Catch-up Is Played

Your Boulevardier apologizes for the long drought of posts. It has, as they say, been a busy summer -- yet so little has been accomplished. This is one of the ironies of modern life.

The dearth of missives does not mean that Your Boulevardier has not been plying the streets of the City of Lite. Far from it. In fact, he just returned from a walk to the grocery, and has a few general comments.

Generally, things on Castro Valley Boulevard seem to be perking along nicely. Some of the vacant storefronts are showing signs of life, including a studio offering "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu" and another, soon to open, that will provide head-lice removal. Of course, we would all rather see stylish shops and upscale restaurants, but commerce tends to seek its own level, and these are the needs that some entrepreneur has decided need filling.

Safeway was its usual overcrowded self tonight. It amazes Your Boulevardier, and the dozens and dozens of families in long queues, why the store doesn't have more checkers in the early evening hours. Any thoughts on what might be done are welcome.

Peet's has, predictably, turned out to be a popular meeting-place. Your Boulevardier has found himself there several times, at various times of day, and always found interesting people-watching: a crew of Spandex-clad cyclists, a well-dressed gentleman driving a right-drive Rolls-Royce, various professors from the local University.

Your Boulevardier is pleased to note the return of manager Josh Caudle to the Chabot Cinema. Our town's single-screen gem is dreading the opening of the downtown Hayward multiplex, but seems to be taking steps to reinforce the loyalty of its hometown base -- the free screenings of Ice Age II over the Labor Day weekend, for example.

With that, Your Boulevardier wishes readers a pleasant end-of-summer and resolves to increase the frequency and quality of postings in the near future.