Surf’s (Not So) Up Dude!

As a resident of Pacific Beach, I would like to tell you about my town. Pacific Beach, displays the essence of a true California beach town with its brilliant, year-round sunshine and blue ocean swells that greet its sand and boardwalks. This small, colorful community blends an eccentric mix of surfers, local beach bums, college students, professionals, and families. A few blocks west of Pacific Beach, you’ll find a host of surf shops, taco stands, craft galleries, hotels and smoke shops flavored with a hint of tie-dye paraphernalia.

The architecture here is varied, with 30s-style beachfront cottages next to large, upscale, earth-toned hotels and condos. Expect ultra casual and zero attitude in Pacific Beach. For a less crowded alternative, try the neighboring, more protected waters of Mission Bay located just east of the south end of Pacific Beach.

Between the ocean, the bay and nearly 3 miles of bike paths—not to mention year-round sunshine – Pacific Beach offers a myriad of recreational activities for weekend warriors, outdoor enthusiasts, Surf, swim, kayak and body boarding in the blue waters of the ocean.

Sounds perfect, right? But, wait!
Pacific Beach, like many beach towns has its not-so-glamorous side. Stowed away from the public’s eye lies the sinister alley ways, where deals are made and drugs are scored and used. Public fornication, defecation and urinating are activities that are part of the daily norm. Dog owners allow their precious loved ones to relieve themselves without one ounce of thought to pick up behind them. Theft is abundant. The homeless are endless. The elderly, the forgotten, live in broken down motor homes that litter the streets. They have no means to move them nor to pay the fines that they’ve incurred, despite what the street signs happily warn. These are the signs of true times. Life, for many, is hard at the beach.

So, the next time you visit a beach town, where life seems too good to be true, look beyond the spectacular views and the gorgeous people. Look beyond the picturesque neighborhood basketball games, family picnics, Frisbees, kite activities, outdoor barbecues, sun-bathing opportunities abound on the ocean, the bay, or a grassy knoll. Think of those you don’t see, the less fortunate and the hungry. Think of the simplicity of the ocean breeze, the beauty of a tall palm tree and the last spark of the sun as it sets into the sea.Think of we.

Life Story

Weird thing happened to me today.

I was coming out of a store/café when I saw a “domicile challenged” man sitting on the curb. Holding a sign which said – Please help, God Bless.  As usual, I walked right on by pretending I didn’t see him. Whatever he said was blocked out by my indifference.

As it was a nice day out and free time was plenty, I decided to sit on the stoop next door and people watch. An activity I enjoy from time to time.

While sipping my drink I couldn’t help but stare at the guy. Many thoughts immediately entered my head causing me to stop watching others and to concentrate on this man.

What was his story? Where was he from? And what led to this?  My sudden desire to know his life story had me feeling …… Well. Morose perhaps?

Did one particular event cause his present situation? A lifetime of bad choices? Was he dealt a bad hand of cards from Jump Street? All kinds of things swirled through my mind.

I couldn’t help but think that at one-time years ago, some women cradled him in her arms, beaming with pride and joy. Maybe she saw a future leader, a statesman, or a hard working family man. A mothers dream.

Homelessness is a serious problem in America and continues to grow. Are we not judged by how we treat those less fortunate than us?

Fifteen minutes later my coffee was done and the man moved on.