Downtown Long Beach
Last evening during our Friday Night Gathering, Jean Nitzel mentioned that she had tried (years ago) to interest the City Fathers of Long Beach in converting the main street to a Pedestrians Only Zone — just from Bolstad Avenue to Sid Snyder Drive and just in the summer. It didn’t get anywhere back then — a gazillion excuses were given beginning with “that stretch is part of the State Highway System…” But they didn’t even try, Jean said.
Rue Mouffetard, Paris
And, I must say, there wasn’t much discussion about it last night, either. I’m not sure why. I thought it was a great idea, myself, and was reminded of the many streets in Europe that are “pedestrians only” — Rue Montorgueil in the Latin Quarter of Paris, Carnaby Street in London, Strøget in Copenhagen — and many others throughout the world — even in Seattle. I was saddened that the city of Long Beach wouldn’t even give the idea the time of day.
There are also streets called woonerfs — a street or square where cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and other local residents travel together without traditional safety infrastructure to guide them. Also, sometimes called a “shared street,” a woonerf is generally free of traffic lights, stop signs, curbs, painted lines, and the “usual” guides to travel behavior. The idea behind them is to reduce accidents and, amazingly, the statistics prove that this has happened.
While I can’t quite image the main drag in Long Beach becoming a woonerf, I must say that on many days in the summer, Territory Road in Oysterville comes close. And my observation is that everyone is more observant and courteous and many of our visitors really take time to enjoy the village — a pleasant change from the usual speed-through at 40 mph!
In the years that I lived in the Bay Area — from 1941 when I was five until 1978 when I moved to Oysterville — Chinese New Year was always an important occasion. In the early years, we would sometimes go into San Francisco’s Chinatown for the big New Year’s parade but later — when we had television — we could watch the highlights without the hassle of the crowds. Still… it was a Big Deal.
In any case, in Chinese culture, rabbits represent the moon. Some say it is because the shadows of the moon resemble a rabbit. Others say it is because of the rabbit’s pure characteristics. To outsiders, the Rabbit’s kindness may make them seem soft and weak. In truth, the Rabbit’s quiet personality hides their confidence and strength. They are steadily moving towards their goal, no matter what negativity the others give them. With their good reasoning skills and attention to detail, they make great scholars. They are socializers with an attractive aura. However, they find it hard to open up to others and often turn to escapism. A plain and routine life is not their style. Though conservative and careful in their actions, they need surprises every so often to spice things up.
Not many changes in Patient Nyel’s situation today. Another bit of weight gain (Boo! Hiss!). An increased amount of medication in his IV Drip (Yay!), Exercise Program proceeding as hoped (more clapping and cheering.)
All of this was thanks to the chauffeuring generosity of Michael Lemeshko who thought he might do a few errands in Ilwaco in preparation for the April Walking Tour he will be presenting there. But, as it turned out, he walked around Oysterville, instead; then visited with Tucker and Carol, toured Tucker’s pinball arcade and won three free games which he “gifted” to Tucker when we left. By two o’clock we had dropped off the mail at the post office, returned two books to the Ocean Park Timberland Library, and were ordering turkey and cheese sandwiches at Molly’s Station in Seaview.
When Happy Kitty died after a long (was he 19?) and contented life, Charlie knew that eventually he would get another kitten. He has always had two at a time and Lupe, who is six, might miss her “brother.”
Meanwhile, Lupe, who has been with Charlie since she was even younger than Rosencrantz, was less than pleased. When, finally, Charlie reported: Rosencrantz came out and alternately runs around, then hides again. Lupe is hissing at me! I’ve betrayed her! And still later, (in a bit of a panic), Lupe is crying! Real tears!
Just back from the Warrenton Run — Staples to return used ink cartridges; Goodwill to deliver a load of “stuff” from the back forty; CostCo to get a couple of food items; Fred Meyers to get other food items. The first two went well — maybe because we were donating. The last two, not so much — probably because my expectations are too high.
Inside, most shoppers were masked but about a third of them wore theirs Kilroy-style with their noses hanging over the edge. Ditto the employees. What’s with that, anyway? It irritates me no end — brings out the Cranky Teacher, the Nagging Mom, the Despair of Stupidity in me. I did my shopping and was out of there in ten minutes flat. I’m not sure I’ll go back very soon.