vanishing walnut creek?

by Camille Giglio

I have begun to succumb to the siren call of using my computer to shop from home for a broad assortment of items. The postage and handling fees are stiff, but, the ease and minimum amount of energy involved makes it all worthwhile. It doesn’t matter that when the shoes arrive they are the wrong size or the cooking utensil is less than the quality I expected and they all have to be sent back through the mail. I’ve undoubtedly helped to make the air a little more breathable by keeping my car in the garage.

I have been trying to explain Smart Growth and Transit Corridors to my husband a retired businessman. I have explained that one of the main goals of much of this planned growth is to provide everything needed in a community in as close proximity to the residents as possible to eliminate the need for cars.

He refuses to accept this premise. He points to the request for expansion of commercial space in the Broadway Shopping Center of Walnut Creek. Why would that facility seek expansion if people were going to be discouraged from driving to the shopping center?

I explain, carefully, that people will be encouraged to get on light rail transit to get someplace or to walk or bike to where they want/have to go. He says it will never happen.
You notice, he says, that there is no Nordstrom’s in Brentwood? Nordstrom’s is in Walnut Creek and Nordstrom’s wants people to come from Brentwood, Lafayette, Martinez, etc. to shop at Nordstrom’s. The cost to bring Nordstrom’s to all those communities would be prohibitive. No, you’ve got it wrong, he claims.

Well, he has a point. He has a point until I opened my computer today and see that the Contra Costa Times has, once again, sent me a notice that I can shop from home this time for a Valentine’s Day Gift for my loved ones.

I am now reminded of all the other things I can do from home through the computer. Have I answered his question of needing to go to the store? Maybe.

Maybe in the future the Nordstrom’s catalog delivery guy can ride his bicycle to my house?
I won’t need to go to the Hallmark Card shop for that birthday card because I can send it from my computer. I can even order groceries through the computer or over the phone.
All my clothes, books, medications (for my dog as well) even computers can arrive at my door without ever having to leave the house.

I can even arrange to rent a new apartment, according to the Times, by just clicking on the space below to see the interior views of the rooms. A rental specialist will handle everything for me.

I can even earn my living by working from home and don’t forget I can vote from home, too. Why, I hardly ever need to leave my house. Help!

posted by Diane Lily @ 11:21 AM