”
Some time ago the canine unit was purchasing a bullet proof vest
for their dog. They were asking for donations but I don’t see
anything in town that receives the money. Where can I/we donate for
this cause?
”
“Some time ago the canine unit was purchasing a bullet proof vest for their dog. They were asking for donations but I don’t see anything in town that receives the money. Where can I/we donate for this cause?”
Dear Where Can We Donate,
Red Phone contacted Police Chief Bruce Cumming and Jorge Briones, the executive director of the Morgan Hill Downtown Association. Briones said the Community Law Enforcement Foundation collected $75,000 last year for the purchase and training of Pax, the canine officer. The downtown association raised more than $1,000 more to buy a bullet-proof vest for him.
“We’ve got enough money to buy the vest,” Briones said. “Ultimately we’re waiting for Pax to fill out. They need him to get to where he’s going to be to get him properly fitted.”
In the meantime, Chief Cumming said you may also donate directly to the Community Law Enforcement Foundation, in which case the money may be used for general police department needs. However, there are still jars in businesses throughout town, including Poppy’s Fish, Poultry and More on Third Street, where you can donate directly to the canine program.
Good caller, hope that helps.
Defense of police is weak and wrong
“Red Phone, sorry, but your defense of the police being able to talk on the phone while driving is weak and false. There is nothing that sensitive being communicated to the police by radio. If there were, and I still say that is a big big IF, every cop in the world has a computer in their car and the information could be sent right to their screens. The theory, if you believe it, that cell phone use while driving is like driving drunk means police should not be doing this unsafe activity. To excuse it away as necessary to maintain someone’s privacy is silly.”
Dear Don’t Believe It,
It is not Red Phone’s defense, but police officials and the law, that exempt emergency personnel. And the use of cell phones by police is not to maintain privacy.
Red Phone contacted Cmdr. David Swing, who said although police officers are exempt from the hands-free law, the police department discourages officers’ use of cell phones while driving.
“There are occasions where use of the phone is required; such as while the officer is responding to a call to communicate or obtain critical information without having it broadcast over the police radio,” Swing said.
As far as the use of computers in the car to communicate information: “Computers are cumbersome for effective two-way communication while driving as it requires the officer to type on a keyboard while driving, diverting the driver’s eyes to the keyboard and screen.”
Good caller, hope that helps.
Mess reported to county officials
“There is a property at the Northwest corner of Murphy and Tennant that is becoming more and more unsightly. It appears to be a dumping ground for all matter of things. There is currently “For Sale” signs posted on the property. Can you help to get this unsightly mess cleaned up? Thank you!”
Dear Let’s Keep Morgan Hill Beautiful,
Red Phone contacted Code Enforcement Officer John Amos, who said he took a look at the property last week to verify the address.
“It turns out that this property is located in the county’s jurisdiction,” he said. Residents can file a complaint with the County Zoning Investigation Office at www.sccgov.org/SCC/docs/Planning,%20Office%20of%20(DEP)/attachments/ComplaintForm.pdf.
“I have filled out a complaint form and will send it in as well,” Amos said.
So good caller, consider the nuisance addressed. If nothing changes soon, give Red Phone a call and we’ll forward it to the appropriate person at the county for you.
