Health | Changing Our Brain

Continued from page 17 for the construction of the buildings, cisterns, etc. for the Point San Luis (San Luis Obispo), Cal., light-station was finally completed on 14 May ’90.

This contract should have been completed 15 December ’89, the penalty provided for the delay being $25.00 per day. The number of days’ delay was 149 ½, and the forfeiture incurred was $3,737.50.

The Engineer of the 12th Light-House District reports that the delay was not occasioned by any fault of the Government, nor by bad weather, but was due to indifference, carelessness, and lack of ability on the part of the contractor, who throughout a great portion of the time neglected his work by absenting himself therefrom.

…In view of the facts set forth in the report of the Engineer of the 12th Light-House District, the Board recommends that the forfeiture incurred for delay be enforced.

After losing his shirt on the contract, Kenney left town. At the time of his death, he was living in Soulsbyville, Calif., pursuing mining interests.

In 1897, Kenney hired an attorney to write to the Lighthouse Board on his behalf. The attorney argued that there were a number of circumstances beyond Kenney’s control, particularly “the incessant stormy weather.” The attorney claimed the winter of 1889–90 was “the most severe in the history of the State,” and asked that the unprecedented winter be considered an act of God, and therefore a valid excuse for the delay:

Such weather not only caused delay in the actual construction of the work but in the transportation of materials and in securing workmen to stay on the coast, besides the additional expense of employing an average of 25 to 30 men. constructing the buildings and improvements has exceeded the contract price by nearly $9000, which sum will be a loss independent of any penalty imposed...The work has been performed in a perfectly satisfactory manner, with one exception, the element of time…

Two months later, Kenney’s attorney sent a follow-up letter, this time pointing the finger at Bolan:

In addition to the considerations submitted and the reasons given on a former occasion …I respectfully submit the following, regretting the necessity of indulging in any personalities in this connection.

…Through the prejudice of the Government Inspector in charge of the work, the contractor was retarded at almost every step…

…the Inspector proved himself arbitrary, willful, and very abusive. Shortly after the work started, the Inspector caused repeated trouble with the men. Two of the best foremen the contractor could secure left on account of the overbearing manner and abuse of the Inspector. The contractor was continually applying to the employment agencies for men, for besides the difficulty in securing men on account of the weather and the inconvenient situation, many would not come because it was known that the Inspector’s abuse caused men to leave after a few days stay. Many would not come unless their fares were paid in advance because they were not sure of steady work on account of personal differences between the men and the Inspector.

…At times the Inspector would come on the work under the influence of liquor and howl at the men without cause and sometimes, when in this state, threaten them. Thus he would keep the men ill-tempered and impair their usefulness…

…the Government got good buildings, well-constructed, with more labor and material than was bargained for, and Kenney was absolutely penniless because he faithfully carried out and performed his work.

How the Lighthouse Board answered is not known, but we can guess.

Kenney died in August 1899; his wife four years later. Their daughter Grace was named executrix of Mrs. Kenney’s small estate.

It was perhaps in Grace’s capacity as executrix that, on February 6, 1912, one more attempt was made to recover Kenney’s penalty charges. Grace’s attorney wrote to the Lighthouse Commissioner, enclosing a copy of an undated letter written by Kenney explaining the delay:

I built a light house plant for the Government at Pt. Harford, San Luis Obispo Co., in 1889 and 1890. I was 149-1/2 days over the time I was to have the plant completed. Through the agents in charge of the 12th district, and their recommendations, I have been kept out of $3,737.50...

I wish to say to you that it was the rain of 1889 and 1890 which was the principal cause. …The heavy rain compelled me to suspend operations entirely for weeks, and I could not put wet boards in the building for the inspectors would not allow it.

I sent a petition to Washington asking for an extension of time. It was not granted. You know that no man has control of the elements. Other contractors have had extensions of time granted them, and I cannot see why I should be a special target. I am up in years and am poor with a family to support.

On February 15, 1912, the Commissioner wrote back:

…On July 27, 1889, a contract was entered into by Mr. George W. Kenney with the Engineer of the then Twelfth Lighthouse District for the construction of certain buildings for lighthouse purposes near San Luis Obispo, California. The time of completion was set at December 15, 1889, and the work was finally completed on May 14, 1890, liquidated damages in the sum of $3,737.50 being incurred thereby.

Mr. Kenney filed a number of petitions and letters protesting against the enforcement of this provision, which were duly investigated and reported upon by the Light House Board and on July 17, 1890, a letter was addressed by the Board to the Secretary of the Treasury recommending enforcement, which action was approved by the Secretary on the same date.

The matter was subsequently reviewed several times, and on each occasion, the original recommendations were concurred in by officers of the Board…

From careful examination of the correspondence on file bearing on this matter, the Bureau is of the opinion that the findings of the Lighthouse Board were correct and just.

Twenty-two years after the lighthouse was built, efforts to recoup some of Kenney’s losses finally came to an end.

Kenney’s attorney was right, though, when he argued in 1897 that “the Government got good buildings, well-constructed.” Kenney, even if still bitter, would be proud to see his lighthouse now, 132 years after it was finally finished. 

HEALTH & MENTAL WELLNESS

Changing Our Brain

BY DR. CINDY MAYNARD

We used to think that people couldn’t change, especially our brains. That we are born with a finite number of brain cells, and they slowly die as we age. But thankfully, newer research is showing differently through a process known as neuroplasticity. This new frontier of brain research is exciting because if we understand that our brains can change, we become more motivated to learn new ways of thinking, acting, and evolving.

Plasticity is described as being malleable, easily shaped, or molded. Neuroplasticity, then, refers to the brain’s ability to create new neurons or neural pathways and connections in response to learning something new or thinking or behaving in a different way. Our brain is powered by approximately 100 billion neurons. Each of these neurons can have anywhere from 7000 to 15,000 connections with other neurons via synapses (our brain’s way of communicating with the body). The key to creating or strengthening these neural connections is through our thoughts, learning, and experiences.

The brain is actually a flexible organ ready to learn or unlearn, recalibrate, or repair. Our brain cells change in response to a new thought, behavior, or experience. In other words, learning new things or new ways of thinking enables our brain to create new connections. If you look at the MRIs of a university student studying for exams, a bus driver learning new destinations, or a person learning meditation or a musical instrument, you will see that there are changes in the areas of the brain associated with consciousness, thought, emotion, reasoning, language, and memory.

Understanding neuroplasticity is also important because it means we can adapt new abilities and ways of interacting with our environment and people at any age. Retraining the brain and its thought system not only improves our intelligence but it can help manage negative emotions such as fear, anger, or depression, help with addictions, or re-wire itself after an injury. Medications are commonly prescribed and taken to change the way our brain thinks. But what about changing our brain by changing our thinking? Our brain is molded by what our mind thinks about. If we are constantly thinking anxious or fearful thoughts, our brain will be more hyperactive. Conversely, if we focus on positive events happening in our life (good health, positive relationships, practicing kindness, etc.), we hardwire our brain to be more resilient and adaptive. By focusing our thoughts on gratitude or more loving experiences, we build new neural circuits and pathways which become woven into our brains.

Take Harry, for example. He admits to self-defeating behavior and decides to do something about it. He incorporated meditation and mindfulness into his daily life and, after a few months, noticed that his self-talk had changed to a more positive, self-compassionate dialogue. Plus, he was calmer. What happened? Harry re-wired his brain and created new neural pathways in his brain that contributed to his well-being.

Other ways we can change our brain chemistry include being more creative with our lives. Learn an instrument or a new dance move. Get closer to nature. Try writing— we all have a story. Another way to boost plasticity is through physical exercise, which sets the formation of new neural pathways into motion and increases cognitive functioning. If we think it and then do it, it becomes part of our being. Frequent repetition is key so that it becomes ingrained.

Conversely, brain “drainers” include engaging in the same old routines, negative thoughts, stress, not enough sleep, and lack of exercise. These situations can harm brain cells by decreasing our critical-thinking function and negatively impacting our left and right brain integration.

It’s challenging to develop new habits and skills. Sometimes we need to push ourselves to learn new things. Be patient. Neuroplastic changes take time for new structures and pathways to replace the old. Find your spirit of exploration, and let this be your inspiration for new thoughts and new possibilities. There are so many things in our lives we can’t change, but we can change our brain — bit by bit, neural pathway by neural pathway.

Cindy Maynard, Ph.D., RD, is a health psychologist, registered dietitian, and health and fitness writer. You can contact her at drcindymaynard@live.com. 

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CHARLES PADDOCK ZOO

Director Alan Baker

BY CAMILLE DEVAUL | PHOTOS BY RICK EVANS

The Charles Paddock Zoo may be one of the smallest in the country, but it stands out as one of the most unique. And Zoo Director Alan Baker thinks it has the potential to be a crown jewel of the Central Coast.

“I hope people realize they have an incredibly unique facility here that a lot of other communities would love to have,” said Alan.

Although Alan grew up in upstate New York near Catskill Game Farm, at one time one of the most famous zoological parks in the country, he never thought he would one day be a zoologist. But for the last 20 years, Alan has made the zoo his home away from home.

In the late ’70s, he and his wife picked up their things and moved from New York to Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, where he planned to complete his Master’s degree in biology. Following graduation, Alan was hired by the California Department of Fish and Game to work on their sea otter project. Budget cuts forced him to move on and soon Alan found himself at his first zoo in Fresno.

Alan started his zoo career working in the reptile exhibit. But he found himself never being too attached to one species. Most zookeepers, Alan explains, find their niche and then aspire to work in zoos specializing in their favorite species. So rather than sticking to the reptiles, Alan picked up a swing shift at the zoo, where he was able to gain experience with all the animals.

“We still have species that are critically endangered — were still missing some little piece of the puzzle,” Alan said. “To me, those are the ones I like to focus on because they need the help.”

Then Alan was given an opportunity to restore the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, New York, where he helped build the zoo literally from the ground up, from painting and building exhibits to sourcing the animals. Alan worked his way up to senior zookeeper before moving back to California for a job as zoo supervisor at the Sacramento Zoo.

Alan was then urged by a former instructor at Cal Poly to apply for the zoo director position at Charles Paddock Zoo. He and his wife took the chance because why wouldn’t two former Cal Poly students want to come back to the Central Coast?

Atascadero is home to The Charles Paddock Zoo — the only zoo in San Luis Obispo County.

In 1955, San Luis Obispo County Park Ranger Charles Paddock established the Atascadero Children’s Zoo in what is now the Atascadero Lake Park. In 1977, the county officially changed the name to the Charles Paddock Zoo. For the past 30 years, the zoo has u

Alan explains the difficulties in being AZA-accredited, but also shares his pride for the zoo earning such recognition. In the United States, there are 6,000 licenses issued to exhibit animals to the public, but only 230 of those are accredited by AZA. Being accredited allows the zoo to participate in conservation programs and work with other zoos across the nation.

The zoo sits on five wooded acres. While it is smaller than most famed zoos, Alan sees the advantages to that. In larger zoos, the public is attracted to well, the main attractions such as lions, tigers, and bears (oh my!). But what they may not notice is all the smaller species partnered with those more popular ones.

“They don’t notice those little animals, but here they get to be the stars,” says Alan. “They get to shine.”

The zoo’s five-year plan focuses on featuring five biodiversity hotspots: Mediterranian California, Indo-Burma, Andes South America, West Africa, and Madagascar.

“We pick from the whole world and kinda go, let’s pick neat animals that fit our climate, that fit our size that are amazing animals and teach people about them,” Alan explains.

Showcasing unique animals is something Alan and the zoo take great pride in,

“Most people have seen a tiger — but have you seen a binturong?” he asks. “That’s our point; here is something we can do a little different.”

Red pandas are the newest renovated exhibit at the zoo. As the pandas are native to Indo-Burma, the exhibit immersively takes you to tropical Asia, showcasing other animals you may find there. Alan hopes the newest exhibit shows people the zoo’s potential to “pack a punch” in a small space.

Alan already has plans made to renovate and recreate other exhibits. All he is missing are the funds to make them all happen.

“It’s [the zoo] a huge resource for the community, and it’s something people who live here can be proud of,” Alan says.

“And because we are small, our money goes a lot further here,” he says. “This zoo could really be a jewel.” Zoo holds many memories. Being 67 years old, the place has been a part of people’s childhood for at least three generations. How many of us have a photo in front of the infamous lion water fountain?

“We have people who come here every day,” Alan says. “It’s a time for them to interact. Grandparents can be with their grandkids. It’s a safe place and a fun place.”

For more information on the Charles Paddock Zoo, visit charlespaddockzoo.org 