"We had friends visiting from the Chicago area last week," wrote Jo Ann Cvengros. "They were here at Diamond Lake with us for most of the day but wanted to see some of Spokane before they left the area. I suggested Riverfront Park and the gondola ride. They were very impressed by the falls and really enjoyed it.

"The downside was that they were dismayed by all the litter that could be seen from the ride. I think they left with the impression that Spokane was a dirty city. This really hurt my civic pride.

"Having grown up in Spokane and always having been taught not to litter, I wonder what has happened.

"We are only in the area five months out of the year but Spokane is still a place I'm really proud of and love to show it off to friends who visit. I know times are hard but we can all work toward a clean city."   

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