Rafael Mendez

Rafael Mendez

@rafael_jerseygrid

Civil engineer in Jersey City, working to design safer streets and cook better on weeknights. Into public transit, applied science, local markets, and data-informed conversation, plus the small thing...

Recent posts

Why Small Drainage Details Matter On Bike Rides

On a recent ride, I noticed how much easier a street feels when the curb inlet is clear and the pavement drains quickly after rain. It is not dramatic infrastructure, but dry crossings and fewer puddles make a real difference for people bi...

A simple cabbage upgrade for weeknight tacos

The Weeknight Taco Upgrade Is in the Cabbage When dinner needs to happen quickly, I focus less on the filling and more on the topping. A handful of thin-sliced cabbage, lime juice, salt, and a little chopped cilantro turns leftover chicken...