Here is an article on one of the towns I have mentioned before regarding foreclosed homes and their condition. You can see they are really getting serious with their threats. I am glad to see they are keeping after the banks to make neighborhoods safer. I know no one will do jail time, but hopefully iy gets their attention. Our area has been hit with the West Nile Virus before and pools like this do not help the situation.
Below are the major changes to driving regulations and vehicle equipment.
Texting While Driving
(SB 28, Simitian) This new law makes it an infraction to write, send, or read text-based communication on an electronic wireless communications device, such as a cell phone, while driving a motor vehicle. Previously this was only illegal for individuals under 18 years of age, but now has been expanded to all drivers.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Zero Tolerance
(AB 1165, Maze) This new law prohibits a convicted DUI offender from operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level (BAC) of .01 percent or greater while on probation for DUI. The law requires the driver to submit to a Preliminary Alcohol Screening (PAS) test, a portable breath test to determine the presence of alcohol. If the driver refuses, or if the driver submits and has a BAC of .01 or greater, a citation will be issued, the driver's license will be taken and driving privileges will be suspended. In addition, the vehicle will be impounded.
Ignition Interlock Devices (IID)
(SB 1190, Oropeza) This new law reduces the BAC from .20 percent to .15 percent or more at the time of arrest to trigger a requirement for the court to give heightened consideration for the installation of an IID for a first-time offender convicted of DUI of an alcoholic beverage.
Ignition Interlock Devices
(SB 1388, Torlakson) Effective July 2009, this new law transfers authority for the administration of mandatory IID programs from the state courts to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This law also authorizes the DMV to require any driver convicted of driving with a suspended license due to a prior conviction for DUI to install an IID in any vehicle that the offender owns or operates.
Alcohol-Related Reckless Driving
(AB 2802, Houston) This new law requires the court to order a person convicted of alcohol-related reckless driving to participate in a licensed DUI program for at least nine months, if that person has a prior conviction for alcohol-related reckless driving or DUI within ten years. Additionally, the court is required to revoke the person's probation for the failure to enroll in, participate in, or complete a licensed DUI program.
Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
(SB 1567, Oropeza) This new law allows a portable GPS device to be mounted in a 7-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield on the passenger side of the vehicle, or in a 5-inch square in the lower corner of the windshield on the driver's side. These are the only two locations on a windshield where a GPS device can be mounted. The GPS device can only be used for navigational purposes while the motor vehicle is being operated, and it is required to be mounted outside of an airbag deployment zone.
Motorcycles
(AB 2272, Fuentes) This new law changes the definition of a motorcycle by deleting the weight limitation and deleting the separate definition for electrically powered motorcycles. The law will now allow fully enclosed, three-wheeled vehicles to have access to high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes regardless of occupancy.
Clean Air Stickers: Misuse and Penalties
(SB 1720, Lowenthal) This new law makes it an infraction for anyone who forges, counterfeits, falsifies, passes, or attempts to pass, acquire possess, sell, or offer for sale a genuine or counterfeit "Clean Air Sticker."
911 Telephone System Abuse
(AB 1976, Benoit) This new law increases the penalties for any person who knowingly uses, or allows the use of, the 911 telephone system for any reason other than an emergency. Those who misuse, or allow the misuse of, the 911 telephone system are guilty of an infraction, and subject to either a written warning or a fine.
Special License Plates
(AB 190, Bass) This new law, when approved by local authorities, allows veterans whose vehicles display plates honoring Pearl Harbor Survivors, Legion of Valor recipients, former American Prisoners of War, Congressional Medal of Honor recipients, or Purple Heart recipients to park their vehicles that weigh not more than 6,000 pounds gross weight, without charge, in any metered parking space.
Studded Pneumatic Tires
(AB 1971, Portantino) This new law allows the use of pneumatic tires with retractable metal-type studs, year round, as long as the studs are retracted between May 1 through October 31. However, the law prohibits a tire with retractable metal-type studs on a vehicle from being worn to a point that the metal-type studs protrude beyond the tire tread when retracted.
Spilling Cargo Loads
(AB 2714, Keene) This new law eases restrictions on cargo loads of straw or hay to allow individual pieces that do not pose a threat to life or property, to escape from bales of straw or hay that are being transported by a vehicle upon a highway, so long as those bales are loaded and secured according to federal regulations.
Assault on Highway Workers
(SB 1509, Lowenthal) This new law provides an increased penalty for assault and battery crimes committed against Caltrans highway workers who are engaged in the performance of their duties.
I recently made contact with a local blogger in my area. A little over 13 years ago, her 10 year-old son was abducted and brutally murdered. She has made it her cause to teach children and adults safety tips that may help keep this from happening to another child. I hope this message can help save the son or daughter of someone who reads this.
A Message for Parents
From
Christopher's Clubhouse
Children are targeted as victims because they are more vulnerable than adults. They are more trusting and far easier to lure into dangerous situations. Statistics show:
• An estimated 797,500 children are reported missing each year. In 40 percent of stereotypical kidnapping cases, the child was killed.
• 896,000 children were determined to be victims of child abuse and neglect. That is one child every 35 SECONDS.
• There is one sex offender for every square mile in the United States. A typical molester will abuse 30 to 60 children before they are arrested.
• Last year over 10,000 children stayed home from school at least once a month fearing bullies and half the children surveyed were bullied weekly.
It only takes seconds for a child without training to be lured into a dangerous situation. As much as you would like to, you can't be with your child every minute of the day to protect them.
So how can you teach your children the skills they need to protect themselves without scaring them?
Christopher's Clubhouse uses the radKIDS curriculum that actually trains children, in a multi-sensory, fun and interactive environment, to respond to dangerous scenarios. Children are taught safety education; everything from Home Safety to Defense Against Abduction by doing simulated activities. Once they've actually done it, and practiced it, the necessary skills will come naturally and instinctively in a dangerous situation. Through this training, children become empowered learning to replace the fear, confusion, and panic of dangerous situations with confidence, personal safety skills and self- esteem. www.christophersclubhouse.org
10 SAFETY TIPS For Kids
1. If someone knocks on your door...
Never open the door without looking to see who it is first. If it‛s someone you don‛t know or trust, don‛t open the door without your parents. Even if they say they are with the police department, water or electric company, or that they have a delivery for you.
2. If someone comes up and tries to talk to you...
Keep a safe distance. If you are with a trusted adult, go to them or call to them. Tell a stranger you can‛t talk and move away fast.
3. If someone you don‛t know asks to play a game with you...
Don‛t let people you don‛t know or trust join in with you while you are playing unless you have your parents or sitter‛s permission.
4. If someone you don‛t know shows up at school and tells you there is an emergency at home and you need to go with him/her...
It could be a TRICK. Never leave school with someone you don‛t know, for any reason. Tell a trusted adult.
5. If someone you don‛t know or trust asks you to help them find something or come see something or offers you something to go with them...
Tell them "NO" in a loud voice. These are TRICKS! Move away quickly and tell a trusted adult what the stranger asked you to do.
6. If anyone touches your body in a way that you don‛t want...
Move away, Say "NO!", "STOP!", "DON‛T DO THAT TO ME!" Then tell a trusted adult right away.
7. If a person touches you, then asks you to keep it a secret or tells you something bad will happen to you or someone you love if you tell...
It‛s a TRICK! Tell a trusted grown up what happened.
8. If someone you don‛t know approaches you in a car and asks you for help or directions...
Always stay 3 giant steps back from the car. Tell them "NO" that you can‛t help them and that you will go get a grown up to help.
9. If a stranger tries to get you into a car or other vehicle with them...
Never get into a stranger‛s car without your parent‛s permission no matter how nice the person acts, no matter what he or she offers you.
10. If someone grabs you or tries to take you away...
Yell LOUD!!! "NO!", "HELP!", "This is not my mom/dad!" Make a scene - knock things off a shelf, or scatter books. Do whatever it takes to BREAK AWAY!
Then run to a safe place or to a phone and dial 9-1-1.
On May 30th, I had taken my daughter to school and I was out looking at properties in the cove. I was driving up the street approaching my house. I saw a fire truck (F-250 size paramedic truck) across the street from my house. I thought "Gee, I hope the neighbors are ok..". I live on a corner lot and could not see around the corner yet. As I got closer I saw firemen running across my yard with a hose leading into my back yard! Apparently while I was gone, the barbecue (Charmglow barbecue from Home Depot) had caught fire while I was gone!
The neighbors heard the hissing of the propane tank and had called 911 and were spraying hoses from their yard. It had blown out one of the eight-foot slider windows, a steeple window, burned some of the stucco, a couple of the faux beams above the door, the carpet inside, the back of our couch and melted half the blinds. Much of the stucco "damage" was the fire department tearing into the walls to make sure there were no embers or smoldering insulation behind the stucco.
After the fire department left I went to turn on the AC unit and found out the fire had melted the fins, rendering it inoperable. The insurance company is going after Charmglow for damages. I decided to do some snooping after this and found out on consumer affairs website hat it had numerous complaints about Charmglow.
Any way, the AC was replaced within the week. The rest will be fixed fairly soon. The dogs were the only ones home. They were hiding in the office and the bedroom and had not run out (Even with the door wide open from the firemen fanning the smoke out). The fire investigator assumed there must have been a leak and when the AC fan kicked on, the spark ignited the flame. I was quite positive I had closed the valve at the tank during the last use. Maybe the valve didn't close properly. I cannot hazard a guess since everything had burnt or melted in the general area.
My friend picked on my wife and said her birthday candles must have started it. (Her birthday was the 29th). This got me in trouble because I laughed out loud when she said that.
Nothing major, just a little excitement in my otherwise boring life. I simply thank God no one was hurt and that the dogs are safe.
Here are the pictures.
Let me say this is not an attack against the manufacturer of the barbecue, but a good lesson for people to be careful with their equipment and make sure everything is in safe and working order.
FORECLOSURE RELIEF BILL BECOMES LAW This week, the State Legislature enacted foreclosure reform law to address the adverse effects of high foreclosure rates in California. The new law requires lenders to contact homeowners to explore options for avoiding foreclosure at least 30 days before filing a notice of default. It also requires owners acquiring property through foreclosure to maintain the exterior of vacant residential properties. The new law also extends from 30 to 60 days the time for residential tenants to move out of properties that have been foreclosed upon, unless other laws apply. These requirements will remain in effect until January 1, 2013. The full text of Senate Bill 1137 (Perata) is available at www.leginfo.ca.gov.
Highlights of the new law are as follows:
- Contact Between Lender and Borrower: Effective on or about September 8, 2008, a lender, trustee, or authorized agent may not file a notice of default until 30 days after contacting a borrower to assess the borrower's financial situation and explore options for avoiding foreclosure. A lender must generally contact the borrower in person or by telephone, or satisfy due diligence requirements for contacting a borrower. During the initial contact, the lender must inform the borrower of the right to request a meeting with the lender within 14 days. The lender must also give the borrower the toll-free number for finding a HUD-certified housing counseling agency. A subsequent notice of default must include the lender's declaration that it has contacted the borrower, tried with due diligence to contact the borrower, or the borrower has surrendered the property. A lender who had already filed a notice of default before the enactment of this law must include a similar declaration in the notice of sale. This requirement to contact borrowers applies to loans secured by owner-occupied residences made from 2003 to 2007. Certain exemptions apply if the borrower has filed for bankruptcy, surrendered the property, or contracted with a person or entity whose primary business is advising people, who have decided to leave their homes, on how to extend the foreclosure process and avoid their contractual obligations.
- Maintenance of Vacant Properties: Effective July 8, 2008, anyone who acquires property through foreclosure must maintain the exterior of vacant residential property. Violations of this law include permitting excessive foliage growth that diminishes the value of surrounding properties, failing to take action against trespassers or squatters, failing to take action to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in standing water, or other public nuisances. This law authorizes a governmental entity to impose a civil fine up to $1,000 per day for any violation, as long as the owner has been given notice and an opportunity to remedy the violation. A violator must be given at least 14 days to begin, and 30 days to complete, such remediation before a fine can be assessed.
- 60-Day Notice to Terminate Tenants: Effective July 8, 2008, a tenant or subtenant in possession of a rental housing unit that has been sold through foreclosure is generally entitled to a 60-day written notice to quit, not just 30 days. However, a borrower who remains on the property after foreclosure may be served a three-day notice to terminate. This law does not affect, among other things, rent-controlled properties with just-cause evictions. Effective on or about September 8, 2008, the lender, trustee, or authorized agent posting a notice of sale must also post and mail a specified notice of a tenant's right to a 60-day eviction notice from the new owner, unless other laws apply. This requirement to notify tenants of their rights applies to loans secured by residential real property where the borrower has a different billing address than the property address.
I know sometimes these words are interchangeable, but I have always had a clear definition of each word in my mind. A house is a building; walls, studs, cabinets and a roof. A home is not necesarily a thing, but more of an emotion. It is the family inside, the dream realized and the happiness that comes with calling a place your own.
Last night I was invited to a client's house for a barbecue. Juan had a family gathering and had invited me because he had just moved into the house I had worked to help him find and purchase. This is a person I have known for years, so even though it was the most difficult escrow I have ever been in (almost 5 months), it was well worth the effort. He was a first time home-buyer who had moved from a rented place where he, his wife and three kids had to share space with another family.
As we were sitting there eating some of the best carne asada and roasted chicken I have ever had in my life, Juan stops eating. He looks at the kids playing and running around in the living room. He says "That is what makes me happy. Seeing the kids running around in MY home, enjoying themselves. Having family come over like this and feeling comfortable". We went on to discuss the difference between having a house...and having a HOME. Juan is usually a serious person, but he was smiling from ear to ear and I could see that he was completely content.
Why do I tell this story? Because this is exactly the reason I first got into real estate. Sure, I love working with investors and working the large deals. They help pay my own bills and mortgage. Sometimes when we get so busy selling houses, negotiating with sellers and buyers, burning the midnight oil sending out e-mails to escrow and getting that huge pile of paperwork under control...that we forget what we are selling. For investors it may just be a sticks and drywall to make money. For a homeowner it is a chance to own peace of mind and make a life the way they want it.
When it comes right down to it, the most satisfaction I get in my career is seeing someone who never owned a house before turn it into their version of their dream. I guess I am an old sap, but I still get a bit teary-eyed when I hand over the keys to a home to a client. I think that God has put me in this career to do that as often as I possibly can. I can still remember clearly the day I got my first set of keys to a house and how it felt to say... "I'm home!"
Well, it was a late night last night getting home from the show of shows here in the Valley. Of course I am referring to the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies.
This year's show "Tin Pan Alley" was mesmerizing, colorful and as always entertaining to a "T". In it's 17 seasons, it has wowed over THREE MILLION guests. Everytime I have ever gone it was a nearly packed house. The show changes every year and has never disappointed.
For those of you not familiar with the show, it is like a trip through time and space to a beautiful long lost era. Hosted in the historic Palm Springs Plaza Theatre that was originally built in 1938 it truly sets the stage for an amazing experience. All the glitz and glamour of a Las Vegas Showgirl act, the beautiful music of a Broadway show and the gut-wrenching laughter of a Vaudevillian comedy act rolled into one show. The amazing twist is that the cast is all between the ages of 56 and 84! And they do this Three-Hour-Show NINE TIMES A WEEK!
The ladies dance, sing and wow the audience with their long legs, tremendous voices and unbeatable charisma. The men in the show are equally as talented showing their agility, strength and vocal prowess.
If you are ever in Palm Springs, you need to see this show. The host and creator Riff Markowitz will have you in stitches as he banters with and chides the audience. The best and worst seats in the house are in the front row, where you may be in the firing line of Riff's off-the-cuff humor. Judy Bell's voice as she sing God Bless America may have you reaching for a Kleenex.
I have always enjoyed the show. My mother-in-law worked there as an usher for several years. This gave us special permission to attend the after-season show called "The Foolies". This is not an open show, but a humorous take on the show performed by the behind-the-scenes crew. The ushers, stage-hands, concessionaires and the whole crew put on a show for the cast and their own family and friends. It is quite a hoot with their home-made costumes and tongue-in-cheek acts.
If you are ever in the Palm Springs Area during the winter months you should stop in to see this amazing show. With such acts as world-class opera singers, ex-Broadway and television stars, trained dogs, impressionists and amazing music, you will not go away unfullfilled.
To see the acts that are currently playing, as well as future guest stars go to http://www.psfollies.com/ for information and tickets. Don't wait too long as this season is drawing to a close.
Two new laws dealing with the use of wireless telephones while driving go into effect July 1, 2008. Below is a list of Frequently Asked Questions concerning these new laws.
Q: When do the new wireless telephone laws take effect?
A: The new laws take effect July 1, 2008
Q: What is the difference between the two laws?
A: The first prohibits all drivers from using a handheld wireless telephone while operating a motor vehicle. (Vehicle Code (VC) §23123). Motorists 18 and over may use a hands-free device. Drivers under the age of 18 may NOT use a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle(VC §23124).
Q: What if I need to use my telephone during an emergency, and I do not have a hands- free device?
A: The law allows a driver to use a wireless telephone to make emergency calls to a law enforcement agency, a medical provider, the fire department, or other emergency services agency.
Q: What are the fines if I'm convicted?
A: The base fine for the FIRST offense is $20 and $50 for subsequent convictions. According to the Uniform Bail and Penalty Schedule, with the addition of penalty assessments, a first offense is $76 and a second offense is $190.
Q: Will I receive a point on my drivers license if I'm convicted for a violation of the wireless telephone law?
A: NO. The violation is a reportable offense: however, DMV will not assign a violation point.
Q: Will the conviction appear on my driving record?
A: Yes, but the violation point will not be added.
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Q: Will there be a grace period when motorists will only get a warning?
A: NO. The law becomes in effect on July 1, 2008. Whether a citation is issued is always at the discretion of the officer based upon his or her determination of the most appropriate remedy for the situation.
Q: Are passengers affected by this law?
A: No. This law only applies to the person driving a motor vehicle.
Q: Do these laws apply to out-of-state drivers whose home states do not have such laws?
A: Yes
Q: Can I be pulled over by a law enforcement officer for using my handheld wireless telephone?
A: YES. A law enforcement officer can pull you over just for this infraction.
Q: What if my phone has a push-to-talk feature, can I use that?
A: No. The law does provide an exception for those operating a commercial motor truck or truck tractor (excluding pickups), implements of husbandry, farm vehicle or tow truck, to use a two-way radio operated by a "push-to-talk" feature.
Q: What other exceptions are there?
A: Operators of an authorized emergency vehicle during the course of employment are exempt as are those motorists operating a vehicle on private property
DRIVERS 18 AND OVER
Drivers 18 and over will be allowed to use a hands-free device to talk on their wireless telephone while driving. The following FAQs apply to those motorists 18 and over.
Q: Does the new "hands-free" law prohibit you from dialing a wireless telephone while driving or just talking on it?
A: The new law does not prohibit dialing, but drivers are strongly urged not to dial while driving.
Q: Will it be legal to use a Blue Tooth or other earpiece?
A: Yes, however you cannot have BOTH ears covered.
Q: Does the new hands-free law allow you to use the speaker phone function of your wireless telephone while driving?
A: Yes.
Q: Does the new "hands-free" law allow drivers 18 and over to text page while driving?
A: The law does not specifically prohibit that, but an officer can pull over and issue a citation to a driver of any age if, in the officer's opinion, the driver was distracted and not operating the vehicle safely. Text paging while driving is unsafe at any speed and is strongly discouraged.
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DRIVERS UNDER 18
Q: Am I allowed to use my wireless telephone hands free?
A: NO. Drivers under the age of 18 may not use a wireless telephone, pager, laptop or any other electronic communication or mobile services device to speak or text while driving in any manner, even hands free. EXCEPTION: Permitted in emergency situations to call police, fire or medical authorities. (VC §23124).
Q: Why is the law stricter for provisional drivers?
A: Statistics show that teen drivers are more likely than older drivers to be involved in crashes because they lack driving experience and tend to take greater risks. Teen drivers are vulnerable to driving distractions such as talking with passengers, eating or drinking, and talking or texting on wireless phones, which increase the chance of getting involved in serious vehicle crashes.
Q: Can my parents give me permission to allow me to use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: NO. The only exception is an emergency situation that requires you to call a law enforcement agency, a health care provider, the fire department or other emergency agency entity.
Q: Does the law apply to me if I'm an emancipated minor?
A: Yes. The restriction applies to all licensed drivers who are under the age of 18.
Q: If I have my parent(s) or someone age 25 years or older in the car with me, may I use my wireless telephone while driving?
A: NO. You may only use your wireless telephone in an emergency situation.
Q: Will the restriction appear on my provisional license?
A: No
Q: May I use the hands-free feature while driving if my car has the feature built in?
A: NO. The law prohibits anyone under the age of 18 from using any type of wireless device while driving, except in an emergency situation.
Q: Can a law enforcement officer stop me for using my hands-free device while driving?
A: No. For drivers under the age of 18, this is considered a SECONDARY violation meaning that a law enforcement officer may cite you for using a hands-free wireless phone if you were pulled over for another violation. However, the prohibition against using a handheld wireless telephone while driving is a PRIMARY violation for which a law enforcement officer can pull you over.
A new law goes into effect April 4 targeting abandoned homes with overgrown landscaping, stagnant pools and other eyesores that scream "empty" to squatters.
The law requires that abandoned properties be registered with the city and maintained. If not, the owner - usually the bank in foreclosed situations - could face fines or criminal prosecution.
____________________________________
Has your area been forced to take any steps to maintaining public safety and appearance?
It is my pleasure to introduce the Active-Rain community to a gentleman who works in my office. His name is Andy Mazur. He is a great Realtor, having been in the business for a few years. He is funny, smart and I consider him a colleague and a friend.
He is an expert in the Coachella Valley and has also done business outside of our area. He will be a great asset to this community.
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.
I recently made contact with a local blogger in my area. A little over 13 years ago, her 10 year-old son was abducted and brutally murdered. She has made it her cause to teach children and adults safety tips that may help keep this from happening to another child. I hope this message can help save the son or daughter of someone who reads this.
When it comes right down to it, the most satisfaction I get in my career is seeing someone who never owned a house before turn it into their version of their dream. I guess I am an old sap, but I still get a bit teary-eyed when I hand over the keys to a home to a client. I think that God has put me in this career to do that as often as I possibly can. I can still remember clearly the day I got my first set of keys to a house and how it felt to say... "I'm home!"
CONTACT: Fran Clader Media Relations Office 
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