San Diego

San Diego calls itself "America's Finest City" which seems similar to a self-promoting social climber. If you say something enough times you will believe that it is believed. I have wondered if other cities snicker when they hear this and find a quality of hubris in the self-inflicted title.

But........if you were here today, you would find the moniker absolutely on-target. Other places called home pale in comparison. Today was incredibly beautiful--the reason a rather incompetent past mayor promoted the "finest city" concept. She is gone but we remain "fine."

For three days we have awaken with sun streaming through the windows, heat shimmers on the leaves and wisps of clouds threading the blue skies. It is days such as these that bring "paradise" to mind. Casey's first order of business after school has been jumping into the pool, enjoying the first dip of the year. Solar heat panels have created warm water--at least for a 10 year old.

But, San Diego is rather schizophrenic and manic. A week ago we were freezing. It was bitter cold--well, by Southern California standards. I had to wear two sweatshirts--one a hoodie--and cozy gloves at the Little League game. Today it was shorts, a thin cotton T-shirt and sandals.

Yesterday we bordered on 100º. And true to the city's illness, tomorrow is to be fog, low clouds and a significant drop in temperature--down to 72º.

These are the reasons people flock to us in the winter--snow birds they are called. Sunshine has an allure that is irresistible to frosted noses and red hands. Although our beaches aren't so usable in winter, they are beautiful and the sunsets awe us all. God's handiwork is displayed in its glory.

Such days as these lend credence to San Diego's claim to be "America's Finest City." But, there are measurements other than weather and, perhaps, competition is greater in areas of substance.

It is in the areas of intelligent planning, honest government and human institutions, impact and interactions that we may find ourselves less than the "finest."

Self analysis, which is hard for you and me, is even more difficult for San Diego as long as we hide behind the beauty which God has gifted this corner of the world.

At the risk of sounding disloyal to this town I've called home for 32 years, we still have some work to do in order to be "the very finest." But--we'll get there--I'm sure. Just, please, don't ask me to compare it with my second home--Greve in Chianti.