I’ve spent the past week in Crescent City, California. And I’ve parked at night in four different spots several blocks from each other. No problems—until last night.
A police officer came by while I was still up. Oh crap, what now? He said someone had called about a suspicious van. His tone of voice seemed to convey he thought this was a silly thing he had to do.
He was very nice about it. Almost Sheriff Andy Taylor-like. He asked a few non-confrontational questions. I explained I traveled around the West full time. He nodded agreeably and asked for my ID. “New Mexico, huh?” He gave my ID back and said it’s okay to sleep in a vehicle but that one needed to move after 72 hours. Then he wished me a good night.
So I got wondering why someone would think I was suspicious. After all, there are people in camper vans and RVs all over this town. Some of them had parked in the same spot I was. (It’s a good spot because there’s almost no road crown, so it’s rather level. There’s a chain-link enclosed playing field on one side of the street and some small businesses on the other, so there are no neighbors nearby, peeking out windows.) Did someone think the plain white Rolling Steel Tent looked like a creeper van? Did they see me pull up and not get out of the van? (What’s he doing in there?) Or was it just some paranoid citizen. After all, paranoia seems rather justified these days.
Whatever the reason, I took it as a sign it was time to move on. Then I woke up to dense fog that has stayed all morning. Another sign. So I’ll head out this afternoon when the fog might have cleared and driving will be safer.
Allow me to suggest another idea. The cops noticed you and decided it was time to check you out. They use the line "someone called..." because it's easier than saying "We've been watching you and decided to check you out."
ReplyDeleteIt could also be, as you suggest, Crescent City's way of saying, "It's time to move along."
Either way, the cop told whoever called that you're not a threat and you're now a known entity to the local constabulary. He was nice. He didn't suggest you leave. Take the opportunity to realize you are a contributor to the community. His reaction let you know you're welcome....he was simply doing his job. Stay put. Enjoy. It's California, not Texas -- where every square inch is private and god help you if you tresspass.
From what I glean from other field notations, many folks (Californians especially) now are much more vigilant to keep unwarranted agencies from bad acts. Too many unmarked large capacity vehicles have been creating unpleasant disturbances involving friends and family.
ReplyDeleteOr maybe they are waiting for a delivery and you have disappointed.