1) The biggest problem with the Parkway trail is that it is too popular, as it should be, running through one of the most beautiful areas of our region; and given the reality of fast riding bicyclists, slow walking strollers, and other friendly groups ambling along, it is really time to consider building a separate path for walkers; preferably a decomposed granite path closer to the river (and with enough park benches to stop and rest every so often) and wide enough to allow easy passing and leave the paved path for the bikes.
The trail was recently designated a commuter route, as reported in this article, so leaving the paved trail to bikers would enhance that function.
An excerpt.
"Wouldn't things be more civil if we called it the Multi-Use Trail instead of the Bike Trail?
"I get the point, but no. First off, its official name is the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail. There's no mention of any form of workout. More on topic, most people know it's a multi-use area – except, possibly, the too-cool-for-rules riders, and we already told them where to go.
"Besides, things are what they are. We've called it the Bike Trail for decades. That won't suddenly change. We might as well call it Freedom Fries.
"Do we always have to run on the dirt shoulder?
"Whenever possible. Of course, there are places where the shoulder is too rocky or doesn't exist, but it's so much safer for everyone to run and walk on it when you can.
"Also, the decomposed granite is softer, which helps prevent injuries, and running or walking on the slightly varying ground will strengthen lots of balancing muscles in your feet and legs and make you less likely to get hurt.
"But I trip walking on the dirt and need pavement.
"This is a tough one, but the smooth parts of the shoulder – not the rough patches – are fine footing. If that's still too tricky for you, you may not be nimble enough to avoid traffic on the trail's pavement and you'd be safer walking somewhere else.
Of course, everyone has a legal right to be there, but this is another case of things-are-what-they-are. No one would walk in the middle of a busy street, and the trail can get pretty busy on weekends.
"Is there any money for improvements?
"Flannery said the trail was just designated an official commuter trail, meaning it'll get money for maintenance and other work. He said plans include improving the shoulders to give more room to everyone."
2) In a significant new code approved by the Citrus Heights City Council, the regulations against illegal camping and public drinking are strengthened in an attempt to help the homeless and the community residents living adjacent to illegal camping sites, as reported in this story.
An excerpt.
"The Citrus Heights City Council voted unanimously Thursday night to ban open containers of alcohol and unauthorized camping in a move to curb the city's homeless problem…
"One can't be arrested for sleeping in a public place if there isn't adequate shelter," said noted civil rights attorney Mark Merin, who spoke at the meeting.
"Merin also said the city would be "inviting litigation" if it attempted to criminalize homelessness.
"The council, and some city residents who said the homeless have become a problem in the city, disagreed.
"I don't believe it's written to criminalize the homeless," said City Councilwoman Jeannie Bruins. The ordinance "gives an extra tool to our Police Department."
