It's here and it belongs to us for at least the next six months. There are still a couple of driving questions:
» Just what is the purpose of the Google barge?
» What's the best way to describe this odd-looking, mysterious yet enticing contraption?
The answer to Question No. 1 is going to be difficult. Google just isn't saying much about the intention behind the barge. The company's 48-word written statement upon barge arrival in Stockton didn't reveal much, either - expect that company execs are ready to feast on asparagus.
You've gotta love that. Wait until the get some deep-fried asparagus and wash it down with an Aspara-rita.
As for Question No. 2, there are all kinds of thoughts about how to describe the barge.
The barge is a much-larger-than life version of something 1950s and '60s kids used to construct with their Erector Sets.
The barge is a slightly modern version of the Borg collective that was a prominent part of late "Star Trek" episodes and movies. "Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated."
The barge is a floating hotel, minus the balconies.
Regardless, it's here and we should be excited about it. The week-plus of rumors and intrigue leading up to the company's decision to move the barge from the Bay Area to Stockton only added to the allure.
Port Director Rick Aschieris' behind-the-scenes negotiating helped lure the company here, and he kept things tightly under wraps before giving The Record a heads up that it was a go the night before the barge's arrival.
There even was intrigue with the way the barge slipped out of the Bay Area after midnight. Sports fans will remember the way Baltimore Colts owner Robert Irsay had moving vans loaded up in the middle of the night when the team bolted for Indianapolis. There was a bit of that here.
The barge, pulled by two tugs, made remarkable time and was in Stockton before noon Thursday.
I haven't seen this much intrigue about something coming to Stockton since the 49ers announced they would move their training camp here in the late 1990s. The arena opening also was eagerly awaited.
There's an obvious big difference between the arrival of the barge and the Niners. The 49ers held open practices and there always was the chance you could run into a Steve Young or a Jerry Rice at Outback Steakhouse in Stockton.
The Google barge, meanwhile, is going to sit there. It's believed that much of the work will be done on the interior - when, in fact, work even happens.
It's not difficult to find a good view of the barge if you're willing to hop in the car and take a drive.
Through it all, just what does this mean to Stockton?.
It's doubtful that the barge will remain here after work is completed. There's no sense that there will be public viewings of the ongoing work. Will it fade from the community's thoughts after a while.
This is still a huge "get" for Stockton. Some don't think so, but it can be a symbolic omen for a community trying to move forward.
In looking for a way to describe why that's so, I'm going to convey the words of Stockton Mayor Anthony Silva. He posted on his Facebook page on Thursday:
"It's a win for Stockton because: 1). Positive news - Google and Stockton in the same sentence; 2. Because it signals economic recovery in our city; 3. Other companies and business owners looking to move or start a business will now consider our city; 4. If we treat a major company with respect and become a good partner, they may decide to open another hub here and provide jobs to our residents."
Some of that is reality. Some of it is potential. Some of it is dreaming. Stockton needs all three of those traits.
Welcome, Google.
Contact Record Editor Mike Klocke at 9209) 546-8250 or mklocke@recordnet.com. Follow him on Twitter @Klocke_Record.
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