The Slice: In the end, we know west is best

There are two kinds of people in Spokane.

One regards living here as being on the West Coast.

The other kind does not.

Obviously, Spokane is not really near the Pacific Ocean. But we are in the Pacific time zone.

We can be pretty sure the Beach Boys were not thinking of the Northwest when they sang “The West Coast has the sunshine” in “California Girls.” And yet, Gonzaga University competes in the West Coast Conference.

But perhaps the real dividing line has to do with sunglasses, psychographics and self-image.

In which “West Coast” camp are you?

Providing a public service: “I recently ran into an old friend who I haven’t seen in quite a few years,” wrote one of my longtime correspondents. “The first thing she said was, ‘Well, I see your name in The Slice every now and then, so I know you’re still around.’”

One more reason to contribute to this column. Readers might learn that you are still kicking. Which would be a good thing, unless you don’t want word of that to get out.

Slice answer: “When I was in college, I used to ask for a window seat because I would look for the green PARKADE sign,” wrote Elaine Baker. “It was the most easily recognized landmark from the plane and I knew I was almost home.”

Today’s Slice question: Why do so many nonfarm Inland Northwest residents choose to live way out in the woods, far from stores and services? A) Concerns about crime rates in town. B) Desire to be nearer to nature. C) A yearning for true quiet. D) The individuals in question spent years working at jobs that involved dealing with the public. E) Lifelong dream to reside in a compound. F) Used to live in town, but the next-door neighbor fired up his diesel truck at 5:57 a.m. on the weekend one too many times. G) When it comes to having strangers show up at the front door, they prefer porcupines to people selling religion or running some con. H) The idea of neighbors scrutinizing their lawns drove them to pull up stakes and head for the hills. I) Other.