Ok, maybe I should buy pepper spray ...

07/23/2008 Mitsi "laaa-leeee" H. says:

was this anywhere near Jollibee? The same thing happened to me a couple of months ago. It sounds like the same guy. I think he lives around there somewhere.

07/23/2008 Valeria "Yo quiero hummus" R. says:

Yikes!  Where in SOMA was this??

07/23/2008 imelda "yeah, but no but yeah" j. says:

Mitsi "Titillating!" H. says:

was this anywhere near Jollibee? The same thing happened to me a couple of months ago. It sounds like the same guy. I think he lives around there somewhere.
---------
Yep!  I was at 3rd & Harrison.  This is a first for me and I've left around the same time the last couple weeks.  I'm glad my class is almost over soon!!

07/23/2008 Valeria "Yo quiero hummus" R. says:

Those two guys reinforce my faith in humanity.

07/23/2008 Nobody M. says:

What, the world is not a safe place?

07/23/2008 Mitsi "laaa-leeee" H. says:

how awful. that guy is super freaky. he tried to take my backpack. glad you are ok.

07/23/2008 wendella a. says:

Glad you are okay. That is scary. Try not to walk alone at night.

07/23/2008 imelda "yeah, but no but yeah" j. says:

I know Mitsi!!!!  I've encountered some weirdos in the City, but I think he takes the cake.  One of the guys got on the same bus as me and we saw the cracked out guy trying to chat up other people on the street at the next stop.  Crazy SOB.  I'm so buying pepper spray this weekend ... where the hell do i get it?  At least I can spray the whole can in his eyes if I see him again!

07/23/2008 BILL "Enter the Billtron" M. says:

Mitsi "Titillating!" H. says:

was this anywhere near Jollibee? The same thing happened to me a couple of months ago. It sounds like the same guy. I think he lives around there somewhere.
__________________________
yeah...I just left the Metreon (hate that place) and there are some clowns in the area. Weird shit is hard to avoid. Tonight, some clowns were getting in a brawl right on Mission in front of the parking garage. I was a block away so it was hard to see.
If you get spray, protect yourself but don't be trigger happy. Don't be in a position where you "have to wait for it". Try to avoid retarded shit and walk like you have somewhere to go. You should definitely walk out of class with a friend. Safety in numbers you know?

Good luck and I'm glad you are ok.

07/23/2008 Mitsi "laaa-leeee" H. says:

I don't think pepper spray would stop that guy. I screamed NO! in his face and ran away. Then I went and bought Chickenjoy. I really wanted Chickenjoy and that fucking crazy bastard wasn't going to stop me!

07/23/2008 Mitsi "laaa-leeee" H. says:

*went back*

07/23/2008 Don "Where am I going? Why am I in this handbasket?" B. says:

http://www.yelp.com/bi...

Nuff said?

07/23/2008 OWNED "HACKED" V. says:

LOL...

Taser sells civilian version stun equipment...

http://youtube.com/wat...
http://taser.com/produ...

07/23/2008 Jensen L. says:

I would contact the police immediately.  You could be saving someone's life by leaving a description of the person and what happened.

07/23/2008 BILL "Enter the Billtron" M. says:

tasers...hot dang

07/24/2008 Kaven T. says:

You don't need a taser, you need this knife. Stab him and watch him explode.

07/24/2008 Kaven T. says:

Sorry here the link.
http://www.uncrate.com...

07/24/2008 OWNED "HACKED" V. says:

But then she can face serious charges afterwards with issue to whether a stabbing a person is self-defense.  I would still go with the Taser...

http://youtube.com/wat...

07/24/2008 Valeria "Yo quiero hummus" R. says:

Ha...as soon as the guys showed up on this thread, weapon talk started!

07/24/2008 kristi "i wear flip flops in the rain" l. says:

Jensen L. says:

I would contact the police immediately.  You could be saving someone's life by leaving a description of the person and what happened.
------------------
I'd have to second that. A crazy person followed me to class once and i had to call campus police and sfpd...turned out he was doing the same thing to other girls in the area but the only tips they had were anonymous and no one left a description.

07/24/2008 kristi "i wear flip flops in the rain" l. says:

oh and thank god you're okay!!!

I believe you have to take a 'class' to get the really concentrated pepper spray. most community colleges offer it for free. they teach you how to break bones  with one hit to the leg too...really useful! i took the class at contra costa college but Im sure ccsf has a similar one

07/24/2008 OWNED "HACKED" V. says:

I would still go with the Taser...

07/24/2008 Thel D. says:

Anyone ever notice that little cigarette stand on Market where you can buy stun guns and knives and all type of crap at all hours?!?!?!?

07/24/2008 Don "Where am I going? Why am I in this handbasket?" B. says:

Pepper spray and CN/CS (Mace) are legal in Calif, over the counter. Serious legal problems for misuse, though. Classes are optional. Please note... "Bear Spray" which is a super high concentration of pepper spray and CS are a serious no-no to use on humans. Felony time.

07/24/2008 Michael "miracle mike" V. says:

ADVICE FOR GIRLS/PEOPLE INTIMIDATED IN THESE SITUATIONS:

look people in the eye, not doing so gives them a sense of power, look people in the eye with the "yeah yeah yeah" face, disapates the energy.

- powder-mouthed crazy crackhead dude

07/24/2008 imelda "yeah, but no but yeah" j. says:

Michael "miracle mike" V. says:

ADVICE FOR GIRLS/PEOPLE INTIMIDATED IN THESE SITUATIONS:

look people in the eye, not doing so gives them a sense of power, look people in the eye with the "yeah yeah yeah" face, disapates the energy.

- powder-mouthed crazy crackhead dude
-------
i tried that briefly and that only engaged the freak.  too bad the cars going up 3rd st didn't hit him.

07/24/2008 OWNED "HACKED" V. says:

So are you going to get a Taser?

07/24/2008 OWNED "HACKED" V. says:

And then after, take self-defense classes...

http://youtube.com/wat...

07/24/2008 imelda "yeah, but no but yeah" j. says:

lol, i'll probably just get pepper spray for now.  shoot a self defense class would be good.

07/24/2008 Valeria "Yo quiero hummus" R. says:

William, how about one of these?
http://www.youtube.com...

07/24/2008 OWNED "HACKED" V. says:

Valeria "Eater of Much Hummus" R. says:

William, how about one of these?
http://www.youtube.com...

===============

OMG, what nerds...

07/24/2008 tiffinie m. says:

so glad you're ok...  for the record, Michael is right --- direct eye contact for longer than briefly (+ a "what the f#ck do you want?" look & attitude) really does work.

i felt like crap (read: terrified) afterwards, but it works.
that and having 911 (or local police dispatch) speed dialed and ready to go on my cell phone...

be careful out there, mel...

07/24/2008 Valeria "Yo quiero hummus" R. says:

D'oh!  That was supposed to be a video of a guy shooting a cannon!

Seriously, though, I have a bad feeling about the whole pepper spray thing.  I feel like it could be turned against me unless I had the proper training.

07/24/2008 Kaven T. says:

It's ok tho William because a part of his body would be missing and nobody would care.

07/24/2008 OWNED "HACKED" V. says:

You can always kick the guy in the balls...

When It's street fighting, there are no rules.  I immediately go for the "family jewels..."

And then I run.

07/24/2008 Mitsi "laaa-leeee" H. says:

I don't think anything would stop that guy. I wrote a review about it, I guess it happened around February.

http://www.yelp.com/bi...

07/24/2008 imelda "yeah, but no but yeah" j. says:

Mitsi "Titillating!" H. says:

I don't think anything would stop that guy. I wrote a review about it, I guess it happened around February.
--------
That's freaky!!  I have 2 more night classes and I think I"ll only go on the weekends during the day when I can.  Crazy ass freaks.  Lemme see, eyes, throat, nose and BALLS!  CHECK, CHECK, CHECK and CHECK!!!!!

07/24/2008 Jabir "I'm that type of guy..." F. says:

Pepper spray won't always help.
The best thing to do is walk out with a friend after dark.
Predators are looking for an easy target, and unless you walk with your finger on the trigger, you may find yourself unable to use it.
As stated above SAFETY IN NUMBERS.

07/24/2008 Cliff B. says:

When I was in my early teens, I accidentally sprayed pepper spray in front of me in the oncoming wind (this was in the 70's) and it came back in my eyes. Pepper spray is no joke. That shit hurts.

07/24/2008 Gil "chickencat" S. says:

Did somebody say Jollibee?

07/24/2008 Ruben "F*ckin' Rube" P. says:

Gil "chickencat" S. says:

Did somebody say Jollibee?
=============================
The guy probably just wanted a chickenjoy or a peach-mango pie.

07/24/2008 Christine P. says:

Hi Mel,
I am so happy that you are okay!

07/24/2008 Shelly "This will go down on your permanent record" L. says:

Hey Mel -- sorry this happened. Keep in mind that anything you have that is a weapon can be used against you in the same way. Also, kicking a guy in the balls doesn't always work, if he is drunk or on drugs, it won't matter.

Go to the police, report the incident and ask them what they would recommend for your personal safety. If you want to get pepper spray, make sure you get the right type. We don't want you to be the one who is arrested for unknowingly using an illegal product. They can also point you in the direction of (usually free) self defense classes or to someone who can teach you how to properly use the pepper spray.

And Jabir is right, have a friend walk you to the stop and wait until the bus arrives. Most campuses have a number which you can call for an escort when it is dark. I use to do this at my campus when I was in the buildings late. The security guard would drive me to my car.

Better safe than sorry. Trust your instincts. Keep yourself safe!! Don't feel bad to ask for help!!

07/24/2008 matt "Fro-yo boy" G. says:

I'm happy you're OK.

"Girls, never go out by yourself at night", esp in the Soma. Find yourself acclimated with some classmates and meet some friends (the more, the better and much safer).  A can of pepper-spray is ok, but not necessary. How about a can of air-freshener or any aerosol can in your pocket will be effective as pepper-spray!

07/24/2008 John "Dobie" P. says:

Mel:
First off I am glad you made it thru your ordeal.  Second, your description of "a white mouth" is an indicator your person was on drugs, (not the street kind) but a phsyc type drug, and pepper spray would have only enraged this guy.  The yelper who gave you advice on the Security Review has the right idea.  Get yourself trained in a defensive mechanism, such as a taser, or for a pronounced effect on "society's mis-understood", I would recommend carrying a canister (personal size) of CS "Liquid Tear Gas.  I started using it in the streets, and all I can tell you is the effectiveness was better.  Although "pepper" spray is very painful, and causes on to pull away, (especially animals) I don't trust its results.  Now if you have ever been exposed to "Tear Gas", the first response of ANY HUMAN is to double over and puke.  Quite effective to make a safe retreat and call for help.  Check it out.  
That is all.

07/24/2008 Harry "Haricot Vert" C. says:

Scary...Glad it worked out and you're okay.
Pepper spray is not the ultimate solution, but is better than nothing.
Used properly, it will allow you time to get away and in a nightmare scenario,
won't be too bad if taken away in a struggle and used on you.

I've often heard that when a nutcase approaches you, it is good to get away
from buildings and head into the street where you are more visible.
Kicking someone in the balls is good only as a last resort and you need to
be prepared to continue the assualt if you do as you can be assured they
will be royally PO'd.

Don't let it rule your life or make you paranoid...just make sure that you are
always aware of your surroundings when out and about.

Just a matter of time before the guy does it to the wrong guy or girl.  When
he does, it'll be a victimless crime, just another unidentified dead crackhead.
that

07/24/2008 euge "fanfuckingtastic" l. says:

a little lady i met a couple years back JUST moved to sf.

didnt realize the tl wasnt sop tender. for her apt, i got her an elephant baton, you know stun gun on a stick.

for personal saftey, you want to be able to know your surroundings, you hear it all the time, but its very true. know whos around you, where you can find excape routes if you had to run.

weapons are completely useless if you are not trained how to use them.

pepper spray can be very helpful in many scenarios, but is can also lead you into more trouble.

like i said, you need to be trained to use it.

there are many self defense classes that teaching you to use pepper spray. hell there are great self defense classes that will teach you to use almost anything yo uhave to give you that extra time you need to get the fuck out of there.

07/24/2008 MiKA "go hungry and expect the best" I. says:

omg girl!!! =/ yes, arm yourself with something.

07/24/2008 Harry "Haricot Vert" C. says:

Years ago, in a previous job, I once had a lady that was my boss' friend walk into the office
and tell me how prepared she was for the next time some weirdo came up to her on the street.

She proceeded to pull this little electronic alarm thing out of her pocket and told me
that the next time her safety was threatened, she merely had to pull this little cord to
sound the alarm...like this!

She pulled the cord out and nothing happened...utter silence.  It was the funniest thing
I've ever seen.  I told her that yes, as the perpetrator doubled over in laughter, she could
make her escape.  I still chuckle about that to this day. :)

07/24/2008 OWNED "HACKED" V. says:

This is another good option you may want to consider - http://www.youtube.com...

07/24/2008 euge "fanfuckingtastic" l. says:

best bet, the person with the most experience, the most knowledgable inthee matter is temujin. he will point you in the right direction.

07/24/2008 Aimee "my grass is blue" G. says:

Sorry to hear that happened?

I just moved from SOMA (2nd and Folsom) and since I lived on that block for about 5 years, I knew all the regular crazies/homeless. There is a guy that fits your description that pretty much stays on 2nd and 3rd.  Was he wearing a brownish blanket, by any chance? He is one scary mofo - completely unstable and confrontational. I used to contact the police about him at various times but nothing was ever done. Once in a while he would leave the area for a few weeks and come back looking a bit more clean-shaven, but still as crazy/high as ever.  Whenever I saw him, I would simply cross the street. But I was always prepared to yell bloody murder if he got anywhere near me. I never did get pepper spray but I carried some aerosol hairspray that looked like a can of pepper spray just in case.

07/24/2008 Aimee "my grass is blue" G. says:

Sorry, I did not mean to question mark my first statement!

07/24/2008 euge "fanfuckingtastic" l. says:

oh and ladies, yes kick to the balls might be effect. yes it hurts. but people know this. so do perps.

if i was a perp going outto rape and harm women, id buy a cup.

and for some reason, just growing up as males, we have this second nature instinct to protect the goods when someone around you is kicking.

a good swift shin kick to the side of the knees, most anyone will drop.

07/24/2008 Don "I Can Dance Like Sherlock Holmes" B. says:

I was having lunch with my wife in Justin Herman Plaza a while back and there is a very disturbed woman who frequents the area hurling a slew of expletives at anyone and everyone. So, she's cruising down the table and my wife made eye contact which caused her to stop and spew her vileness in my wife's direction which lasted about as long as I could stand up and get in her face. At that point, she began threatening me, saying she was going to stab me and begging me to touch her so she could sue me. I kept telling her she needed to keep walking and not even look at my wife again. Seriously, it took several minutes of my staring her down to get her to start moving away. I am 6' and 190lbs and like to think I am not in horrible shape and had several inches and quite a few pounds (not to mention sanity) in my favor, and still this woman was very confrontational and unceasing in her threats. My wife was more than a little annoyed that everyone else there just pretended nothing was going on the whole time. So, the stare down technique is not necessarily 100% effective and I am very glad to hear some SF citizens had enough chivalry to come to your aid. In my opinion, that would be the most effective, if we would all look out for each other and help each other in those circumstances. Safety in numbers!

07/24/2008 Suge K. says:

i'm so sorry that this happened to you. thank goodness you're ok.

it's sad that so many people know EXACTLY who you're talking about, yet the police aren't able to do something about him. what is it going to take? somebody actually getting attacked by him???

i'll echo the walk with somebody else and make eye contact in a very confident and serious manner sentiments.

07/24/2008 roger l. says:

just another junkie on the SOMA area... it's very typical.

if you want something pocket size that can fit in your jacket or hands while walking the streets at night, get mace/pepper spray. it's NO use if you leave it in your purse, by the time the crackhead attacks, you'll be fighting him to get to your mace (which is in your purse).

ALWAY HOLD onto the MACE if alone, walking in the streets at night. You never know what kind of JUNKIE will attack for $1.00.

If you want to get something bigger and stronger, you might want to get a taser... but I only recommend getting this for your home use, oppose to getting a real HANDGUN

http://www.taser.com

07/24/2008 joe "SALTY VON BALLS" f. says:

euge "fanfuckingtastic" l. says:

a good swift shin kick to the side of the knees, most anyone will drop.
===

that's euge's fairtex training talking.

07/24/2008 Catherine "Sleepy" H. says:

Get a small can for like $13 bucks at your local smoke shop. I got mine after a couple weeks here since I travel mostly on my own. I've looked online for tips and I really need to practice using it though, esp. in this windy city.

07/24/2008 imelda "yeah, but no but yeah" j. says:

I can't seem to find a self-defense class that doesn't involve doing it for life.  I mean don't they have those one day workshops where they give you tips and such for a couple hours about self-defense?  Maybe I'm looking in the wrong places.  They seem unbelievably expensive, like $400 or so.  Anything less than $100??

07/24/2008 Sssshhhhh "mango mochi" L. says:

I buy my pepper spray at the photo dept in Walgreen's on Market and 4th next to Old Navy.

07/24/2008 Ryan D. says:

Krav Maga place in SF would be excellent!

07/24/2008 Ryan D. says:

http://www.yelp.com/bi...

and glad to hear you were OK

07/24/2008 Suge K. says:

like somebody above suggested, look up temujin and ask his advice. or search old threads for 'self defense' and look for him on there.

i don't think pepper spray works on crackheads and tweakers - at least the kind you can buy over the counter won't. and junkies aren't usually dangerous - heroin does not make you violent, it makes you nod off.

07/24/2008 Christine "Beavis" H. says:

According to a cop friend of mine, everyone reacts to pepper spray differently. He's seen a woman drop down onto broken glass and roll around in it after being sprayed, and also seen a guy simply wipe his eyes, and say, "What did you do that for?" Pepper spray is not 100% effective unfortunately.

07/24/2008 roger l. says:

i don't like self defense classes because that means you actually have to throw down with the junkie, bum or who ever.......

For a guy, it may be okay... but for a lady to actually do something physical and throw down... I don't think it's a good idea.. rather than fighting, I suggest getting the mace / pepper spray.. self defense class are great, but who really wants to fight a bum or a junkie that's been injecting themself with needles.(GROSS!) And if there's cuts involved.. AIDS....... HIV.. who knows........

Stay as far away from the attacker and just spray them with mace... then run for dear life.... that's what I would do...

Plus some of these people who are the attacker, who knows what kind of drugs they are on... when they are so HIGH on drugs, the mace might not even work.... just watch some of the video on Youtube and you'll know what i mean..

SPRAY with MACE and run for life.........

07/24/2008 Manny "Hussein" F. says:

Pepper spay doesn't always work of crack heads and to use any kind of martial art would require touching him. Stabbing can get you in a lot of trouble potentially. I carry around a retractable baton but it takes some skill to use effectively. The taser is your best bet and I suggest you pay the extra $50 for the laser to make sure you are on target. If you don't want to pay $350 I can tell you that a simple stun gun, like they've had around for decades, can be very effective. The down side is that you have to make contact to get the connections onto the person but just the sound of it can get their attention, I held off five or six people that were trying to jump me once just by pulling out my stun gun and letting it crackle while I waved it at them.

http://www.securityval...
http://www.stungunsche...
http://www.opticsplane...

Suge K. says:

and junkies aren't usually dangerous - heroin does not make you violent, it makes you nod off.
============================== =========

junkies can be very dangerous when they are jonesing

07/24/2008 imelda "yeah, but no but yeah" j. says:

roger l: if a woman thinks she may be on her way to being rapped if a guy tries to attack her, i don't think she's thinking of AIDS and stuff. i think she's thinking she needs to get away asap no matter what it takes, even if means throwing down the junkie!

i beg to differ.

07/24/2008 Suge K. says:

mel, seriously, PM temujim

http://www.yelp.com/us...

he is pretty much the yelp expert on this shit. i haven't seen him around the threads lately, but i'm sure if you PM him, he'll get back to you.

manny - i bet you're thinking of tweakers  or crackheads.

07/24/2008 roger l. says:

@ Mel..

When I meant throw down, I was referring to a woman being robbed, not rape... sorry.. and it also depends on the situation... If a woman was being harrass for money, then I would just mace the person and run.. but if the attacker is trying to rape, then a throw down is a MUST.....

07/24/2008 Jaime "Not Bulimia, Just Good Business Practice" L. says:

*sigh*

this is why i want to carry a concealed weapon.

07/24/2008 Don "Where am I going? Why am I in this handbasket?" B. says:

Just a note about the drugged out potential attackers and Pepper Spray or Mace, etc... The sprays are intended as a spray and run type of weapon. Someone drugged or alckied out may not feel very much pain, but as a though, they'll still have their eyes running enough to blur their vision as well as being stunned for a second or two. That'll give you a head start while you start sprinting for the gold while screaming your bloody head off and running towards any open public place.

Oven cleaner and hair spray can cause permanent vision loss... now you're setting yourself up for legal charges if you use it in public. However, if you are a lady smoker... you could whip your lighter out in your other (empty) hand and flick your BIC. It makes an excellent impromptu flamethrower! ;)

07/24/2008 Rob "Jumping Jehoshaphat" J. says:

I'd freak out on a motherfucker if he did that. My adrenaline kicks in and it's over....i'd worry about getting fluids on my body or clothes. This bum was yelling at me on the bus the other day "WANNA BE GEORGE MICHEAL !". I looked at him and laughed. Then he got up next to me and stared at me. I turned & looked at him and he's staring all crazy at me. I try to go past him and he wouldn't move so I had to physically force him out of the way..while he's yelling "IS THAT ALL YOU GOT!". Meanwhile I'm really pissed...adrenaline flowing...and I realize it's my stop so I get off and he gets out too. Meanwhile I cross the street and he follows me...yelling shit. So I'm at the bus and he's trying to get in my face....fucker almost spat on me. I took off my glasses and looked him in the eye and said what are you gonna do motherfucker.....come on...he reaches back in his pocket like he has a knife or some shit....so I step back waiting for any move towards me.......he goes and looks through the garbage....some lady tells me to call the cops and say hell no...that's not going to do anything. I tell him he needs to stfu and mind his own business....blah blah blah...he gives me the finger and holds it there....the bus shows up and as I get on he yells "THATS RIGHT BIETCH!". Just another day on Muni...

07/24/2008 Don "Where am I going? Why am I in this handbasket?" B. says:

though = thought

07/24/2008 Mitsi "laaa-leeee" H. says:

1 hour ago John "Dobie" P. says:

Mel:
First off I am glad you made it thru your ordeal.  Second, your description of "a white mouth" is an indicator your person was on drugs, (not the street kind) but a phsyc type drug, and pepper spray would have only enraged this guy....

------------------------------ ----------

I agree with this, because I had a run in with the same guy. The guy, who I will now refer to as Chickenjoyless, or CJL for short, is clearly mentally ill. I felt that no weapon would have stopped CJL, he was very....motivated.

The liquor store guy that helped me said CJL is "sick" and hangs out around there hassling people all the time. Apparently the police talk to him about 2x's a week.

07/24/2008 Don "I Can Dance Like Sherlock Holmes" B. says:

Manny F. says:

...I carry around a retractable baton but it takes some skill to use effectively...
--------------
Do note that telescoping/retractable batons are illegal in California unless you are licensed to carry one (security guard, police, etc.).

07/24/2008 Jesse "wants to buy a house in sf" B. says:

i think pepper spray is a great idea for girls to carry at night and just gives them a little piece of mind.  and just keep it on your keychain and in your hand because you don't have time to dig in your purse if someone was to surprise you.  on the other hand a knife is a really stupid idea because unless you know how to fight with a knife most men are stronger than women and may just end up using that knife on you (bad).  pepper spray can be used from a short distance away.  not looking a creep in the eye is ok but ignoring someone is also a bad idea as they could sneak up on you like they do in scary movies and hit you over the head.  i always try to know who is in my personal space.

yelling for help may not work because in my neighborhood, the lovely TN=tendernob i hear yelling crack heads all the time so i sort of tune it out.  if i was in sight tho and saw a girl in distress i would definitely run to your aid, hopefully with a big stick.  

that said i think this city is amazingly safe, considering all the mentally ill roaming about.

07/24/2008 Suge K. says:

when i lived in baltimore while taking some grad courses, i didn't have a lot to do and i only had a few friends there and they had jobs and couldn't go out all the time. so i would walk down to a bar that let me bring the dog in. if you are familiar with baltimore, you know the 2 block rule, which means that no matter where you are, you're never more than 2 blocks away from a really dangerous neighborhood. i had to walk through some scary stuff to get to this place.

i was fine on the way there. on the way back, i walked with my 150 pound dog's leash in one hand and an open buck knife very visible in the other hand. people thought i was completely out of my fucking mind and would cross the street when they saw me coming.

07/24/2008 Manny "Hussein" F. says:

Don "Ask Me About My 5-Year Plan" B. says:

Do note that telescoping/retractable batons are illegal in California unless you are licensed to carry one (security guard, police, etc.).
============================== ==============

I am aware of that and don't care.

07/24/2008 Joe "El Dorko" C. says:

I used to pack heat.

07/24/2008 jen "pants" d. says:

pepper spray works nicely but be careful about when you use it (wind direction, etc.).  he's probably tweaker or schizophrenic, many homeless are unfortunately. but i disagree that junkies can't be dangerous, if they are desperate for a fix they will attack/rob people that they normally would not bother.

07/24/2008 Gil "chickencat" S. says:

I don't want to downplay personal safety but most crackheads and crazies are completely harmless, and most who are hateful and aggressive are not going to act on it when it comes to violence.  They also tend to be slow moving, disoriented, and not very cogent.  If this were D&D they would be 1-point orcs, and if it were a horror movie they would be the zombies.  You have more to worry about getting hit by cars, or robbed by a thug.  You can avoid them most of the time by staying out of their way, and walking away if necessary - look at them so they know you're not absent minded, just don't stare or get/recognize their attention.   I would also use the same kind of firm vocal technique you might use on a dog, or a policeman uses on a testy civilian.  Say no in a respectful firm way that says you mean it and you're not going to have any nonsense or discussion on the topic, and if they persist give a direct command "no, now walk away" - that works at least half the time and I've only had it make someone mad once (and that guy was a fruity whiner who was begging for money, not a menacing guy).  There's one girl in my hood who simply won't listen or respond to orders so you either have to leave yourself, or remove or physically threaten her if you can't.   Of course they're nuts so all bets are off, but they're often just not that dangerous.

07/24/2008 Suge K. says:

gil, with all due respect, you're not a woman

07/24/2008 Renae H. says:

1 hour ago Suge K. says:

when i lived in baltimore while taking some grad courses, i didn't have a lot to do and i only had a few friends there and they had jobs and couldn't go out all the time. so i would walk down to a bar that let me bring the dog in. if you are familiar with baltimore, you know the 2 block rule, which means that no matter where you are, you're never more than 2 blocks away from a really dangerous neighborhood. i had to walk through some scary stuff to get to this place.

i was fine on the way there. on the way back, i walked with my 150 pound dog's leash in one hand and an open buck knife very visible in the other hand. people thought i was completely out of my fucking mind and would cross the street when they saw me coming.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~

Big dogs are the best crazy deterrent I know of.  Unfortunately my dog cannot go everywhere I can go.

07/24/2008 Mitsi "laaa-leeee" H. says:

Gil - I agree with the zombie take on this guy, but he was still scary. He reminded me of the zombies in 28 Days Later, motivated raged filled and fast.

And I agree with Suge, it is totally different as a woman.