AI is no match for the community of Paradise Valley
OPINION — Access to our neighborhood is a main street with no outlet. One way in and the same way out. With no through traffic, the street is a neighborhood favorite for morning dog walks.
Several weeks back on my morning walk, there was a driverless rideshare vehicle parked on the street, obviously waiting for its next fare. From that day forward, the vehicle was there every morning.
One of these vehicles in the neighborhood was kind of a novelty, but then one grew to three. Three lined up every morning and, as one exited, within minutes another filled its position.
The increased traffic became a real issue on trash days and days when the local landscapers parked to service the neighborhood. Trash can pick-up was blocked and those vehicles loomed as we tried to maneuver their parking. They increased the traffic by 20-fold!
My wife and I both had the opportunity to speak with Anna Thomasson as she campaigned for her Paradise Valley council position. Anna spoke of her commitment to serving her constituents and to her dedication to preserving the essence of Paradise Valley.
I sent an email to Anna regarding the situation and within the hour received a response. Anna’s requested the assistance of PV Community Resource Officer Vasilije Sagovnovic (Officer V), who responded the next day reporting that he contacted the responsible company and they agreed to change their parking algorithm.
My intent is to commend Anna Thomasson for her delivering what she promised in her campaign; for Officer V for his fast action; and to call out the company for their total disregard for our personal privacy, using our neighborhood as their parking lot. Apparently, the AI algorithm underestimated the power of community.
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