But why?

Sometimes I find myself being briefly annoyed when the bus has to wait for kids who aren't outside when the bus comes or if a kid is dawdling. But often I see a mom or dad walking behind them, looking left and right, shepherding them to the point where they have to cross the road. It only takes a few seconds to wait until they are on the bus or off the bus and on safe ground, just as it only takes a few seconds to get impatient and ruin lives. Stop. For. Every. School. Bus.

Thanks for this moving and well-told story.

1. Depending on the size of the order, I put money in the tip jar when I pick up the food. My favorite Chinese takeout costs me $10 or so and I leave a five for them. I'd spend that much at Chipotle or Panera for food that isn't half that good.
2. [I live alone and don't order pizza takeout.]
3. Sit down dining 20-30%. More if I/we tie up a table beyond the normal turnover. On a small check ($5 or 6) I might leave $2-3 and not worry about the percentage.
4. I get a cold drink at a fast food spot every day and usually add a buck for the person handing me the stuff. During COVID they were sometimes the only people I saw in a day.

It makes a difference that I can afford to tip well and I worked through college as a waitress and short-order cook. My own thought is that it's good to keep stuff circulating--money, kindness, help.

It was so long ago, I don't recall. I'm sure others will have a better answer. But good luck!

I've only ever lost once when I appeared in court and that was in Mt. Lebanon, where they treated me like a serial killer for driving over 20 mph in a school zone at 8:57 am, when there were no kids in sight.

Contest it, politely, in person. If you have a clean parking record, reference that.

What "city limits"?

You could also get quality furniture at all three stories.