Tech Notes from the Field

Yeah, I tweeted this, but I just have to write it out.  How often does one get kicked in the head by a bum! 

We go to Starbucks pretty much every morning downstairs outside of work.  We see the Mission Valley bum population on a regular basis.  We even give some of them nicknames:  Sea Captain, Token, etc.  Well, there is this one bum we nickname Obie Bum.  He usually has a pale, drab green blanket draped over his head and bows and fiddles with his fingers.  Beard.  Sometimes it is a dirty, light brown blanket.  He appears to be harmless and ignores most people.  Today he wandered up and asked for some money.  JR and I refuse, politely.  Obie Bum moves behind us and starts babbling weirdness.  We both lean over and say, “what?”  We go back to our conversation when all of a sudden I get popped in the head!  I jump up and JR says, “He just kicked you!” 

Obie Bum slides into the Starbucks where JR constrains him and we get someone to call 911.  The store manager and employees get nervous and start telling us not to break anything.  JR releases the dude.  We watch as he slides out of the store and wanders off.  I spot him back on the other side watching us, and then he slinks away.  30 minutes later the cops arrive.  We tell the story and they tell us there is not much to do.  JR realizes he did get a scratch on the hand.  They would just take the bum to mental health upon which they would release him 4 hours later.  No serious injuries, so the DA would let it slide. 

This bum has become more aggressive from what we hear, so we let the Starbucks manager know before we split. 

It is a shame that these people are out, yet, I do not see why we cannot do something to “fix” the issue.  All I can say is beware that neighborhood bum.  Keep your guard up.  Do not give them money as it encourages them to continue harassing folks.  Now it is on to business! 

Cheers!