[img]541|left|Carter Dewberry||no_popup[/img]No pedicure can dig out the dirt underneath Santa Ana’s toenails. Aptly branded as “Downtown Orange County,” Santa Ana has an alluring old world charm…or at least that of a different world than where I grew up in Michigan or lived in West L.A.
The diversity of this community is simultaneously refreshing and unsettling. One of my first introductions to this city was in 2006 when I participated in a multi-media show that consisted of live and electronic musicians re-enacting a mythical battle between low-riders and SUVs; these cars represented a few of the opposing demographics in the city. This artistic piece culminated in a cacophony of music and madness in the form of cars honking, noises blaring out of the car speakers, dancers gesticulating wildly, all accompanied by live musicians trying – and failing – to maintain melodic sensibility.
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I understood this mixed dynamic when I moved here over three years ago. And while I often relish the melodies I find in my neighborhood, lately I have been seeing more of the madness.
In the Gutter
Just over a month ago, there was a fatal shooting in a parking garage late in the evening after the downtown had played host to a weekend of reveling. While in L.A. this is seen as nothing terribly newsworthy (even living in Palms, I remember hearing of a fatal shooting just down the street from my apartment in a block populated with foreign graduate student housing), in Orange County, news trucks still line up in the downtown on busy nights to ask people their thoughts on the shooting.
Last week, I witnessed a fender bender while on my morning walk. Although this is nothing out of the ordinary in and of itself, when I stuck around to give a statement (as we weren’t sure if the driver at fault would stick around for the cops), I learned that two of the three drivers did not have drivers’ licenses. They also did not speak English, and only had Mexican ID. Since then I haven’t been able to help myself wondering on my walks how many drivers I see in my neighborhood are driving legally… or are themselves legal.
Also last week, in one of the lowlights of my week, I was threatened by a homeless woman whom I think is staying in the Salvation Army shelter down the street. That conversation began harmlessly enough with her commenting on my cello as I walked across the street. I smiled and was friendly, even so far as reluctantly giving her my first name when she offered hers and asked. The energy shifted when I wouldn’t stay around to chat and got into my car. She approached my vehicle and started moving to get behind it, mockingly saying “You can’t run over me, you know. Can I have 50 cents so that I can go home?”
When I politely declined and backed out carefully, her eyes turned into slits as she started cussing me out. That exchange ended with her shouting, “You should wash your filthy car, you xxx!” I smiled and said “Thank you” feeling fortunate I didn’t have to pull out any of my martial arts maneuvers to get out of the situation.
I should note that this happened at 2 o’clock in the middle of a block full of people.
Recapturing the Melody
It has been a rough month for me in Santa Ana – which is ironic seeing as I haven’t been here most of the month! Nonetheless, I do not often feel this overcast attitude about my neighborhood. I am still thankful for my beautiful living space, the proximity of many shops and parks, and running into neighbors at my local coffee shop.
I understand that city living is a close mirror for many of society’s issues; I’ve had to explore my deeper feelings on crime, immigration and homelessness in just a month. I just look forward to seeing again the beauty inherent in diversity of all sorts and feeling the excitement of being in the middle of the action.
To end on the bright side, here is an image of me playing while reflecting on the charming side of Santa Ana. Photo is courtesy of Emanuel Dale.
Ms. Dewberry, an accomplished cellist, completed her DMA in Chamber Music Performance from UCLA in December 2005. She received her MM in Cello Performance from UCLA in June 2002 and her B.M. in Cello Performance from Western Michigan University in April 1998. She also holds a B.A. in French with a minor in Women's Studies and Philosophy.
Her website is www.carterdewberry.com
She may be contacted at carter@carterdewberry.com
