Author: James Johnson

James Johnson

Pronouns: he/him/his

I'm age 69, married, a father of three, a retired infectious diseases specialist, and a UM professor of medicine and environmental health. I've lived in St. Paul nearly continuously since 1969, mainly in Macalester-Groveland and Shadow Falls. I'm an avid biker, walker, and runner. I enjoy bagpiping, choral singing, Bulgarian dancing, and creating Dad Jokes and Limericks.

Picking up trash. Photo by James Johnson

Plogging and Plalking: Saving the World, One Litter Bit at a Time

James Johnson • July 21, 2025

Walks and jogs can be even more purposeful — for you and your neighbors — if you pick up trash along the way.

Photo by James Johnson.

Street Illegal, Part 2: Readers and Leaders Speak Out

James Johnson • February 12, 2025

Following up on reader comments about their experiences with noise pollution, the challenges around implementing automated noise enforcement and how you can help.

Photo by James Johnson.

Street Illegal: A Hot Take on Hot Cars

James Johnson • December 3, 2024

Explore how automated noise enforcement could help the Twin Cities combat the problem of excessive vehicle noise in urban areas.