Pages Tagged “Scenes from a Pandemic Shutdown”
Blog Posts
- Good Advice
A few Covid-19 rules are still in place at this botanical garden, though it’s a lot more relaxed than it was last spring when they managed to stay open even through the early-pandemic lockdowns.
- Virus protection down the drain (photo)
I’ve mostly gotten tired of the discarded-mask theme, but I saw this today and it seemed like an appropriate metaphor with a new wave of cases surging and so many people refusing to take precautions.
- Wearing is Caring
Every city around here has its own publicity and enforcement schemes for Covid-19 safety, though the criteria and general requirements are mostly decided at the county or state level. I haven’t gotten out to El Segundo much since the pandemic hit, so I hadn’t seen their “Wearing is Caring” slogan until this weekend.
- We Dance Outside
When Covid-19 hit the area, a lot of arts lessons halted or went online. But it’s a bit tricky to do things like a dance class over Zoom. Back in June when I went hiking at the botanical gardens, I was there on the day that a local kids’ dance studio had set up a […]
- Be Like Spark
Spark is considerate enough to wear a face mask per pandemic recommendations. Unlike Jessie and James. You know they’ll only wear masks for disguises.
- Pandemic Litter
- Closed Again
I stopped by the mall the other day to pick up dinner at one of the restaurants that’s open to the outside. The mall interior, however, is closed again as California has re-shuttered indoor gathering spots to slow down the resurgent coronavirus.
- The Masked Guitarist
- Cocktails to Go 😵
Still not used to that being a thing.
- How to Order Coffee During a Pandemic
Hmm, hope they didn’t leave anything out!
- Social Distancing Piplup
Sorry, there’s no exception in the rules for Pokemon.
- Bicycle Barricades are Down
…and replaced with these warning signs to maintain distance. I think this particular path could have been left open with these warnings to begin with, because there’s so much room to go around people even if it did draw a crowd. It’s not like the paths along the base or top of the bluffs near […]
- Pillage Safely!
Even Minions are wearing face masks when they’re out pillaging.
- Sorta Open. Maaaybe. If You’re Careful.
I mentioned last week that Manhattan Beach had closed all their parks outright, rather than just closing equipment and facilities. Over the weekend heat wave, they reopened at least Polliwog Park, taking down the caution tape from the perimeter and instead wrapping individual playgrounds, gazebos, sculptures and even picnic tables with metal fencing. And signs. […]
- American Gothic: Social Distancing Edition
2026 update: The building, and several around it including an entire bowling alley, have been demolished to build a giant blocky monstrosity that, according to the banners on it, will soon be “luxury apartments.” The camera shop has been operating out of a warehouse unit, doing online and phone orders, ever since.
- No Ducks Past the Yellow Tape!
While some cities around here have only closed playgrounds and sports facilities at their parks, Manhattan Beach has closed their parks outright. Polliwog Park has a large pond year-round that attracts ducks, geese, coots, herons and more, plus the local gulls and pigeons that wander by. But the park has been literally wrapped in caution […]
- Wait, What Hands?
Kiddo found this image somewhere and wanted to put up a few signs.
- Chalk it up to Social Distancing
Spotted on a walk around the neighborhood yesterday. Actually I’ve been seeing a lot of sidewalk chalk messages lately, some written by adults, others clearly written by kids. Starting about a week into the shutdown, when I went out for a walk and found a note from one of the kiddo’s former classmates saying hello. […]
- Where Everyone Wears a Mask
I wore a mask to the bank today. Nobody batted an eye. They probably would have been more concerned if I hadn’t worn a mask, since they’re now required for anyone working at or visiting an “essential” business that’s still open to the public. A month ago, when I first went outside after recovering from […]
- Open for Take-Out
I’ve been seeing a lot of these signs in front of restaurants when I go walking in the neighborhood. Most restaurants in the area seem to be trying to keep going as all-takeout/delivery, at least for now. A couple of small chains have closed some locations and are continuing to operate take-out from others. The […]
- Bulk Bins in the Era of Social Distancing
I braved the grocery store last week. It was a bit nerve-wracking after weeks of avoiding people for safety reasons. But it was also interesting to see what was still low and what had been restocked since my last grocery trip a few weeks earlier. Pasta was almost totally gone. Pasta sauce was really low, […]
- Mask-maker
Mask-maker, mask-maker, make me a mask. I’ll bring the cloth. You do the task…
- Despite everything else going on, it *is* still spring
Most people are stuck at home except for short trips (like this walk), but the hawthorns are still blooming.
- Welcome to the Park. Now Stay Away (From Each Other)
There’s a difference between “going out” to a destination or event, and “going outside” for fresh air or exercise. The first is more likely to land you in the kind of crowds that can help spread the pandemic. The second can usually be done while still keeping your distance from people. Depending on how easy […]
- Small Markets
Most people panic-buying supplies went to the supermarkets, not to smaller local groceries.
- Bike Path Closed on Account of Virus
This bike path was closed in response to too many people going outdoors to the same places, creating the crowds that the closures of bars, restaurants and retail stores were trying to avoid in an effort to slow the virus spread. I’m kind of surprised at this one. Unlike the paths near the beach, it […]
- I Assure You We’re Open!
More scenes from a pandemic shutdown: Panera really wants you to know they’re open! (California is currently limiting all restaurants to take-out/delivery only as part of the attempt to limit coronavirus spread.) They also had a sign propped up in their delivery van window pointing out that they’re selling bread, eggs and dairy — all […]
- Goodwill: Stay Healthy
Scenes from pandemic shutdown: Shuttered Goodwill. To be fair, I seem to remember they were already planning to remodel, so the plywood all over the windows could just be a case of bad timing. Update: Here’s a better picture of the sign from the near side of the street.
- Poor Substitute
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting to find isopropyl alcohol in stock, but the “related” results are…questionable.