Residents called the Red Phone this week about three Ds: doodoo,
dodo heads and the dump. We have answers for two of the
callers.
Residents called the Red Phone this week about three Ds: doodoo, dodo heads and the dump. We have answers for two of the callers. But not even the Red Phone can explain why some people insist on doing things that could jeopardize the safety of themselves and others. So, for you folks who this caller addresses, you know who you are.
“This is for those folks who thought it was a lot of fun to be firing off illegal fireworks on the fourth of July under the guise of celebrating our independence. No it wasn’t. It was an excuse for you to get drunk and fire off loud and illegal fireworks and impress your friends and act like a moron.
Of course, toss back a few cold ones and generally act like an idiot. Did you ever think what would happen if those things ended up on the roof of your neighbor’s house? What are you going to say, ‘oh I’m sorry but these things happen. Hey, how about another one?’
No, no, I’m thinking if you want to do something to celebrate the fourth, why don’t you stop for a minute and think about the kids in Iraq who would love to be back tossing back a cold ones with their friends, hah?”
So, for you dodos out there, let that be a lesson to you.
***
Another caller was a bit down in the dumps – with a capital D – about a recent experience at the San Martin Transfer Station.
“Hi, I’m calling to complain about the dump in San Martin. On the weekends they are open only limited hours and the line of cars are so long I was parked out in the middle of Llagas Avenue for a long time. Also, they close the gates whether or not people are in line and have been waiting in line for a long time and turn people away when it’s there closing time. I think they need more people working there.”
The San Martin Transfer Station recently reduced its weekend hours to 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. to noon on Sundays. On weekends, the staff tries to keep traffic moving as quickly as they can, but they’re limited as to the number of cars and amount of waste that can come onto the facility, said Phil Couchee, general manager of South Valley Disposal and Recycling. Once they reach the maximum tonnage of waste, they do need to turn away cars, he said.
“I was unaware that we were turning away people in line. So I’ll definitely take a look at that,” Couchee said.
We can only suggest to avoid the lines go during the week if possible. On weekdays, the transfer station is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is much less busy.
***
Now, onto the doodoo. This caller notes that the doggie cleanup bag dispensers are always empty at Christmas Hill Park.
“I was just wondering who is responsible for keeping the doggy cleanup machines on the levy filled ’cause every time I check them they’re empty. You might find out if they need donations or something. I don’t know about the other machines, but the one at the very south end on what’s now West Luchessa which used to be Thomas Road, but that’s a whole other complaint, anyhow that one is always empty.”
This is a good problem to have because at least the bags are being used (no one likes to step in “it” while strolling on the levy). We called Pam Rubio of the Gavilan Kennel Club, but Rubio said Monday that the city had agreed to stock them.
Really, this was a slight misunderstanding. Now, she and the city have it worked out, said Chris Orr, the city’s operations services supervisor. Orr said Tuesday that the kennel club will be in charge of routinely stocking the dispensers. The kennel club ordered two more cases and will fill the dispensers. Meanwhile, the city ordered one case.
“So on routine maintenance patrols, they (city staff) will go ahead and stock them,” Orr said.
Plus, people are always welcome to make a donation to help the kennel club purchase the bags. Send checks to the Gavilan Kennel club, PO Box 2492, Gilroy, CA 95020.
Great calls this week folks. The Red Phone is happy to know our fair city isn’t going to the dogs.
