By Nikki Silverstein
Hero: Marin’s first responders received a special thank you last week on National Donut Day.  Volunteers with the San Rafael Corps of the Salvation Army delivered fresh donuts to more than 40 locations throughout the county, from the Coast Guard rescue station under the Golden Gate Bridge to the Tomales Fire Station in West Marin. Honoring our men and women in uniform by giving them donuts actually has a rich history dating back to World War I, when a group of resourceful women, Salvation Army volunteers, cooked donuts in a soldier’s helmet to bring a taste of home to our forces on the front lines. We appreciate the Salvation Army for recognizing our first responders and taking care of those in need.
Zero: John is an avid runner on the trails in the Marin Headlands, where paid dog walkers and their charges are a common sight. Sometimes as many as 20 dogs at a time rush him, bark and eventually take chase as he continues his run. The maximum number of dogs allowed with a licensed commercial dog walker is six, with at least three leashed. Unfortunately, some walkers exceed the limit and add insult to injury by packing up with other commercial walkers. With that many pooches to watch, it’s inevitable that poop is left to litter the trail. Certainly the walkers are in the dog house, but we also blame the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, which fails to enforce its own rules. Ruff.
