California: Everything Is Now Officially Illegal
I checked. I promise this is not a story from The Onion about how people can now be fined up to $1K for throwing a frisbee or a football on the beach in LA. No, sadly, it's a story from CBS/LA:
The Board of Supervisors this week agreed to raise fines to up to $1,000 for anyone who throws a football or a Frisbee on any beach in Los Angeles County.In passing the 37-page ordinance on Tuesday, officials sought to outline responsibilities for law enforcement and other public agencies while also providing clarification on beach-goer activities that could potentially disrupt or even injure the public.
...Officials warned that any activities that could potentially harm "any person or property on or near the beach" should not be allowed during the peak summer season.
Your kids could also end up costing you big bucks: the ordinance also prohibits digging any hole deeper than 18 inches into the sand except where permission is granted for film and TV production services only.
Will there be park rangers coming around with rulers?
Apparently, according to an LA Times story, they're just banning frisbees and footballs during the summer...the time people actually want to be on the beach throwing a football or a frisbee around!
I lived in an apartment three houses from the boardwalk in Venice (a strip of pavement you cross to get to the sand). People would play all sorts of games on the beach and just look out for each other. How insane is it that they make laws about this stuff?
Ah, wait -- the answer, from the LAT piece:
"The county is looking to find more revenue," he said.
Because the nitbrains we vote in to represent us spend our money like it's our money (as opposed to theirs).
I have no idea how you guys can live in Lalaland, or Cali, in general. It's been going downhill since the early 90s. Even the rustbelt is getting better, and the people are nicer.
Stinky the Clown at February 9, 2012 8:04 AM
Yup. Moved to the Midwest last fall. I thought people were going to be a lot less open minded, turned out I was wrong.
Weather still isn't as great. But I throw a frisbee (weather permitting) with my dog every day. No fines here.
What is your State's Freedom Ranking?
http://mercatus.org/freedom-50-states-2011
(*Since this chart, Wisconsin passed conceled carry upon request law, and is now a Castle doctrine state. They also eliminated collective barganing...I expect it to move up this freedom ranking list for the 2012 year)
Feebie at February 9, 2012 8:46 AM
Using infraction fines as a revenue source sets the state on a dangerous course.
Police become little more than revenue agents, rather than public safety officers.
Laws are passed and fines are set, not with public safety and civic order in mind, but according to how much revenue can be raised.
The public becomes the government's ATM and laws its ATM card.
That's no way to run a civilization.
Conan the Grammarian at February 9, 2012 9:15 AM
Welcome to the beach. Please have your sunscreen ready, and turn off all cell phones and electronic equipment. We ask that you stay on your designated blanket for the length of your visit and do not move about the beach unless necessary. Thank you for choosing the sunshine state.
Eric at February 9, 2012 10:08 AM
"Officials warned that any activities that could potentially harm "any person or property on or near the beach" should not be allowed during the peak summer season"
Since about 120 people drown in LA County every year, shouldn't all swimming be banned, by this logic?
http://fire.lacounty.gov/programsevents/YouthWATCH.asp
For that matter, there were 4 fatal shark attacks in California over the past 10 years. How many frisbee fatalities have you heard of? Sandcastle fatalities? If they're going to make such a bald grasp for revenue, they'll need a better excuse.
Martin at February 9, 2012 10:11 AM
>> What is your State's Freedom Ranking?
Idaho! We're number 4!
Eric at February 9, 2012 10:38 AM
Unacceptable Risk: Being hit by a frisbee at the beach.
Acceptable Risk: One in 100 lifetime chance of dying from an automobile accident.
Acceptable Risk: Contrary to government ads, obesity is not a threat to our society, as active play is banned in almost all circumstances.
Acceptable Risk: Bored teens with time on their hands.
Unacceptable Risk: Injuries from organized athletics. (You can sue if injured.)
Advice: Sit quietly and listen to the birds, just like us aged 60 county administrators.
Andrew_M_Garland at February 9, 2012 12:12 PM
poo-tee-tweet?
Eric at February 9, 2012 1:41 PM
Hey Amy! You know what culture never has to worry about fines for misconduct on the beach?
That's right!
They don't worry about it because we don't permit them to.
(I could do this all day.)
Crid [CridComment at gmail] at February 9, 2012 1:53 PM
Amy Alkon
https://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/2012/02/california-ever.html#comment-2969694">comment from Crid [CridComment at gmail]Cridster, was worried about you. Glad you're back for a fine (soon-to-be fined) game of Inuit frisbee.
Amy Alkon
at February 9, 2012 2:31 PM
I heard a comment on the radio tonight, that I can't find on Google.
Apparently now California is changing the rules that if you work in CA for more than 4 days, they have to withhold your taxes at the CA rate. You're sent there to train, consult, etc. and you are taxed as if you are in California.
Jim P. at February 9, 2012 6:41 PM
Amy, follow the links.
Crid [CridComment at gmail] at February 9, 2012 7:00 PM
Specifically–
Crid [CridComment at gmail] at February 9, 2012 8:12 PM
Amy Alkon
https://www.advicegoddess.com/archives/2012/02/california-ever.html#comment-2970069">comment from Crid [CridComment at gmail]Thanks, Crid. I guess the lesson is...consider everything The Onion until proven otherwise.
Amy Alkon
at February 9, 2012 8:27 PM
See also: The splendid vitality of the primitive Inuit.
Crid [CridComment at gmail] at February 9, 2012 10:04 PM
Leave a comment