Elbert, when was the last time you visited San Pedrito?
Or San Juan?
They are still poor neighborhoods but the banks are lending and there is pride beginning show. No destitution there anymore.
The logoon lots are very nice and expensive now.
Actually some prominent San Pedranos and gringos live in the 'hood now.
It was 5 times larger and worse than San Mateo 10 years ago.
In 5 years the swamp lots and buildings in San Mateo will become waterfront properties (park your boat in front of your house) and will be worth $100ds of thousands of dollars.
San Pablo is a good example.

As far as hijacking the thread?--this is more important and GBE is using this board as a tool to generate sales so highjack away folks.