If you are concerned, you should probably call the non emergency phone number for the police. I believe the number is (650) 329-2413. Solicitors do need a permit.

You don't have to deal with these people, they have never given me any trouble when I've just said no, but you can make a case that it's a safety measure for emergency vehicles to have a highly visible number on the curb.

A few years ago, a boy scout troop offered to do this for our neighborhood as a fundraiser. Some chose to, others did not. A very efficient job was done for a fair price and there were no problems. I chose to go with this project because I agree with the safety/emergency practicalities of this plus I think fundraising by people who actually want to work or do a useful job is much better than buying cookies.

If it for someone other than the Boy Scouts, pay in cash. DO NOT give a personal check.
We had this done one year - and it washed off with the first rain.

We were approached by such a person about two years ago. He gave me the 'emergency vehicles' theory first and kind of pretended he was with the City (With terms like 'City requires this etc'). When I questioned him about the City part and asked his id - he said that he was an independent contractor .. and that he worked only with cash.

He started out with $40 for both the edges (verticle and horizontal) and then gave me a final offer for $15. I declined to get the numbers painted - he came back after one hour and offered to do this at $10 .. by then our front side neighbors had gotten it done. I paid $10 cash - two months later, after the first heavy rain, the paint washed off.

I would LOVE to have someone reputable come by and paint our house number on the curb. We're on a flag lot, way off the street, and people have trouble finding our house. The number has been painted on the curb a few times over the years (nearly 30 at this address) but it's pretty worn off now.

I wish there was someone I could call who I knew would do a good job. Seriously, I would pay decent money for this. I should really just do it myself.

[Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
I have had my curb painted three times over the years without a problem and these were normal people just trying to make a living and provide a service. None of the paint washed off like the above stated. Paint is paint and my curb id's last about five years and not a bad investment for $ 10 cash and personality I don't give a damn if they pay taxes or not. Every ninute lost in response time a love one will lose 2 million brain cells and reduce their change of survival by 10% every minute.

[Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]

Ed

What a shame to put fear into people about someone trying to make a living the best way they can. Anyone can come to your door and be a problem (sales person in a suit, worker saying they work for the city etc.). I have had a homeless person paint my address numbers on my curb for several years. He comes by about every 2 years, is polite, clean and does a wonderful job. I have had neighbors comment on how great mine look and he has done other jobs as a result. He, as there are in all towns, people who cannot work in the general population for reasons we cannot understand, this does NOT make them worthless people. This homeless person is doing a job, in all kinds of weather, to make ends meet for him. Too many people turn their backs on those we don't understand. I feel good inside knowing I am helping someone, in any way I can, no matter what he spends the money on to help him get by in life. Since I now donate to the homeless shelters every year. I had to use EMS and they responded very fast and I can't help but wonder if the curb address was responsible since most of the addresses in my neighborhood cannot be seen. Maybe some of you should take a look at yourselves inside as to how kind you should be to your fellow man!

I've been out of work for 10months I'm so far behind and I'm crumbling inside
phil welch

Guadalupe'Ca