As this annus horribilis winds its way to its midnight conclusion, I have been searching for whatever silver linings come to mind. There aren't many and perhaps some of you will add a few more, but these are what I have come up with:
With schools going virtual and organized sports on hold, it was a rough year for kids. On the bright side, it's gratifying to see how many kids rediscovered their bikes. Bike sales skyrocketed (unfortunately so did bike thefts) and seeing so many B'game kids cruising the streets with or without their parents has been great. Popping wheelies is also back and modern bikes allow for some impressive wheelie yardage.
Sales of puppies may even be outstripping that of bikes. On my dog walks, I have seen more puppies in the last two months than I can ever recall. Even better, new owners seem to have the time on their hands to do puppy training. I took the puppy obedience classes at the SPCA at Coyote Point years ago and know the basics, but there must be some good YouTube instruction for these new owners to learn virtually since they are doing so well. I bet there are a lot of dogs as happy as are mine with the extra walks.
Our restaurants have been at the epicenter of the business stress. Many were temporarily closed even before the latest lockdown and some are not likely to make it. But in speaking to the owner of one of my favorites on the Avenue, he noted that through all of this he has gotten to know his customers better than he ever has before. People really wanted to talk when they were out, as we saw with the BAAZ, and owners and staff are happy to comply.
Spring cleaning started right on time and then continued for months and months. It is still on-going if the "Donations Are Full" signs at Pick of the Litter are any indication. I once saw the donation line at the Goodwill in San Mateo stretch into the street and bend back almost to El Camino. 20 cars. People generally have good hearts and 2020 made it more visible. Home improvements followed suit and local gardens certainly benefited. Lowes, Home Depot and nurseries made it to "essential business" status.
All things on Zoom and virtual is a double-edged sword. Hanging out with people is key to many, especially the extroverts, and web conferencing is a thin substitute. But on the plus side, we can hangout with friends from far away or long ago easier than ever. Having health care providers adapt to virtual sessions will be another long-term benefit.
The last silver lining I have is a prediction. As things return to normal, we will all have a greater appreciation for a lot of heretofore less-noticed things. Meetups for morning coffee, sitting at a ballgame at Bayside or Washington Park, the Lion's Car Show, Art on the Avenue, going to church in church, and family gatherings will all be sweeter than before. Happy New Year! Bring on 2021.
Rents are down more than 20 percent with no government action needed.
Posted by: Just Sayin' | December 31, 2020 at 04:08 PM
Thanks, Joe.
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Peter Garrison | December 31, 2020 at 04:22 PM
Dear Joe,
once again the BV has Cruised into the Doldrums. please everyone, nobody cares about "everyday stuff." I will have a City of Burlingame "Behind the Scenes" post.
Posted by: [email protected] | January 02, 2021 at 06:29 PM
C'mon man. It's even more Boringame than before Covid. If you got the skinny let's hear it. Dish, roller.
Posted by: JP | January 02, 2021 at 07:22 PM
As soon as I speak with Hillsider I will get back to you/us.
Happy New Year.
Posted by: [email protected] | January 03, 2021 at 04:41 PM
No mention of traffic? I think I haven't actually come to a traffic jam stop on the freeway since the plandemic started. Just took a drive down to Sunnyvale this afternoon. It was glorious.
Posted by: MBGA | January 05, 2021 at 03:46 PM
Hadn't noticed since I haven't gone anywhere in 3 weeks :-0
Posted by: JP | January 05, 2021 at 06:17 PM