Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

In Memoriam: Kenneth McFarlan, Esq.

Thursday, October 25th, 2012

Today I learned of the recent passing of one of my early mentors, a humanitarian, philosopher, and attorney named Kenneth McFarlan. Ken was admitted to the California State Bar in 1973. By the time I met Ken in 1997 he was living on his sailboat on the Sausalito side of the San Francisco Bay, still practicing law in a nearby office, and generously sharing his rich life experience with an idealistic young college graduate preparing for law school (me). I recall Ken carried himself with honor, integrity and humility. Over the years, I think back on his encouragement to live an “integrated life” with family, profession, friendship, and everything else important in life intertwining naturally. Ken’s thoughtful words stay with me and I am grateful to have known him.

Trimet Admits Pedestrian Deaths Were “Preventable”

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

In an article published in the Oregonian last Saturday, it’s reported that an independent consultant found deficiencies in Trimet’s safety training procedures.  In the wake of an obviously poorly trained driver killing two pedestrians in a Portland crosswalk, Trimet admits pedestrian deaths were “preventable”.  The driver, Sandi Day, faces six traffic infraction charges.  Trimet and its driver must both take responsibility for the tragic and wrongful deaths that never should have happened.  In addition, Trimet clearly needs a major overhaul of its training practices.