Kindness and Sharing Rules in Quiet, Coronavirus Prepared Santa Monica

I want to list all the nice things people did for me today in Santa Monica. But first, an important message: "The emergency department at Providence St. John's Hospital in Santa Monica desperately needs N95 face masks. They will drive anywhere to pick them up," If you have such masks, either call 310-829-5511 and wait for the operator to ask for the ER. Or DM Allison at @2degreesofalie.

So it was a gorgeous day today here in Santa Monica. My day began with a walk to the local market. Later in the day there would be a line of polite people, since the County Health Dept. wants no more than 50 in the market at once.

Anyway, I asked the cheerful but quiet young man who rang up my groceries, when they would have toilet paper. To my surprise, he produced a package of 12 rolls from underneath the counter, and sold it to me for the usual price.

I think he had been saving it for his family, but thought I needed it more.

At the end of the day, I drove through a local fast food joint for fish tacos. I admired the young cashier lady's blue plastic gloves. I asked her if she knew where I could buy some. "Just a minute," she said, and produced 4 pairs in men's and women's sizes, just for me. She charged me nothing.

It is becoming apparent to me that we are afloat on a sea of kindness. The American People, in Santa Monica anyway, are responding to this situation with their most courageous smiles. From Sidecar Donuts where I saw employees giving away $5 donuts to homeless people; to Krispy Kreme Donuts, where I saw their employee doing the same with $1.29 donuts. It's all good.

Face it folks, This crisis looks different on street level than it does on TV or on the internet. People are mostly being amazing.

There was the lady at the post office who was in disbelief that the postal employees lacked $100 cash to exchange for her postal money order. And a few folks are driving angry.

But that doesn't compare to the selfless people coming to work to restock grocery stores, checking up on elderly neighbors. From the UPS drivers delivering their cargo, to the first responders and nurses coming to work despite it all. I am very moved, and as long as I live, I will not forget the way you gave to others selflessly, and with a smile.