I imagine that revelers speeding back home from partying Downtown toss their empties in this convenient location. You have to admit, it is more of an upscale detritus.
I love Spokane, obviously. The reason for this blog is to share with others what a great place Spokane is. So, this is hard for me to say. But, here goes:
Spokane has really become a more dirty, more rough town in the last year or so. If you only get around in a car, the only reason you may agree with me is that you read about the almost daily shootings in the paper. If you walk or ride a bike, you've seen it (and smelled it).
Howard Street Downtown used to be a favorite route for me, but its decline has been swift and undeniable. The map store now is a convenience/beer store with the colorful characters that come with such an enterprise. Spokane Shaver? RIP. The Blue Spark's clientele now look like they just came from the Mayfair. Youthful panhandlers are now full-on and some of them are delving into the pedestrian hassling biz, just for kicks. Closer to the park, things are still OK. Boo Radley's, Atticus, Mizuna and The Steelhead are still holding the line.
The Paulson Building has a used clothing store on the main floor. I like used clothing stores, a lot. Just never thought I would see one anchoring the Paulson Building.
Been spit on (albeit accidentally) by a youth who was practicing spitting in front of Riverpark Square. This is a skill which apparently young Spokanites take a lot of pride in. Downtown is where one showcases this talent.
Shooting, stabbings, shit your pants, blah, blah, blah, every day. It is only February, folks. Summer is usually when things really get going in Spokane. When it heats up, hold onto your hats!
Does anyone have any idea of what has happened to our town? I think the obvious answer is that I have become a cranky old man.
4 comments:
You are not "just" a cranky old man. Albeit you are one, but not just one.
I've (sadly) noticed the same decline.
Bummer isn't it. We both remember when such things were not such a commonplace.
Thanks Jacque! I am just amazed at how fast it happened.
I just got back from a week in Phoenix.
The new parts, particularly the west valley, are generally a shit-hole of housing developments with few nearby services, and no "neighborhood" type restaurants (I was jonesing for a Picabu, Elk, Mantio Tap House or Flying Goat by the end).
I was, however, very impressed with how nicely constructed, landscaped and maintained the freeways are, and with the general cleanliness of the arterials and semi-rural roads we cycled on.
More than once, I thought we should send our mayor, council persons, and the street maintenance folks on a learn how it's done "field trip".
ya grumpy old bastards...
life is a right shite hole, then you perish swiftly, if your lucky.
get on with it already.
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