The buzz was up today y’all and I’m not talking from the drinks (although there might have been a little of that for some).
The first day of 2024 in San Diego (particularly Encinitas) was exciting! I haven’t experienced this feeling in California in a long time, and it’s time to change that.
The L.A. Times confirmed what I had felt about our state for the last few years, the veil of illusion that California is like all the other states only “elevated” no longer exists (for now).
The homeless crisis is stealing a lot of our energy- agreement on a solution from our political leaders is non-existent. The tent cities have dominated our streets, under and over passes, even natural resources (under trees and throughout canyons have become home to those without one).
The erratic behavior from the drug users has scared a lot of residents from adventuring our beautifully embedded parks, beaches, trails, and even some homes are greeted with individuals sleeping in-front. The most excruciating part of witnessing this crisis are the air attacks and the hunched over backs while standing in place with a deep knowing that there is most likely fentanyl involved. This issue has fallen on our state citizens shoulders- exhausting. Don’t get me started on our housing crises. (Surprise! It’s way too expensive).
But I digress.
New Years Day was filled with vitality and hope for our state. The trails were filled, the ocean was dominated by surfers and swimmers (and probably some sharks lurking underneath surfboards), and restaurants were packed with people ready to celebrate being with one another.
My family and I cut through the camp grounds of San Elijo and let me tell you how I held back asking the campers if we could join their party! The smell of the firewood burning, the sun kissing us with its warmth and beauty while the water was flowing strong. The kids and puppies feeling frisky from the cooler winter air, and adults feeling free from life-responsibilities didn’t exist in that moment of time.
The revealed illusions of our state have left me feeling sad about what I believed California once was, I miss the buzz, but 2024 is the year of FAITH. Faith in Californians to take back our state and what it stands for- progress forward.
Signing off,
Fiona Fox Ryan
Fiona Fox Ryan Writes 