Running the Heald College smoking gauntlet
I feel sorry for patrons of Baskin Robbins and Abercrombie and Fitch downtown. See, they are next to and in the same building as Heald College. At specific times during each day, the sidewalk in front of Heald College there in SW Broadway kitty corner from Pioneer Courthouse Square turns into the largest smoking section I have ever seen. Today, I and a few other pedestrians had to weave our way amongst the gaggle of smokers and their smoke. It is pretty disgusting.
To those hanging out on the sidewalk between classes: Have the manners not to take up the entire sidewalk with your smoking cliques. Either stand by the building or the curb and let pedestrians pass without bother.
Just wait 4 months when the smoking section of Portland becomes the entire sidewalk. More street sweeping will be required, more ashtrays all over the place, smoking ‘huts’ like Seattle, and more people getting upset that these people have been relocated out to the streets to further expose those just passing by.
It’s going to be interesting. At least people will be able to sit and enjoy a pint and burger in every pub (sans smoke), even if you have to pass through the smoke wall to enter.
Cross the street.
Another fun smoking gauntlet is on the south side of Alder near the corner of 9th Avenue. That’s where the Western Culinary Institute students smoke. And they all wear those funny chef outfits.
I get my second-hand smoke at the Standard Insurance building, next to the courthouse. I must head to work during break time, because there are usually 5-10 folks puffing away on the sidewalk. I’d still rather walk through that than deal with the chuggers and panhandlers on the opposite side of the street.
Think smoking will be illegal in a few more years?
Second-hand smoking is a real problem. I inhale tobacco smoke many times a day and I don’t know how to isolate myself from it (I don’t really believe, it’s possible). Good luck in your efforts.