're able to lend a hand quickly, a couple of bucks in my online tip jar (via PayPal) would be amazing.
https://paypal.me/SactoMSR22?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US

I'm also following my two football teams of choice, the Arizona Wildcats and the UC Davis Aggies. Both teams are doing GREAT and should make it to postseason play! #BearDown

Wishing you a fantastic Thanksgiving and hope that it's an awesome kickoff to the holiday season. Thanks for being a part of my journey.

More to come, so stay tuned!

Using AI to stay engaged and maintain creativity

For the last few months, I have been learning how to effectively utilize ChatGPT. I engaged ChatGPT in a scenario set on a fictional Caribbean island called Covertia, where I explored the world of a fictionalized version of the renowned old-school conglomerate, Westinghouse.

With ChatGPT's assistance, I was able to outline a complete scenario that covered every aspect of the relocation process, from the initial inquiry to taking a trip on a container ship to this island, to securing a position as a graphic designer in Westinghouse's (fictional) regional office. It provided me with valuable insights into the interview process and my first assignments within the company.

A view of my fictional Westinghouse workplace in the Caribbean (the building in the center of the image). Illustration created with Ideogram AI, a generative AI image creation tool. https://ideogram.ai/

Given my real-world experience in telephone call centers, I decided to delve deeper into this field by creating hypothetical narratives involving my cross-training in the customer service call center at the fictional regional headquarters. ChatGPT helped me explore various aspects, including call flow, training programs, marketing initiatives, Six Sigma integration and even hypothetical customer interactions. It was interesting to see ChatGPT’s rather comprehensive take on the customer service and call center space.

Another fascinating aspect was the opportunity to collaborate with ChatGPT in writing a script for a thirty-second commercial promoting Westinghouse's factory authorized repair service. The creativity and versatility of ChatGPT truly amazed me as it effortlessly generated a compelling script that captured the essence of the service.

The responses I have received throughout this journey have been nothing short of amazing. ChatGPT is not a perfect tool, but if you give it the right prompts, try again when you get a response that’s not quite what you want, and ask ChatGPT to role play as a writer or editor, you might be pleasantly surprised at the results.

I am also using ChatGPT to help me write answers to sample interview questions and formulate the copy for cover letters and the like.

I'm also using AI art creation tools like NightCafe, DALL-E and Ideogram.ai to create visually interesting and stunning imagery. These image creation tools do not quite hit "reality" 100 percent but they make for interesting illustrations. I will be posting some soon.

Tackling California's homeless crisis: Make Inside Safe a statewide program

In the face of an escalating homelessness crisis, California finds itself at a pivotal moment. California's cities and counties are bearing the brunt of the impact, and of the response. The urgency of the situation demands a bold response, prompting the call for greater action on the part of state government, starting with a statewide emergency declaration. This move should come as part of a comprehensive strategy that includes taking the successful Inside Safe program statewide and leveraging the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) to channel crucial block grants directly to counties.

California's Homelessness Emergency: A Critical Imperative

California's homelessness crisis has reached unprecedented levels, requiring immediate and decisive action. The depth and complexity of the issue necessitate a statewide emergency declaration, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and mobilizing resources at every level of government.

Inside Safe: From Local Success to Statewide Solution

In 2023, Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles declared a state of emergency in response to the escalating homelessness crisis. This marked the initiation of the Inside Safe program, a proactive, housing-led strategy designed to transition individuals from tents and encampments to stable housing. The success of this initiative on the local level has spurred a visionary idea that merits serious consideration – to take Inside Safe statewide.

Under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom, California needs desperately to replicate the success of Inside Safe in cities and counties across the state. Such a move would signify a paradigm shift in addressing homelessness, replacing short-term fixes with sustainable solutions that prioritize housing and support services.

CalHHS: Channeling Resources for Statewide Impact

To fortify this initiative, CalHHS should play a pivotal role in channeling block grants to counties. This strategic approach would ensure that resources are directed efficiently, addressing the unique needs of each locality while adhering to overarching statewide goals. Funding under the existing and successful Project Homekey would be fully incorporated into this expanded initiative.

CalHHS should provide clear and comprehensive guidelines to counties, outlining the intended use of Inside Safe block grants. This meticulous oversight would foster accountability and transparency in fund utilization, creating a framework that ensures funds are directed toward initiatives aligned with the core objectives of Inside Safe.

County-Specific Plans: Tailoring Solutions for Local Impact

Recognizing the diversity of challenges faced by each county, a statewide Inside Safe program would encourage counties and municipalities to develop detailed plans outlining the utilization of allocated funds. These plans should align with the overarching goals of the initiative while addressing the unique needs and challenges specific to each locality.

Flexibility is key. Counties would be encouraged to adapt their plans to cater to the specific needs of their communities, fostering a localized approach to combat homelessness effectively. CalHHS would offer continuous technical assistance, guiding counties in aligning their initiatives with the program's goals, ensuring a tailored and impactful response.

Oversight and Reporting: Ensuring Accountability at Every Step

To guarantee the success and accountability of the Inside Safe program, CalHHS should conduct regular audits and evaluations. These measures would monitor the progress of county initiatives, ensuring compliance with established guidelines and fostering consistency in implementation.

Counties, in turn, would submit periodic progress reports to CalHHS, detailing their initiatives, expenditures, outcomes achieved, and challenges faced. This transparent reporting mechanism would ensure that the State remains informed about the impact of county initiatives, allowing for targeted support where needed.

In conclusion, California's proactive approach to combat homelessness through a statewide emergency declaration and the expansion of the Inside Safe program would showcase a commitment to tangible, sustainable change. By leveraging the expertise of CalHHS and empowering local communities, California can truly make significant strides toward addressing the homelessness crisis and providing every resident with a chance to rebuild their lives.

A win win scenario and solution to the Oakland Athletics dilemma

In a fictional world where the baseball gods convened, here's a hypothetical solution to the Oakland Athletics' quandary – a compromise that aims to bridge the gap between loyalty and expansion:

1. **Apology and Summit:** Picture a summit meeting between MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred and Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao. In this alternate reality, Manfred extends a heartfelt apology for his past remarks about Oakland not being a baseball-friendly market.

2. **Compromise Unveiled:** A groundbreaking compromise surfaces – John Fisher, the A's owner, is granted permission to relocate the team to Las Vegas. However, the soul of the franchise, its intellectual property – name, logo, colors, history, and records – stays rooted in Oakland. Much like the NFL's precedent with the Cleveland Browns, this move ensures that the essence of the A's remains in the city.

3. **Rise of the Nevada Silver Sox:** The relocated team under Fisher's ownership gets a fresh start as the Nevada Silver Sox, embracing a new identity while honoring the legacy left in Oakland.

4. **The Rebirth at the Coliseum:** A new Oakland Athletics ballpark takes shape at the Coliseum grounds after the original structure is gracefully retired. Adding a touch of local flavor, the naming rights are secured by Clorox, anchoring the team to its roots.

5. **New Ownership Duo:** Enter a bid from Joe Lacob and Vivek Ranadive, swiftly approved, as they step in to become the new owners of the Athletics. A fresh perspective and commitment to the community breathe new life into the team.

6. **Transitional Home:** To accommodate the transition, a temporary stadium springs up for the 2024 season. For the first half, most games find a home at Hohokam in Mesa, creating an anticipation that echoes the resilience and adaptability of the A's spirit.

In this alternate reality, the proposed compromise seeks to accomplish two essential goals – retaining the A's presence in Oakland and Northern California while granting the John Fisher franchise the opportunity to flourish in the eager and deserving Las Vegas market. While purely speculative, such a scenario offers a glimpse into a win-win outcome for fans on both sides of the debate.

How I got here: From Mesa to Tucson to Sacramento

In September 2022, the chapters of my life shifted from Mesa to Sacramento (by way of Tucson) revealing a narrative shaped by challenges and unexpected turns:

1. **Farewell to Mesa:** The journey commenced with the loss of my Mesa apartment in April of 2022, prompting a venture into the familiar embrace of Tucson. However, the allure faded as the search for a job that could match the sharply increased rents became an elusive pursuit. Tucson used to be cheap, not any more.

2. **Economic Crossroads in Tucson:** Tucson, a city laden with personal history, unfolded as an economic crossroads. Despite its significance as a University of Arizona grad and the backdrop of past relationships, the reality of securing employment in tandem with rising living costs became a defining factor.

3. **Political Unease in Arizona:** Beyond economic concerns, political uncertainty in Arizona cast a shadow over my decision-making. The looming presence of a serious Donald Trump supporter (former TV newswoman Kari Lake) as a gubernatorial candidate, coupled with a strong contingent of Trump supporters in the state legislature, added layers of unease.

4. **Sacramento Calling:** Amidst uncertainties, Sacramento emerged as a beacon of stability. Positioned as the seat of the state government and in close proximity to my hometown of Oakland, it seemed the logical choice for a fresh start.

5. **Unforeseen Employment Challenges:** However, relocating to Sacramento brought unexpected hurdles. The assumption of ample opportunities within the state government collided with the reality of difficulty and challenges in securing meaningful employment.

Stay tuned for a deeper dive into the intricacies of my Sacramento journey. The tale unfolds, capturing the essence of resilience and adaptation in the face of change. 🌐 #MesaToSacramento #LifeInTransition

Here's what you can expect as 2023 winds down

After a hiatus, I'm resuming my narrative, offering a glimpse into the upcoming chapters that will unfold in this digital space. Here's a preview of what's on the horizon:

1. **Sacramento Chronicles:** Embark on an unfiltered exploration of my Sacramento journey. From grappling with homelessness to navigating the intricate landscape of job searches, I'll be candidly sharing the challenges and triumphs.

2. **Urban Showdown - Sacramento vs. Tucson vs. Phoenix:** Join me in a comparative analysis of Sacramento against the backdrop of Tucson and Phoenix. Each city possesses its distinctive allure, and I'll be dissecting these nuances.

3. **Return to Arizona?:** In a reflective piece, I'll delve into the possibility of returning to Arizona under specific conditions. It's a contemplative examination of the factors that could potentially draw me back to the arid landscapes.

4. **AI Chronicles of 2023:** Explore the integral role of Artificial Intelligence in my 2023 narrative. From streamlining tasks to elevating experiences, AI has silently shaped my journey. I'll be shedding light on its subtle yet significant impact.

Anticipate an engaging ride ahead—this is merely a glimpse into what's to come. Fasten your seatbelts, stay engaged, and let's venture into these unfolding narratives together. Your steadfast support is cherished, and I eagerly anticipate connecting with you through the upcoming posts. 🚀 #BloggerChronicles #NewBeginnings