By Ernie McCray
I’ve lived in Golden Hill/South Park for 40 years. It’s got to be one of the great neighborhoods in the world.
But one of my daughters needed more time away from her work to give her two young ones the kind of start in life she and her husband want for them. So they moved in with me – and I gradually moved in with my sweetheart in University City who came into my life after my wife passed away six years ago.
I love it that those two little precious beings are living in a house where Nancy and I raised their mother and her sister and brother.
I’m gradually easing into UC. It’s taking some getting used to as it’s a little less energized than my old stomping grounds where people are always moving about, both people who live there and people who come to just enjoy the inviting vibe of that part of town.
What I miss most is my daily routine: rising in the morning, getting dressed, and all that comes with that, and heading south to the corner, Beech Street, where women at GFit go through their exercises as I pass by – on my way to Grant’s Marketplace for a croissant and small coffee and a smile from Lindy.
Lindy’s smile was something that came into my life when I needed sunshine, when I was feeling the kind of lows that come with losing the love of your life. I’d walk into the deli under the darkest of clouds, the weightiest of woes, and when I went to the counter to pay there would be this “Hello” and a smile that one could not ignore. I eventually came to depend on it, to seek it out. To treasure it. It became one of my major paths to recovering from my family’s loss.
I miss the cafes and little shops here and there intermingled with old historic craftsman homes.
But University City has its charm too. There’s a wonderful little library near where I’m residing… UCSD and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway is a quick drive away… Some of the most brilliant minds on the planet can be found in UC because many professors at UCSD live in the community… A Vons and a Rite Aid are just a few blocks away (not so charming but there are no major supermarkets in my old neighborhood)… I’ve fallen in love with Papa Chitos, a great Mexican take-out kind of eatery and Lorna’s an “Italian Kitchen” with a breezy ambience… In just minutes I can get to La Jolla Shores or the Cove for great walks on the beach…
And as to walking, which happens to be my major form of exercise, I’m used to stepping out of my house with the option to take off in all directions. I could go east to Golden Hill Elementary and up the killer hill on C Street. I could go north to University Avenue or to Florida Canyon; west around the Balboa Park Golf Course and around the old post office; south around Memorial Academy or Sherman Elementary, schools that mean the world to me.
But my walks are different now. Living south of Governor Drive on Cozzens, when I step out my door I have only one way to go: up and up and up. North. To Alaska, it seems. We’re deep in what was once a wild canyon. The workout begins immediately, especially since I walk with pace, with a long stride. When I reach level land I’m breathing mightily and stepping freely like someone who has escaped a torture machine. Ready to do more walking and less climbing. It’s downhill at the end, though.
But I’m digging it in spite of myself as my new surroundings are rather pleasing. There are canyons and mesas galore, just like in my old hood. Rose Canyon, with all its wildlife and natural views is pretty close to where I live. San Clemente Canyon, a rugged yet lovely wild place, is practically around the corner from me and I frequent it because it’s so readily accessible to me. I really hit my stride within its confines. Just like I’m getting in step with University City.
It makes me think how we never really know what cards life is going to deal us. I mean here I am, a Golden Hill/South Parkian, if you will, to my very core, finding that I’m now in one of the world’s other great neighborhoods. Not a bad discovery if you ask me.
And I’m so glad that, at the same time, I’m able to provide a little stability, in the form of a home, for my loved ones, my family. It’s our place. In a sense, with them there, I haven’t gone anywhere.
My heart and soul will forever be there in that hallowed old wooden house as well as where I am today: living a life with Maria, my lovely querida.
Truth be told: she has played the bigger role in my adjusting to life in UC rather easily.
Because of her I’m really digging UC.
Photo courtesy of https://www.flickr.com/photos/
Ernie McCray
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Ernie people that have not lived in a neighborhood, such as North Park, Golden Hill, South Park, Hillcrest will not understand what the difference is. I am sure you´ll do fine in University city but it is a BIG change. It is not a Neighborhood. I am betting Golden Hills will miss you.
Welcome to the area, Ernie.
One note: Lorna’s is great, but turn west on Governor to Sprouts Market, a MUCH better store (though I still shop at Vons for some packaged goods).
Have fun exploring Marian Bear Park in San Clem Canyon!
Thanks for this, Ernie. I left Golden Hill some 30 year ago, and still sometimes miss my old neighborhood. Of course part of what I miss is you and Nancy.
yes, gowing up in a certain neighborhood has it’s nostalgia, old memories, a place of comfort, and sense of belonging. I look back on my old ‘hood’ and now, after bouncing around different hoods, my present neighborhood here in Hillcrest is really home to me now. Thanks for your remarks, and good luck in your new place to explore and settle in –
Abrazos, Ernie!
¡Felicidades!;on your recent move to UC Ernie and Maria,
Of course you’ll adjust to your new digs; and, the community of UC is better off for it. Having lived before at the mouth of a canyon for 27 years, there is something soothing about communing with the landscape nearby and its wild life.
I’m surprised to hear that you’re no longer living in the neighborhood.. . I’ll miss seeing you around. Best wishes to you!
OMG…this is really big news that’s hard to believe. I always kinda thought that Maria would would be joining us in South Park, but it’s nice to hear about those two new baby neighbors I still have to meet. Maybe its time for you two to join us down in Chiapas for some hanging with the Zapatistas. Pronto comps. Peter
Well, I have to say I’m in and out of Golden Hill pretty often with my family there. I just don’t lay my head there at the end of the day.
Hi, Ernie. Luis and I just took in our daughter, her hubby, two kids…and for the same reason. This country doesn’t work for families on one income or stay-at-home parents. I know you managed to do it years ago, but harder now. So since luis and I are moving back to Lemon Grove from LA, it’s six people in a 2 bedroom house. Maybe you have room for us in UC???
Ernie-
What a wonderful serenade to two very likable, but different, neighborhoods. It’s nice that you are still able to, frequently, visit your old haunts, where your daughter and her family are living.
I, actually, lived near you in University City on Decoro, off Genessee, in the La Jolla View Apartments when I first came to San Diego 35 years ago, and was serving as Director of Development at the La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art. I used to run through some of the rugged brush area that has more recently been transformed into high rise apartments and shopping centers. Interesting memories. Take care.
Your friend, John Falchi
I can relate to your getting use to a new neighborhood. We will celebrate our 9th year in Arkansas on August 1st. You have discovered new paths to walk, shores to visit and a library to continue literary pursuits. Here in White Hall, Arkansas (just north of Pine Bluff), we bask in the conveniences of sl-o-o-o-o-o-traffic, gas for $2.44 a gallon, no monkey baths, hungry catfish galore and amazingly ea$y living. Congratulations to us both for our ability to discover joy and good times in new environments. Our daily events in Arkansas are fashioned by our new RODENT connection. We left the RAT RACE of San Diego, to live on CHIPMUNK DRIVE; where we have to co-exist with the SQUIRRELS while they invade the backyard bird feeders; and just a year ago discovered an ARMADILLO burying under our front lawn. Que es la vida!
est brainsErnie, I believe every neighborhood has it’s own charm and Golden Hill sure has it in abundance. Attributes can be found most anywhere, living near to some of the world’s brains has its own advantages for sure. I know the library in UC is wonderful and good. I don’t believe you leave a neighborhood behind but take some of it with you and you have. Enjoy life