No Big Deal

Late yesterday afternoon all of San Diego was doing what it does every work day. It was a Thursday and it had been an exceptionally hot day. The temps were in the high 80’s and 90’s, even in our coastal regions. Air conditioners were blasting at full power. The freeways were backing up with the evening’s stop and go traffic. The city trolleys charged up and down the hills on their normal routes. People clad in tank tops, shorts and sandals walked their dogs and restaurants prepared for the evening crowds. To any onlooker all appeared to be just another hot summer day in San Diego.

It was at exactly 4:27 PM when it all came to a complete stop. The electrical hum that runs our city and all its outlying towns (including Camp Pendleton) suddenly shut down and left us with only an eerie quiet. Even the San Onofre giant nuclear reactors went silent.

SDG&E didn’t know what to tell us other than it was a multi- state blackout that had taken our electricity with it. They told us even Mexico’s Baja Peninsula went black.

We didn’t quiet know what to expect. So many cities on the East coast have experienced black outs with wide spread panic. Looting and scoundrels of every sort seem to come out in full force. Tempers flare and neighbors go at odds. People even arm themselves.

Let me tell you how San Diego dealt with its blackout:

Civilians got out of their cars and helped to patrol traffic at intersections. With credit card machines disabled, restaurants and shops invited people to gather at their outdoor seating. They gave away food, ice cream and cold drinks. Gas Stations allowed drivers with cars on empty to park their vehicle at the stations and go home. Convenience stores gave away cases of water. The bars served beer and fired up their outdoor barbeques. Cooling stations were immediately set up for the elderly throughout the county. Fuel was donated to keep all hospital emergency generators going. Families took their children to the beaches for camp outs and neighbors gathered for backyard parties.

As night found us, all of San Diego lit up once again with the brightest stars and moon you could ever hope to see. The familiar and missing electrical hum had been replaced with conversation and laughter. Oh, we did have one crime. Someone stole a bicycle.

No big deal. I love San Diego. It’s a good place to call home.
Vikki

The painting is called Spanky and Marianne. It’s part of my Master’s Series. Details can be found in my Red Chair Gallery.

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