”
Red Phone, is it true the police department will have to lay off
two police officers in addition to the animal control officer? I
understand the department has been mandated to reduce its budget.
Do you know anything about that?
”
“Red Phone, is it true the police department will have to lay off two police officers in addition to the animal control officer? I understand the department has been mandated to reduce its budget. Do you know anything about that?”
Red Phone: Dear Is it True, it is true the police department, as well as every other department in the city, has been mandated to reduce its budget. The city is trying to close a $1.8 million deficit, but no decisions have been made. One solution offered by the Police Officer’s Association is to contract out the city’s police services with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department, though any potential savings there likely won’t come before the need to balance next year’s budget.
If you feel strongly one way or the other, then attend the council meetings and speak up. Your voices will be heard. Hope that answers your question, good caller.
Center owner controls parking lot
“Red Phone, this Saturday morning, I headed to the Home Depot garden center to purchase plants and gardening supplies. What a surprise when I came across orange cones blocking driving lanes and parking spaces near the tae kwon do studio, with students exercising in the coned-off area. Vehicles came upon these blockages without warning and were forced to go through nearby spaces to go around the blocked area. Concerned, I called MHPD and was told they couldn’t do anything as it was private property. I wonder if the police chief could verify that? And if so, I’d like to know if the center owner wants to let this practice continue. I’d think that the owner would shoulder significant liability in the event of an accident.”
Red Phone: Dear Is This Correct, yes it is. According to Police Chief Bruce Cumming, police have very limited authority to enforce laws on private property.
“That authority is limited to enforcement of handicapped parking and fire lane violations plus hit and run accidents and a few other violations,” Cumming said.
Red Phone will call the property owner to see if the practice was approved, and if it will continue. Stay tuned.
