So you’ve got people camping in the bushes and trees adjacent to the pump station and the railroad tracks. Probably not the best place for a camp-out.

What’s to be done?

I’m not advocating this position, but in one recent roadside copse, the answer was – clear cut. Take out all the trees and bushes. Open the area up to view from both the roadway and the train tracks.

Note that I say “call and response,” not “cause and effect,” since there are undoubtedly many other reasons for getting rid of foliage that are completely unrelated to dislodging homeless campers. But are they good reasons? Can we find a balance that allows a safe place for the homeless to hang out without denuding the right-of-way?

I try not to drive my truck to work too often, opting for a much bigger (336′) vehicle instead, but at either end of the ride, I have to scurry to the safety of the building, while avoiding all the littler vehicles, some of which seem to be operated by people not altogether clear on the concept of vehicular operation.

This week, I had to move quickly to avoid being mown down, twice at the same intersection. Maybe the universe is telling me I should be moving more quickly.

Have you noticed an increase in drivers not really paying attention to driving? Seen more people texting, reading, or engaging in other activities while behind the wheel (or the handlebars)? Is it a good idea to walk anywhere anymore, or should you really just RUN?!

I see more people using these blue nitrile gloves when they’re doing icky things, like picking up litter by the side of the road.

Guessing that’s NOT what happened here, although I really can’t account for how that glove ended up there.

…can’t trust that day.

Did that bring the Mamas & Papas to mind? Music has a lot of power, especially in the emotional realm. I often find hearing a song that was popular many years ago can immediately transport me back to that time, with vivid memories of places and feelings. How ’bout you?

I’ve been interested in our city’s attempt to upgrade streets from cars-only thoroughfares to something that can be shared by pedestrians and cyclists as well.

The city has been making businesses put crosswalks through parking lots, connecting to the sidewalk. One problem. There’s not always a sidewalk to connect to. When I run across them, I like to document these “sidewalks to nowhere.” I invite you to do the same…