THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
My sister lives in LA. I am trying to talk her into moving here, but California is where her friends and family are. But it is almost getting to the point where people are going to leave California because they can't afford it. These are some new laws going into affect on the beaches in southern California.
Ball-Throwing, Sand-Digging at L.A. Beaches Could Cost You $1,000, Jail Time
"Guess what? If you've ever thrown any object over 10 inches in diameter at an L.A. beach -- Frisbees and footballs included -- you were breaking the law.
But a few amendments to L.A. County's beach ordinance at the end of December have drawn fresh anger to the county's draconian policies, created "in order to protect and preserve the peace on public beaches." The maximum fine for misdemeanor ball-throwing has been upped from $500 to $1,000 -- and could land you six months in jail.
The updated ordinance does make one improvement on the ball-throwing policy:
Whereas before, it was against the law to "cast, toss, throw, kick or roll" any "ball, tube or light object" over 10 inches anywhere at any time, the L.A. County Board of Supervisors have inserted some exceptions.
Going forward, the ball ban will only apply during summer, between Memorial Day and Labor Day. And it will exclude beach balls, volleyballs or in-ocean waterpolo balls.
Also, the Department of Beaches and Harbors will be able to designate special ball-throwing areas, or grant permits for ball games. (All very ridiculous and bureaucratic, but better than an all-out ban.)
This applies to every beach along the L.A. County coast:
At the meeting to update the ordinance, City News Service reported that even Supervisor Zev Yaroslavsky was surprised to learn that people "cannot play football on the beach in the summer."
It gets more depressing every time we hear it. Here are some more shady practices that could cost you $1,000 and a stint in the slammer:
Digging a hole deeper than 18 inches into the sand, or digging into any vertical sand embankment.
"Disturb[ing] any rock" on a beach.
Driving on the beach, or even parking outside a parking space.
Using any "canopy, tent, lodge, shelter or structure" larger then 10 feet by 10 feet.
Producing any "boisterous or unusual noise."
Cussing.
Holding a wedding, "field trip," "youth group event," yoga class or any "gathering of 50 persons or more" without obtaining a permit beforehand.
Getting naked or "disrobing." ("Theatrical performances" used to be the exception, but no more!)
Operating a model airplane.
The rules will be normally be enforced by lifeguards (under supervision of the L.A. County Fire Department) or the Department of Beaches and Harbors' own "peace or code enforcement officers," who we're not sure we've ever really seen, but they sound menacing enough.
Technically, though, the fine can be imposed by any "person authorized" to do so by either department. (For some very sketchy reason, the "pursuant to law" phrase after "person authorized" is crossed out in the ordinance update. So department heads can apparently sik any random rent-a-cop on your frisbee game?)
Good news for last: The section prohibiting drunk people (no, not drinking alcohol, just at all intoxicated) from going to the beach has been crossed out. PHEW."
Well I find it interesting - the state is broke - so they keep imposing all these fines on people - to make money. My sister loses half her check in taxes!!!
Okay - I have some followers from California - I am NOT making fun of your state - really. I'm just showing how funny and micromanaged life can be at times and this was a good example. Life is so complicated at times - don't you wish you could just live free . . . what are your thoughts?
PS It is my daughter Kelly's 34th birthday today - Happy Birthday Sweetie.
