For the past month, our shelter has been undergoing an epidemic of “shelter cough:” no fever, nausea, or symptoms other than nasal congestion and loud coughing with the expulsion of phlegm. When […]
“Humans are allergic to change. They love to say, ‘We’ve always done it this way.’ I try to fight that. That’s why I have a clock on my wall that runs counterclockwise.” […]
For this installment, in the spirit of the season, I am going to indulge myself and make this one all about me. I’m going to tell you the way it is, and […]
In a WIRED article, “The Pain Was Unbearable. So Why Did Doctors Turn Her Away?” 8/11/2021 author Maia Szalavitz writes, “A growing number of researchers believe that NarxCare and other screening tools […]
“This article operates at the intersection of privacy law, Fourth Amendment doctrine, and prescription drug surveillance instigated by the U.S. drug overdose crisis. Reputable reporting sources frequently frame that ongoing crisis as […]
His testimony at kevinmd.com reads like something written during the height of McCarthyism or COINTELPRO. But it was earlier this year–July 25th–and Dr. L. Joseph Parker, research scientist and pain care specialist, […]
“Never ascribe conditions to villainy that simply result from stupidity.” –Robert A. Heinlein (paraphrased), Logic of Empire Sleep is one of the essential needs for humans to function. It is, as the […]
Even by political standards, the announcement was terse: “After 30 years of service, Jim Palmer has resigned as (OCRM) Orange County Rescue Mission’s president. Our current COO, Bryan Crain, will serve as […]
Assemblyperson Sharon Quirk-Silva, our representative in the State Legislature, has introduced a bill that contains some needed reform in public restroom access. As you’ll see from the enclosed text, it’s still a […]
The Bible, as usual, gives a mixed answer to the former. On the one hand, there are repeated entreaties to aid the stranger: feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and house the […]
“Concentration moon, Over the camp in the valley, Concentration moon, Wish I was back in the alley with all of my friends, Still running free….” –Frank Zappa I wish I could quote […]
People who know my situation have asked, “Can you describe what it’s like to be homeless?” I’ve been pondering on that subject off and on for months. This is the result of […]
You can’t discuss homelessness without having a concurrent discussion about how we as a society treat the mentally ill. And you can’t have a conversation about the homeless and mentally ill in […]
Beware the Ides of March This is an urgent bulletin for all homeless, mentally and physically disabled people in Orange County: upcoming changes to CalFresh and Medi-Cal benefits may result in limitations […]
To go, or not to go? That is the question. To go, or not to go? That is the question. “Even if provided free of charge, the use of a toilet is […]
Now that Trump is the GOP candidate for POTUS–when you can’t even win your state, the state where you were Governor, you are officially toast–time to find out what Trump has planned […]
When help hurts, and why, and what to try instead. “I was happy three days ago. Today I’m depressed. What happened? Nothing. An inner crutch slipped. Some poorly suppressed memory rose to […]
Wait, for now. Distrust everything if you have to. But trust the hours. Haven’t they carried you everywhere up to now? –Galway Kinnell Transitioning from a homeless shelter to housing can be […]
First and foremost, this columnist’s honest hopes are that you had a Merry Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or whatever spiritually-oriented holiday you just finished celebrating. While playing a favorite Christmas mixtape, these lyrics […]
“Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity over humanity, nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well-warmed, and well-fed.” […]
Before I became homeless, I never thought about writing this column. First, I was a full-time caregiver, and any free time was precious for self-care; second, writing a column about the homeless […]
