Within weeks of my arrival, the Monterey of John Steinbeck (a la Cannery Row) fell victim to Urban Renewal. Shoe Shine, along with a bunch of other funky buildings and seedy bars, quickly disappeared to be replaced by fancy new buildings that were more in keeping with the new California Style. Poor old John S. must have rolled in his grave as Cannery Row became the home of boutiques, salads, finger foods and $4 espressos.
