I also worked with Ken for about 30 years. Although I didn't work regularly in San Francisco, there were many times I would check in with Ken to see how things were going in the Budget Analyst's Office and with the constantly emerging new political issues that were before the Board. It was always good to hear those stories and his perspective.

Inevitably, though, the conversation would drift from politics and business to the more personal sides of our lives. As Debra Newman noted, the conversation might center around his calendar, changing art or the latest photos he had received from Martha. During one such conversation, maybe 20-years ago, we talked about the new dog I had just adopted for my kids - a lab puppy with boundless energy. Ken had two dogs of his own at the time.

I was at wits end. The dog was chewing things up, digging in the garden and generally causing havoc everywhere she went. Ken suggested a book by the Monks of New Skeet - from upstate New York - who were known for their skill at training German Shepherds. He thought it would resolve my dog-dilemma.

I got the book, put it into practice and within a couple of weeks, the dog was a different animal. For 14 years I had one of the most well behaved dogs I had ever owned, and I thanked Ken daily for his sage advice. About a week before Ken passed away, I found myself recommending the book to a new dog owner who was experiencing the same difficulties I had faced 20-years ago. I will probably do so until my recommending days are over. Thanks to Ken.