If the recent newspaper reports about cleaning up our railroad “dumping ground” by the Visitors’ Center is any indication, it would appear that “complaining” to the right officials can produced results.

Although some folks do not approve of “in your face” tactics, the photo and blog campaign by PINS founder, Frank Simpson, has not only made the headlines of our local Argus-Courier and Press Democrat, but they have resulted in online hits in the thousands, from across the country and elsewhere in the world. It seems like Frank and his team (Boris, Igor, and Ivan) “hit the nail on the head” and hammered home their point – concerned citizens and volunteers can take action and make a difference in their community.

This cybernaut wonders to what degree the use of information and communication technology (ICT) played in getting this issue on our community’s radar screen? If the number of comments posted to Frank’s Petaluma360 blogs are any indication, it has certainly attracted the attention of local citizens who also wanted some kind of constructive action. PINS has certainly played a significant role, whether or not you like their style.

This long time community problem – trash, graffiti and abandoned shopping carts – isn’t going away. It’s on our community’s stage and in the spotlight. Now what? Stay tuned.

*Photo by Terry Hankins, Argus-Courier