”
I have called twice and reported teens walking along the tracks
to and from Sobrato High School. The response from the police is
‘we’ll try to get someone out there.’ By the time they do, the kids
are gone. I finally started stopping and telling the kids to get
off the tracks. The kids are trespassing on railroad property,
which they can be cited for. Why can’t we get the police to be more
proactive before a kid or two gets killed by a train?
”
“I have called twice and reported teens walking along the tracks to and from Sobrato High School. The response from the police is ‘we’ll try to get someone out there.’ By the time they do, the kids are gone. I finally started stopping and telling the kids to get off the tracks. The kids are trespassing on railroad property, which they can be cited for. Why can’t we get the police to be more proactive before a kid or two gets killed by a train?”
Dear I Can Hear the Train A-comin,’ Red Phone contacted Police Chief Bruce Cumming, who said you are correct, walking on the railroad tracks is foolish, extremely dangerous and illegal.
“The normal speed limit for passenger trains is 79 mph and it may take them at least a mile to stop,” Cumming said. “I will ask officers to spot check the tracks especially the north end of town near Sobrato and warn or cite students for this dangerous act. I will also notify Sobrato High School to tell students that railroad tracks are sidewalks of death.”
There you have it, good caller. Your call to Red Phone may safe a life, even if it requires a citation or two.
When is a muffler too loud?,/strong>
“Good morning Red Phone, I’m just curious if there is a muffler law and if there is one is it enforced in Morgan Hill? Not just cars but those huge expensive Harleys. This used to be such a quiet town. Another thing, I see about three out of five cars coming off U.S. 101 (north) and exiting on Dunne Avenue turning right against the light. That’s where we could make some money for the city! Have a good week, Red Phone, and keep up the great reporting.”
Dear Curious, Red Phone contacted officer Steve Pennington. He said Vehicle Code sections 27150, 27151, 27200, 27201 and 27202 outline what is illegal on most automobiles and motorcycles. It seems the older the car, the louder the noise allowed. For example, between 1969 and 1973 the limit is 88 decibels, which is about equal to the noise of a food blender from three feet. Any vehicle built since 1985 can’t be louder than 80 decibels, which is equal to the noise of an average automobile from 25 feet. For comparison, normal conversation is 60 decibels and a jet plane from 100 feet is 130.
If you have a complaint regarding a specific vehicle, call 779-2101 and someone will grab the decibel meter and check it out. Regarding the right turn, officers are aware of the problem and have issued citations there.
“I will continue to monitor that location and others throughout the city,” he said.
So good caller, hope that answers your question. And, anyone with loud vehicles beware. If you see an officer pointing that decibel meter, you may be getting cited.
