The San Francisco Citizen

Let’s say you live in San Francisco’s “newest community”, Treasure Island. Now just how on Earth are you supposed to get back home from the Outside Lands of San Francisco when the only eastbound exit from the Bay Bridge to TI is blocked by the California Highway Patrol? (Hey, are they’re still hiring? Yes!)

Seriously, unless you had a boat, you’d have to wait to get back to your non-rent-controlled abode. Click to expand:

Say hello to my little friend, a Remington Police Magnum 870P 12-gauge shotgun:

Whatever the cause of all the fuss, it didn’t last all that long.

Stay safe, Islanders!

Back in the day, one puff of the Mary Jane could be enough to disqualify you from ever serving the State of California as a member of the CHP. But the times, they’re a changing:

Experimental use of marijuana or other drugs may not be a disqualifying factor. The recency, frequency, and specific circumstances will be evaluated to determine your level of qualification.

Best of all, they’re hiring!

The pitch people saw in Summer of 2008 along I-80, America’s major east-west Interstate. Click to expand:

You ought to give it a try. See you at the Academy in South Sacramento. Don’t bring your drugs, but DO bring your bathing suit and ”dusting supplies,” such as Lemon Pledge.

Srsly, you’ve got bring along some canisters of Pledge to keep things tidy. Then soon you’ll be making six figures doing the toughest job you’ll ever love.

See you there!

Lane splitting - everybody’s doing it, even SuzukiGirl. But what does John Law think about that?

Q. Can motorcycle riders “split” lanes and ride between other vehicles? A. Lane splitting by motorcycles is permissible but must be done in a safe and prudent manner.

Does lane splitting irritate drivers? Perhaps, but who cares?

Go for it, dOoD. The University of California says lane splitting is good for you. Plus, these days you’ve got the Vatican-certified patron saint of motocycle riders, Columbanus of Bobbio, on your side.

Bonus.

“Filtering forward” through the long line of stalled cagers in front of the San Francisco Oakland Bay Bridge toll booths. Click to expand:

Apparently, the freeways of California are open to scooters, if they’re the right kind. Like this Suzuki Burgman for instance, seen on the 101 heading north in Marin County.

Read all about these fast scooters here (and discover the set up for the Chronicle’s off-colour moped joke here). Maybe this is your new set of wheels?