Achernar |ˈakərˌnär; ˈäk-| Astronomy
the ninth brightest star in the sky, and the brightest in the constellation Eridanus. It marks the southern limit of Eridanus, and is only visible to observers in the southern hemisphere.
ORIGIN from Arabic, ‘end of the river (i.e., Eridanus).’
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The last time I checked N. America was not in the Southern Hemisphere. But, hey, I’m open to seeing what you are. So enlighten me how to do that.

HAGÅTÑA — Soliciting donations at highway intersections appears to be the quickest money-making strategy Guam’s in current economic climate. While it may be legal, police and residents have been observing the rise in this activity over the years.

On any given weekday during work hours, one or more individuals are likely to be seen standing on a median or sidewalk at a busy intersection holding a sign that asks for monetary help to raise funds for a number of reasons, such as off-island treatment, a transplant, cancer care, or just to get by.

Legitimate or scam?

As a daily motorist, Roberto Fracassini, musician and president of Roberto Fracassini Productions, has observed that the number of individuals “begging” for money at traffic intersections has increased tremendously over the years, making him wonder whether they actually have legitimate needs or are just scamming Good Samaritans.

Fracassini said he has made donations in the past but suggests the individuals other alternative ways to raise funds.

“There’s always the possibility in my mind that the guy needs money, so I give a couple of dollars,” he said. “If they seriously need the money, they should contact the churches, Guam institutions or the Salvation Army — basically try to find a way to raise money without begging on the streets.”

Fracassini suggested that police look into strictly enforcing the law, especially in Tamuning and Tumon as those are tourist areas.

The law

Capt. Paul Suba of the Guam Police Department couldn’t agree more.

Despite the shortage of manpower, GPD does what it can to issue citations to those who aren’t following the law, Suba assured.

According to Guam law, individuals are generally prohibited from standing on any public highway or sidewalk “in a manner for the purpose of soliciting contributions for any cause of any commercial purpose whatsoever,” unless they meet a number of restrictions.

The activity is restricted to intersections with traffic control signals or stop signs in place; requires the use of an orange, reflective vest; and limits the activity to the time between 30 minutes prior to sunrise and 30 minutes prior to sunset.

Solicitors are also required to place warnings signs within 100 feet of oncoming traffic, warning drivers of their activity. They are also expected to notify the Chief of Police in writing when and for how long the solicitation will occur, at least 24 hours prior to the solicitation.

“We have cited some but, because of shortages, the officers aren’t taking the time now to stop all the time and let them know that they need to be off there,” Suba explained. “(But) I know Highway Patrol is doing that because that’s their main mission.”

Other options

Suba, along with other police officers, echo Fracassini’s suggestion for the solicitors to seek other — safer — options to raise money.

“We are considerate of those folks who sell [newspapers] or raise money, but I’ve explained to them that the number one priority is their safety,” Suba said. “We’ve spoken to them and asked them to please look to other sources where they can get money — the churches or other organizations that can help them raise money.”

Solicitors come from different walks of life and have different reasons to raise money.

Suba recalled meeting an elderly gentleman that was raising money to survive.

On most days lately, one can spot a family posted at the McDonald’s Harmon intersection and at the ITC Tamuning intersection trying to raise funds for a little boy undergoing off-island cancer treatment. He met another man raising money to fund his daughter’s college education.

Suba confirmed that GPD often tries to determine whether the individual’s claims are justified through a doctor’s diagnosis or other supporting documentation.

“We have determined some are legitimate, and then there are some that are not,” he said. “They’re taking advantage of the fact that they know there are a lot of people on Guam who are generous.”

Citations

Whatever the reason an individual is out on the highway, Suba said the activity remains a safety concern.

Those found in violation of the law are given citations, which Suba said have often been issued, but in some instances, the individual manages to get away.

“I’ve had some that stand and argue then dash out into the traffic to get across, to get away from the officer — and that’s worse. So the officer is caught in a dilemma,” he said. “It’s a safety concern, and again the officers will do their part to have them removed for the sake of their safety.”
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I know that was a long post. But I intended it for the islanders also.

Come on Guam, solve this

Peter

Love the way you pick apart the clatter here.

Other nations around the world have implemented gun controls that are much stricter than those in the US. Gun owners need to grow up, and compromise on sensible gun control laws.

As for that tiny dick tag, for my husband it couldn’t be more true. If not for one of those porn sites Michelle, I wouldn’t have known how truly tiny his little thing is.

Jennifer