This afternoon, I’m walking down University Ave. in San Diego’s Hillcrest district, not far from Bank of America. Before me, a clearly homeless guy carries a white trash bag full of aluminum cans, which are redeemable for a nickel each in California. To his right, lying against a building’s wall, shaded from the blistering sun, is another on-the-street guy. I pass by the one walking just before he moves past the other, who asks the dude for cash.
“Do I look like I’ve got change?” rings the sarcastic response, muttered under breath, as the can carrying guy goes by. After prolonged pause: “Yeah, I’ve got change. I’m carrying it on my back!”