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Central District Newsletter-October 7, 2008
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
October 7, 2008
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
Fall is officially here, it’s getting darker sooner and no doubt the rain will follow. Now is a good time to check windshield wiper blades and to be on the lookout for bicycles and pedestrians during commute hours. At the end of the month there will be masses out on the streets of San Francisco, free wheeling all over the place. Expect for lots of people and bikes out this October 31st. Not only will it be Halloween, but it will also coincide with Critical Mass, the all-out bicycle rodeo around town.
Beware of Fraudulent Travel Planners
This past week we had over 50 reports of hopeful travelers who have been bilked out of travel plans and thousands of dollars, and some even their passports. Victims from all over the City reported that they made travel plans with an agent on Stockton Street. When they found that their ‘tickets’ were not paid for, they responded to the office and discovered that it was now found vacant. Anyone who made plans through the agent is advised to contact the airline and to make a police report if irregularities are found.
Halloween Safety Tips:
1. Costumes should fit correctly so kids won't trip on them. Wear light-colored costumes so you can be seen easily at night.
2. Kids should not try to Trick or Treat by themselves. They should go with an adult and a group of friends.
3. Map out where you and your friends will be going. Visit only the well-lighted houses.
4. Trick or Treat while it is still light out; always bring a flashlight, it may get dark. Wear a reflective costume or stickers.
5. Pick well-lighted streets. Walk on the sidewalks. Do not take shortcuts or alleys!
6. Only accept candy at a person's front door. Do not go inside of a house or into someone's car.
7. Have a back-up plan in case you get separated from your group. Carry a cell phone or a walkie-talkie or money for a pay phone, and the number of a trusted adult. Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley October 7, 2008 “Arm yourself….with knowledge!” Captain’s Comments ... more -
Central District Newsletter-September 23, 2008
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 23, 2008
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
I am just back from a quick trip to the Eastern Sierras. The sights were great at Mono Lake, Devil’s Postpile, Gem Lake, June Lake and Mammoth Mountain. I even ran into a bunch of tourists trying to figure out the Italian script on the back of their Caffe Roma t-shirts at the foot of Rainbow Falls. Familiar with the credo, I translated, Tony would be proud. While I was there I happened to pick up a local paper to see how crime took a vacation as well. The good news is that their worst report was a demolished and pilfered kitchen and pantry. The suspect was a four legged 350 pound local, covered in dark brown fur. I wonder how they manage Community Policing with those guys.
Yesterday was officially the first day of Fall and our event calendar fills up quickly. In October we have the 10/10 Parade and Festival in Chinatown on 10/04/08 and of course, Fleet Week at Fisherman’s Wharf on 10/9-10/12. At the end of the month we expect revelers of all ages and costume to come into the district for Halloween on Friday 10/31/08.
Broadway and the area has been active. See below for statistics. We have had help with new Central Lieutenant Harry Pierson and Night Captain Dave Lazar directing troops from Central Station, the Market Street Beat, the Traffic Violence Reduction squad and others. The SF Sheriff continues to be a great ally with a bus on Broadway every weekend to assist in booking prisoners. They were very busy Saturday night into Sunday morning.
Broadway Corridor
Friday September 19, 2008: Saturday September 20, 2008:
Felony arrests made 3 Felony arrests 2
Misdemeanor arrests made 6 Misdemeanor arrests made 5
Drunk related arrests made 1 Drunk related arrests made 10
Moving citations 69 Moving citations 62
Parking citations issued 8 Parking citations issued 10
Towed vehicles 14 Towed vehicles 10
The Traffic Company Violence Reduction Unit assistance was very helpful indeed, with a reported 41 citations issued, 5 vehicles towed, 6 reports made and 7 arrests made. The best arrest of the night occurred when Solo Motorcycle Officer Jim Riordan was told by a motorist that a group of 4 Latin males and a black male robbed him at Sansome and Broadway on 9/20/08 at 1:40 AM. The officer and back up located the suspects on Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley September 23, 2008 “Arm yourself….with knowledge!” Captain’s Comments ... more -
Central District Newsletter-September 16, 2008
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 16, 2008
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
Two fatal incidents occurred this week, both within hours of each on 9/11/08. Just after midnight, officers were alerted to a call of a suspect breaking into vehicles on the unit block of Alta, near Coit Tower. At one point, the suspect ran from one of the victim vehicles and attempted to flee, vaulting a wall at the end of the street. The suspect did not survive the fall of over 150 feet to the foot of the hill at Sansome and Filbert Streets.
Later that afternoon, officers were called to an apartment building at Taylor and Geary to our only homicide of the year. Without being able to provide any specific details, I can only commend Officers Steve Wonder and Nick Rainsford for outstanding investigation and follow up that led to the arrest of the suspect within 48 hours of the report.
September is STILL National Preparedness Month, 2008
In San Francisco we have several ways to get ready. Check out www.sfgov.org and backslash police or fire for good tips. You can also check out www.sfsafe.org or www.72hours.org for more information. Be a NERT! Check out the SFFD web page for information on how/when and where you can join the free Neighborhood Emergency Response Team. For more information, citizens may also visit www.ready.gov and www.citizencorps.gov.
Last week, I met with Chief Fong and Cindy Brandon, the executive director of SAFE, Safety Awareness For Everyone, and a representative from the Metropolitan Club regarding a talk on crime awareness for the individual. It occurred to me that the tenants of crime awareness should be on everyone’s mind. Here are just a few tips to help keep you from being a victim.
• Be Mindful. Have situational awareness of your surroundings. That can mean several things, but besides being mindful in the moments when going to and from your home, school or office, it also means doing some homework yourself. Do you know the crime trends in your area? Do you take personal precautions? Do you own something that is a hot commodity? Things like laptops, Ipods, GPS systems in vehicles are top items stolen from people and unoccupied vehicles.
• Use a Lock. On your home, your car, your bike, your work-out locker at the gym. Some thieves are strictly opportunists. They will not force a lock or door, but they are always open to unattended items. Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley September 16, 2008 “Arm yourself….with knowledge!” Captain’s Comments ... more -
Central District Newsletter - September 3, 2008
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
September 2, 2008
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
Despite being a bit superstitious….
To date, we have had no vehicle related accident fatalities in the district.
Also to date, we have had no, zero homicides in the district for the year 2008.
In our fight against auto burglary, one property manager who oversees a garage on Fisherman’s Wharf reports that they have had only one auto boost over the past 3 months since installing several large signs warning patrons to secure valuables out of sight in their parked and unattended vehicles.
Occasionally we experience crimes series of different sorts. We attempt to identify them through police reports or by officers who notice trends in their sectors or on their beats. Information communication is key when it comes to solving a series. That means we need to hear from the community when they notice something unusual or when they experience a crime. Sometimes I am told about crimes that occurred, but the witness or victim did not report them. It is important to track crime trends and statistics by documenting occurrences as much as possible. Sometimes patrols and staffing decisions can be made by the number of calls for service or number of incidents reported in an area during specific times.
Recycling Thefts
We continue to see thefts of opportunity and theft of precious metals such as copper and bronze. Please see the attached SAFE Flier at the end of this newsletter for additional tips and information.
Broadway Corridor
Friday August 29, 2008: Saturday August 30, 2008:
Felony arrests made 1 Felony arrests 5*
Misdemeanor arrests made 1 Misdemeanor arrests made 4
Drunk related arrests made 0 Drunk related arrests made 2
Moving citations 52 Moving citations 43
Parking citations issued 20 Parking citations issued 11
Towed vehicles 12 Towed vehicles 14
8/24/08 stats: 1 misdemeanor arrest, 1 drunk arrest, 12 vehicle tows, 159 citations issued.
8/25/08: 5 Misdemeanor arrests, 34 citations issued, 4 towed vehicles.
8/30/08 Traffic Stats: 3 arrests, 3 towed vehicles and 43 moving citations issued. Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley September 2, 2008 “Arm yourself….with knowledge!” Captain’s Comments ... more -
Sunday Streets in SF!
The city will open up a stretch of roadway connecting the Bayview district to Chinatown and running along the city’s waterfront. This route will be available for physical activities from 9AM to 1PM on Sunday, Aug 31, 2008 and again on Sunday Sept. 14, 2008.
So who will benefit?
Sunday Streets offers free and fun physical activity space to all San Franciscans and provides open space in neighborhoods that lack such space currently. Local businesses will also benefit from increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic along commercial corridors. The events provide a model of how cities can provide healthy, environmental friendly outdoor activities for their residents.
It is truly a privilege to be part of an awesome city that allows these sort of awesome events... The city will open up a stretch of roadway connecting the Bayview district to Chinatown and running along the city’s waterfront. This... more -
SFMTA Donate Free Noise Pollution!
Ding! Ding! Get your FREE bike bell this Wednesday
Get a free bike bell when you pedal your bike by the fabulous SFBC Streetside Outreach Team at Fox Plaza (Market near 9th) this Wednesday from 5-7pm. (Thanks to the SFMTA for donating 800 bells!)
SFMTA= San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Ding! Ding! Get your FREE bike bell this Wednesday ... more -
Central District Newsletter - July 15, 2008
Captain’s Comments
On Wednesday July 9 at 11 AM, I was at the Cable Car turn around at Bay and Taylor Streets when I saw an elderly woman with a cane across the intersection attempting to step up onto the curb when she obviously began to lose her balance. Just as she went backwards, arms and legs akimbo, Sanford Cipinko, “Attorney at Law” swept in. Mr. Cipinko reached out with his right arm and cradled the falling woman, meanwhile balancing a cup of coffee in his free hand. The woman was propped up onto the curb and was helped to regain her balance and composure. I asked the woman if she was ok and congratulated Mr. Cipinko for the catch and no-spill feat. He gave me his card and said, “we prevent injuries as well.” There can’t be any money in that.
After seeing this act, I thought about the past two newsletters and our themes about ‘being our brother’s (and sister’s) keepers, and also about pedestrian safety. On the same day I received our 6 months stats from the Traffic Bureau on traffic collisions and injuries and fatalities. To date, we have had 127 accidents involving injury. Thankfully we have had no, (knock wood), repeat, no traffic related fatalities. Keep up the good work and remember to look both ways.
Broadway Corridor
Friday July 11, 2008: Saturday July 12, 2008:
Felony arrests made 0 Felony arrests 0
Misdemeanor arrests made 0 Misdemeanor arrests made 4
Drunk related arrests made 0 Drunk related arrests made 1
Moving citations 30 Moving citations 20
Parking citations issued 23 Parking citations issued 16
Towed vehicles 9 Towed vehicles 6
7/12/08- 1 AM, fight reported at a bar on the 400 block of Broadway, patron struck in head with bottle.
7/12/08- 1:40 AM, Sgt. Ed Anzore observed two Hispanic males shouting at each other and challenging each to a fight on the 400 block of Broadway. The men began fighting and hurled themselves into a window twice before the Sergeant and Officers could seperate them. Both were detained and cited for fighting in public. One of the two suffered a laceration above his eye. The men were from Suisun and Castro Valley, Ca.
Prostitution
7/8/08 at 10 PM- Geary and Hyde Streets- A white female from SF was arrested by Officer Milan Kangrga and Rene Nielsen for groping an officer and soliciting acts of prostitution. Captain’s Comments ... more -
Al Gore to Lay Out Unprecedented Challenge on Energy and Climate
Former Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore will outline his bold vision for the future of America’s energy needs at D.A.R. Constitution Hall this Thursday, July 17. The speech will be hosted by the “We” Campaign, a fast-growing organization focused on solutions to the climate crisis.
The speech will offer a new way of thinking about our energy production and consumption and a new sense of what is possible when we choose to work together. It will propose a means of tapping America’s innovative skills to build a more secure energy future.
Who: Former Vice President Al Gore
What: A discussion on the future of America’s energy needs
Where: D.A.R. Constitution Hall – 1776 D St., NW, Washington, DC
When: Thursday, July 17 at 12:00 p.m. EDT:
Media should plan to arrive at least an hour before the speech begins.
Additional notes for broadcast media:
Pre-set: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. EDT
Final access: 12 Noon EDT
Press entrance: D Street entrance (between 17th St. and 18th St.)
Throw: 60 feet
Satellite truck parking: Directed on site
Cable run: 350 feet
Power, mult box to be provided on riser
About the “We” Campaign:
The “We” Campaign is a commercial-scale organizing and mobilizing effort using paid advertising, grassroots partnerships and online activation to build strong support for solutions to the climate crisis. The scale of the campaign is unprecedented: it is on track to be the largest public policy advocacy campaign ever and expects to reach 10 million members within three years. “We” is the work of the Alliance for Climate Protection, a nonprofit group founded by Al Gore, who currently serves as the chairman of the bipartisan board of directors. For more information, please visit
http://www.wecansolveit.org. Former Vice President and Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore will outline his bold vision for the future of America’s energy needs at D.... more -
Scooters Acoustically Violating Rights of SF Citizens
Mods on Scooters
http://current.com/items/87006341_mods_on_scooters
Under Current Cyber CourtTV house arrest.
Looks like this issue popped back again but this time with an attempt to spoof the Cyber CourtTV case of pollution!
I have been called by one of Current Stuff to respond to this case again.
This is a Human Health and Environmental Case.
So here is the situation now.
A Current Staff is being paid to learn about acoustic and air pollution!
I think Al Gore should check this out! Mods on Scooters http://current.com/items/87006341_mods_on_scooters Under Current Cyber CourtTV house arrest. ... more -
Loud Muffler lands driver in jail on 2 felony charges
After being stopped last night for having a noisy muffler, Kilbert "Flaco" Rijos ran from deputies, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, before finally being caught.
About 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, deputies pulled Rijos over because he had a modified muffler on his black Honda Civic, according to the sheriff's report.
This is what happened, according to the report: Rijos, 20, of 2104 Coco Court, told a deputy that his license was suspended. The deputy also learned that Rijos was a habitual driving violator. When deputies attempted to transfer Rijos from his Honda to the prisoner transport vehicle, he ran off.
He was caught about 200 yards way.
Rijos, who is listed as a mechanic at Levs Auto Shop in jail records, is being charged with escape from police custody and driving with a revoked license — habitual offender, both felonies.
He is being held at Orient Road Jail without bond, according to jail records.
AMERICA DEUPREE
News Channel 8
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/jul/09/loud-muffler-la... After being stopped last night for having a noisy muffler, Kilbert "Flaco" Rijos ran from deputies, according to the Hillsbo... more -
Elkhart Noise Ordinance Gets Stiffer
A stiffer city ordinance in Elkhart may be "music" to some people's ears.
Monday night the Elkhart city council passed a tougher noise ordinance. Police will now be able to write tickets with stiffer fines and if they hear a loud noise within 35 feet unlike 50 feet in the past. Mayor Moore says it is part of a pledge he made when he first took office to make the city cleaner and quieter.
"If you are half a block away and you can hear it.. then that's further than 50 or 35 feet.. that's when you usually stop them," Corporal Frank Owens from the Elkhart Police Department. "We've written more tickets for noise the first 6 months of this year than we did all of last year. We kind of dropped the ball on it and it's time to get it taken care of," says Mayor Dick Moore of Elkhart.
The Elkhart police officer in charge of the noise ordinance was once part of the I.C.E. unit or county drug task force. But the city no longer participates in the unit. So the officer has been re-assigned.
Fines start at 250-dollars and go up to 25-hundred dollars.
The ordinance goes into effect once the mayor signs it.
Reporter: Stephanie Stang
Email Address: stephanie.stang@wndu.com
http://www.wndu.com/home/headlines/24081324.html A stiffer city ordinance in Elkhart may be "music" to some people's ears. ... more -
Loud Pipes Do What?
All other things being equal, a loud motorcycle probably gets more attention than a quiet one, but at what cost? Is this good attention or bad attention? Let's think about this.
Ignoring the fact that many aftermarket pipes are illegal, motorcyclists who defer to the wisdom, "loud pipes save lives" are sadly misinformed. Riders who believe that an ear-shattering exhaust note actually increases safety are either kidding themselves or rationalizing self-indulgent behavior. Fact is, loud pipes do more to hurt motorcyclists than help them, the attention they draw to a rider is not worth the negative public image they create.
It's rooted in physics. Unlike an earthquake, which emits waves in a sphere away from its epicenter, sound waves can be directed. (A good example of this a megaphone: if sound waves were not directionally sensitive, megaphone users would all be deaf.) The pressure wave emitted from an exhaust pipe is pointed away from and behind the motorcycle. To hear it from anywhere other than directly behind the bike, you rely on the resonance of the pipes and reflection of the sound waves off of other objects, like cars, signs, buildings, etc.
In other words, the only time the loud pipes draw attention to a motorcycle in traffic is when the bike is facing away from the motorist. In most cases, facing away from the motorist means riding away from the motorist: increasing the separation of bike and potential hazard. The only possible situation in which a car can to pose an external threat to a motorcyclist when the bike is facing away from the car is if the motorist is backing up or (following) behind the rider. The threat exists, but only marginally: the Hurt Study found that a whopping three percent of accident hazards come directly from the rear (or the "six o'clock" direction).
by Pat Hahn
http://www.motorbyte.com/mmm/pages/safety/safety40.htm All other things being equal, a loud motorcycle probably gets more attention than a quiet one, but at what cost? Is this good attentio... more -
Inducing Children Into the Noise Culture
How Far Can You Go for Money?
Whirly-Wind Leaf Blower
In the spirit of fun and safe play, John Deere licensed its brand to a toy company to produce leaf blowers for children. It actually blows air.
Safety and Health Concerns
Leaf blowers are not merely an ear-sore, they blow particulate matter consisting of pesticides, fertilizers, spores, molds, dust, insects and fecal matter into the air. Gas powered leaf blowers burn a mixed combination of gas and oil fuel that create a tremendous amount of toxic exhaust.
Young children are at risk because their immune system is not yet fully developed and they are more susceptible to asthma. Elderly people exposed to airborne contaminants can experience severe lung and respiratory problems. Ironically, leaf blower operators are putting themselves at greater risk because of the direct exposure to airborne pollutants.
Gas powered landscaping equipment account for 5% of air pollution overall in the United States. An inefficient 3.5-horsepower gas mower emits the same amount of hydrocarbons in one hour as does an automobile driven over 300 miles. A chainsaw operated for two hours produces enough hydrocarbons equivalent to an automobile driven 3,000 miles.
http://www.noiseoff.org/landscaping.shtml How Far Can You Go for Money? Whirly-Wind Leaf Blower ... more -
Which is Greener: New Prius or Used Car with Good MPG?
Your query is a serious toughie, as we don't really know how much energy it takes to manufacture a hybrid. Toyota does admit that because the Prius' engine and battery are relatively complex, assembling the hybrid requires more energy than making a similarly sized nonhybrid vehicle. But the company has never quantified that energy premium, so the Lantern will have to rely on an educated guess. If our informed figure is in the ballpark, however, a fresh Prius beats virtually all used competitors—assuming you follow the Lantern's golden rule and keep your car running until the bitter end. Your query is a serious toughie, as we don't really know how much energy it takes to manufacture a hybrid. Toyota does admit that... more
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Sale of 1 house will help 30 villages; Family will donate proceeds from sale of $8...
I think I just found my new role models...
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Central District Newsletter - July 8, 2008
Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
July 8, 2008
Captain’s Comments
Safety Tips from SAFE:
Pedestrian Safety
The days are longer and lighter, and many outdoor activities are taking place throughout the City. Please be aware of pedestrians while you are driving; or if you are the pedestrian, be aware of automobiles, buses and bicyclists. Here are some safety tips:
Limit cell phone use while driving or walking - Cell phones distract you from paying attention to your surroundings.
Be watchful at all times - Expect the unexpected. Pedestrians can suddenly appear from between parked cars, especially children and the elderly.
Remember that a red light or arrow prohibits moving forward or turning - while walking, driving or riding a bike.
Yield to pedestrians - Be especially aware when at a stop or when turning at an intersection; pedestrians may be in the crosswalk.
Not all crosswalks are designated with painted lines - A pedestrian is considered in a crosswalk at all corners whether or not lines are painted on the street.
Safety Tips for Visitors and Tourists
Do you have friends coming in to the City for the July 4th Holiday? Even in times of celebration and festivities, ensure your guests practice proper safety techniques:
Do not leave valuables or anything visible inside your vehicle; always keep doors and trunk locked.
Walk in well-lit and well-populated areas, preferably with another person; do not take short-cuts through dark alleyways.
Limit your valuables (ID and money) by carrying only what you need for the day.
If taking public transportation, have your money or Fast Pass ready. Do not fumble with your wallet; you might draw attention to a pickpocket.
Keep your cell phone charged; and in case of an emergency dial 9-1-1.
Are you going on Vacation? - Here are some reminders to help prevent your home from being burglarized:
Keep all doors and windows locked.
Let a trusted neighbor know you will be out of town.
Stop mail and newspaper deliveries.
Keep a light on.
Enable your alarm if you have one. Central District Newsletter Captain James I. Dudley July 8, 2008 Captain’s Comments Safety Tips from SAFE: Pedestrian Safety ... more -
Hubble snaps ghostly ribbon of light
Cosmic Ribbons!
From the report...
"Medieval skywatchers got to see a star explode, but modern-day astronomy buffs get all the pretty pictures of its ghostly remains.
Hubble has captured a close-up of the remnant of a supernova that exploded in the Milky Way over 8000 years ago, and whose light reached Earth on 1 May 1006. The explosion is one of the brightest in recorded history and was visible with the naked eye.
The delicate-looking remnant is actually part of a shock wave from the stellar explosion. The roiling remains are still expanding, moving at a clip of about 10 million kilometres per hour.
Hubble's image is mostly a composite made from the visible light emitted by hydrogen atoms in the remnant.
Bright parts of the twisting ribbon are places where the shock wave from the explosion lies edge-on with our line of sight.
The remains of the supernova are faint in visible light, but astronomers have produced stunning images in the X-ray part of the spectrum.
View a gallery of other shimmering supernova remnants (move your mouse over the images to read the captions)." Cosmic Ribbons! From the report... ... more -
Central District Newsletter - July 01, 2008
Captain’s Comments
As July 4th approaches, please remember a few things:
∑ Fireworks are illegal in San Francisco. Every year the SFFD responds to fires caused by illegal fireworks. Bottle rockets and fireworks that propel an object into the air cause fires to rooftops or flammable things likes like fields or other structures. Even seemingly innocuous items like sparklers can cause severe burns to small hands. Of course, the emergency rooms are frequented by those who didn’t quite throw the fireworks fast enough, or by those unfortunate to be near the ‘landing zone.’
∑ Every year we also hear gunshots along with the fireworks. Needless to say, shooting a firearm in San Francisco is also illegal. The old adage, “What goes up must come down” certainly applies to bullets. Some geniuses think shooting a gun into the air, but over the years, we have responded to calls of those injured by the bullets that cannot escape gravity.
∑ Along with this years public fireworks display in the Bay, it also happens to be a Friday night in San Francisco. Activities span from Aquatic Park to Pier 39 and beyond, into the Southern District. Entertainment will begin at 2 PM and fireworks will begin at 9:30 PM at the end of Muni Pier and from a barge at the end of Piers 39 and 45. There will surely be traffic jams along the bay so please take public transportation or walk to any events in the area. Have a Safe and Sane 4th!
(Editor’s note- On Saturday afternoon at 2:30 PM, Sgt. Ed Garcia was on foot patrol walking through Portsmouth Square when he spied three juveniles sitting on a bench in the park. At one end of the bench sat a canvas bag full of illegal fireworks, including 16 Roman Candles, 600 missiles, forty four “M-80’s” and 2 “m-100’s”. These are pretty serious illegal fireworks that fall into the high explosives territory. Due to the nature and volume of the collection, the SFPD Bomb Disposal Unit was summoned to take charge of the property for destruction).
Last week, Sgt. Mark Hernandez broke up a fireworks sales ring under the Bush Street arch at Grant. On 6/28/08 at 8 PM Officer Jonathan Tong cited a 19 year old for discharging and selling fireworks on the 900 block of Grant Ave. On 6/29/08 at 6:45 PM, Officer Tong made another arrest for sales on Waverly Alley. That amount too, called for disposal by our Bomb Squad. Captain’s Comments As July 4th approaches, please remember a few things: ... more -
An inconvenient truth about motorcycle smog
Motorcycles and emissions: The surprising facts
This story is about emissions. More specifically, it's about the surprising level of emissions spewing from on-road motorcycles and scooters. In California, such bikes make up 3.6% of registered vehicles and 1% of vehicle miles traveled, yet they account for 10% of passenger vehicles' smog-forming emissions in the state. In fact, the average motorbike is about 10 times more polluting per mile than a passenger car, light truck or SUV, according to a California Air Resources Board comparison of emissions-compliant vehicles.
By Susan Carpenter, THROTTLE JOCKEY
LA Times! Motorcycles and emissions: The surprising facts ... more -
California to drivers: Drop the cell phone, dude!
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Next week California will try to wrest cell phones from the hands of drivers, telling everyone from movie starlets and dot-com millionaires to surfers and soccer moms that conversations behind the wheel must be on a headset.
Several U.S. states and some two dozen countries around the world already have restrictions on mobile phones while driving but now such a law has come to California -- where the car is king and much of life is spent on the famously snarled freeways.
Californians interviewed by Reuters mostly supported the law requiring hands-free phones in cars and outlawing cell phones entirely for drivers under 18, which takes effect on Tuesday -- though they were puzzled by a loophole that allows seemingly more dangerous text messaging.
By Dan Whitcomb;
http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN2547...
What you need to know;
BlueTooth Technology:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth
More States say cell phone and driving don't mix;
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=5241554&a... LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Next week California will try to wrest cell phones from the hands of drivers, telling everyone from movie star... more
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