tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11093162.post3201795425603643908..comments2024-03-23T19:16:01.555-07:00Comments on Can it happen here?: Mission homecomingjaninsanfranhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548452260456734928noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11093162.post-83190769874871504182014-10-27T10:00:04.968-07:002014-10-27T10:00:04.968-07:00Ballard, where we bought our condo (Yes, we are pa...Ballard, where we bought our condo (Yes, we are part of the problem) is now being fully condo-ized. There seem to be roughly three times as many people on the streets, mostly young and white or Asian. The number of restaurants is getting ludicrous, and they are always full. A huge Trader Joes is nearby, and a Whole Foods not too far away. A local co-op, PCC, is a short drive away and the best place to shop. We can also walk to a QFC. And public transportation is good and very much used. <br />The care facility across the way must have very sick people living there, since the fire truck and ambulance come there so frequently. I get a general feeling that services are keeping up with needs. <br />Nonetheless, last night I did see a person in an advanced state of dilapidation and all her rags and other possessions around her sleeping on the sidewalk. But markedly less of this than there once was here. <br />Our condo does get a lot of use, because friends and relatives, etc. use it quite a bit, so it's a good thing, I suppose.<br />Your observations about the U.S. and our car culture are so right on. And the filling in of urban spaces, which I believe is necessary but not always well planned. Hattiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02621439195920479957noreply@blogger.com