Thursday, January 21, 2010

Stormy

Yesterday's heavy rains pounded Southern California and forced evacuations in some foothill communities below the wildfire-ravaged mountains. The downpour closed a major highway, knocked out power to thousands and even caused lightning strikes on two airliners.

But it was nothing compared to the storm going on at last night's City Council meeting.

(You can read a brief summary in yesterday's comments.)

14 comments:

Judy Williams said...

There is just something about umbrellas. You see so many European photographs (Paris in particular) and les parapluies are ever present and so so gorgeous with their arched tops and reverse scalloped bottoms. This is absolutely fantastic. The wet streets reflect the lights and the shadows wonderfully.

I'm so proud of you guys for your support of Dan Watson too. Keep up the good fight!!! We Texans are backing you 100%!

Mister Earl said...

South Pasadena's version of Abbey Road? As usual, Laurie, wonderful photo.

Petrea Burchard said...

Abbey Road was my thought, too. Great job last night, Mr. E. et al. Don't stop now! We're rooting for you.

Mister Earl said...

Thanks P: We're hoping that the Council will back down from the divisive fiasco they've created. But for me, it will not end there. I'm dedicated to throwing the worst of them out of office. They will learn that union money cannot overcome the will of good people who don't want a town run by back-door tactics and midnight ambushes.

Mister Earl said...

Speaking of Abbey Road, here's an interesting story about Paul Cole, the American tourist who was captured in the Abbey Road photo, who died at age 96 a couple years ago. Maybe someone from South Pas will someday become known for being captured in a Laurie Allee photo!

http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/feb/15/30gtpaul-cole-man-on-beatles-abbey-road-cover/

Anonymous said...

I love it! And the police chief must find this level of appreciation and concern very heartwarming.

Fight the good fight!

Pasadena Adjacent said...

Came for a visit and went through all the news stories in your last post. Great job holding their feet to the fire and how sad they appear in the final outcome.

When anti-war liberals and the police chief come together for a common cause...well, ya just got to figure that spitball of a decision ain't going to stick to the wall.

Shanna said...

I couldn't help smiling at Farmgirl's comment yesterday:

"I pity the fool who messes with Laurie."

Yep! That's my Laurie.

Shanna said...

Aside from all the politics...
What a great composition! I like the centrality of it with its one point perspective, our eye being led in by the white stripes on the street. Those symmetrically placed red reflections are what really do it for me.

Laurie Allee said...

Hey everyone,

I'm really tired of this rain. Our back yard isn't draining and the street is overflowing and Little Bit is tired of watching movies and playing her train set and doll house. Grrrrrrr.

Thanks for such nice comments about this photo. Jon told me this morning that it was his favorite yet. I am fond of it, but also pleased because it was another one of those lucky shots that I grabbed while waiting at the light... in the rain... fumbling with camera setting... so when it came out, I was psyched.

As to the continuing council stuff, I have so many thoughts about this. As do so many in this town. I suggest everyone in South Pas check out channel 18 (or maybe it's 19) on their cable to watch the replay of the council meeting. Read all of the news articles explaining the evolution of this situation and then watch the council members' statements from last night. It's important to know how all of this happened.

alex said...

This is by far one of my favorite photos (and that's saying very much, given the number of amazing photos on GOSP). Something about the rain, the umbrellas, the crossing guards, and the headlights reflecting off the asphalt...not something you see everyday in Southern California, so it captures the sentiment of having a week of rain quite well!

Speaking of rain, I dropped by the South Pas Post Office yesterday to pick up an oversized package that couldn't be left on my doorstep because of the weather (ironically, an indoor trainer for my bike that I had purchased for the "off chance" that it would pour in Southern California). The staff there are the nicest people I've ever met, reminding me of an earlier blog post (http://southpasadena.blogspot.com/2009/11/leave-light-on.html). The postmaster herself handed me the package, telling me anecdotally about how the rain had slowed down the mail carriers for the day, which meant a filing in of complaints about failed deliveries that she had to address. But, she said, "I really am a complainer, after watching what's been going on in Haiti." She remarked on how she felt blessed despite the difficulties that she had encountered at work that day, since she was safe, healthy, and content.

Our town is not without its problems. Potholes and an aged infrastructure have led to street flooding and malfunctioning streetlights from just several days of rain. We are trying to figure out the mysterious polemics that have been going on in the city government. Just weeks ago the high school community suffered a significant loss. And I just heard thunder outside from the storm that has been leaving me soaked on my daily commute on the Metro. Even so, this storm does have its beauty...so thanks for capturing it in this photo!

Laurie Allee said...

Alex, thank you for such a thoughtful, eloquent comment! This is why I love my blog -- and this town -- so much. Sharing stories about our community is kind of like having a virtual campfire to sit around. It's great.

ANd I agree with you about the nice post office folks. They have completely eradicated my ever using the term "going postal" because HERE that means doing great work and being customer friendly.

Mister Earl said...

The post office is full of nice people who are doing a good job? Let's fire them! ;-)

Laurie Allee said...

Good one, Earl.

Til tomorrow, gang!