Newest comments on The Sacramento Press articles by Michelle Lazark

P W on "Ask Officer Michelle - Officers Using Cellphones While Driving"

2012-02-07T00:33:32Z

Your prose is fraught with cons.

byrdsbeads on "Ask Officer Michelle - Officers Using Cellphones While Driving"

2012-02-06T23:22:40Z

Why aren't they required to use a hands-free device such as bluetooth like the rest of us? If they know they're going to be doing business from their car then they should have a bluetooth for such calls/tasks.

Matt McGuire on "Ask Officer Michelle - Officers Using Cellphones While Driving"

2012-02-06T22:57:14Z

I am fine with officers talking on the phone. How many officer involved accidents included the officer being on the phone? I think we have bigger things to worry about.

ja594 on "Ask Officer Michelle - Officers Using Cellphones While Driving"

2012-02-06T21:42:05Z

I can't count on one hand how many times I've personally been guilty of a driving infraction and thought I was about to be pulled over only to see that the police officer was too busy talking on his cell phone to even notice me breaking the law. Score!

Acurabove on "Ask Officer Michelle - Officers Using Cellphones While Driving"

2012-02-06T15:41:11Z

Hey Shmo....I think you missed the officer's point. It is a tool, and the officers use it as such. You're just pissed off that you can't. I would want the police to do everything they could and all the tools that they have to help them with their duties. Judging from your rant, you just have a problem with authority in general. I'll be willing to bet that you would be the first to call 911 if you were being victimized....

JoShmo on "Ask Officer Michelle - Officers Using Cellphones While Driving"

2012-02-06T04:32:38Z

There's no legitimate reason that police should be allowed to do things that others aren't if it isn't an absolutely necessary function of the job. Police officers are citizens and must obey the rule of law that is supposed to be governing our country. The fact that police are allowed to use cell phones while driving is just one example of the fact that police follow a different set of rules than the rest of us and face little consequence for crimes they do commit. Occasionally the police community is forced to throw an officer into the volcano for something he got caught doing, but they do their best to sweep as many crimes under the rug as possible - they need funding and can't risk bad publicity. "My car is my office" isn't a valid excuse for breaking the law. Speeding isn't any less dangerous because your car has a spinning light on top of it and assault shouldn't be given a lighter penalty because it was done in the line of duty. If rights allowed by the government is a measure of one's freedom, then common Americans are second-rate citizens behind police. But no one brings this up because all police have to do is mention 9/11 and everyone shuts up. Oh right, 9/11, go ahead and put the boot back on my head. Being a police officer is a difficult, dangerous, stressful job. And no one likes them. When people see police, they don't feel respect, nor do they feel safe. The initial reaction when someone sees a police officer is to feel threatened, even if they haven't done anything wrong. I don't blame the police, but it isn't right. Is living in a state of fear the same as living in "the best country in the world" or "the land of the free"? Or is it how Chinese people feel when they say something bad about their government and then immediately regret their comment for fear of being thrown in prison? It's not complicated. Police are allowed to talk on phone while they drive because we live in a police state. We live in a culture of ignorance and complacency that won't notice its freedoms until they are long gone. This may sound dramatic for something like talking on the phone while driving, but government restriction is like a zip-tie. It only tightens one way and there's only one way to get rid of it.

Tony Sheppard on "Ask Officer Michelle - Officers Using Cellphones While Driving"

2012-02-05T22:46:36Z

The fact that your car is like your office and you do this a lot makes it worse not better, and is a strong argument for police cars to be fitted with hands-free kits so that you don't need to use a hand to dial and hold the phone.

wastemytime on "Ask Officer Michelle - Parking Next to a Fire Hydrant Causes Sparks"

2011-12-23T06:58:28Z

I call BS on this ordinance. I don't know many people who carry measuring tape in their cars. How is anyone suppose to know exactly where 15' ends if the curb is not clearly marked??? Seems like this ordinance is just an excuse for the city to issue citations to raise revenue. After receiving a ticket for parking near a hydrant with no markings, all I can say is STAY AS FAR AWAY from them as possible!

Laceho on "Ask Officer Michelle - Noisy Neighbors are a Common Complaint in Midtown"

2011-12-20T16:00:38Z

What can I do about a neighbor that has had a carpool honking and waking my child and I up weekday mornings for over months. ASked her to stop over and over until it has now come to words in my driveway and she threatened to get out and kick my ***. Jolted out of my sleep is really getting to me.

Davi Rodrigues on "Ask Officer Michelle - Concerns About Kidnapper out on Parole"

2011-12-11T21:52:42Z

Cherylwin, If this guy doesn't know where you are, how will he know how to stay away from you? I know it's a tricky situation, however if you think he's coming back to sac to live, work, etc, it kind of makes a little sense for him to know what part of town he should stay x amount of feet from. Finding people in the area is not very hard unless they really really don't want to be found, and unless you're willing to hide out from your relatives, friends, business, community involvement and such, he can pretty much track you down with relative ease. You might want to consider putting up a strong resistance message that he should stay away from your habitats because everyone around you knows what he looks like, what he did, and that you're not going to live in fear, but instead boldly proclaim his no-fly zone. I don't know your situation at all, or anything about you of course, but I do know that one cannot have any reasonable expectation of anonymity in this age of public records, social media, and just plain communal living.

jhbuerer on "Ask Officer Michelle - Neighborhood Dog Causes Disturbance"

2011-12-04T00:46:49Z

I found this thread today in 2011 and 311 no longer will address barking dog issues. Talking to neighbors invites passive aggressive behavior from them.

cogmeyer on "Ask Officer Michelle - Camping Ordinance In Front of Stores?"

2011-12-02T18:00:06Z

Officer Michelle already confirmed in her response that the SacPD selectively enforces the camping ordinance. Quote: "We typically don’t enforce the city ordinance on private property unless the business owners have an issue with individuals causing a specific problem." News flash, this happens every day. Example: Homeless steal thousands of pounds of valuable recyclables from city recycle bins each trash day, with zero enforcement from SacPD. However if the homeless steal the same value of recyclable copper from the lights at a City owned baseball diamond, SacPD arrives with sirens blaring. See?

cogmeyer on "Ask Officer Michelle - Camping Ordinance In Front of Stores?"

2011-12-02T17:40:35Z

Yeah, sometimes very broad generalizations must be employed to get that succinct and biting soundbite :) Since RoKiFo is badging out of the shallow end of Sac City Hall cesspool (for the deeper cesspool of state capitol lobbying... ha) I am gonna need a new avatar. Any suggestions?

thsas on "Ask Officer Michelle - Camping Ordinance In Front of Stores?"

2011-12-01T16:37:14Z

Agreed, every day there are many people camped put in downtown Sacramento, and the cops just drive by...

thsas on "Ask Officer Michelle - Camping Ordinance In Front of Stores?"

2011-12-01T16:34:59Z

I do, so happy to get support from you on immigration, pot smoking, public intoxication, bums who dig through recycle cans, all vehicles needing to come to compete stops at stop signs, (bikes included), vagrancy, etc etc.

JustinBuell on "Ask Officer Michelle - Camping Ordinance In Front of Stores?"

2011-11-30T11:24:42Z

Thanks for putting words in my mouth cogmeyer, but honestly i do believe in private property. Was just curious to how this was legal and the camping in the park was not. On a side note, i do like your anti Rob Fong Message =)

JustinBuell on "Ask Officer Michelle - Camping Ordinance In Front of Stores?"

2011-11-30T11:21:43Z

Why Yes I do, dont you thsas?

archbum042002 on "Ask Officer Michelle - Camping Ordinance In Front of Stores?"

2011-11-30T06:17:29Z

This is pure propaganda from the City. By not cracking down on the illegal camping in front of retail establishments leading up to "Black Friday" the City demonstrated that enforcement of the camping ordinance is selective. The City just destroyed its own argument against the Occupiers. Sacramento City Code Chapter 12.52.030 Unlawful Camping. It is unlawful and a public nuisance for any person to camp, occupy camp facilities, or use camp paraphernalia in the following areas: A. Any public property; or B. Any private property. 1. It is not intended by this section to prohibit overnight camping on private residential property by friends or family of the property owner, so long as the owner consents and the overnight camping is limited to not more than one consecutive night. 2. Nothing in this chapter is intended to prohibit or make unlawful, activities of an owner of private property or other lawful user of private property that are normally associated with and incidental to the lawful and authorized use of private property for residential or other purposes; and provided further, nothing is intended to prohibit or make unlawful, activities of a property owner or other lawful user if such activities are expressly authorized by the city’s comprehensive zoning ordinance or other laws, ordinances and regulations. 3. The city manager may, as provided in Section 12.52.050 of this chapter, issue a temporary permit to allow camping on public or private property in connection with a special event. A violation of this section is a misdemeanor. In addition to the remedies set forth in Penal Code Section 370, the city attorney may institute civil actions to abate a public nuisance under this chapter. (Prior code § 44.03.007)

Tim Martin on "Ask Officer Michelle - Camping Ordinance In Front of Stores?"

2011-11-30T01:42:40Z

I would suggest reading the camping ordinance. There are exceptions to the no-camping laws on private property.

RPH on "Ask Officer Michelle - Camping Ordinance In Front of Stores?"

2011-11-30T00:52:18Z

Local government ordinances regulate conduct on property controlled by that government, such as no camping in city parks, on private property the owner regulates conduct. If they want to allow camping then it is OK. If they don't want to allow then it is trespassing, which is a crime. If you commit a crime as defined by the penal code on private property the police will enforce the law. It is not selective

cogmeyer on "Ask Officer Michelle - Camping Ordinance In Front of Stores?"

2011-11-29T22:02:49Z

Since many occupiers think that there is no such thing as private property, the nuance of public vs. private property may have been lost on Justin

Poop on "Ask Officer Michelle - Camping Ordinance In Front of Stores?"

2011-11-29T21:58:09Z

"We typically don’t enforce the city ordinance on private property unless the business owners have an issue with individuals causing a specific problem." You mean law enforcement officials only selectively enforce the laws? And it's okay to break the law if the intent is to spend money shopping, or watching a box office movie? Sounds fair. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak4Uc7JMmAA

Rhys02 on "Ask Officer Michelle - Camping Ordinance In Front of Stores?"

2011-11-29T00:54:56Z

Found it interesting the stores had no problem with folks abandoning their kids at home to 'camp' out for some 'loss leader' 'bottom of the line' TV or other 'bargain'...but had issues with the Occupiers.

thsas on "Ask Officer Michelle - Camping Ordinance In Front of Stores?"

2011-11-28T21:36:33Z

"After all the law is the law". Justin, do you hold this position for all laws, all the time? Just curious.

Elizabeth Johnson on "Ask Officer Michelle - Citizen Concerned About Neighbors' Pitbulls"

2011-11-20T09:52:45Z

Yes, I agree Pit Bulls are once again getting the bad rap because of people! For that matter any dog that has to be "used" by these people and placed in situations like this that cause the dog to be damaged is animal abuse and cruelty. The dog did not chose to live this way. The dog would much prefer to be the loyal loving friendly family pet man domesticated dogs to be centuries ago before criminals and sick people began to "create" something else in them which is not innate, but forced by cruelty and torture. I really wish this neighbor would have known to contact the many Pit Bull Rescue organizations first or at list simultaneously along with calling Animal Control, as Animal Control most surely will put the poor dog down right away simply for being a dog in the wrong place with the wrong people, which certainly cannot be the dogs fault! The dog is guilty of one thing - being born!

Mark Urquhart on "Ask Officer Michelle - Reporting Suspicious Subjects"

2011-11-07T22:08:32Z

I think the name was actually 'Bas Ted'.

Shalini Chandra on "Ask Officer Michelle - Citizen Concerned About Neighbors' Pitbulls"

2011-10-18T07:02:29Z

I hate that pit bulls were specified in this. ANY breed can be as bad.

Rhonda Erwin on "Ask Officer Michelle - Video Taping Police on Duty"

2011-10-10T07:44:48Z

Another African American male, Ronald Ross, was also shot and later died when his cell phone was mistaken for a weapon also....

Davi Rodrigues on "Ask Officer Michelle - Video Taping Police on Duty"

2011-10-09T17:19:15Z

Good luck with "responsible" publications. Propaganda rules in America. Even from the police I'm afraid. I would caution anyone videotaping police, especially when it's you the police are contacting, to be careful your use of a camera or cell phone doesn't become your primary concern. First preserve your safety. Don't make any sudden moves, especially to point something at the police, EVEN IF IT'S YOUR CAMERA OR CELL PHONE. If you don't already have the camera rolling, that moment is not the best time to be fishing for it among your stuff. But, as stated, it's not unlawful to document, so be insistent after the danger period has passed. The first few minutes of police contact are not the best times to be expressing your independence. All that good camera gear, and the best video footage in the world will do you no good if you are too dead to use it Case in point is that of Donald Venerable: VENERABLE et al v. CITY OF SACRAMENTO, et al. 2:01-CV-00369-DFL: An African American man who was in the midst of a verbal domestic dispute with his estranged wife was wrongfully shot and killed by Sacramento Police who mistook his cell phone for a weapon. Case settled $800,000. U.S. District Court, Eastern District (2003)

Tim123 on "Ask Officer Michelle - A Personal Assistance Shady Request"

2011-09-19T04:08:54Z

Well written article.

Dee on "Ask Officer Michelle - Stolen Vehicles Towed After Recovery"

2011-09-15T21:54:02Z

My Van was stolen a couple of weeks ago and all my piano tuning tools and everything was inside and to this date have not found the van or tools, we call everyday to see if it's been found. The Van isn't the problem my husband tools were his earning tools as he's is self employed....Very upsetting.

Tony Sheppard on "Ask Officer Michelle - Buying Used Police Cars and Impounds"

2011-08-28T21:57:29Z

It works both ways - they're driven harder than most vehicles but also maintained better - and they tend to start out with heavy duty systems (electrical, cooling, etc) that are designed to take such usage. Also, they're often sold simply because of rules about specific mileages being reached, not because of any problems they have.

Mom5 on "Ask Officer Michelle - Loud Music in Neighborhoods"

2011-08-25T04:56:04Z

Let me make sure I understand we as in any body can make noise between 7am to 10pm including barking dogs and there is nothing anyone can do about it? I got a letter in the mail today from ?????? That if my dog continued to bark it would be come missing!!! First of all he is in bed by 830 pm until 7 am the next morning and all he wants to do is play, stretch and bark he settles down after awhile and its not consistent barking its like a bark here and there I'm watching as I get ready for work.

Mark Urquhart on "Ask Officer Michelle - Receiving Suspicious Money Orders"

2011-07-26T18:30:42Z

You can try paying them in to your bank account and they will probably accept it. And, assuming you have sufficient cleared funds, or if you have a good relationship with your bank, they will let you draw on the amount. The problem comes when the check/money order fails to clear. Then you will be left with a depleted bank account, a nasty letter (and charges) from your bank and possibly even some interest from law enforcement if the check was stolen/altered. Best practice is to find the financial institution that issued the MO//check and contact them directly. Or, if you really wan to accept it and pay it in, make it clear to the person that gave it to you that there will be a minimum three week delay before you ship any goods/services. Scammers know this tactic and will pressure you to honor the check immediately, which is a major red flag in itself. Visit http://www.scamdex.com and search there for matching details - they have hundreds of thousands of scam examples.

carol on "Ask Officer Michelle - Parking Next to a Fire Hydrant Causes Sparks"

2011-07-21T10:33:58Z

I just got a ticket for parking in front of my own house! I've parked in front for over 10 years of living at my house and never got a ticket until a few days ago...it's an older neighborhood with a cul de sac...parked my usual place in the front of my house and left room in the back for the fire hydrant...if I move my car up a little, then I'll be blocking the driveway...so does this mean that I can't park in front of my own house? 15 ft away means I'll be blocking the driveway...so what is the right way according to this law? Also, there's no lines, markings or paint that tells you where to park...Would you recommend me in contesting my citation?

Melissa Corker on "Ask Officer Michelle - Neigbor's Children Causing Havoc"

2011-07-11T21:59:53Z

As a parent of four - and one who used to work form home a great deal - I understand bambam05's complaint, and agree with Officer Michelle's response. Children should be free to be children and play in their neighborhood, but ALWAYS within the bounds of respect for other neighbors' space, property, and (yes!) sanity. Giving the parents the opportunity to hear your grievance and take steps to correct it is respectful to them as neighbors and as the adults responsible for their little critters tearing up the 'hood. At the same time, children (especially during summer vacation) are more likely to be "seen AND heard" than any other time of the year. If nothing else, the problem will likely resolve itself when school resumes in September.

Hadit on "Ask Officer Michelle - Loud Music in Neighborhoods"

2011-07-10T15:21:14Z

I'm hadit! I totally agree with you. I have 3 sets of neighbors now that party every night and have loud friends over that smoke pot and drink alcohol all day and the police have been out to my calls in at least 3 years hundreds of times, had mediation with their landlord and i am about to go Vigilante and go to jail if I have to. Nobody will do anything and I'm starting to loose my head over this. I chased a Chinese lady collecting cans next to my bedroom window at 6:00a.m on a Sunday morning without any sleep and went after her with a broom, I just went nuts.

shoehorn on "Ask Officer Michelle - Single Female Wants to Feel Safe Downtown"

2011-06-28T04:32:50Z

I am single and little and look young. I live in downtown so it's good there are lots of people around all the time if I'm in danger but it also means it's easy for someone to see where my routes are and where I live. I met a guy my first day here who walked with me as I exchanged friendly nonscommital impersonal banter. He kept insisting I tell him where I live, give him my number, come home with him. He ended up trying to walk me to his house which was very far away. I took his number and left promising to call him. My landlady said a man 'was asking for me' she didn't say if by name. The name he gave was different but apparently he fit the discription I gave her of the man I met because she double-checked with me. How do I handle living where lots of people know my whereabouts ? I enter by the back door which is next to a busy restaurant instead of the more obvious main door. I alter my times I go places and the routes. I look around me before unlocking the outside door and entering and I slow my pace depending on if someone is fishy or if it's a family group or the restaurant staff/patrons. I have my landlord's cell number. I will get a phone installed in my bedroom as soon as I can in case of night time emergencies,I have a flashlight by my bed. The mystery man gave me his number ; should I give it to the police?

Melissa Corker on "Ask Officer Michelle- The Best Way to Thank an Officer"

2011-06-27T05:01:07Z

It is always a GOOD thing to say Thank You to the people who help us in time of need, who care for us in time of illness, or guide us in times of confusion. Police, fire, medical, nursing, community service personnel -- if someone does you a 'good turn,' show your appreciation, even in the simplest way. Our world is enhanced with every act of gratitude.

Davi Rodrigues on "Ask Officer Michelle - Working with Multi-curtural Diversities"

2011-06-13T18:37:20Z

And somehow this noble effort to build trust in communities twists in to an ignoble policy of not enforcing some laws because it might discourage the reporting of other crimes. Our community becomes corrupt when our law enforcement partners up with cultural or racially specific groups and gives them special treatment when they break the laws.

SLEEDY1967 on "Behind the Tape - A Day in the Life of a Homicide Detective"

2011-05-30T05:05:41Z

WILLOVER IS A HERO, AND YOU ALL ARE!

LisaB23 on "Ask Officer Michelle - Noisy Generator Leaves Neighbors Sleepless"

2011-05-15T18:46:54Z

& if it is in SMUD territory call them too & yes get photos.

Davi Rodrigues on "Ask Officer Michelle - Noisy Generator Leaves Neighbors Sleepless"

2011-05-15T18:31:51Z

Sounds like a code enforcement case. People that run generators for temporary power, often wire them up haphazardly and unsafely. I'd take a picture of it and include that in a complaint to the code enforcement department.

StevieGee on "Ask Officer Michelle - How to Have a Party and Keep Neighbors Happy"

2011-04-26T04:54:35Z

Another question for Officer Michelle. If your guests have had too much to drink and are loud, and the cops come, and the cops say everybody has to go home, do we still not let our guests leave?

Michelle Lazark on "Ask Officer Michelle - Incident at 9/K Streets"

2011-04-18T02:13:12Z

Casey, You are looking in the right place. I don't know why this didn't make the daily activity summary. I'll ask Norm. It may not have been significant enough to make the daily. Not every call-for-service is noted on the daily summary.

Casey Kirk on "Ask Officer Michelle - Incident at 9/K Streets"

2011-04-18T00:38:28Z

Officer Michelle, I was always under the impression that incidents are logged on the Sac PD website. http://www.sacpd.org/dailyactivity/view.aspx?publish_date=20110412 I looked at incidents logged on the 11th and 12th but couldn't see this one. Am I looking in the wrong place?

bmsharef on "Ask Officer Michelle - Loud Music in Neighborhoods"

2011-03-31T19:31:45Z

I find it outrageous that a neighbor can play loud music and disturb his/her neighbors at any time of the day. We all pay taxes and have rights to peace and quite any time of the day. I may want to read a book or watch my favorite TV program or have conversation with my wife or children or lay down for a nap or simply relax in my reclining chair. By what right can an unruly neighbor transgress and disturb my family's peace in our own home? If some one enjoys loud music, they can use head phones and blow their brains out, or at least close their windows and have the sound at a reasonable level. I find the laws and regulations of California in general, and Sacramento County in particular, regarding protection of citizen rights to peace in their own homes very very inadequate and inferior.

buddha on "Ask Officer Michelle - Jaywalking - Illegal and Dangerous"

2011-03-21T21:56:05Z

Drivers, please be aware that there is an "implied crosswalk" at street corners, and crossing there is not illegal. It is legal to cross the street at the corner, even if there is no painted crosswalk. Walkers, let's be careful out there. No need to be "dead right".

Michelle Lazark on "Ask Officer Michelle - Jaywalking - Illegal and Dangerous"

2011-03-21T14:57:59Z

I'll pass that on to our motor units.....

gtaylor on "Ask Officer Michelle - Jaywalking - Illegal and Dangerous"

2011-03-20T21:55:01Z

The city could erase their deficit if they'd just assign someone to ticket jaywalkers on 5th Avenue at McGeorge.

MyQuest on "Ask Officer Michelle - Bully At Light Rail Station"

2011-03-14T20:06:44Z

Dalal, you probably had more impact than you think. At the time the perp was bowed up and saving face with their group, but later, and maybe just in the smallest ways...I'm sure each of them considered what you did. Their public reaction would be to belittle everything you did (again, face) but in their private thoughts you may have effected them. That fact you stood up is what we need more of. A lot more and from good people or the swell will carry us all away.

newguyinsac on "Ask Officer Michelle - Bully At Light Rail Station"

2011-03-14T17:50:06Z

I realize that there are officers who ride the trains, although all they seem to do is check tickets and give citations to homeless people who I doubt will ever actually pay the fines. I'd like to know why the yellow-jacketed security guards aren't more aggressive about enforcing the rules on the train and if they are not able to do so, why we are wasting money on paying them?

slee916 on "Ask Officer Michelle - Bully At Light Rail Station"

2011-03-14T03:41:40Z

The email was sent on 02/27/11 and the subject of the email is "Call Disposition." This email wasn't sent through the blog. It was sent directly to your city email. Let me know if you don't find it.

Michelle Lazark on "Ask Officer Michelle - Bully At Light Rail Station"

2011-03-14T02:24:48Z

Did you post it on www.blog.sacpd.org? What was the name on the email? I have two that I've answered that are awaiting the moderator to post them. One was regarding pedestrians and the other a concerned parent worried about his daughter. If one was yours, it should be posted tomorrow...let me know if your question isn't among these...

slee916 on "Ask Officer Michelle - Bully At Light Rail Station"

2011-03-14T02:13:57Z

Officer Michelle, I emailed you a question last last week and have yet to receive a response. If you check your city Outlook email, mines should be in there. I also cc'd Councilmember Fong. A response would be nice.

Michelle Lazark on "Ask Officer Michelle - Bully At Light Rail Station"

2011-03-13T21:58:41Z

Some cities in other states have that capability but we don't here in Sacramento. It is a good idea and it has been addressed before. I'm sure that as technology continues to change, there will be some type of texting feature in the feature.

littlecat8 on "Ask Officer Michelle - Bully At Light Rail Station"

2011-03-13T20:36:49Z

seems like it would be helpful to be able to text a message to 911 in this type of situation, to avoid confrontation while getting the necessary assistance. Is that possible in Sacramento?

Ahsan Awan on "Ask Officer Michelle - The Legality of Videotaping at Work"

2011-02-28T06:12:22Z

Hm... interesting situation, I'd try looking at Cal. Penal Code Sec 632(a). http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/displaycode?section=pen&group=00001-01000&file=630-638

cogmeyer on "Ask Officer Michelle - The Legality of Videotaping at Work"

2011-02-28T05:48:53Z

If I found out I was being videotaped while being terminated, I would quit!

Michelle Lazark on "Ask Officer Michelle - Reporting Criteria for Vehicle Accidents"

2011-02-22T03:48:40Z

That's a good question My Quest. Basically, if the police and fire are dispatched to an accident in the city limits, it would fall into the tax category.

MyQuest on "Ask Officer Michelle - Reporting Criteria for Vehicle Accidents"

2011-02-21T21:10:11Z

Back to the article... If an accident falls below the SPD minimum reporting standards, how would that effect the crash tax bill if either driver were from out of city?

Jamison Smith on "Ask Officer Michelle - Laws Pertaining to Vehicle Window Tinting"

2011-02-09T19:09:32Z

Nothing personal, I do enjoy the column, and look forward to it on a regular basis, keep up the good work.

Michelle Lazark on "Ask Officer Michelle - Laws Pertaining to Vehicle Window Tinting"

2011-02-09T13:09:38Z

Lighten up Smitty! Even the great columnists (not that I'm even in that league) rerun material when they're on vacation! Sheesh! Thanx for highlighting that by the way....

Jamison Smith on "Ask Officer Michelle - Laws Pertaining to Vehicle Window Tinting"

2011-02-08T20:27:10Z

I seem to recall reading this around this time last year... http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/22720/Ask_Officer_Michelle_Window_TintingHue_Would_Have_Known Other than that I really enjoy these articles, just disappointing to see an old one.

jackthehillbilly on "Ask Officer Michelle - Parking Next to a Fire Hydrant Causes Sparks"

2011-02-06T01:18:59Z

i just recived a ticket in natomas while at a kids sports function at a park with only street parking. I was aprox 9 feet from the plug but even then, i didnt "notice that the hydrant was even there" no painted curb and the hydrant was a dull silver and green on top. Even with the flow markings shouldnt the hydrant be bright yellow or red to STAND OUT. like I stated i did not notice until the ticket was on the window. at that point i looked for the plug. On a side note.....dont the enforcement officers need to follow the same rules they enforce. the parking enforement car was double parked with his hazards on while he walked around the streets looking for any violations he could find. HE WAS DOUBLE PARKED...... how can he justify breaking the laws?

Sherrie Tyler on "Ask Office Michelle - Pitbulls Loose in Church Parking lot"

2011-01-11T05:19:47Z

We just had a pit bull attack a blind person and his dog at the apartment complex where I live. Scary!

mrsrobinson on "Ask Office Michelle - Cutbacks in prostitution enforcement causing painful situations"

2011-01-04T23:48:19Z

I want my tax dollars to go to putting DANGEROUS PREDATORS IN JAIL. Not to STALK and HARASS online escorts and massage palors. Would you rather have them back out on the street corners and you talk about what THEY CAN LEGALLY STEAL FROM DESPERATE WOMEN, shame on you! Why not spend some of the tax dolars creating LONG TERM HOUSING< EDUCATION< HEATHCARE AND TRANSPORTATION & COUNSELING for these women to exit the adult industry.

mrsrobinson on "Ask Office Michelle - Cutbacks in prostitution enforcement causing painful situations"

2011-01-04T23:42:00Z

Ok the wife calls the cops because she wants them to police her husband because he has been going to massage palors (she doesn't know for sure he solicited anyone for an illegal act, she just assumes this because she know he is a lying cheater, but she still married him) and the police give her a number to call to get help for this abuse. OUR TAX DOLARS AT WORK> HOW HAS THE WIFE BEEN ABUSED? wake up America, IT IS LEGAL FOR A ESCORT TO SELL BLOCKS OF HER TIME. Escorts do not PROMISE SEX FOR A FEE, they only PROMISE THEIR TIME & COMPANIONSIP. It is not up to the tax payers to police the behavior of your spouse. Any 2 consenting adults have the right ot have sex in private, just like you and your husband do. If the women wants to give it away within 3 dates or bring home strange men.they can legaly as long as they are GIVING IT AWAY> It seems the only time we have an issue with women having sex in private, is when she is smart enought to be PAID. Law Enforcment has way to much money in their budgets if they are even bothering to look into this HYSTERICAL HOUSEWIVES CLAIMS Are we going to police the srtip clubs and adult book stores next, and meanwhile law enforcment claims they do not have the man power to monitor real sexual offenders that are predators when they get released from prison. Remember the guy who kept the girl in his backyard for 17 years while on parole and registered as a sex offender. Anytime we create laws that PREVENT WOMEN FROM REPORTING CRIMES AGAINST THEMSELVES because of fear of being prosecuted, it is wrong. How many more bodies do we have to find in Long Island of murdered escorts before we decriminalize consenting adults in private. This women who has a cheating husband does not DESERVE ANYMORE PROTECTION from the law AS THE PROSTITUTE DOES.

Michelle Lazark on "Ask Office Michelle - Cutbacks in prostitution enforcement causing painful situations"

2011-01-04T04:11:35Z

If it were only that simple....

Davi Rodrigues on "Ask Office Michelle - Cutbacks in prostitution enforcement causing painful situations"

2011-01-02T21:40:45Z

I don't see why the police cannot use the same tactics against unlawful massage parlors as they do against drug dealers; sieze the assets used in the crime, and sell them off to offset the costs of enforcement. It would look something like this: City of Sacramento vs $1,200.00 in cash, various office equipment, two automobiles, and in cases where the landlord was complicit or aware, 1 parcel of land. I just saw the district attorney here in sac sued and siezed the prison accounts of several pelican bay prisoners to the tune of 93K, so there's no reason this cannot work the same way.

sheree on "Ask Officer Michelle - Law on Registered Sex Offenders"

2011-01-02T10:09:05Z

what are the conditions if a 290 was to merry someone with a miner living in the home

oldpup on "Ask Officer Michelle - Abusive Ex Overstays Welcome"

2010-12-29T21:44:58Z

Will they give a restraining order just on your say-so? Officer Michelle implies they will, but that cannot be the entire story, else impatient exes without coping skills would be pursuing them like free candy. This is not a comment on the letter writer, who I think should just call the cops on the home intruder. Is that not also an option? Also, if a tenant told me her ex had been shacking up off-lease for two months, I would act immediately, and not necessarily on just him.

DevonBgood on "Ask Office Michelle - Airsoft Guns in Sacramento"

2010-12-28T18:50:32Z

That response a good one. Yes people will mistake airsoft guns for real guns and will take any measures they feel they need to take. I've been part of a team for a couple of years and we were encouraged to read on airsoft safety, as well as only using our guns on a designated airsoft field. This page has a lot of information in regards to airsoft safety and public safety http://www.airsplat.com/airsoft-safety.htm.

Keith Sharward on "Ask Officer Michelle - Abusive Ex Overstays Welcome"

2010-12-28T02:37:06Z

"You have a right to have short term guests in your residence that don’t have to be on the lease agreement..." Most rental agreements I have signed in the past limit house guests to stays of three days or fewer.

dogsinfo on "The Day in the Life of a K-9 Officer"

2010-12-21T16:02:19Z

The Dutch Shepherd is available in three varieties: long-haired (long, straight, flat and harsh), short-haired (fine and dense) and wire-haired (medium duration and wiry). display dogs should not display much bright on their chest and feet.The feet are relatively small and do not have dewclaws. The toes are properly arched. The nails and pads are black. Protective head of hair grows between the toes.The tail is slightly curved. The chest and belly are deep and never as well drawn up. The eyes are dim and slightly slanting and the relatively small ears are stiffly erect.The muzzle is long and the teeth are strong and regular. your body is muscular and symmetrical.The short-haired wide range is very widespread in Holland, while the wire-haired is less common and the long-haired is very rare.Although the coat types vary, the color possibilities remain identical for each: various shades of brindle, such as gray, yellow, silver, red or gold brindle, and blue.Dogs-Dog information|Dutch Shepherd

Robert McKeown on "Ask Officer Michelle - Citizen Drives Drunk to Get More Beer"

2010-12-14T07:44:53Z

Whoa - what'd I do with that doubling there? Hm... Well anyway...

Robert McKeown on "Ask Officer Michelle - Citizen Drives Drunk to Get More Beer"

2010-12-14T07:43:41Z

Wasn't this posted on 11/22/2009 here: http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/18121/Ask_Officer_Michelle_Reporting_a_drunk_driver and on 2/21/2010 here: http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/22454/Ask_Officer_Michelle_Dealing_with_a_Pesky_Neighbor this posted on 11/22/2009 here: http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/18121/Ask_Officer_Michelle_Reporting_a_drunk_driver and on 2/21/2010 here: http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/22454/Ask_Officer_Michelle_Dealing_with_a_Pesky_Neighbor And on the SacPD blog on December 12, 2008 -- exactly two years ago from this most recent posting of it?

hurricane on "Ask Officer Michelle - Citizen Drives Drunk to Get More Beer"

2010-12-14T06:41:05Z

Please, get a life.

Steve Vicente on "Ask Officer Michelle - Single Female Wants to Feel Safe Downtown"

2010-12-06T18:12:10Z

Gayle, Do you really think pepper spray or a stun gun will be suitable defense against a predator who's entered your home? It is time to exercise your 2nd Amendment rights. Keeping a loaded shotgun and/or revolver in your home should ease your concerns. As for walking around town... it's fairly safe since most of downtown is farily busy, but stick to well-lit streets with eyes on them.

Davi Rodrigues on "Ask Officer Michelle - Single Female Wants to Feel Safe Downtown"

2010-12-06T15:55:03Z

No mention of obtaining a firearm and/or training in its' use, or applying for a CCW? A little bias here Ms Lazark? If the police won't mention all of your options, then turn to your previous fellow victims for advice. If you don't have a felony conviction or certain misdemeanor convictions involving gang activity or violent acts, or you don't have any restraining orders against you, (in other words you are not a violence prone criminal yourself), you can apply to the Sacramento county sheriff for a concealed weapon permit. It's not impossible to obtain one like the old days. This is, of course, only if you are willing and able to use such a device. You must be committed, because any feeble attempt would likely just result in you giving your attacker something to use against you, someone else, or sell to someone who will use it against someone else. But that holds true for any defensive weapon, including stun gun, pepper spray, or what have you. But you do have another option

Michelle Lazark on "Ask Officer Michelle - Single Female Wants to Feel Safe Downtown"

2010-12-06T15:23:37Z

It's always about common sense hurricane!

hurricane on "Ask Officer Michelle - Single Female Wants to Feel Safe Downtown"

2010-12-06T06:32:50Z

Get a grip, common sense.

Sherrie Tyler on "Ask Officer Michelle - Single Female Wants to Feel Safe Downtown"

2010-12-06T03:36:19Z

Fabulous advice!!

SCS on "Ask Officer Michelle - Parking Next to a Fire Hydrant Causes Sparks"

2010-11-04T14:39:44Z

I was given a ticket where the fire plug was concealed by a garbage can. I go to court tomorrow to contest this. And by the way, since I had received my citation( under contest) The can has been moved from being next to the plug to about 20 ft away..sure sounds strange to me...like the city needs some money real bad. This was at East Portal Park at the south end of the park by the way.

enuhaeyuheeuhteeuh1 on "Ask Officer Michelle - Graffiti in Midtown"

2010-10-23T00:58:22Z

No one is going to paint on your house.. I'm sorry to hear about that though that's wrong but that just sounds like someone that isn't familiar with the rules and culture of an everyday graffiti artist. The most you can do about it is set up legal graffiti walls and have more respect for the artists.. Sacramento is the only city in California that tries to declare a "ban" on graffiti.. Look at New York.. They tried everything in their power to stop it. Did it stop? No. People die over gang related graffiti and the community decides to leave that up longer then an individual artists piece. If graffiti was legal for at least a year you would drive down the road and see a piece of art that reaches out to you and make you think 'Wow I couldn't do that even if I tried". Graffiti is a word used to describe a genre of art.. Not vandalism.. http://matadornetwork.com/trips/10-places-where-graffiti-is-legal

enuhaeyuheeuhteeuh1 on "Ask Officer Michelle - Graffiti in Midtown"

2010-10-23T00:52:26Z

people die from being put on hold by 911 emergency for pointless reports such as graffiti

enuhaeyuheeuhteeuh1 on "Ask Officer Michelle - Graffiti in Midtown"

2010-10-23T00:37:59Z

that's funny.. "up to" $1500 reward

Zbike on "Ask Officer Michelle - Pedestrians Rule the Sidewalks"

2010-10-04T02:20:34Z

If you read the City Code section she mentions in her first response you'll see uniformed officers are allowed to ride on any sidewalk. Helps to research before you react.

MerrilyMerrily on "Ask Officer Michelle - Dealing with Clueless Dog Owner"

2010-10-03T21:09:22Z

We threw poo back on the neighbor's front porch after they kept not picking up after their dog, Considered putting it in the mailbox, but would have gotten into trouble with the post office. The pooing on our front grass stopped.

phontas729 on "Ask Officer Michelle - Parking Next to a Fire Hydrant Causes Sparks"

2010-10-02T22:04:30Z

Officer Michelle, Is the process for residential home, i live in an older community within Sacramento County and I have an older style hydrent in my front yard, so does this mean technically no one should be parking in front of my own home? 15 feet away would cover the frontage of my home either way unless i blocked my single car driveway. thanks

Michael Althouse on "Ask Officer Michelle - Stolen Vehicles Towed After Recovery"

2010-09-24T17:38:17Z

If this was the Sacramento PD's strategy, then that might be a good rationalization for it. But Officer Michelle clearly states that their policy is to notify the registered owner upon recovery before the vehicle is towed and impounded. Based upon my experience and that of others, this would appear to be in direct conflict with reality. One might counter that we are not talking about a large sample of vehicle theft victims - that the numbers accounted for by me and the others who have commented here do not represent a large enough percentage to draw that conclusion. But when looked at from the other side, isn't it telling that not one story of a successful vehicle recovery sans impounding has been told? Not one. Curious, no?

Terafloppy on "Ask Officer Michelle - Neighborhood Kids Playing Knock-and-Run"

2010-09-13T23:27:52Z

If you're a little handy you could set up a siren and spot lights (flashing ones rule!) that would trigger out front when they push what use to be the "Door Bell". Hide it well and you should get a good laugh scaring the snot out of them Oh yeah, set that camera up! You're gonna want to watch them freak out! lol

Rhonda Erwin on "Ask Officer Michelle - Neighborhood Kids Playing Knock-and-Run"

2010-09-13T19:34:21Z

Chris, I love your post and your advice. Thank you for sharing!

Chris Fryer on "Ask Officer Michelle - Neighborhood Kids Playing Knock-and-Run"

2010-09-13T19:20:58Z

Coming from someone who once doorbell-ditched in the past, I agree that taking too much of a drastic action would be hurtful. Having eggs thrown at your home is a bit excessive, and I am sorry to hear that property damage was involved, but that was likely the result of a game of Truth or Dare, and not meant as a criminal act. That said, a camera system wouldn't hurt, especially if this is a consistent nuisance. Kids don't like to get in trouble, but they like to flirt with danger. Also, a Beware of Dog sign might be a good deterrent, because I remember this one time during a doorbell ditching a homeowner's dog was let out and it chased a few of my friends to the end of the block. Suffice to say we never went back to that house again. Dogs are a little scarier than cameras.

Rhonda Erwin on "Ask Officer Michelle - Neighborhood Kids Playing Knock-and-Run"

2010-09-13T15:43:45Z

When I was young some neighborhood kids use to sit on their driveway and play marbles. Every now and then they would also play door bell ditch.To my knowledge no one ever filed criminal charges or put up cameras. I'm still in touch with some of those kids who are grown now and none have criminal records, none grew up to commit other crimes. Rites of passage and all.... I'm sure it was annoying even then to the adults and to the kids it was kids play.. But I guess, zero tolerance, is a sign of the times. Recently a neighbor of mine had the same problem...lot of kids on her end of the street with little to do… Some played door bell ditch with her. She gets down right mad, as would I. We notified our other neighbors and I think it has stopped at least for a moment. Perhaps, if Shoua is not comfortable talking to her neighbors and before going to the length of filing criminal charges, she could contact her neighborhood association and perhaps they can send out letters to her neighbors. During our Xmas light contest MNA members were given addresses in our area to take a flier on the contest. Maybe her Association could xerox a letter warning the parents of possible criminal charges, cameras.... I'd just hate to see another kid involved in the criminal justice system, no matter how small the charge. Heck, what about self-fulfilling prophecy we treat these kids like criminals more will behave as criminals. Treat them like kids perhaps they will stay in a child's place. I wish her the best and I hope the annoyance stops. We should all feel comfortable and allowed to rest without annoyance in our homes.

thsas on "Ask Officer Michelle - Stolen Vehicles Towed After Recovery"

2010-09-08T21:03:59Z

Perhaps the tow service and related storage fees should be covered by our auto insurance, perhaps as a low cost option, similar to rental vehicles coverage?

cogmeyer on "Ask Officer Michelle - Stolen Vehicles Towed After Recovery"

2010-09-08T19:36:27Z

ditto here. My old Honda was stolen last week as well (2nd time... but it keeps coming back!). I too got the call from the Sac City police long after the vehicle was already at the impound yard. I think this is pretty normal procedure. I suppose in the big picture it is probably not a bad strategy for the police to immediately arrange a tow, since leaving an unlocked car with a jimmied ignition on the street for even a few extra hours increases the likeliehood of a "re-theft" or of parts being stolen, either of which could easily cost $245.

Denise Coleman on "Ask Officer Michelle - Stolen Vehicles Towed After Recovery"

2010-09-07T16:53:35Z

AND I learned early in my driving career the the towing company contracted by the Police Dept. is much more expensive than non contracted towing services insurance or not...

Michael Althouse on "Ask Officer Michelle - Stolen Vehicles Towed After Recovery"

2010-09-06T20:34:30Z

I have never heard of a stolen vehicle recovery in which the registered owner was contacted prior to the vehicle being towed. But I know more than a handful of people who have told the same story that "tistay" wrote about. And it's not just the Sacramento PD... it happened to me in Reno. The police recovered my stolen truck and, after holding it for evidence for several days, would not release it to me until I payed the tow company that they had bring it to them.

Dale Kooyman on "Ask Officer Michelle - Stolen Vehicles Towed After Recovery"

2010-09-05T19:40:47Z

This is the first I've heard that PD tries to contact the victim prior to the towing. The $245 was an unnecessary and exhorbinant amount to pay and adds insult to injury for a service that people's taxes already pay for. BUT then the PD needs money.