Saturday, March 5, 2011

Storm over Fair Oaks

I snapped this shot the other day when the winter storm was approaching. Now, Fair Oaks is dealing with another kind of black cloud. Business owners are struggling to get by with the massive gridlock caused by the city's street improvements. Several spoke out at the last city council meeting with stories of lost revenues and layoffs.

Those of us who have maneuvered Fair Oaks know that the situation has impacted the business community because it's such a hassle to get to the shops and offices. Both sides of the street are torn up with open trenches. Work vehicles regularly block traffic in the two remaining lanes. You might be tempted to walk, but good luck finding sidewalks that haven't been turned to rubble.

Look, we can complain about this and wonder about the way it was executed but that won't help our neighbors who are taking a huge economic hit. I believe each of us should make an effort to patronize one of the Fair Oaks establishments this weekend, even if it means getting cement dust all over the car.

Grab champagne and ribs at Gus's brunch. Too much? Then go for a Napa salad at Shakers or an Italian chopped salad at Wild Thyme. The coffee is worth crawling over rocks to get into Starbucks or the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. The tarts at Union Bakery are as good as you remember. And nothing, I do mean nothing takes away the headache caused by a loud jackhammer quite like a Raymond Sundae from Fair Oaks Pharmacy.

There are dozens of other shops and stores I haven't mentioned. Go to one of them. They need our help.

9 comments:

Mister Earl said...

I haven't given up! I support the kids at the Wells Fargo Starbucks!

You can patronize the Pollo Loco Mall or Radio Shack by coming in through the back on Hope Street.

Michelle said...

Thank you for this. I have been complaining about the inconvenience and poor planning but I have not thought about the direct impact, not just hassle, our local shops are experiencing. I am definitely going to take your advice and find ways to patronize the Fair Oaks businesses. Way to go with civic leadership and pride, Laurie!

Petrea Burchard said...

I'll see if I can get down (whew! all the way from Pasadena!) this weekend. You're the champ, Laurie.

That photo looks like a painting. Love it.

Green Guy said...

Good point. Great photo, too.

p c said...

there are also creative ways to make it there without dealing with fair oaks!! drive orange grove and take the west way in. park in the neighborhood and meander around until you find a way through. see something new and make an adventure out of it!

TheChieftess said...

I'll have a Hot Fudge Sundae at Fair Oaks Pharmacy, please...

Or...wait...how about a couple of macaroons or those yummy double chocolate cookies at Union Bakery?

Hmmmm...a hazelnut latte at Starbucks...(Coffee Bean doesn't have hazelnut flavoring)....or....

And can someone please deliver them all to Mammoth???

alex said...

what a metaphor!

Judy Williams said...

Beautiful image. Great idea to support all of the locals. I would walk, but it might take me a month or so to get there from here.

Shanna said...

Atta girl, Laurie!

We've already been to Wild Thyme by going the back way. We went on Hope St. and entered the parking lot with no problem, even though there was a closed sign in the middle of the street