On The Surface

It's said that every aphorism has a mirror image -- that is, another adage that is equally accepted as truth, but that has the exact opposite meaning. "Look before you leap" has "He who hesitates is lost." "Out of sight, out of mind" has "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." "Beauty is only skin deep" can be matched with "Put your best foot forward."

Regarding this last pithy pairing, several Castro Valley structures are clearly taking the second saying to heart. Your Boulevardier can name four:

1) The Castro Valley Post Office is getting a new floor in its retail area. And given the condition of the carpet, and the fact that children are often left to crawl about on it, this is a good thing.

2) A section of Castro Village is getting a new roof. Specifically, the portion of the center on Santa Maria, just opposite Swiss Delices; the construction vehicles were blocking a lane of traffic today. (This poor little bakery has had a string of construction operations impairing patron access, starting with an underground project immediately in front of the shop during its grand opening week. The proprietress should earn an award for perseverance.)

3) The building housing Worthington Photography and the Ice Creamery has attractive new paint and a sheathing of slate tiles on its facade.

4) The older portion of JD's has been stripped to the studs. A conversation with the contractor revealed that the building will get a coat of stucco to match the in-progress addition on the back of the restaurant. This business, and its customers, should also have their fortitude recognized.