New Cellular Phone Laws that Go Into Effect July 1, 2008 2008
Schedule of events Plan
to celebrate with us - the FOURTH
OF JULY!!! The City Now Has Four New Services Up and
Running! Discussion on City ADA Concerns Time Magazine's 10 Sites You Can't Do Without National
Night Out -2008 Our Most Recent
Event Saving
Second Saturday Jazz
in the Park" Graffiti
vandalism Invitation to Join NBNA
Two new laws dealing with the use of
wireless telephones while driving go into effect July 1, 2008. Below is
a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning these new laws.
Q: When do the new wireless telephone laws take effect?
A: The new laws take effect July 1, 2008.
Q: What is the difference between the two laws?
A: The first prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless
telephone while operating a motor vehicle, (Vehicle Code (VC) §23123).
Motorists 18 and over may use a "hands-free device." Drivers under the
age of 18 may NOT use a wireless telephone or hands-free device while
operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).
Q: What if I need to use my telephone during an emergency, and I do not have a "hands-free" device?
A: The law allows a driver to use a wireless telephone to make
emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the
fire department, or other emergency services agency.
Q: What are the fines(s) if I’m convicted?
A: The base fine for the FIRST offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent
convictions. With the addition of penalty assessments, the fines can be
more than triple the base fine amount.
Q: Will I receive a point on my driver license if I’m convicted for a violation of the wireless telephone law?
A: No. The violation is a reportable offense, however, DMV will not assign a violation point.
Q: Will the conviction appear on my driving record?
A: Yes, but the violation point will not be added.
Q: Will there be a grace period when motorists will only get a warning?
A: No. The law becomes effective July 1, 2008. Whether a citation is
issued is always at the discretion of the officer based upon his or her
determination of the most appropriate remedy for the situation.
Q: Are passengers affected by this law?
A: No. This law only applies to the person driving a motor vehicle.
Q: Do these laws apply to out-of-state drivers whose home states do not have such laws?
A: Yes.
Q: Can I be pulled over by a law enforcement officer for using my handheld wireless telephone?
A: Yes. A law enforcement officer can pull you over just for this infraction.
Q: What if my phone has a push-to-talk feature, can I use that?
A: No. The law does provide an exception for those operating a
commercial motor truck or truck tractor (excluding pickups), implements
of husbandry, farm vehicle or tow truck, to use a two-way radio
operated by a “push-to-talk” feature. However, a push-to-talk feature
attached to a hands-free ear piece or other hands-free device is
acceptable.
Q: What other exceptions are there?
A: Operators of an authorized emergency vehicle during the course of
employment are exempt, as are those motorists operating a vehicle on
private property.
DRIVERS 18 AND OVER
Drivers
18 and over will be allowed to use a "hands-free" device to talk on
their wireless telephone while driving. The following FAQs apply to
those motorists 18 and over.
Q: Does the new “hands-free” law prohibit you from dialing a wireless telephone while driving or just talking on it?
A: The new law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving.
Q: Will it be legal to use a Bluetooth or other earpiece?
A: Yes, however you cannot have BOTH ears covered.
Q: Does the new "hands-free" law allow you to use the speaker phone function of yourwireless telephone while driving?
A: Yes.
Q: Does the new “hands-free” law allow drivers 18 and over to text message while driving?
A: The law does not specifically prohibit that, but an officer can pull
over and issue a citation to a driver of any age if, in the officer’s
opinion, the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle
safely. Sending text messages while driving is unsafe at any speed and
is strongly discouraged.
DRIVERS UNDER 18
Q: Am I allowed to use my wireless telephone "hands-free?"
A: No. Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wireless telephone,
pager, laptop or any other electronic communication or mobile services
device to speak or text while driving in any manner, even "hands-free."
EXCEPTION: Permitted in emergency situations to call police, fire or
medical authorities (VC §23124).
Q: Why is the law stricter for provisional drivers?
A: Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely than older drivers
to be involved in crashes because they lack driving experience and tend
to take greater risks. Teen drivers are vulnerable to driving
distractions such as talking with passengers, eating or drinking, and
talking or texting on wireless devices, which increase the chance of
getting involved in serious vehicle crashes.
Q: Can my parents give me permission to allow me to use my wireless telephonewhile driving?
A: No. The only exception is an emergency situation that requires you
to call a law enforcement agency, a health care provider, the fire
department or other emergency agency entity.
Q: Does the law apply to me if I’m an emancipated minor?
A: Yes. The restriction applies to all licensed drivers who are under the age of 18.
Q: If I have my parent(s) or someone age 25 years or older in the car with me, may I use mywireless telephone while driving?
A: No. You may only use your wireless telephone in an emergency situation.
Q: Will the restriction appear on my provisional license?
A: No.
Q: May I use the hands-free feature while driving if my car has the feature built in?
A: No. The law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type
of wireless device while driving, except in an emergency situation.
Q: Can a law enforcement officer stop me for using my "hands-free" device while driving?
A: For drivers under the age of 18, this is considered a SECONDARY
violation meaning that a law enforcement officer may cite you for using
a "hands-free" wireless device if you were pulled over for another violation. However, the prohibition against using a handheld wireless device while driving is a PRIMARY violation for which a law enforcement officer can pull you over.
The
two laws were the result of SB 1613 and SB 33, authored by Assemblyman
Joe Simitian and signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in
September 2006.
Here's
what's coming up in the Neighborhood!!! If
you live in the neighborhood - you're invited.
Friday4July
6 p.m. until dark – NBNA General Meeting and block party/potluck,
U Street between 25th and 26th Streets. Bring the kids!
Tuesday
5 August
6 p.m. until dark –
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT in conjunction with NBNA Board Meeting, in front
of 2315 U Street. Stop by for a light supper.
Thursday 18 September6 p.m. NBNA Board Meeting – hosted by Joey Madrid, 2213 W Street.
All welcome!
Thursday
16 October6 p.m. NBNA General Membership
meeting followed by reception at R Street Theatre/California Stage,
1723 25th Street. $12 for light hors d’oeuvres followed by a night
at the theatre! 916.457.4783 for ticket information.
Thursday 18 December6
p.m. to 10 p.m. No host NBNA HOLIDAY PARTY! Bring your friends and
enjoy drinks and appetizers at Hangar 17 Bar and Grill, 1630 S Street,
916.447.1717.
Cheers, Olga
Watch
for the 4th
of July announcement here!! ?
th Annual "U" Street Block Party !
FOOD - FUN - FIREWORKS - FREE ! The City Now Has Four New Services Up and
Running! Here's some good news for you: the City now has four new services up and
running! Please read on for more information:
Police Department: The Crime and Case Log
The Crime and Case is up and running on the Police's web blog. You can now
access daily crime reports, city-wide, using the blog. Please feel free to pass
this information on to other residents and neighborhood groups so they. This is
a work in progress and the Police Department is soliciting any comments and
suggestions. Please go to http://blog.sacpd.org/?cat=21 to access the blog.
Development Services Department: Planning Projects Information Access
The Development Services Department has launched a new map tool on the City
website at: http://www.cityofsacramento.org/dsd/reference/maps/active-projects/
. The purpose of this tool is to allow the public greater access to information
regarding current planning projects that have been submitted to the City of
Sacramento. Users can enter information into the web page to see very specific
information regarding projects based on the criteria that is entered. Users can
also click the link “show all projects on a map†to see all of the active
planning projects Citywide; and by clicking on the project icon additional
information on each project will be displayed.
The map was developed using the existing Google Map program. This platform
was selected as it is readily available to all internet users and is simple to
use. The Google platform provides an enhanced experience allowing the project to
seen in a traditional map view, or in the increasing popular satellite view.
This gives the viewer a clearer picture of not only where the project will be
but the current surrounding and neighborhoods of the proposed project.
The map will be updated monthly with Current Planning projects. Design
Review and Preservation Projects will be added prior to the end of the year. For
more information, please call Wendy Klock-Johnson, Support and Information
Manager (916) 808-5099.
City Operator: 311 Up and Running
Having trouble figuring out who to call in the City? The City Operator can
help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! You can now access the City Operator by
calling 311 (264-5011 is still operational). The following phone companies now
offer 311 dialing to city residents: AT&T (residential/business), AT&T
(wireless), Sprint Nextel, Comcast, Vonage, Virgin Wireless, T-Mobile, Sure West
(residential/business) *some areas in north Sacramento are experiencing problems
due to Sure West routing. 311 anticipate's Metro PCS, Verizon Wireless and
Frontier to be functioning within the next 30 days.
Sacramento City 311 enters calls for service for the following areas: Code
Enforcement, Animal Control, Development Services, water, sewer, drains, and
Solid Waste, parking extension requests, street maintenance, trees (as needed),
and a variety of other services.
311 is definitely growing! If there are any services you feel 311 might
be able to assist you with, please contact Gina Knepp at 808-8333 or
geknepp@cityofsacramento.org.
Code Enforcement: Status of Code Cases
You can now check the status of code cases you have reported online at or
call 808-5404. Please be sure to provide the case number or exact property
address, or the address that is related to the problem. Please keep in mind
that cases are read as they are entered, therefore you may need to switch
"Street" with "ST", etc. to find an existing case online. Please visit http://www.cityofsacramento.org/code/check-cases-online.html
.
10.Flickr - http://flickr.com/ Our
Most Recent Event... Planting
the traffic circle at 26th and "S"
NBNA traffic circle Click
on picture or NBNA to see the show Click
on slide show if you wish (use "back" arrow at end of
show) When
first slide starts, click on the "i" in the
center of the picture to get titles.
On Memorial Day weekend, five of our intrepid members braved a light drizzle and took to the street to start planting the traffic circle at 26th and S.
The circle is part of a traffic calming project started three years ago and replaces a four-way stop sign at 26th and S. Other changes coming out of the project are the diagonal parking on S and 28th and new lining on the street, plus a traffic island on T Street.
Once approved, things take quite a while to happen so the circle is ready for planting at what is probably the worst time of the year. We were delivered sandy loam to fill all the plantable areas of the circle, but we got some very good advice from other traffic circle planters and decided we had to get rid of half the sandy loam so we could replace it with composted material which will hold the water better.
One of our members owns a rental property a few doors down from the circle and has generously allowed us to hook up to her hose to water the circle.
Several hours were spent on Saturday mixing the compost with the sandy loam again and again. All the diggers were supremely happy that it was drizzling and overcast and not hot. In case you haven't noticed, there will never be the tiniest bit of shade on that traffic circle.
So for now, we were given some iris which we planted on Saturday. Any other plants are going to have to wait until fall, when there is a remote chance of their surviving, unless someone wants to give us some and if they live, they live.
The most exciting part is that we have an offer from a local artist to provide some sculpture in the traffic circle, and we are awaiting various permissions and waivers from the City.
Thanks to Olga, Susan, Stacy, Kevin, John, Alex, Kirsten, and Karen for various contributions to the traffic circle.
If you would like to help out with the circle, through plant donations, being one of the watering crew, or contributing materials contact bud@newtonbooth.org.
a special EDITORIAL Saving Second Saturday (click on link to go to article)
BE IN THE KNOW!!! - get the latest information about your neighborhood
- To sign up for the latest e-mail announcements go here
: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NBNA_Members/SIGN UP NOW!!!
GRAFFITI VANDALISM
by Matthew Piner, Winn Park/Capitol Avenue Neighborhood
Association
Graffiti is a rampant problem in our neighborhoods.
A current case involving three “20-somethings” from outside our
neighborhood – caught in the act and with prior records – is teaching
us what it takes to be able to prosecute these cases.
If and when they are caught, help the police and
justice system fully prosecute graffiti offenders. Here’s what to do if
you or someone you know is “attacked” – remember the acronym D.R.A.W.:
DOCUMENT the tag with photos – the style and identity
of the tag when repeated at various locations creates a pattern and
helps identify the vandals and their victims and whether it is gang
related or not.
REPORT it to the Sacramento Police Department non-emergency
line. The non-emergency number is 916/264-5471 followed
by 1 + 0 to bypass the voice mail prompts. If someone feels threatened
by an encounter with vandalism in progress, calling 911
or 264-5151 from your cell phone is appropriate.
ACCOUNT for the clean-up, and clean-up or repaint
ASAP. The city has a program to help with this where they provide free
paint (see links below or call the Graffiti Hotline at 916/808-8819).
This foils the purpose of the tag, which is for vandals to show-off
to peers. Save receipts for any materials or labor, or at least
estimate the cost of cleanup or re-painting and write it down. If you do the work
yourself, keep track of your time and estimate the value of that
time at whatever your regular job pays! The actual damages of the attack
need to be assessed. There needs to be paperwork to prove the case.
WATCH for repeat attacks. Often the perpetrators
will return to see if their tags are still there and then paint over your
“repair.” This is often the best time to catch them. Never put yourself at
risk.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!
If enough victims take these simple steps, we will
have the ammunition to fight back and get these cases prosecuted to the
fullest extent of the law and send the message to these vandals that this will
NOT be tolerated in our neighborhood!
For more information, visit the City’s website pages
devoted to this subject:
LJUrban
proposed development for 27th and "V" Revised
proposal -details soon ??
Ongoing Issues:
Street Lights: If your streetlights are out or going on and off frequently,
contact the Street Lighting Shop at 808-6313 with the address that the light is
closest to. Please notice if there is a single light out or if several are out.
We are working on trying to get additional street lights in our neighborhoods,
however our first step is to get all existing lights functional.
An
invitation to join our Association The neighbors who currently belong to the association would
like to extend an open invitation to all neighbors, property
owners, renters and business owners, to join the Newton Booth
Neighborhoods Association - Have a say in what happens in your
neighborhood. Have fun at our special events - block parties
- National Night Out and more. Get involved with issues
that interest you and make a difference in the safety, comfort
and enjoyment of living in one of the Newton Booth neighborhoods.
A membership application is available at Membership - print
one out. membership.html
Be in the know - get the latest information about your neighborhood
- To sign up for the latest e-mail announcements go here
: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NBNA_Members/
Sign up now!!