Building a Better Ramp

Since Your Boulevardier has been griping about the new curb cuts and ramps being installed around Castro Valley, he thought it only fair to point out where one such ramp is a considerable improvement.



This ramp was installed at the corner of Stanton Avenue and Castro Valley Boulevard, just in front of the Jiffy Lube. Among its positive attributes is an improved retaining wall for holding back the shop's planter (the old one was made of crumbling wood), and a gentle curve at its west end that gives plenty of clearance around the light pole for wheeled vehicles of many sorts -- wheelchairs and double-wide strollers come to mind.

This latter feature is noted because it is an exception. Indeed, several spots have been noted where short stretches of sidewalk on Castro Valley Boulevard are cluttered with signal boxes, poles, bus shelters, benches, and other objects that make smooth passage a challenge. These will be documented in the coming weeks.

But for now, a tip of the beret is offered to this much-improved ramp.