As I am waiting for the green light's permission to cross Del Monte Ave to go to the wharf I position myself behind the metal pole holding the street lights. I watch the cars speeding by, drivers drinking coffee, talking on cell phones, looking somewhere else. The pole will protect me if a car swerves in my direction.

Once again I do cross the six lanes of traffic, walking quickly as the countdown flashes on the signal.

Lot of smoke in the air from the new fire.