Tag Archives: California

You Can Get A Ticket For Walking In The Street

By Michael Armijo

California – As kids, our parents warned us heavily to never ever walk in the middle of the street. It was viewed as a spot where no one could go. However, looking around today, it is clear to see that the sidewalk has become more of a suggestion than a requirement. More and more people every day are walking just by the curb or close to in the middle of the street. Even though it seems that this is simply just accepted by the law, it is very much illegal and you can get cited.

California Vehicle Code 21956 states, “No pedestrian may walk upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district otherwise than close to his or her left-hand edge of the roadway.”

“Walking in the street is a very citable offense,” said LA County Sheriff Captain Alfred Reyes, “it’s about safety more than anything else.”

The Captain explained that cross walks are in place for a reason, and so are sidewalks.

“It’s definitely not wise for anyone to walk in the street,” Reyes added, “the best practice are utilizing sidewalks for pedestrian traffic, sidewalks are safest, do not place yourself in harms way.”

Runners and walkers can sometimes use bike lanes, and bike lanes may not be always safe for runners or pedestrians, but no lane is definitely not safe. Safest utilize the sidewalk.

At night always wear reflective clothing, joggers and bikers, Captain Reyes recommends. “If you choose to jog in a bike lane there is always the distracted drivers element. It’s amazing how we see sooo many people look at phones, even on the freeway,” he said.

Just a few months ago, Pastor Mark Lee from Vantage Point Church in Eastvale, sister church from Diamond Bar’s E-Free Church, was running in the bike lane at 9 am when he was struck by a passing truck’s right side view mirror. He spend weeks in rehabilitation and is still reluctant to do certain activities. The driver was cited as being at fault. Fortunately he delivered an inspiring sermon on the importance of cherishing your life.

The Sheriff’s Department will cite runners and bikers in the bike lake who do not wear reflective clothing and bikers who do not have reflectors and a headlight. You are required to have lights on yur bike at night.

Many people do not get ticketed for walking in the street and it appears because of priority. In fact, if you are getting stopped, odds are the officer is concerned about your safety. Sure, walking on a roadway might not get you a serious ticket, but it might get you a serious injury, even death.

In Eastvale, California (bordering Chino), a 28 year old woman was killed last month when she was struck by a vehicle. 28 year old Janine Chavez of Eastvale was walking in the roadway, not inside a crosswalk, Eastvale Sheriff’s officials said. The Eastvale death happened about 7:45 p.m., Chavez was hit by a southbound a Honda Accord driven by a 51-year-old Ontario man, sheriff’s officials said in a press release.

Chavez was pronounced dead at the scene.  It has not yet been determined who’s at fault but the report stated she was not in a sidewalk and appeared to be walking in the road. Details are being gathered, and  according to the Sheriff’s Department, avoiding the street can avoid injuries and fatalities.

According to everybodywalk.org, over 4,500 people in America are killed just crossing the street. The website also claims that over 68,000 people are injured every year from crossing the street. This is even worse in crowded cities like New York, where it is estimated that a pedestrian is killed or injured by a vehicle every two hours.

The only one who can prevent such actions taking place is the pedestrian. Using sidewalks and obeying traffic signs will keep you safe and lawful. If you want to know more about other laws in the California Vehicle Code, dmv.ca.gov has the complete Vehicle Code on their website. (Chandler Holloway contributed to this story)

You Can Get A Ticket For Walking In The Street

By Chandler Holloway and Michael Armijo

California – As kids, our parents warned us heavily to never ever walk in the middle of the street. It was viewed as a spot where no one could go. However, looking around today, it is clear to see that the sidewalk has become more of a suggestion than a requirement. More and more people every day are walking just by the curb or close to in the middle of the street. Even though it seems that this is simply just accepted by the law, it is very much illegal and you can get cited.

California Vehicle Code 21956 states, “No pedestrian may walk upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district otherwise than close to his or her left-hand edge of the roadway.”

“Walking in the street is a very citable offense,” said LA County Sheriff Captain Alfred Reyes, “it’s about safety more than anything else.”

The Captain explained that cross walks are in place for a reason, and so are sidewalks.

“It’s definitely not wise for anyone to walk in the street,” Reyes added, “the best practice are utilizing sidewalks for pedestrian traffic, sidewalks are safest, do not place yourself in harms way.”

Runners and walkers can sometimes use bike lanes, and bike lanes may not be always safe for runners or pedestrians, but no lane is definitely not safe. Safest utilize the sidewalk.

At night always wear reflective clothing, joggers and bikers, Captain Reyes recommends. “If you choose to jog in a bike lane there is always the distracted drivers element. It’s amazing how we see sooo many people look at phones, even on the freeway,” he said.

Just a few months ago, Pastor Mark Lee from Vantage Point Church in Eastvale, sister church from Diamond Bar’s E-Free Church, was running in the bike lane at 9 am when he was struck by a passing truck’s right side view mirror. He spend weeks in rehabilitation and is still reluctant to do certain activities. The driver was cited as being at fault. Fortunately he delivered an inspiring sermon on the importance of cherishing your life.

The Sheriff’s Department will cite runners and bikers in the bike lake who do not wear reflective clothing and bikers who do not have reflectors and a headlight. You are required to have lights on yur bike at night.

Many people do not get ticketed for walking in the street and it appears because of priority. In fact, if you are getting stopped, odds are the officer is concerned about your safety. Sure, walking on a roadway might not get you a serious ticket, but it might get you a serious injury, even death.

In Eastvale, California (bordering Chino), a 28 year old woman was killed last month when she was struck by a vehicle. 28 year old Janine Chavez of Eastvale was walking in the roadway, not inside a crosswalk, Eastvale Sheriff’s officials said. The Eastvale death happened about 7:45 p.m., Chavez was hit by a southbound a Honda Accord driven by a 51-year-old Ontario man, sheriff’s officials said in a press release.

Chavez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sheriff’s officials are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the Jurupa Valley Station’s Eastvale Traffic Division 951-955-2600. She was walking on Hamner Avenue south of Amberhill Ave, according to the Riverside County sheriff’s department and coroner’s office. It has not yet been determined who’s at fault but the report stated she was not in a sidewalk and appeared to be walking in the road. But details are being gathered.

According to everybodywalk.org, over 4,500 people in America are killed just crossing the street. The website also claims that over 68,000 people are injured every year from crossing the street. This is even worse in crowded cities like New York, where it is estimated that a pedestrian is killed or injured by a vehicle every two hours.

The only one who can prevent such actions taking place is the pedestrian. Using sidewalks and obeying traffic signs will keep you safe and lawful. If you want to know more about other laws in the California Vehicle Code, dmv.ca.gov has the complete Vehicle Code on their website.

CSU Trustees Vote to Increase Tuition by 5%

By Marissa Mitchell

In spite of widespread protests from students and elected officials alike, on Wednesday the California State University Board of Trustees voted to raise tuition by another 5%, beginning next school year, to address the shortfall of state funding.

The vote was a close one: 11-8. Among those opposing the passing of this new measure were Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, as well as the states schools superintendent Tom Torlakson, all of whom, it should be noted, formerly served on the board.

The Board of Trustees pass the following two amendments: 1) to rescind the hike in fees should enough state money be provided and 2) requiring reports over the next two years describing how the increased monies are spent.

Under this plan, the annual in-state tuition would increase from $5,472 to $5,742 – a total hike of $270. In addition, a similar increase is proposed for non-resident tuition, as well as increases in graduate, doctoral, and even teacher credential programs. This is estimated to generate $77.5 million in the 2017-18 school year.

Upon passage, CSU Chancellor Timothy White declared, “I don’t bring this forward with an ounce of joy. I bring it out of necessity.” The statement was accompanied with audience-wide booing.

Many students insist that they cannot afford their tuition fees as is, let alone a price increase, and many chanted, “The more we pay, the longer we stay.” Thus, students expressed it is only through working that they are able to obtain any money for schooling. Yet, to many board members, there seems to have been no other way of addressing deficits beyond their control.

Out-of-state UC students will pay the same increases in tuition and fees, along with another $1,332 jump in supplemental tuition, which will increase to $28,014. For non-resident students, the increase will be $1,668.

Legislation Approved For State Cyber Security

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Establishes Strong Foundation for Securing the Most Sensitive Information Systems

 By Chris Wangsaporn

Sacramento – Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang (R-Diamond Bar) announced that her legislation to put California’s troubled cyber security system back on track was approved by the Assembly Privacy & Consumer Protection Committee. On the heels of a troubling audit of the state’s cyber security program, AB 1881 will ensure the state’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) establishes minimum security controls for state departments and agencies. California is vulnerable to thousands of hacking attempts per month but has a porous information security operation.

“Without proper security controls in place, it’s akin to leaving your front door unlocked at night,” said Assemblywoman Chang. “It doesn’t matter if we have state-of-the-art technology or firewalls in place if you lack proper policies to keep data secure.”

AB 1881 will require the State Chief Information Officer (CIO) to develop baseline security controls (minimum security requirements) for all state agencies and departments.  The CIO would further be required to report on compliance to the Legislature.  Security controls are procedures — sometimes performed by people rather than IT systems — that reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities such as password procedures, personnel access, or data disposal.

In 2015, the California state auditor outlined an extensive assessment of the Department of Technology’s oversight of California’s State’s information security operations.  The results of the audit painted an alarming picture of California’s cyber security system and practices. For example, 95% of surveyed departments and agencies stated they are not fully in compliance with existing state security standards.   And shortly after a recent committee hearing on cyber security discussing the audit, a top cyber security official stepped down.

“The state is falling short on some of the most basic aspects of cyber security,” said Chang.  “There really shouldn’t be an information security program in place without developed security controls.”

State government is responsible for securing highly sensitive information of its citizens. From social security numbers and medical records, to the integrity of wastewater treatment plants, state government’s information systems ensure our privacy as well as the reliability of critical infrastructure and resources.

Californians Meet Water Goals

Courtesy of CA Water Board

SACRAMENTO– Californians have reduced water use by 25.5 percent since June, and are continuing to meet Governor Brown’s 25 percent mandate, despite a decline in the statewide water-savings rate during the last three months of 2015.

In December, the statewide conservation rate was 18.3 percent, down from 20.4 percent in November, compared to the same months in 2013.  A drop in the water conservation rate was expected during the cooler fall and winter months, when Californians use less water and there is less opportunity to save on outdoor water use compared with the hot summer months.   Statewide water use declined from 76 gallons per person per day in November, to 67 gallons in December, the second lowest per-person rate since water use reporting began in June 2014.

Nonetheless, Californians are urged to keep up their efforts to conserve through the winter months.  This includes complying with urban water supplier directives to switch to once-a-week watering schedules, and not using outdoor irrigation during and within 48 hours following a rain event.

“While the recent rains and growing snowpack are wonderful to behold, we won’t know until spring what effect it will have on the bottom line for California’s unprecedented drought,” said Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Resources Control Board.  “Until we can tally that ledger, we have to keep conserving water every way we can.  Every drop saved today is one that we may be very glad we have tomorrow.”

In November 2015, the Governor issued an Executive Order directing the State Water Board to extend and revise the drought emergency water conservation regulations based on conditions through January.

New Laws on the Books for 2016

Staff Reports

On January 1, several new laws will hit California.  Here are some that might affect you and your family:

  • SB 172 suspends the administration of the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) at least through the 2018 school year. High school seniors will receive their diploma without having to pass an exit exam.  Students who were unable to pass the exams since 2004 will also retroactively be granted their diplomas;
  • AB604 mandates that motorized skateboard users must be 16 years old, must wear helmets, and forbids the use of them while under the influence.
  • SB 178 will help protect citizen privacy by requiring law enforcement to obtain search warrants in order to examine citizens’ emails, text messages, Internet search history and other digital data;
  • In a bill authored to cut down on accidental police shootings, SB 199 will require airsoft guns to show aspects marking them as toys, such as fluorescent trigger guards;
  • In a hotly contested bill, SB 277 will require most children to obtain full vaccination by July so they can attend school in September. This bill was introduced after the Measles outbreak last spring.  It removes the “personal belief” exemption for public and private school students and those in public and private daycares and other licensed facilities;
  • SB 549 allows in-game charity raffles to allow winners to keep 50 percent of ticket sales. The previous law allowed charity raffles only when 90% of ticket sales were going to charity;
  • SB 588 permits the California Labor Commissioner to place a lien on an employer’s property to try and recoup the value of wages left unpaid if an employee has not been paid his/her full wages;
  • In a bill sponsored by California College and University Police Chiefs Association, SB 707 bans concealed firearms from college campuses and K-12 school grounds;
  • AB 329 makes participation in sex education courses mandatory for students unless parents purposely opt-out, and also includes the teaching of a fluid gender identity;
  • AB 359: Forces stores to keep employees for at least 90 days so they cannot be fired as a result of buyouts or mergers;
  • In another hotly contested fight for religious freedom, AB 775 will force crisis pregnancy centers to post a sign alerting clients of the existence nearby of public family planning programs, including abortions. These pregnancy centers are unhappy that they will have to mention abortion services when most are pro-life.
  • AB 1014 will permit family members to obtain a restraining order to keep relatives who might commit gun violence from owning a gun. This bill was introduced after Elliot Rodger stabbed his roommates and went on to shoot several others near the University of California at Santa Barbara.
  • In an effort to discourage frivolous proposals, AB 1100 will raise the fee for a statewide proposition from $200 to $2,000.
  • AB 1422 , in an attempt to enhance passenger safety, compels Uber, Lyft, and similar entities to give the California Department of Motor Vehicles access to driver records.

 

Energy Regulations Drill Californians’ Wallets

 

By Marc Miles and Wayne Winegarden

 

California – If forecasts predicting another brutally cold winter are correct, Americans’ furnaces will soon be working overtime. Last year’s frigid temperatures significantly increased heating bills across the country. For instance, the cost to heat a home with propane has increased by more than 50 percent.

 

The weather is a given every year, but spiking energy costs are not. Energy regulations that discourage economic efficiency — especially here in California — drive up energy prices, drain Americans’ wallets, and cost the country thousands of jobs.  Reforming these energy regulations can save consumers money and spur economic growth.

 

California has some of the most inefficient energy regulations in the country, according to our new study, The 50 State Index of Energy Regulation. California fared particularly poorly due to its restrictions on consumer freedom to choose an energy provider and the ability of electricity producers to adjust to changing conditions. Instead of effectively allocating energy resources, California has implemented regulations that create costly roadblocks.

 

California would do well to emulate states, such as Texas, that let consumers choose between different energy providers. Residents and businesses can compare different electricity suppliers’ prices and services, and choose the one that best meets their needs.

 

When consumers are empowered, power companies must compete to attract and retain customers. That helps reduce prices. In Texas, rates declined by more than a third after retail choice policies were introduced.

 

Texas actively promotes retail choice by offering consumers information about the different energy options available. Texans can also take advantage of an online comparison tool that allows for convenient, one-stop shopping. It’s no surprise that over 80 percent of Lone Star State residents and businesses exercise their freedom to choose the best deal.

 

Despite the proven success of retail choice, only 17 states have embraced such policies. California isn’t one of them. If lawmakers introduced retail choice, residential consumers would have more money in their pocketbooks, and businesses would benefit from lower operating costs. Such savings would benefit the California economy.

 

Regulations on electricity production are also boosting energy bills unnecessarily. One common type of regulation – the “renewable portfolio standard” – requires electric companies to generate a set percentage of their power from renewables such as solar and wind.

 

But renewable energy isn’t cheap. The federal Energy Information Administration estimates that renewable sources like solar thermal and offshore wind can be 300 percent more expensive than electricity generated from natural gas. Power companies pass these expenses directly on to consumers in the form of higher electric bills.

 

California would be wise to ditch its renewable portfolio standard.

 

Wyoming declined to institute such a standard, and its residents have reaped the benefits. Electricity costs just 7.91 cents per kilowatt hour in Wyoming; the third cheapest rate in the nation.

 

Compare that to California. Its renewable portfolio standard requires energy providers to generate 33 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2020. It’s no surprise, then, that the price of California’s electricity per kilowatt hour is 119 percent higher than Wyoming’s.

 

High electricity prices raise costs for businesses and consumers alike, and have adverse economic consequences. A University of Kentucky study demonstrates that even a ten percent increase in electricity prices can cost a state billions of dollars in lost economic activity.

 

Based on our Index, the average rate of economic growth in the states with the most economically efficient energy regulations was eight percentage points higher than in the states with the least economically efficient energy regulations.

 

Energy regulations also smother job creation. Despite the recession, the average employment growth in the most economically efficient states increased by 2.6 percent between 2007 and 2012, compared to an average contraction in employment of 2.2 percent in the least efficient states.

 

There’s no need for these job losses to continue.  Doing away with inefficient energy regulations can jumpstart job growth and lower consumers’ energy bills.

 

And by the way, good luck staying warm this winter.

 

Marc Miles, Ph.D., is president of Global Economic Solutions. Wayne Winegarden, Ph.D., is senior fellow at the Pacific Research Institute and a Partner in the consulting firm, Capitol Economic Advisors.