I noticed the leaves on my morning walk today. Not their friendly crunch under my feet, nor the way they scatter unexpectedly under Pepper's paws, startling her into a sideways skitter before moving back to our straight, purposeful path. Rather, I noted their sudden absence for about a block in front of me. It was puzzling to imagine a city planning conversation that resulted in a street with trees that shed leaves, then pause, then begin again. Until I realized, they had been removed. for half a block before and half a block after a certain community. "Santa Barbara" as its tasteful sign announces, offers a decidedly attractive and unwelcoming entrance, High, square hedges A small, windowless box with signs that warn, "15 m.p.h," and "No Soliciting." An eight foot tall wrought iron gate encloses the homes beyond, protector and sentry, to all those safely beyond the reach of the street with its Toyota Camrys an...