The weird signs of San Diego

To: Matmail: I’ve always wondered about those signs you occasionally see on the freeway that say “Landscaping Ahead.” Why does Caltrans feel the need to alert drivers to upcoming ice plant?— Ann, Mission Valley

Just one more signage mystery, like “Cruise Ships Use Airport Exit” and “Trucks OK.” My personal favorite was the chunk of 163 south through Balboa Park marked at the north end “Begin Scenic Drive” and, half a mile or so later, “End Scenic Drive.” Scenic it was, but hardly worth a special trip. (Recently the “End Scenic Drive” sign has been removed, making us look less like idiots to out-of-towners.) But the landscaping notices are quite logical to Caltrans. The agency lets contracts to private companies to plant and maintain our roadside vegetation. Once the deal is struck for a particular stretch of road, Caltrans erects signs to let us know that shoulder work will be taking place in this area, and they’d be obliged if we stay alert and not hit anyone, The contracts usually run for five years and require that the companies maintain the ice plant, poppies, whatever, until they are well established and looking good. The landscapers set their own inspection and maintenance schedules, so rather than putting up temporary signs only when people are actually working, Caltrans erects permanent signs so the companies can come and go as they like. When landscaping (the stuff) is chugging along just fine, landscaping (the activity) ends, and the signs come down. If Caltrans were fully truthful, the signs would say, “It’s possible that from time to time over the next few years you’ll see people here spraying, and weeding, and feeding, but we can’t predict exactly when that will be, so just keep on your toes and be prepared for anything.” That would give us one less thing to fret about in our overstuffed lives, but is that what government is here for? I don’t think so.