My Fruitvale neighborhood is officially gentrified. The house next door is a twin of my house. Miss Ramsey, now in a rest home, lived her entire life in this house since 1912. Since her stroke, the house has been empty, gathering mice and sliding off its foundation.



I have enjoyed gentrifying neighborhoods such as The Mission, Bucktown, Spanish Harlem, South Denver and now Fruitvale. You would think I would welcome rising property values and safer streets, but I am apprehensive someone will ask me to cut my lawn.