So, a bunch of us got together Thursday evening for green stuff and cookies, and the report on what ideas are kicking about for the future of Old Town.

Pretty much the idea is we want to maintain - or some would argue create - the ambiance of a small, economically vibrant western city.

Thankfully, the heated rhetoric reported at some past meetings was absent, allowing more time for some detailed questioning.

This is a good thing, because that's where the devil lives.

Anyway, as with all things public - and too many private - a bit of compromise here and there will be required.

And, even though compromise - which does not necessarily mean "win-win" - can be an ugly word, it doesn't have to be god-awful ugly.

The good news is we're talking - a development that pleased the city officials and the consultants they've hired to offer up realities and vision.

As much fun as it is to look at the pretty drawings, and indeed some very attractive scenarios were presented to satisfy proponents of various height limitations and allowable facades, things we average Joes might not give a second thought to eventually will determine the sustainability of any growth and economic strength.

Little things, such as parking.

It's not a very sexy subject and, right now, according to a recent study, it does not appear to be a major problem.

Thing is, the study was done back in February which, as was pointed out and they acknowledged, probably wasn't the best time of year to gauge existing conditions. They're doing a second study this Christmas season.

Frankly, that still seems to be a less than an optimum measure. One would think a more accurate picture would be obtained by measuring availability during a non-special event week in a warmer month.

Several ideas have been floated regarding parking such as public lots at each end and in the center of Old Town, buildings that wrap around their parking, ground-floor parking and so on.

Each has merit and probably in the end a mix of the options will serve best visitors, businesses and residents.

Residents? You bet.

When most people think of Old Town, residential use is not what comes to mind. According to the consultants, that is where much of the future of the district lies.

And that's a good thing.

You may be surprised that all those shops lining the streets of Old Town bring in only a fraction of the revenue generated in the district. Far and away, the greatest dollar generators are the restaurants.

Increasing the number of quality mid- and high-end residences in the district can only enhance those sales-tax generators - and, as we all know, California cities thrive or starve based on that revenue.

A strong residential component - say a mixture of condos, lofts and apartments - in Old Town combined with increased availability of entertainment will give it a 24-hour heartbeat that will bode well for businesses and further enhance its character.

Assuming the parking is there, of course.

To be sure, there are other unsexy things to consider such as moving utilities from the streets, utilizing alleys for trash pickup and deliveries and getting creative with traffic flow - the latter being particularly important as building continues.

But we're talking. And listening. That's a big start.

There is no shortage of ideas: Public water fountains that can accommodate seeing-eye dogs and other pets; hitching posts along a river/creek/dry gulch/whatever walk - a feature that could enhance greatly the Old Town experience - and more benches along Front Street.

Each completes a bit of the puzzle.

Cool. Let's do it, though maybe the hitching posts should be decorative unless we commit to dealing with horse-stroll byproducts. It can be done. On Mackinac Island, where no cars are allowed, students are employed to patrol thoroughfares and collect manure.

If you want to see what's going on, go to www.cityoftemecula.org and check out the Old Town Visioning pages.

It might be you who has the next idea that is pure genius.

Don't be afraid. After all, can you imagine the eyebrows that leaped to the heavens when someone suggested re-creating famous artworks with living people.

Sounds a little far-fetched, but you've got to get in line early to spend big bucks for "Pageant of the Masters" tickets.

Phil Strickland is a Temecula resident and a regular columnist for The Californian. E-mail: philipestrickland@yahoo.com.