The summer hiatus often makes me reflect on the good things in this neighborhood. Of course, I enjoyed the dog show and the greenery adorning our landscape. This year I grew some things in the McPherson Community Garden. Our rainy days gave me a bumper crop of cucumbers that I shared with friends. The neighborhood continues to be a warm and friendly place. However, it is apparent to me that we now have several different generations of residents (plus students). To some newcomers, our history matters little. Residents will view events and proposals differently. But, diversity remains our calling card and hopefully that will continue.
I would urge residents to get involved in the life of the community and attend committee and SDCC meetings. Several blocks have good organization. The rest should as well.
Finally I can turn to my biggest pet peeve: garbage habits. I still see an occasional bag of garbage left in the alley. Much that could be recycled is not. Some people fill the recycling bin with large boxes that are not broken down, taking up space others could use. Trash goes into landfills and the city pays costs for putting trash there. There is no cost for recycling; in fact the city sometimes receives funds for some recycled goods. If you recycle, you can prevent that $11 trash cost per month from rising precipitously. Be good to the environment; be good to your pocketbook. Recycle (and break down the boxes).
Original newspaper source
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September–October 2015.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
