Pet Peeves

Each month, Diablo asks readers to send us their greatest grievances about life in the East Bay. Now that it’s spring, remember to stop and smell and roses. And to pull over for fire trucks.

Bumps in the Road: Talk about a patch job gone wrong. My poor Mini Cooper can’t even navigate the stretch of pavement on Moraga Road from the Town Hall Theater to the St. Mary’s stoplight.

Speed Dial Freaks: Phone callers who multitask while talking. There’s so much background noise you can’t keep your mind on the conversation.

You’re One Year Older (So Shut Up Already): Waitstaff in restaurants startling you with very loud clapping and singing "Happy Birthday." You have to freeze until they finish so you can continue your meal and your conversation. Thought that went out in the ’70s.

What Part of Do Not Call … ?: Phone calls that still come through even when you are registered with the Do Not Call Registry. They get away with it because they are "not selling" anything. They are irritating nonetheless.

Not to Mention People Who Type in All Caps: WHEN CARS DON’T PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES TO PASS!!!!

Keep ’em coming! Tell us all about those ever-nagging nuisances at petpeeves@maildiablo.com.