Laurel Neighborhood News | ||
by Renais Winter | ||
The Summer Solstice Music Festival June 19, 2010: Donald “Duck” Bailey in front of Acme Music. Photo by Jo-Ann Maggiora Donivan.
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Something from Nothing
The Summer Solstice Music Festival celebrated its fifth year in the Laurel this June. Twenty-eight musicians or groups performed in the street, in parking lots, and at businesses along MacArthur Blvd. It almost didn't happen at all. When the chair of the festival committee stepped down, no one wanted to take on the demanding role, and most thought the festival would quietly fade away. Then Shel Wald and Sara Wynne stepped in and almost singlehandedly resurrected the festival. They worked with no budget and transformed the festival into something much closer to the original idea—neighbors making music to celebrate the solstice—rather than an organization producing an event. According to organizer Shel Wald, the concept of people of all ages and all levels of ability making
music offers a special paradigm that is distinctly different from other music festivals in the area.
According to Shel, our business owners put forth terrific energy, intention and creativity in choosing ways to support the performers and attendees at their sites. All who participated raved about the experience of having the neighborhood alive with music. If you would like to participate in the festival next year, email laurelvillage\@gmail.com.
Ghost Bike in the Laurel'
Go to Loma Vista and MacArthur Blvd. in the Laurel and you will see a pale bike, surrounded by flowers with the simple note: "Erik Fitzpatrick, 1975-2010, a darned good human." Mr. Fitzpatrick died in a traffic accident on MacArthur Blvd. near Patterson Ave. on May 19 at 4:35 p.m. He was riding eastbound when a car door opened in front of him, knocking him from his bike into a passing AC Transit bus where he was run over by the rear wheels. The driver of the car was a 42-year-old woman from Manteca who apparently had come to the Laurel to have her hair done. Police report that no alcohol was involved.
Bicyclists know how vulnerable and frightening it feels to be trapped between moving vehicles and parked cars. Most drivers have had some near misses as they gathered their belongings and hurriedly pushed open the car door. Perhaps a solution can be found that meets the needs of drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to make our boulevard more inviting and safe.
Clarence Johnson of AC Transit media affairs recommended better and wider bike lanes. Also, motorists have to pay a lot of attention to what is going on on the street. Neighbors on the Laurel Village Association Yahoo group commented on the congestion of MacArthur Blvd. and suggested removing one lane of traffic, allowing room for a bike path and some wiggle room for the cars. Until a solution can be found, the ghost bike serves as a reminder to take the time to watch out for each other.
Gleaners Needed
The Laurel Gardeners group is looking for organizations that could glean excess produce for distribution to those in need. Please contact laurelgardeners\@gmail.com.