”
Red Phone, I see more and more motorists using cell phones in
Morgan Hill while driving. Has the Morgan Hill Police Department
issued any citations since the law went in last year?
”
“Red Phone, I see more and more motorists using cell phones in Morgan Hill while driving. Has the Morgan Hill Police Department issued any citations since the law went in last year?”
Red Phone: Dear Concerned motorist, Red Phone took a short drive the other day, and in just 15 to 20 minutes, saw four people talking on their cell phones without a hands-free device. And, yes police are handing out plenty of tickets. From Jan. 1, 2008 to Dec. 31, 2008 police cited about 85 people. From Jan. 1, 2009 to April 8, 2001, police cited 438 motorists for violating the hands-free device law. The base fine is $20 for first offenders and then an additional $50 for each subsequent offense. The base fine does not include any court administrative fees, so when it’s all totaled, you’re looking at a fine of up to $250.
And, before you ask, the bill allows exceptions for calls to law enforcement agencies for emergency purposes, or emergency services personnel while operating an authorized emergency vehicle. In addition to these exceptions, commercial truck drivers, tow truck drivers and operators of farming vehicles are also exempt.
Hope that answers your question, good caller.
Mushroom art gets ongoing repairs
“Dear Red Phone, I was recently walking downtown with a friend and we both noticed how terrible the mushroom art looks. I don’t know if the artists didn’t use the right paint to withstand weather or if the mushrooms have been vandalized. Why doesn’t the Morgan Hill Downtown Association take them off the street until they can get repainted, if that’s the plan. If not, they should be removed permanently.”
Red Phone: Dear ‘Shroom Fan, Red Phone contacted Jorge Briones, executive director of the Morgan Hill Downtown Association, who said planned repairs to the weathered art is ongoing.
“Three mushrooms have already been removed, refreshed and put back out on display over the past few months,” Briones said. “It is an ongoing process and time is always an issue, along with re-coordinating with the artists, weather and other hidden challenges with a project of this nature.”
There you have it, good caller. And as an aside, Briones said if you or anyone else would like to help with this project or others, contact him at jo****@****************wn.org.
