As the sounds of joyful kids echo throughout Berry Street Park, the sight of five - count 'em five - inflatable jumpies give indication as to the source of joy. Parents with their young superstars play pitcher and catcher for a few imaginary innings. Teenage boys take sides for football using trees as boundary markers. Nearby, couples lie on blankets and take in the blue sky that looks back on down on them.
In this, the city with the best climate on earth.
A large lemon statue, guarded by black iron fence, proclaims the glorified climate proudly so.
And the trolley moves on through. Moves on through.
The park is alive this Thursday with the concert in the park. Cars parked on grass legally now, white chalk gives them their place. People from out of nowhere walk onto lawn, find their plot of land and look upon the scene, smiling. A community joined in song, for the time there is song and there is reason to join.
Down the streets, men and women walk their dogs. Feeling safe and secure. On sidewalks and then on dirt path ... and then sidewalks ... and then dirt path. An embarrassing testament to a town not yet finished with its business at hand.
And the trolley moves on through. Moves on through.
Making your way to the main drag, Broadway shimmers its humble lights and crowd corners with drugstores, smoke shops and every single fast food known to mankind.
Though history cries out memories of groves and gardens. And gardening, fruits and vegetables. A landmark Optimum Health Institute, known worldwide by those rekindling a commitment to health and well-being ... in the locale of glorious climate. A heal zone is being born - with birth pangs and growing pain - behind the scenes, though soon to be common place. Soon to be welcomed: healthy choices and policy, a hub of activity for community to come together and play. And play. And celebrate healthy eating and active living.
Even amidst the fast food chains and smoke shops. And dirt pathways yet to be paved.
It will all be worth it. In this humble town. A home of the fantasy pitcher throwing to her daddy. Boys tackling each other on the makeshift field.
Echoes of laughter from children bouncing and bouncing in their magic moments. Concert-dwellers celebrating the opportunity to be together again.
Here ... as the trolley moves on through ... moves on through.
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Jim Ellis lives in Lemon Grove and is part of the HEALzone Initiative to bring "healthy eating, active living" to the community. He can be reached at www.LegacyProductions.org
