walking around chaz is just astonishing. people cooking for each other everywhere, collaborating on art. I saw a fistfight get de-escalated by a crowd in just a minute. But the most remarkable thing is just eavesdropping on conversations — hearing ideas that weren’t in the “Overton window” a few weeks ago discussed openly, freely, fearlessly
My thoughts the entire time I am there are full....but mostly it’s the feeling that “everywhere can be like this.”
Our hollowed out downtowns and declining chain-plagued commercial neighborhoods can be replaced with outpourings of community — it’s *cops* that stop people from gathering on their stoops and rooftops, sharing food, feeling safe
here is a story from reddit that squares with what I experienced....perhaps I saw your friend, /u/undescended_testicle. Perhaps I *am* your friend.
[reuploaded w proper screenshots]
(I disagree w this guys assertion that it’s peaking tho. there’s still about 2/3rds of cal Anderson park alone to take back)
