I realize that I've always wanted to live in Southern California. I'm a SoCal native, although I've never spent a full year there after age 3. Each year I have renewed myself with time in LA. Some people say the city is dead, full of stunted trees. Perhaps to them.
The ocean is strong there. Much stronger than in Northern California, where the redwoods grow. Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love the Bay Area, especially Berkeley. It's in Berkeley, where all my dreams came true. The thing is, there is no happily ever after. At least that's what I'm realizing.
My trips to SoCal the last 5 years have been a slow familiarization. I know the highways well - the 5, the 405, the 110, the 15, the 10, Ocean Street in Santa Monica, the strand, Highway 1, 87, 84.... I've traveled these roads a lot recently, not to mention Sepulvada, Santa Monica Blvd, Washington Street, La Cienga, Venice Blvd.... I'm not tied to any one neighborhood. I like the beach communities of Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach. But I also like the desert - out past Riverside, Ontario, Palm Desert, Joshua Tree, 20 Palms, Baker, Barstow, Ludlow, Needles.
Both desert and ocean pull me south. I have very little tying me to San Francisco these days. So I'll go south, and see what I bring myself. More change I'm sure.
I love Vallejo!
Posted by: J | March 18, 2004 at 08:10 AM