UCGal – yes, being from the East Coast, true about the front porches.
I think part of the problem could be that California, in general, San Diego, is very transient. People move a lot. Back in the day, our parents/grandparents stayed put, had their job for 40 years, lived in the same house, etc. etc. It was easy to know everyone.
I’ve lived in San Diego since ’89. I’ve moved probably 11 times. The longest I stayed anywhere was when I had my place in Carmel Valley for 9 years. I had the intention of staying there and watching the newly planted dissiduous trees cover the road it lined.
Events and circumstances and life happening causes people to move more than they want. How can you get to know your neighbor when you keep moving? I reach out and am friendly and social. Imagine others. I’ve moved that many times, multiply that by others.
Now think of those that do stay put. A little difficult to reach out when you have a different neighbor every year or so.
