Last Update:  05/03/2013

THREE LAWS I DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT

Law 1: A few weeks ago I was coming home from a council meeting at ten pm.  I was on Second Avenue, heading toward Carnation, and in front of me was a red Jeep Cherokee.  The driver turned right on Carnation without slowing.  I checked to make sure the stop sign was still there.  Yes.  Hmmm.  As I followed, the driver sailed through the stop at Carnation and First, as she did at Carnation and Bayside, Fernleaf and Seaview and Dahlia and Ocean before turning down to China Cove and presumably home.  Silly me, making all those unnecessary stops myself when I should have known that after 10 pm all traffic laws are in abeyance, particularly those relating to stop signs. 

Law 2: I was walking to the Oasis for a meeting, and when I got to Narcissus and Fifth, a young woman in a dark sedan slowed but went through the stop sign at about 10 mph.  I said, “Nice stop.”  Actually, I mouthed it so she could read my lips, and my lips didn’t say, “Nice stop, -----,” or “Nice ----- stop.”  Just plain, “Nice stop.”  The young woman completed her turn, slammed on her brakes and started screaming at me and flipping me off.   I never would have said something if I had realized that if someone observes someone else breaking the law, the observer is at fault.

Law 3: I was driving up San Joaquin Hills Road on my way to Irvine for a meeting.  While stopped at the signal at Marguerite, I saw a man with a baby and a Husky-type dog.  The dog relieved itself, and the man went on his way.  I was in the middle lane so there wasn’t much I could do but give a beep of my horn in protest which I now realize I should not have done because if you have a baby in the vicinity you are not responsible for your pet’s waste.

Speaking of laws, remember that thanks to certain state actions, there are more lawbreakers out and about. Per our police department, make it hard for them by stowing valuables out of sight and locking your car.

email:  ngardner@newportbeachca.gov

REALLY, IT WAS MY IDEA FIRST
I have no idea how the fire rings issue will be decided or even by whom at this point. What I do know is that if the rings are removed there are any number of ways to make Big Corona still attractive as an evening destination. I would very much like to claim all these clever ideas, but honesty forces me to confess they are the brain children of my fellow councilmember Tony Petros. However, I’m sure that if I think long and hard enough I will remember that I actually thought of fairy lights and benches and such things a long time ago and was just waiting for the proper moment to introduce them—say when some other council member had the same brilliant thoughts. Stay tuned.

CEQA
The California Environmental Quality Act has been a great tool for protecting the environment. It is also occasionally a tool for people wanting to prevent projects for non-environmental, often very selfish reasons. For example, they might be residents who don’t want an infill project in their neighborhood because it will serve low-income seniors, but by forming an unincorporated association which doesn’t need to disclose member names and calling themselves Friends of the Deep Blue Sea or some other green-sounding moniker, they mask their true motives and gain sympathy and support. The Act itself is vital, CEQA challenges are critical, but in viewing the challenges, it’s important to look beyond the name to determine the motive.

THE NEW CIVIC CENTER
It’s here. Why not enjoy it?


 

WHAT DO YOU THINK? 

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with your ideas and opinions on these and other topics that should be addressed in future issues.
 

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