”
Red Phone, I read the recent story about the county cracking
down on smokers. What are the rules for bus stops and Light Rail
stations?
”
“Red Phone, I read the recent story about the county cracking down on smokers. What are the rules for bus stops and Light Rail stations?”
Red Phone: Dear What Are The Rules, Red Phone contacted Jim Weston, communications aide for Supervisor Ken Yeager, who proposed the aggressive new ordinances that ban smoking in multi-unit residences in unincorporated Santa Clara County and outlaw lighting up in all parks. He said under the ordinance, a bus stop would qualify as a service area.
A service area means any public area designed to be or regularly used by one or more persons to receive or wait to receive goods or services, enter a public place, or make a transaction, whether or not such service includes the exchange of money, he said. Service areas include, but are not limited to, bars, restaurants, information kiosks, bus stops, taxi stands, and lines for automated teller machines, public telephones, and ticket purchase.
Therefore, smoking would be prohibited at bus stops under the ordinance.
“From my understanding, VTA already has a no smoking policy for stops where they own the property (e.g. light rail platforms and transit centers),” Weston said. “The rules for benches and designated stops on public sidewalks are up to the jurisdiction in which they reside.”
There you have it, good caller. Hope that answers your question.
Dogs should not be at local events
“I am wondering why the city allows people to bring their dogs to downtown events, such as the Taste of Morgan Hill and 4th of July festivities? I have two small children and found it very uncomfortable having to maneuver them around people who brought dogs. There were large dogs there that are eye level to small kids. Why does the city allow them at these events?”
Red Phone: Dear Dog Tired, Red Phone contacted Chris Giusiana, president and CEO of the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce, which puts on the Taste of Morgan Hill. She said Morgan Hill is a pet-friendly city, and that none of the major events promote bringing pets, though some visitors always do, as you pointed out.
“The Taste of Morgan Hill actually promotes leaving your four legged friends at home,” Giusiana said. “Since we do get them, we encourage all pets to be on a leash, bring plenty of water and stay in the shade as much as possible. To my knowledge we have never had an incident with our furry friends.”
And, according to City Attorney Danny Wan, pet owners have the duty to keep their dogs under control when in the public streets and parks.
Hope that helps, good caller.
