Dimond Days

Catherine and Elsa hooked up with Connell and Remy last week for a nice morning in the Dimond District. The little ladies played well together, and Catherine got a first hand view of how the old neighborhood has changed since we got there in May 2000. McDonald's is still there, and little crack baggies can still be found in the planters along the sidewalk, but the Dimond has definitely been spruced up along Fruitvale Ave. Organic produce, a sushi restaurant, a french bakery, and expensive coffee can all be purchased right beside the hair weaving store (Real Hair!) and Soon's Lounge. Choices are good.


Several years ago I was buying some dogfood at Paws N Claws and the woman who owns the store was bitching to another customer about all the gentrification and how she missed the good old days. I wanted to tell her that I would not be buying her $35 organic dog food if it wasn't for gentrification, but decided to not get in a throw down argument with the woman. Catherine said that she really missed the neighborhood when they were walking around, but I have to wonder if she missed that time in our lives, as opposed to that actual physical location. We obviously miss our friends and former neighbors, but our current situation is better for us, though not quite as exciting. This is the price we pay for good schools and not getting a handgun cocked in your face in your driveway.