I love to speak to groups—it’s a lot of fun to talk about John Bidwell and his world. It’s a real treat to interact with folks who love history. So if you know anyone looking for a speaker, send me a note at bidwellbook (at) gmail.com.

Diane was trying to line me up as a speaker for a group she belongs to, the Chico (insert political party here) Women. I thought it would be great to talk to a group about John Bidwell’s political career. After all, he was the “man too good to be governor.” He tried to get elected as governor of California four times, in four decades, with four different political parties! Talk about persistence! But he never made it, and that’s too bad, because he would have made a great governor.

And I won’t be speaking to the Chico (insert political party here) Women, either. Their rules state that all speakers must be members of their party. I vote in every election, but I am not registered with any party. I am happy to be an independent voter. So I don’t qualify as a speaker according to their rules.

But if you know another group that is not so persnickety, just let me know. I’ll be there.