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I’m a lifelong resident of the Peninsula who works at a local RWC cafe. I love my job, but the minimum wage it pays me makes it so I can’t afford a car, so I rely on my bike and the bus to get most places.
It came to my attention last week that one of the newer bus stop benches at 1220 El Camino, the southbound stop in front of Vibes smoke shop, was ripped out. I visited it today to confirm what I had heard and took a picture, which I’ve attached. It was a gorgeous wooden bench at a stop that desperately needed one. I think it was built by a “bench collective” that installs benches at their own cost, and I really appreciate the time and effort they put into it. It was a nicer bench than the ones the city puts in, and I regularly use that stop. Last month, I had excitedly taken a picture of it after using it and sent it to some friends who also do not have cars (which I have attached alongside the now empty spot). I am hoping they will install one closer to Whipple Avenue, where I live.
I would like someone to figure out what happened to it. If it’s the case that the city ripped it out, it’s a real shame. Someone took the time and effort to provide something great for very low-income folks like myself at no cost, and I’m mad that someone would take that from me and the other people who really could use a break from time to time on our rougher commutes.
Marc Slakey, Redwood City resident
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