Spring Street and 12th


What's a hometown without the current hum of news blaring from KPRL or the Daily Press?

Here's a whirlwind trip through the news that is sure to satisfy that craving curiosity.

Please don't expect daily, weekly or even monthly reports. This is a bug-bitten enterprise, like everything else on this website.

 

MAY 6 OR SO

The two 115 year old skid row establishments that had been recently purchased for restoration will remain relatively undisturbed after Paso history preservationists battled to stop their demolition and re-do (using the old brick on the facade).

For some of us who sold papers in, repaired vending machines for, or just happened to walk by those fine old alcohol-breathing ruins in the old days, there will be little love lost in their demise. Why save and glorify their seedy memories?

Another ruckus brews over Walnut Drive where the locals are stopping non-locals from driving down their private street. A nice gate with signs that say "NO THROUGH TRAFFIC" blocks those who want to use this thoroughfare as a shortcut. The locals have been forking over funds to maintain the road more than two dozen years and figure they have the right to say who drives on it. The city claims they don't. Looks like a judge may have to decide this one.

Yet another tiff involved a decision to turn parallel parking into diagonal for a few blocks around 12th and 13th streets from Vine to Olive (and on the south side of 14th). This war was won by the area residents without any bloodshed. In fact, they were praised for their participation, most likely because the initial decision by the City Council was made without inviting any residents to give their input at a Streets and Utilities meeting.

Paso's first Kite Fest drew kite flying lovers May 4th to Barney Schwartz Park. You could watch the fancy flyers, fly your own or take pictures of the event. They even had what they called a 'candy drop' kite to legally litter the park with yummies that hopefully didn't fall into any remnants of that smelly brown stuff inherent in such places.

Free pie and ice cream will be on the menu May 22 to celebrate National Older Americans' Month. (That's 'Seniors' for those of us who refuse to be politically correct) Served by firefighters and accompanied by music, expect to enjoy good company, too. Reserve your freebies by calling 237-3880.

Lydia Franklin went to be with the Lord on April 21. You most likely knew her or someone in her family. Her daughter, Grace, was in my class through the school years. May God continue to bless this family as they bless those around them. Lydia and Wesley Franklin have 75 grandkids and great grandkids. Wow!

CALIFORNIA'S TOP HIGH SCHOOL WELDER

The honors go to Paso's David Dzida who won a gold medal in the Riverside competition. Now he has a shot at a national title. Who woulda thunk it?

MY GRATITUDE EXTENDS TO THE PR DAILY PRESS FROM WHICH THESE TIDBITS ARE ECONOMIZED.

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