Over the next few days, as we give thanks for our many blessings, we should see fit to add something to our lists.  Not the most important item, but a blessing nonetheless.

We should all be grateful that the City of San Diego recognizes its significance and rightful place of import in the region, in the State, and – yes – even in the nation and world.

Not the importance of whether libraries, parks and fire stations stay open, or even the tough decisions associated with a $2.8 billion pension deficit.  It’s more than that.  You see, all of those weighty issues combined are so significant to humankind – and the City of San Diego knows it – that the ceremony to administer the oath-of-office to the recently-elected individuals faced with the decisions has been given its correct due title:  Inauguration.

The Inaugural Ceremonies for the mayor, four new city councilmembers and new city attorney will commence on the hallowed grounds of Golden Hall, in the City of San Diego Concourse, 202 “C” Street, at ten o’clock in the morning, on Monday, the Eighth of December, Two Thousand Eight, in the year of our Lord.

A random sampling of those recently elected in other lesser cities confirmed my low expectations.  Rightfully, no other city in the region deems itself worthy.  El Cajon, Encinitas, La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and Oceanside will all have simple “swearing-in” ceremonies for their mayors- and/or councilmembers-elect.  Even Chula Vista , the second largest city in the region and in recent years one of the fastest growing in the nation, is holding only a swearing-in function (although some have suggested it be called a coup d’état or even an ouster of Prince Gaylord).

Yet, perhaps this makes sense, as most of these other undignified cities are simply combining the oath-of-office proceeding with a city council meeting.  In one case, however, an official admitted that his city would be having a special, separate function to administer the oath to the re-elected mayor and two councilmembers.  Aha, I thought, a special event … another city that begs to be as splendid as San Diego .  “And, what do you call that ceremony?” I asked.  “What else would we call it?…A swearing-in,” was his reply.

Okay, I may be splitting hairs or even a tad flippant over San Diego ’s choice of the word “Inauguration.”  Wikipedia indicates that the “term is usually used in reference to a politician’s assumption of the duties of head of state or head of government (e.g. the President’s inauguration).”  Sure, then, I’ll buy that the San Diego function meets the strict definition.  Sort of.

Wikipedia also says “Political inaugurations often feature lavish ceremonies, in which the politician publicly takes his or her oath of office in front of a large crowd of spectators.” 

Yes, there will undoubtedly be a large crowd at Golden Hall a week from Monday.  And, given that libraries, parks and fire stations may indeed be on the chopping block, let’s be equally thankful that the City of San Diego ’s swearing-in ceremony – as important as it may be – will not be as lavish as a real inauguration.

Speaking of importance and giving thanks, I guess I should even be more thankful that I was deemed important enough to rate a San Diego Inauguration invitation.  It doesn’t say black-tie, but I’ll be sure to set my watch correctly, lest I lose a glass slipper leaving the affair.

Since the County Board of Supervisors represent the entire region, not just the City of San Diego, I can’t wait to receive an invitation to the upcoming Coronation.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 26th, 2008 at 12:00 am and is filed under Blog Posts.