One has to wonder what is going on as it relates to Lodi and how we view, understand, define, and/or describe it.

When reading the Lodi News Sentinel, we all have noticed that when various areas of Lodi experience certain newsworthy attention, the area is described as being in ‘Lodi’ or ‘the Eastside.’

Take for example: a man was shot in the back on the Eastside; a gas station was robbed on the Eastside; there are gang problems on the Eastside; the Eastside is in need of repairs; a man was stabbed on the Eastside; the majority of the Eastsiders voted for so-and-so or such-and-such; and of course, the Eastside was the area of a redevelopment area.

Recently Lodi experienced a rash of car break-in, five in total, in which three took place on the Westside, yet the crimes were considered a Lodi issue. I for one think the headline should have read, “Car break-ins prevalent on the Westside of Lodi.” Or what about the crimes (a murder, and a robbery suspect that shot himself) that occurred in the southern area of Lodi? Should not the LNS headline have read: “Murder in the Southside.” (Since it appears there is a need to separate parts of Lodi as being less than Lodi.)


Will it just be a matter of time before we totally divide Lodi into sections as it relates to views, mentalities, events, and purposes?

Possible LNS headlines: “Westside Sprawls with the Addition of New Subdivisions”, “Wal-Mart Super Center Calls Westside Home”, or “Westside Crime Rate Rises with New Housing Developments.” How about, “Westside Considered the Most Congested and Polluted.”


I for one think that some in Lodi would like to consider parts of Lodi as not being a part of Lodi: “that area where we have all the problems, namely, the Eastside,” said the speaker with a turned-up nose, coupled with arrogance, fear, loathing, and contempt upon their face.


Lodi is Lodi, or maybe not. It is amazing how language can affect one’s mentality. Hey, does anyone know any blonde jokes? Understand my point?