So what have we got here?
What have we found - in our people, in our business owners, in our retailers, here in the Lemon?
Our people.
Now, I know it's hard to qualify a certain type of person who resides and works in any city, especially compared to other fine cities and communities. But for today, I would like to give acknowledgment to our own.
And I have one fine example.
Found at the Mexican & Seafood eatery called "Los Rios" on Broadway near the Post Office behind the Jack in the Box, there is the main man there. Is he the owner? Is he the manager? Is he the head chef? It doesn't matter. His exquisite way of caring about the customer is an example of the way people of Lemon Grove take care of the public.
Yes, he is kind and considerate behind the counter. He offers chips freely. He was the one who pointed out the cool carwash place across the street when I needed a carwash. But when he chose to create the "Jennifer" he became someone I just had to highlight. And thank.
The "Jennifer" as it's know to me, my wife Jennifer, and now this establishment is a potato burrito, with guacamole and extra cheese. Because I order that so often for my wife, I have questioned if it should have its own name up on the board. This fine gent, having fun with his customers, has indeed remembered the order each time I have walked in, and - although it hasn't made the board - it did warrant a special mention on one of the wrappers. (See picture)
Now, this may seem a bit silly to acknowledge, but it does offer up an example, and give us a peek into the window of how this establishment considers its customers. It's light. It's caring. It's connecting.
Perhaps those are the words - light, caring, connecting - for the type of people who make up this quaint community we call Lemon Grove. It appears to be what we have here.
James Anthony Ellis is a writer living in Lemon Grove. He can be reached at http://www.legacyproductions.org/