Night in the Riverbottom (no.2 of ‘In Dark Corners)

A snapshot of a homeless camp in “The Outback” or “The Riverbottom” as it’s called here in South San Diego county, in a region officially called Egger Highlands. Two figures in the foreground linger fireside, passing a pipe while one finishes pissing in the pond. A pink tent (typical for those furnished by a local charity group) is illuminated from within just behind a copse of eucalyptus, while law enforcement, complete with helicopter and drone surveillance backup, sneaks in through the reeds from the East.