Hey Red Phone, is it against the law to drive with a dog on you
lap? I see people all the time driving around town with their
little mutt sticking its head out the window.
“Hey Red Phone, is it against the law to drive with a dog on you lap? I see people all the time driving around town with their little mutt sticking its head out the window. It’s got to be more distracting than talking on a cell phone. Also, should the driver get in an accident, the air bag would probably kill the dog. Maybe one of our esteemed legislators should pass a law.”
Red Phone: Dear Dog Tired of Distracted Drivers, Red Phone contacted Capt. Cathy Wayne, head of the San Jose California Highway Patrol office, who said there is no law against driving with a dog (or other animal) in your lap.
“It is technically not against the law, just as if someone were putting on makeup, or reading a book,” she said. “There is a law which talks about safe speed for conditions. The only time when it is a violation, is if the distraction causes you to commit a moving violation. In that case, you would be cited for the vehicle code violation 21658 (a) VC.”
Finally, Red Phone thinks it’s a bad idea to ride with your precious loved one in your lap. Maybe State Sen. Joe Simitian (author of the cell phone law), who has a contest every year called “There Oughta be a Law,” can look into it, or maybe, good caller, you should suggest a distracted driver law be sought by the senator.
Stop sign confuses westside motorists
“Hi Red Phone, there is a new, octagonal, red ‘STOP’ sign on Watsonville Road as we approach Sunnyside Avenue from the west. It is about 30 feet in front of the original stop sign at Sunnyside, which is still there. It is totally ignored because it is obviously an error, but someone new is apt to stop, and then get smashed by someone who knows that no one ever stops. Yes, I ignore it, too.”
Red Phone: Dear I Ignore it Too, Red Phone contacted Scott Creer, senior civil engineer, who said to insure that the stop sign was visible to motorists traveling eastbound on Watsonville Road, a second sign was added recently.
“To minimize any confusion, city crews have been directed to relocate the existing stop sign closer to the intersection.”
Hope that answers your question, good caller.
City reached out to find local muralist
“I just had a comment about the Third Street Promenade mural painting project. Once again Morgan Hill has picked an outside source. There are many qualified artists in Morgan Hill. Once again, we were all overlooked. Morgan Hill does not take care of its own artists.”
Red Phone: Dear Take Care of its Own, Red Phone contacted Garrett Toy, Business Assistance and Housing Services Director, who said they reached out far and wide in an effort to find a muralist. Toy said they advertised in this paper and they sent information to two artist organizations for distribution.
“In addition, we conducted an Internet search of local South County muralists and contacted them to see if they were interested,” he said. Overall, 13 artists indicated interest and they received six responses. Two from Morgan Hill artists, one each from San Martin, Los Banos, Scotts Valley and Los Altos.”
The selection committee reviewed the proposals based on: Background in mural work, style of artist, ability to perform within budget and the ability to complete the project within the time given.
“Both Morgan Hill artists as well as the Los Altos artist made the short list for interviews,” Toy said.
The committee interviewed the three and recommended that the Library, Cultural & Arts Commission recommend to the City Council that Morgan Bricca be selected because of her extensive mural experience and she best outlined how her concept could be delivered on time and within budget.
Good caller, it looks like the city did its best to find a local artist.
