Posted on September 19 at 9:45 a.m.

Someone else said it better than me: "Graffiti happens at the intersection of ambition and incompetence: people want to make their mark on the world, but have no other way to do it than literally making a mark on the world". Sure, an outlet helps, but this problem is an old one and is not going away soon. Keep the abatement team funded!

On Tag, You’re It

Posted on May 18 at 9:43 a.m.

Graffiti is not the right term for this. I'll take this rogue art over graffiti any day.

On Graffiti Artist Makes Canvas out of Forever 21 Store

Posted on December 6 at 10:59 a.m.

"32 U.S. fatal dog attacks occurred in 2009. ... pit bulls led these attacks accounting for 44% (14). Pit bulls make up approximately 5% of the U.S. dog population."

http://blog.dogsbite.org/2010/01/2009...

Seems like a case where people's perception is based on fact.

On A Pooch with Your Pinot?

Posted on August 4 at 10:42 a.m.

Great word:

zaftig |ˈzäftig; -tik| (also zoftig)
adjective informal
(of a woman) having a full, rounded figure; plump.
ORIGIN 1930s: Yiddish, from German saftig ‘juicy.’

On Family Travels

Posted on March 19 at 10:59 a.m.

As a frequent downtown walker, I love the new bulbouts on West Ortega. People drive too fast around there, especially on De La Vina. It's about time we design streets for more than just cars. The "utopian-minded urban planners" should be commended.

On Battle of the Bulb-Outs

Posted on January 15 at 9:14 a.m.

Here's a plot showing all the surface drifter deployments, which may or may not track the plume:

http://www.icess.ucsb.edu/drifter/MSD...

I believe there was a tracer study too which showed that the 'plume' is almost completely diluted by the time it reaches shore. I'll see if I can find a link.

On What’s in the Plume?

Posted on October 16 at 9:27 a.m.

"It is a medicine, and it needs to be in a pharmacy with professionals"

I agree. Get it out of places like the "Farmacy" and put it into a real pharmacy (at least one where they know how to spell!)

"They peddle the forbidden herb, they attract crime, they put pot in the hands of teenagers, and, above all else, they ruin neighborhoods."

Pretty much sums it up. We already have 3 (or is it 4?) of these in the west downtown area. Do we really need another?

On Unique Pot Shop Meets Community Resistance

Posted on August 17 at 8:28 a.m.

Thanks Ray, hope to see a lot more photos like this in future reports!

On Pano Provides Perspective

Posted on August 4 at 3:07 p.m.

It's not a 'home invasion' if he let them in - is it?

On Police Nab Two for Home Invasion Robbery, Assault

Posted on July 14 at 9:59 a.m.

My experience as a frequent rider, driver and walker is that the vast majority of cyclists in this county are IN control, returning the courtesy and respect that autos and pedestrians give them. I'm often surprised at a how much space cars are willing to give me when I'm riding a bike. And I do the same when I'm driving, since it's zero inconvenience for me and reduces the likelihood of a life changing day for the cyclist.

On Traffic Survey Indicates Rise in Bicyclists