"Hi, I'm just calling to see if the city can go out and trim up some bushes. The big bushes on Monterey, in the middle of the street, between 10th Street and Luchessa Avenue. Going south, the bushes are so overgrown on that side that they hit my truck mirrors when I drive by. It's kind of unsafe. Can you please let the city know about that so hopefully they can go out and trim them back a little? Thanks."

Dear Trim 'em,

Red Phone contacted Operations Services Manager Carla Ruigh, who said the oleanders are scheduled to be pruned this winter.

"These particular plants should be pruned in the winter/early spring," she said. "Because of the need to close down one lane of traffic on Monterey Highway in both directions when staff is working on the median, and the time required to prune the oleanders, the city does this as a short term intense effort when we can put a big crew on it to get it done quickly."

Hope that helps good caller. But, if you have any additional questions, Ruigh asked that you contact the Parks and Landscape Supervisor, Chris Orr at 846-0444.

Curb the Carmel Street speeders

"I live on Carmel Street between Fifth and Third and the speed limit is 35 mph. People are constantly driving probably 50, sometimes higher. We're wondering how we get a police officer out here to park on a side street and start giving out some tickets? Thanks."

Dear Slow Down,

Red Phone contacted Sgt. Jim Gillio, who said your tip has been forwarded to the traffic officer.

Keep an eye out good caller, things should slow down with the presence of a black and white in the area.

Offended by naked mannequin

"Hi, Red Phone, would you mind giving me your opinion on this display a store in the El Dorado Plaza on First Street. In the front window of a business is a mannequin lacking clothing. I walk by each morning at 7:55 or thereabouts on my way to Kelton Drive. Yesterday, she was there in the front window watching me walk by and watching the Coors distributor unload his merchandise to the liquor store next door. What about the children who walk by on the way to Togo's? Doesn't anyone else find this unclothed mannequin offensive? Professionally speaking, it seems pretty tacky. Would you have time to go by see what you think. Thanks."

Dear Offended,

Red Phone not only went by, but snapped a photo, though we blacked out what some may consider offensive. Now, since you asked … Red Phone does not find it offensive. It's a mannequin. Are you offended by a naked Barbie doll?

So, Red Phone contacted owner of the store, Simply Romance, who said it was only naked for day after someone bought the outfit it was wearing. Like Red Phone, Hank Provost was surprised you'd find it offensive.

"It has no parts," he said. "It's not anatomically correct."

Right now the mannequin and its partner are wearing Halloween costumes. One is dressed as a belly dancer, the other as a princess.

So good caller, Red Phone realizes that might not be the answer you were looking for, but wants to reiterate that it's just an anatomically incorrect plastic form used to display clothes and not meant to be alluring.