For the Record Gazette


Here we are, days into the New Year and already I'm saying to myself, “Maybe you could try that next year?” Why should I make resolutions I can't keep? What would happen if I said, I resolve to be rich this year? Then there's a universal resolution that could go “World Peace in '08.” Sometimes it seems so futile.

I do resolve to turn my television off until AFTER the November 2008 elections. I have a photographic memory, so every time I see a campaign pitch, I wake up having memorized it and it doesn't go away. How about somebody resolving to keep campaigns in financial check for the presidential elections? Ha! It is guesstimated that over a billion dollars will be spent by the time the candidates are done pandering to the audience. How about somebody resolving that all candidates much know the issues and promise to act like ladies and gentlemen. You get it Š it ain't never going to happen, at least as one local councilmember says, “Not in my lifetime.”

Now that I've already given up on my 2008 resolutions, I thought I'd invest some time in determining what changes in the laws face us this year. The wonders of the Internet make research much easier. Before I get to some of California's gems, it is interesting to note that any American flags sold in Minnesota must now be made in the United States.

In 2007, Governor Schwarzenegger signed 750 bills into law and vetoed 214. While the Wireless Telephones bill does not go into effect until July 1, 2008, it isn't too early to check your cell phone plan to see if you are ready for an upgrade or coming close to signing a new contract.

If you haven't already done so, you might want to think about upgrading to something that is blue tooth capable. In English (blue tooth is a technology), this allows you to be “hands free.” Have you seen lots of people walking around with what looks like a Martian earring and a light beeping in their ear? That's the little piece of equipment enabling one to switch from the handset to the ear bud, thereby being “hands free.” This will allow you to legally drive and talk on your phone. Or, you can stay off the phone while you are driving!

You might still be able to utilize your old headset (if you had one), but it will be like trying to play an 8 track on a digital sound machine! The law is even stricter for anyone under the age of 18. On July 1, 2008, nobody under 18 may use a wireless telephone, even if it is hands free, or use any other mobile service device to communicate electronically while operating a vehicle. Making an emergency call gets the under-18ers an exemption.

On January 1, 2008, the California minimum wage went up to $8.00 an hour. Wow. It just might be time for me to go back to work!

If you smoke a pipe, cigarette or cigar in a vehicle where minor passengers (under 18) are present, you are violating the law as of January 1, 2008. It doesn't matter whether you're driving or parked; you just can't do it. Here's another good reason to kick the habit.

If you have a balance of less than $10 on a gift card, merchants must convert it to cash. The new law doesn't apply to credit card gift cards or ones affiliated with multiple stores; like mail gift cards.

Thanks to the AAA website, here are some more:

After January 1, 2008, you cannot use any product that blocks your license plate from being read by any kind of electronic traffic device.

For new vehicles sold or leased on or after 1/1/08, automakers MUST provide the keyodes to a registered locksmith if you lose your keys and need to have new ones made. BMW and Mercedes make their own and they are required to send you replacement keys overnight.

If you commit a two point violation (DUI, hit and run, speed contests, evading an officer, etc) you cannot go to traffic school and have it cleared off your record.

The National Guard has been added to the list of qualifying members for membership in the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). In addition, members of the National Guard may purchase additional PERS service credit.

Here's a sobering thought: As of Jan. 1, anyone applying for or renewing a driver's license must sign a declaration stating they can be charged with murder if they drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol and someone is killed as a result - even if they are a first-time offender.

Finally, from the Big-Brother-Is-Watching school of thinking: No one can be forced to implant an identification device under their skin.

If you know of other new laws that may affect us, please send me an email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and I will pass them along in a future column. Also, please let me know if I may use your name to acknowledge where the information came from.

IN THE REAL WORD is written for the Record Gazette by Gail Paparian, a Banning resident who has served on Banning (and Riverside County) committees. She is currently on these boards: Community Blood Bank, San Gorgonio Pass Rotary, San Gorgonio Pass Boys and Girls Club and a member of the Banning Economic Development Committee.