Village Breeze

June doesn’t have to be gloomy.  It’s a state of mind more than whether the  sun is out or not.

Rising above the beach and into the gloom, these kites show a playful happy spirit even as the skies say gloom to others.

Two kites dance through the sky

Carlsbad’’s municipal code requires registration of bicycles. It’’s to be done at the fire stations on Saturday morning. Now just how many bikes do you think get registered?

Arriving at the downtown main fire station at 10 AM, I rang the doorbell to the office. It was attended to by a slender young fireman eager to be of assistance. Maybe they like visitors.

I informed the fireman that I wanted to register my bike. This seemed to catch him by surprise but it was clear he at least vaguely knew this might fall under the duty of the fire department. Seeking some help, the fireman commented to me and, perhaps, to a fellow fireman, that registration was to be done on certain days? I informed him, with documentation in hand, that it was to be done on Saturday mornings.

The process went forth as two fireman found instructions and a supply of registration forms. The attending fireman indicated that he hadn’t done a registration for a year and a half. I commented, “I guess there aren”t many new bikes in Carlsbad.” As the process went progressed, the fireman volunteered that he”d only done three in the time he worked at the fire department. I asked how long he had worked there. He answered, “Four years.”

During the small talk, I was filling out the top half of the multi-part form. I indicated that I did not know the serial number of the bike. We went outside to find it with me expressing doubt that it could be located. The picture below shows a four alarm effort to locate a serial number. None was found.

Next, was the issue of where to affix the sticker. None of the conventional spots were available and initial places suggested by the force were going to interfere with normal adjustments to the unit. We settled on putting it along the frame tube on the back.

Back inside, wrapping up financial affairs ( me paying the $3 fee), the fireman speculated that perhaps people go to the other fire stations for their licenses or come on his days off. I suggested that they just don”t get a license!

I left, I apologized for interrupting the morning for the officer. He said, “That’’s why we”re here! Then – on the road again.

Carlsbad's finest at work

With a broken toilet seat prompting the visit, I headed over to to Denault’s, knowing I needed an oval-shaped seat. I knew the approximate dimensions but wasn’t sure how otherwise to differentiate among the choices. A knowledgeable adviser in the store brought one choice to my attention. He pointed out that the seat was “dishwasher safe.” It also features a means of removing the seat easily, something essential to getting it swiftly to the dishwasher. I had certainly never considered this feature but would you put it in the dishwasher with dishes? And what happens if the need arises mid cycle?

Guess we’ll skip pictures on this one.

Construction of the Carlsbad rail trail segment from Oak Avenue to Tamarack Avenue appears to be underway. The scene above was captured on May 3 from Tamarack. A fence is now erected around the contruction area and blueprints are being studied.

Segment of Rail Trail Under Construction

Know the difference between a motor-driven driven cycle and a motorcycle?

Signage on the onramp to I-5 says motor-driven prohibited but does that mean motorcycles? Isn’t a motorcycle a motor-driven cycle?

According to the California Highway patrol (CHP) we have motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, mopeds (motorized bikes, ), motorized scooters, and motorized skateboards. See the CHP page Then there is the new federal law that preempts state law and governs motorized bikes with 1HP or less and 25mph maximum unassisted speed. The law provides that such bikes are governed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and not to be considered motor vehicles. See About Federal Electric Bike Law

No No's on Freeway

Some thirty or so years ago, San Francisco introduced industrial trash cans to the city sidewalks. It was reported that these stone receptacles cost over $1,000, in ’70s dollars of course. Some were in shock.

But jump ahead thirty years and the Hummer of trash cans has become standard urban fare.

One, however, bit the bullet over the weekend during The Carlsbad 5,000 April 2-3, 2005. An unknown force of significant magnitude must have caused the fatal blow leaving raw trash and a naked receptacle.

See for yourself.

Broken Trash Fortress

If anyone could pimp out a Segway, it would be a realtor. Click on the above picture to see the whole disgusting sight. Picture taken at the Carlsbad 5000 April 2nd.

Pimping out a Segway

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who’s the fairest diesel owner of them all?

Just who in Carlsbad can claim the title for the most non-commercial diesel passenger vehicles?

With six diesel vehicles cramming the front of their home, the occupants of the pictured home may be a candidate for this honor. Or maybe only one of the occupants would step up to accept responsibility. There is, however, one suspicious vehicle. To the far left in the picture, parked along the street, is an Audi Fox. Although the car has a “diesel” label on the back, is the car really diesel-powered? Was there a diesel Audi Fox?

A virtual fleet

As I walked up Home Avenue toward a home being offered for sale, three female “Youts” , as Cousin Vinnie would say, arrived on bikes to check out the home. It’s a basic old small “cute” $600K starter home. A bit of an anomaly to me, seeing a group arriving on bicycles to find out about a $600K home. But then again, that’s just a basic home around here. The bikes, more notable to me than the young ladies, had raised-up handlebars. After some reflection, all I can figure out is that this for style, not function.

The home is listed for $650K. It’s 1092 square feet.

I continued my walk but regretted not getting a picture of the bikes. Later, as I was passing by Dini’s by the Sea restaurant, I saw the three bikes tethered to a pole outside. I guess the three were in there reflecting on their day. Here are pictures of the house and the bikes.