Beware The Poo Lady

About once a month, a certain homeless person ventures into our community. At first glance, she looks likes the everyday commuter who rides the train or takes the bus. But don't let her appearance fool you.

She starts out by hanging out in the shaded areas or alleyways; eating whatever food she has with her while rearranging her luggage. When the times is right, she will slip into one of our alleys, "drop trow" and "squeeze out a deuce", wiping with whatever napkins she has available leaving the mess for one of our unlucky residents to clean up after her.

I knew that she had recently been in our community after seeing her familiar "bread crumb" napkin trail. After walking around the complex, I saw her sitting on the sidewalk, eating a snack while littering napkins all around her.

"Can I help you?" I politely asked.
"No!" She shouted.

"Then may I ask what you are doing here."
"Waiting for the bus!" Shouting louder than before.

Knowing of her situation, I then asked her if she needed anything like the use of a phone, food or money.
"Just leave me the f*ck alone!"

With that said, I sternly advised her she needed to leave the property and to not come back anymore. I reminded her of the last time she was here and needed to be escorted off the premises by Santa Ana Police.

She packed up her items and was on her way, but not without shouting and swearing as she walked down Santa Ana Boulevard. She eventually found her way up to Civic Center Drive and set up camp in front of the unfinished lofts.

Within every city there is a homeless problem–Well, with the exception of Irvine. I think Irvine gives anyone who looks homeless a one-way bus ticket to Santa Ana. Some of the homeless are down on their luck, some have mental issues, and some just choose to live their lives on the streets. But when being asked for spare change by someone on the street, how can anyone really make the distinction of who truly needs help and who's juicing you for coins.