Bob, a few days back you posted a story titled 'Homeless in My Neighborhood' about the Old Station, an old gas station that's been converted into a cute sandwich shop in 'the Zone'. As your article mentioned, the Zone refers to the epicenter of the homeless population in Phoenix, both various homeless resource providers and the large encampment.
I also recall, as you mentioned, ordering lunch from the Old Station when I worked at CBN. They have good food.
As you know, for a couple of years I worked for a homeless service provider located about a block from the sandwich shop. I, along with several of my coworkers from the shelter, would frequent the Old Station for lunch about once a week; the owners where really wonderful. I frequently saw the challenges they faced trying to operate just a couple of blocks from three homeless shelters and two soup kitchens... I thought the least I could do was buy a sandwich from them once a week.
Something else that you mentioned in the article was a reference to 'The Duce', and the old produce market that used to be located near downtown Phoenix.
I grew up in Phoenix and attended Old Saint Mary's High School; my dad was a Phoenix Police homicide
detective, and my uncle sold melons, onions, and corn at the old produce market. I actually knew several families that bought and sold produce there as well. I have fond memories of eating breakfast with my dad and uncle at the old Busy Bee Cafe next to the old produce market.
So, a few points of correction for the article you posted. You referred to the 'The Duce', the proper spelling is 'The Deuce', and while 'The Deuce' was near the old produce market, the name had no reference to produce. The word deuce means 'two dollars', and referred to an area in old Phoenix that was infamous for prostitution.
When a newspaper reporter once asked Former Phoenix Mayor Margret Hance, 'why is that area called 'The Deuce', she quipped back 'Oh come on boys, that's what it costs'. That is one of my favorite Maggie Hance stories, the other being when she appeared on stage for a Junior League costume and talent show charity benefit, dressed as Noblesse Oblige. The mayor strolled on stage handing out cake, and even had the accent of the 'second estate' down. I really miss that gal!
See the map I prepared that shows the epicenter for homeless services located in The Zone, near where CBN's office is located, and where the Old Station is.
The map also shows where the 'The Deuce' and the old produce market were once located. Close, but different places.
Bill