San Diego sparseness and wet dreams

The city of San Diego is one of the larger Californian cities though it may not appear so at first sight to an uninitiated East-Coaster. The streets are wide, sidewalks huge, even tall buildings have large swaths of empty space between them when there are tall buildings because even in the heart of the city, in the densest parts, there aren't too many of them to begin with. JC asked me if I'd move into this city, I said I'd consider it if it filled in a little bit, got more dense, had more people and life within its boarders. No way, he said, they would never allow for vertical construction, those Californians, they would never let their beloved -- looks around a random corner -- random Chinese takeout to be torn down and have the one-storeyed building add 25 floors. And unfortunately that's true. Californians, as cool as they are and they do seem somehow cooler than east coasters, do not appear to have a good understanding of vertical construction technologies and the fact that the random Chinese takeout place can come back at the streetfront level after the new construction. You could add all the Chinese takeout places you'd ever want in the new building and there'd still be space for people to live in. Alas!

There was a Fleabag one-person show happening in SD last night. A 15-min drive which would be a cheap Lyft ride. I figured it'd be a good idea to use the public transportation system of the great city since it's somewhat related to the work I'm here for. Not an option. The trip would cost be as much as a Lyft right if not more, and six times as longer. Ended up not going because I was too tired but you get the point.

Investment in better transportation infrastructure, including added bus service, creation of bus lanes, tram services, and service to areas outside of the core downtown region would relieve the traffic pressure. Investment in upping the density and lowering the parking requirements within city limits would encourage usage of such public transportation. With decreased traffic, half of the wide boulevards could be turned into world-famous public parks, stretching out for tens to hundreds of miles. Adding better last mile options and encouragement for bikes would make it a more lovable, walkable, breathable city. Income from tourism would increase, cultural cache would go up, local business would benefit. Increases demand for business would help flourish larger entrepreneurs, creating a tighter job market, helping with the massive homelessness problem. A better city for the tourists and a better quality of life for all the locals. Greater talent would pour in, and the city, with its understanding of vertical construction technologies would easily accommodate them all without impacting the affordability for existing inhabitants.

Such are my wet dreams.