Today, one day post-5.4 earthquake, while standing in line at the Post Office, I and others were jolted out of our placid demeanors by what I thought was an aftershock.
Is this a precursor to the Big One? somebody joked.
Another person further back in line joined the conversation by saying firmly, “No earthquake. That is what a large project construction feels like. Can you imagine what it must be like living in one of those homes next to the site?”
It is a preview of what we will all be experiencing one day soon. I waited until after I was done and talked to the person a bit. I learned a lot about what is going on in the near-Downtown part of the city.
As I left the post office, rather than get into my nice soundproof car, I took a stroll around the neighborhood. What I saw today alarmed me.
A lunch truck with a full complement of customers — some smoking — right next to a home.
Crossing the street to City Hall and beyond, I looked at a lot that I was told will be the next construction site.
Although I live in what I think is a construction – free street, it has given me pause to think.
I don't think this is what attracted me to move to Culver City.
My deepest sympathies to residents near construction. I will not dismiss the next person with a petition to limit development until I have heard them out.
Mea culpa.
