Reclaiming

 In Portland's housing crisis, there is the major issue who is occupying public spaces.

Portland's problems have many causes, but one of the major ones is lack of affordable housing.  I want to make that very clear, and it hits me in the face as I live in an impoverished area that does have affordable housing for people, whom I perceive as better off than the place I came from, at least here, in this immediate area.   Manta has a lot of other things going for it as well, but that is the topic of another post.

Unfortunately, in Portland, the unhoused community occupying public spaces has decreased the quality of life for nearly everyone.  Crime, trash, open drug use, sanitation, etc.  People with mobility challenges not able to navigate around the area.  Etc.

Every night, in Mant'a Playa Murcialogo, there is a known criminal element.  There is a police station on the beach, but the area is claimed by thieves, and sometimes, despite a camping ban, those with no place else to go.  We do not go out. to the beach after dark.  At about 830 or so, Brian takes Maya out on the street one last time.

And yet, from our balcony every single morning, without fail, as the sun rises, the people of Manta reclaim this space.  Although no one will be sunbathing for hours, as the day begins to lighten, beach chairs are being set out.  Boothes are being set up.  Goodies are being made.  And en massee, the community comes to resurrect the day.  Groups of swimmers start their work outs.  If anyone passing through has camped on the beach overnight and not been shooed away, they quietly pack up and leave.  Cones are set up for others to exercise.  Runners appear on the packed sand.  Paddleboarders also appear on the serene ocean surface, to enjoy their time before the boats show up, and the waves become too choppy.  In the distance from our condo, the sounds of the morning Zumba class on the boardwalk can be heard.  And as in our case, dogs who have been kept inside during the hours darkness, both literal and figurative claimed the beach must now attend to their business.

I have taken to particpating as well, when out with Maya, picking up trash that has been tossed in front of our condo building some time in late afternoon or evening, even though I know, with certainty, the City of Manta will be sending out trash collectors shortly.  I use the time to feel grateful, and not take for granted that this space is available, for use and enjoyment of the people, and to give thanks for the affordable housing that is possible here.  Then, after that 6-6:30 am walk, I trudge back up the flights of stairs, wash my beach shoes and wipe down Maya's paws, and return to our condo to make coffee, sit with Brian, and start another day.