The freeway is between my house and downtown San Mateo, so I rarely go into town in the morning unless I need gas or have a craving for a chai latte. A couple of months ago when I went to get gas I noticed that there were several men lingering on each of the corners by the gas station. I wondered what they were doing just standing there and then suddenly realized that they were hoping to be hired for the day. I didn’t think much of it and personally have nothing against it.

This morning I had a chai craving and on my way to satisfy it I saw a large electronic sign that read “STREET HIRING IS ILLEGAL”. It was not there before and is obviously San Mateo’s reaction to all the talk about illegal immigrants. I will also mention that I think I saw twice as many men on the corners, because of or in spite of this sign.

Now, I first have to say, that I do not know a lot about either side of this issue. But there must be a good solution out there somewhere. How did all of the current hype get started anyway? I’m not saying there isn’t a problem, but I think part of this issue is that politicians need something to talk about right before an election. So they bring up whatever hot topic hasn’t been in the news lately.

Anyways, I just thought it was odd and interesting to see the sign with twice as many people hanging out around it. I suppose that means it worked.