SANTA CRUZ, Calif. — Community leaders gathered today to declare local chronically homeless man Arthur Waddel a historical landmark, holding a grand ceremony to mark the designation.
“We are here to commemorate the Creamsicle Man,” Mayor Maxine Edson said with a wave to the homeless man sitting on a slab of slightly raised concrete outside of Taqueria Vallero. “He has been a part of Santa Cruz since I was a child — I remember coming home from summer vacation and seeing the Creamsicle Man begging for money on Ocean Ave., and feeling a great sense of relief. When I see our Arthur sleeping between garbage cans or being harassed by police for merely existing, I know I’m home.”
While most in attendance were eager participants in the dedication ceremony, others questioned why this was needed and who it even helped.
“It kind of seems like… maybe some city program or something might actually be a better move than just adding this guy as a stop on a sightseeing tour,” said local chocolatier Dennis Vimislicki. “On the other hand, though, the foot traffic is definitely gonna help get the numbers up around here once this guy gets added to Santa Cruz’s ‘Lonely Planet’ guide. Maybe we could get Banksy to tag something on him, too — that would be really cool.”
While Waddel is believed to have said something during the dedication, he was unable to be heard over the beeping of the cement mixer brought in to immortalize him as it pulled into position. However, that did not stop the joyous occasion.
“With this first step, we are taking strides to change the image associated with Santa Cruz: we aren’t just Silicon Valley’s little sister or the place where ‘Us’ was filmed,” Mayor Edson said. “We’re not just a pitstop on the way to San Francisco — we’re the place where homeless people live. And that’s not changing. Our hope is that, more than the Boardwalk or our farmers markets, this is what we are remembered for.”
“And for those who believe this won’t help our dear friend Art, let me tell you this: when I declared my second rental property a historical landmark, it increased the value by over $100,000. That’s a lot of equity for a homeless person,” she added.
At press time, several tourists were taking selfies with Waddel, marked with the location tag “Dehumanized homeless guy who’s been here since before the internet.”
Article by Tara Marie & Aubrey Aileen.