Isn't this an awesome picture of the Powerplant? It is my desktop screen saver right now. I am thinking of getting it printed and having it professionally framed.
For those folks from Carlsbad, you understand the sentiment....for others, let me explain.
The Powerplant may seem like an abomination, an eyesore on an otherwise beautiful coastline, emblematic of all that is wrong with southern California. It is a concrete box that belches smog and fire in the middle of the night, and it actually intakes so much sea water to cool its jets that once expelled, the heated water warms the Pacific Ocean for hundreds of yards along the shore. This photo was taken on a beach fondly named Warm Waters.
But the Powerplant has been there forever (well, in human-years). For us locals it acts as a beacon, shining a lighted pathway to our home. It can be seen from Dana Point on a clear day - "There's the Powerplant!" one exclaims. It can be seen from a whale watching boat far out at sea. It can be seen from the sky, standing as a map marker signaling to the air traveler they are almost home. When orienting visitors to my hometown, I always look for the Powerplant to illustrate where we are geographically - and through such visual lessons, Carlsbad's place in this world becomes clearer to them.
The Powerplant - sentinal, ambassador, cherished friend.
I felt that way with the Redondo power plant as well. Carlsbad reminds me of Redondo South for that very reson. It is a touchstone of sorts...
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