Will Rogers was a real cowboy, then a vaudeville star, then a national pundit with a radio show. He was a writer, a philanthropist and friend to world leaders. He had a terrific sense of humor and was self effacing. He said things like, " You can't say civilization don't advance ... in every war they kill you in a new way."

It's not always the case that stars who transition from show business end up on the right side of things as we well know. Always, he is my hero for having donated his land and homestead to the state of California thereby creating one of the most magnificent state parks. I want to pay homage to him today for being a lifeline to open lands during these restrictive times,to his spirit of good fellowship and for caring about the little guy.