A couple of weeks ago, concerned residents in the Crom Street area made sure that children walk to school safely. They lobbied the city into creating a three-way stop at the corner of Foxfire and Crom Street, citing concerns about speeding cars zooming right past children walking to and from Stella Brockman Elementary School.

The required stop sign got installed and it seems that Manteca’s students are safe. But the street possesses another hazard, possibly of the kind that the same concerned residents are helping to create. Their four-legged friends are leaving plenty of reminders of their presence alongside the three-foot wide strip of dirt next to the Manteca Golf Course fence. The entire length of Crom Street is lined with pieces of waste, dropped randomly every three or four feet. What a sight for the dozens of elementary school pupils passing by every morning and afternoon.

Yes, the dog park in Manteca is long overdue, and even there dog owners will be required to pick up after their pets. Not only is “forgetting” to pick up after your dog irresponsible and disgusting, it’s also a subject to a fine according to the Manteca Municipal Code.

For the safe flow of automobile traffic, residents had to go to the city and wait for its decision. But for the safe flow of pedestrian traffic, putting a plastic bag in your pocket and using it takes a matter of seconds. It’s a decision that can save someone a day filled with unpleasant odor, and save you a fine by the city.