I think it's time to consider some outside-the-nine-dots ideas when thinking about the "old" Lucky Shopping Center. Being that so many people are within easy walking distance, remodel the center with an orientation to neighborhood foot traffic. This would mean reducing parking space and replacing it with revenue-producing shops and eateries that might could include a mix of local merchants as well as some chain operations. Acquisition of the vacant State Farm building could be a part of this redesign. A strip mall's a strip mall a strip mall, no matter how you slice it. But a community focal point is a whole other story. It could be Willow Glen without Lincoln Avenue running through it; outdoor tables without the fumes of Castro Street. There could even be that pub that someone recently suggested! How about a combination of residential over retail such as the new development on The Alameda near Race Street? As far as Lucky goes, there's no "policy" that money can't change. There is no "forever." They ought to be thinking of Lucky Lite-- like the airlines have no-frills shuttles and commuter links-- that feature basic commodities linked with incentives to use the superstores. If we're gonna influence change, let's really do it-- not just paint over the old blemishes.

I think we ought to get aligned on a creative, positive, vision of outcomes and results, rather than wasting our limited energy on inhibitors, resistance, boycotts, and it's-never-been-done-this-way-before thinking. Build it and they will come.