still here

Conduit Coffee

I worry so about the many small businesses continuing to suffer during the pandemic shutdowns.

The governor is right to roll things back. People are generally selfish idiots, and if you doubt this at all, walk with me as I witness a woman board light rail this morning, sans mask despite at least a dozen posted signs in several languages and with pictures, requiring a mask to ride; or the group of 30-somethings gathered for a sidewalk bbq last evening outside my window, also sans masks and seated elbow to elbow for hours.

The establishments who have struggled and stayed alive deserve a lot more than they're getting.

No more help from the city, any time soon.

I try to support them and tip well and send others their way when I can.

Caffe Ladro has been open throughout, cheerfully and calmly serving up coffee on the darkest days.

Rancho Bravo as well. And, doubled as a medic staging area during CHOP.

And many many thanks to the stalwart hot dog guy of Dirty Dog, corner of 11th and Pine, grilling away through protests and clouds of SPD tear gas and the day the trumpers charged through with weapons. A hero for our times.