Hard to imagine that a year ago, Californians freaked about rising SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2)/COVID-19 infections, with Governor Gavin Newsom imposing additional lockdown restrictions that essentially cancelled Christmas. Thanksgiving already was collateral damage.
Some small businesses, like Boulevard Fitness, resisted closure and defied threats of fines—or worse. The city (or county) could pull permits, particularly related to public health. For eateries and pubs, liquor license could be yanked instead or as well.
By all appearances, the local gym here in University Heights thrives in the partially reopened Golden State—and I wonder how lockdown defiance contributed to survival.
My concern: Fear is still contagious, and the news media spreads reports about rising California COVID-19 cases (e.g., infections). Meanwhile, resistance has shifted from business closures to vaccine mandates, which are unpopular among a significantly meaningful number of San Diego first-responders, parents of school kids, and high school students. I see hashtag DoNotComply online or on some folks’ clothing. If, as rumored, full vaccination is redefined as three shots (meaning a booster), surely more resistance and protests are assured. Look at Europe’s rebellion.
I used Leica Q2 to capture the Featured Image on Oct. 13, 2021. Vitals, aperture manually set: f/5.6, ISO 100, 1/400 sec, 28mm; 1:31 p.m. PDT.