LILACS to the City of Spokane for finally installing a huge warning on the Stevens Street bridge downtown where truck drivers seem to delight in plowing into and scraping the top of their truck off. One would think it would be second nature to know the height of the truck one is driving, but who hasn’t daydreamed while driving? Now maybe a big bold flashing light that practically screams “BACK OFF” may jolt them out of their reverie. Might even help the bridge last a little longer.

LILACS to the Browne’s Addition neighborhood for attempting to create a “Historic District”which will make it difficult to raze grand old homes to build apartment complexes. Some of the apartments that have come in are rather nice, but if the entire district is replaced with apartment buildings the very reason people like to live there will disappear. Once the old buildings are gone, they are simply irreplaceable. Perhaps if a building is deemed to be beyond repair, it could be demolished, but the standards for that should be high. Put us in favor of neighborhoods being able to control their own destinies.

LILACS to the Globe Bar and Kitchen in downtown Spokane for publicly acknowledging that “roofies”—or date rape drugs—are a long-time problem in Spokane, and for taking steps to help the victims and to find the criminals. If anyone feels their drink has been tampered with in any way, they will remake the drink at no charge, and just as important, they’ll report it to the police and check their security cameras. Not sure if the drinks can be tested on the spot, but it might be wise to do a lockdown on the bar until it’s investigated. That could be disruptive, but ask the victim whethertheywere disrupted by being knocked out, violated or sickened all night, and perhaps drawing this kind of attention to it would eventually curtail it completely.

LILACS to the three off-duty firefighters who attempted to rescue the 22-year-old man who dived to his death off the cliffs in Long Lake. They were boating nearby and did everything they could to save him. It’s a narrow window there in which to dive into safe water and we think it’s time that the diving at that particular location be made illegal. We don’t subscribe to the nanny state theory, but some things are simply too risky to allow. Our hearts go out to the family of Dominic Ortiz Bonilla.

LEMONS to people who hit a deer while driving and do nothing to help the deer. Yes, it’s unnerving, but if the animal isn’t dead, it would be humane to put it out of its misery by safely shooting it (if you have a gun) or calling 911 or any local authority. If the deer isn’t dead, it is almost certainly suffering or could try to get up and cause yet another accident.

LEMONS to department stores that pester you to apply for their credit card every time you buy something. It’s annoying to have to decline several times while there’s a line and you just want to take your purchases and leave. It does give one pause as to whether it’s worth shopping there. Macy’s and Sears come to mind, but there are probably other offenders as well.

LEMONS to businesses that try to sell you their discount cards every time you buy something. Every time I shop at Barnes & Noble they harangue the book buyers about buying their $25 card. I actually have one, but I get annoyed even hearing them bug others every single time. I know the employees are only following directions. Also, AMC, with their Stubs Card, which gives you a little money back every once in a while and lets you get an even BIGGER popcorn and drink for the same price, as if anyone in history has ever finished the large tub. Minor complaints, but no less annoying for being minor. By the way, does anyone know the answer as to whether it’sokay to see a second movie if you still have a ton of popcorn left and the seats are otherwise unoccupied?