There is very little space between the Oakland A’s stadium & Haight-Ashbury.
As many heads celebrate April 20th as a cannabis holiday it is worth noting that some Californians have an extended right to burn one.
Sitting in the stands at the peak of the current Oakland A’s stadium you can’t see Haight-Ashbury across the bay, but on a day like today if you take a big whiff of the air you may recognize a hint of a familiar smoky fragrance.
As the 420 celebration continues from it’s heralded mythical origins across the bay it gives little relief to the fans of the Oakland A’s. Yesterday’s news of the A’s departure from Oakland was expected. Any fan of the A’s could see the organization’s lack of commitment to fielding a qualified team, the A’s currently have a 3 win to 16 loss record. No one could accuse them of tanking. But it reminds me of the duck walking.
And the stadium needs more that a little bit of help from rats dancing in the broadcast booth to fans fornicating in the stands.
Not exactly a great match with Mom & Apple Pie.
Major BuzzKill, Oakland A’s President Dave Kaval shared the following on CBS on the decision to leave.
“We know this is a difficult day for our fans. It’s a sad day, but by the same token, it has been a 25-year saga to try to find a new stadium for the A’s and we’re at a point now where our current facility is 10 years past its useful life. We need to find an alternative that works and that can put the franchise on solid footing and actually created as a net asset for the entire baseball industry.”
“10 years past it’s useful life.” While Kaval said that in relation to the stadium, I can only wonder if that has been the psychology of the organization’s past decisions. Life support was stopped some time ago.
Kaval also stated. “Obviously at this point it’s difficult for our Oakland fans to hear that the team might be relocating. It’s not a done deal. We still have to work with the public policy makers in Nevada to get a public private partnership and we have to get the lead to approve a relocation later this year.”
So, it might not be done in Vegas yet. Let’s add a little uncertainty to the pile. The A’s may have to play in minor league fields in future years if deals are not done and stadiums are not completed.
If Vegas doesn’t work out there is always Montreal where recreational cannabis is legal
Perhaps to ease the pain maybe the A’s could offer a special herb promotional item at the stadium to match the 4/20 day. It would certainly accelerate their chips and hot dog sales in the stadium.
Enjoy your 4/20 day.
Resources:
CBS interview with David Kaval at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HJHQuKfo2DQ
Montreal & recreational cannabis not in public - https://montreal.ca/en/topics/cannabis-public-places
Haight-Ashbury - https://www.sfgate.com/local/article/haight-ashbury-17801643.php
