Thursday, July 11, 2013

PRESS ENTERPRISE EDITORIAL: If meters are broken, don’t fine motorists

I'm excited to have the support of the Press Enterprise in my efforts to end ticketing at broken parking meters.


THE PRESS-ENTERPRISE July 08, 2013; 05:27 PM

California drivers should not face fines for parking conditions outside of their control. Gov. Jerry Brown should sign a bill that strengthens a ban on fines for parking in spaces with broken parking meters. Local government should keep meters in good repair, not use broken meters as a way to pry more money out of unwary drivers.

The Senate last week approved AB 61, by Assemblyman Mike Gatto, D-Los Angeles, sending the bill to the governor. This legislation would for three years prohibit local fines for parking beside a broken meter. Current state law bars cities and counties from levying fines for parking at defective meters, but also allows local governments to opt out and apply different rules. Some cities, most notably Los Angeles, have enacted ordinances that fine drivers who park at broken meters — though how many jurisdictions have their own rules is not clear.

But there is nothing fair about fining drivers who cannot pay for parking because of a malfunctioning meter. Such charges make parking needlessly annoying for drivers, especially in areas with limited parking space. Motorists either have to waste time driving around in search of another spot, or park by a broken meter and risk a fine. Businesses also worry that busted meters in front of their stores or offices can complicate customer parking — and potentially drive away commerce. Fining drivers because government equipment has malfunctioned is hardly a welcoming gesture.

Such fines also create a perverse incentive for government to move slowly on fixing meters. Cities and counties can rake in more money from parking fines than from parking fees. Parking at a metered space costs at most a few dollars, but fines can be much more expensive: Los Angeles’ fine for using a space with a broken meter, for example, runs upward of $60. Los Angeles officials said last year that lifting the fine for broken meters would “cost” the city up to $5 million a year.

AB 61, however, would give local government a powerful reason to keep parking meters in working order.
Meanwhile, those who parked next to busted meters for longer than the posted time limit would still face fines. A meter malfunction should not provide a free pass to hold a spot indefinitely.

Local governments claim that if the state precludes fines for parking next to broken meters, people will vandalize the devices to avoid parking fees. But there is little evidence to support that contention, and meter sabotage does not seem to be an issue for cities that do not levy such fines now. Besides, the penalty for vandalism carries a base fine of up to $1,000, a far steeper cost than simply paying to park. And AB 61 would sunset in three years, time enough to gather evidence on whether meter vandalism is a valid concern.
At the same time, AB 61 would create more uniform parking rules in a state with a mobile population, and end the practice of punishing drivers for malfunctioning meters. The bill offers an approach that is fairer and more sensible than a patchwork of local meter rules, and the governor should sign it.

You can read more at http://www.pe.com/opinion/editorials-headlines/20130708-editorial-if-meters-are-broken-dont-fine-motorists.ece

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the California State Assembly.  He represents Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz, and Silver Lake.  www.asm.ca.gov/gatto 

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

OPINION LA: L.A.'s broken-parking-meter scheme may soon expire

Excerpt from Patt Morrison's *great* column on local parking woes. Yes, Cool Hand Luke is one of my all-time faves... And yes, I've gone through my share of maddening little nuisances based on our less sensible laws.  So frustrating!

A Westwood man feeds one of the newfangled L.A. city parking meters, this one in downtown Los Angeles.
The meter also takes credit cards. (Patrick D. Fallon / For The Times / May 31, 2013)
By Patt Morrison
July 8, 2013, 12:04 p.m.
This post has been updated and corrected, as indicated below.

Remember the scene early on in “Cool Hand Luke” when Paul Newman whacks the heads off those parking meters?

I loved it. You did too -- admit it.

I don’t know whether that’s one of Mike Gatto’s favorite movies, but I hope so. He’s the Los Angeles Democratic assemblyman who wrote the bill that would smack down cities like L.A. that ticket people for parking at meters that turn out to be broken. L.A. sticks Angelenos with a $73 ticket.

It’s one of the city’s more cynical ways of making money, and Gatto wants it to stop. We already pay, as he points out, “for street maintenance, meter installation and meter upkeep.” Cities should spend their time and treasure keeping the meters working, “not squeez[ing] a double penalty out of cash-strapped citizens.”

(The bill has been passed by the Assembly and state Senate and sent to the governor.)

Did Mike Gatto ever get ticketed for parking at a broken meter? Was that the spark to the legislative fuse? I hope that’s true too.

I’ve parked at a meter, put in my money, found it broken and dutifully called the city to report it. What did the dame at the other end of the phone say to my good-deed-doing? “Move your car to another meter.” No refund, no credit, no thanks.

Although the city says its new generation of card-or-coin meters have been virtually trouble-free, about one in 10 of the old-style coin meters were broken at any given time. Many were vandalized, although less picturesquely than in “Cool Hand Luke.” The city, like the Napoleonic Code, assumes that we are all vandals, jamming the meters to save ourselves six bits. Thus, we cannot benefit from our crime by parking free at a broken meter.

Why did it take an assemblyman to try to fix this? Why didn’t some City Council member introduce a piece of city legislation to do this?

[Updated, 3:40 p.m. July 8: Newly elected Councilman Mike Bonin, who leads the council's Transportation Committee, offered a motion July 2 to rescind the penalty for parking at an inoperable meter.]

Follow the money; follow the coins. I bet you a roll of quarters that the city does not use that $73 fine to fix the parking meters. I bet you that the city puts that $73 fine into the general fund and goes merrily along, congratulating itself on what a crafty little cash cow it’s milking. Broken meters may very well make more money than working ones; how’s that for a slick deal?

Of course people can cheat the parking rules -- does that give the city permission to out-cheat them? Enforce fair rules fairly and people won’t have grounds to complain when they get dinged for breaking them.

The new meters that accept coins or credit cards are crowding out the coin-only meters. There are nearly 40,000 of them, and fewer than a dozen are broken at any one time. If this is not a problem that will fix itself, then maybe Gatto’s bill will...

[For the Record, 3:40 p.m. July 8: The original version of this post stated that one in 10 parking meters in the city were broken. The latest report from the city's Department of Transportation states that only 6 of the 37,000 card-or-coin meters now in service have been found inoperable since Jan. 13, for a total of 12.5 hours of down time. That statistic covers only meters that wouldn't accept both coins and cards; no statistics were available yet for meters that would accept one but not the other.]

You can read more at http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/opinion-la/la-ol-broken-parking-meters-legislation-20130708,0,4222782.story

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the California State Assembly.  He represents Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz, and Silver Lake.  www.asm.ca.gov/gatto 

Daily Breeze: Dog park legislation boosts Whittier plans

Excerpt from a great story by Peter Fullam of the Daily Breeze / San Gabriel Valley News on how my AB 265 is already having a positive effect in small/medium cities.

Members of the Whittier Dog Park Task Force gather with their dogs on the sidewalk around Central Park in Whittier on Friday April 22, 2011. (SGVN/Staff Photo by Keith Durflinger/SWCITY)

Cities would have immunity from bite lawsuits

By Peter Fullam, SGVN
twitter.com/peterfullam

WHITTIER - Plans for the city's dog park got a boost earlier this month when legislation giving cities immunity from lawsuits by people who get bitten at dog parks was sent to the Governor's Office.

"We were happy it was approved," said Fran Shields, director of the city's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. "It gives us an immunity shield for the dog park we're planning."

According to the Legislative Counsel's Digest, the bill provides that any public entity that owns or operates a dog park "shall not be held liable for an injury or death of a person or pet resulting solely from the actions of a dog in the dog park."

Shields said she hopes to bring plans for the dog park before the City Council by the end of August. If plans progress smoothly, construction on the dog park could begin by the end of the year, she said...

Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) authored AB 61 to help
small- and medium-sized cities open dog parks.
...Shields said the legislation, called Helping Communities Afford Dog Parks, is similar to earlier legislation that gave cities immunity from liability for injuries that happen at skate parks.

The bill was introduced by Assemblyman Mike Gatto, D-Los Angeles. It passed the state Senate June 24 and the Assembly June 27. It was sent to the Governor's Office on July 1, and a spokeswoman for Gatto said Tuesday the bill is waiting for the governor to sign it.

"It's a good thing for the city," Shields said of the legislation. "With this we're able to keep moving forward."

You can read more at http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/ci_23629814/dog-park-legislation-boosts-whittier-plans

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the California State Assembly.  He represents Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz, and Silver Lake.  www.asm.ca.gov/gatto 

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Glendale's Fresh Laundry receives Certificate of Recognition

Two of the staff members in my district office presented a certificate of recognition to Rafael Vardumyan of Fresh Laundry for their dedication and professional service to residents of the City of Glendale.  I wish Fresh Laundry continued success in their future endeavors.

Monday, July 8, 2013

La Crescenta resident Steve Pierce honored as Veteran of the Year

It was my pleasure to honor La Crescenta resident Steve Pierce has the 43rd District's Veteran of the Year. Steve not only fought in Vietnam with distinction, but he continues to care for our vets in the Crescenta Valley. He deserves the honor for both.  The snippet below is from the June 27, 2013 edition of the Crescenta Valley Weekly.


Assemblyman Mike Gatto honored La Crescenta resident Steve Pierce (left) as Veteran of the Year for the 43rd District at the 2013 Assembly Veterans Recognition Luncheon on Wednesday. A community leader and decorated veteran of the Vietnam War, Pierce’s military and civilian career have each been defined by steadfast service to the country and the community, said  Gatto.
The assemblyman flew Pierce to Sacramento to be recognized at a special luncheon held at the state Capitol.

You can read more at http://www.crescentavalleyweekly.com/news/06/27/2013/assemblyman-mike-gatto-honored-la-crescenta-resident-steve-pierce/ 

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the California State Assembly.  He represents Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz, and Silver Lake.  www.asm.ca.gov/gatto 

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

L.A., You Might Soon Be Able To Park At Broken Meters Again

Photo by Hungry Dog Creative via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
From the LAist - July 3, 2013

Los Angelenos may soon never be ticketed again for parking at a broken meter, as the fate of California drivers lies in the hands of Governor Jerry Brown.

The bill, penned by Assemblyman Mike Gatto, D-Los Angeles, would prohibit California cities from ticketing motorists who park at broken meters. It would also allow motorists to park at a broken meter for the maximum time period allotted at a functioning meter.

Today, the state Senate approved the bill, which will soon find its way to Brown's desk.

Broken meters have been a large source of contention in Los Angeles. Last December L.A. City Council voted to uphold the two-year policy allowing ticketing at broken meters, much to Gatto's dismay.

Gatto has said in support of California residents, "Taxpayers already pay for street maintenance, meter installation and meter upkeep. Local governments should take responsibility and keep parking meters in good working order, not squeeze a double-penalty out of cash-strapped citizens." Damn straight, Gatto. Damn straight.

Newly appointed City Councilman Mike Bonin also has drivers' backs, having introduced a motion this week to rescind City Council's existing broken meter ticketing policy.

You can read this article and more at the LAist HERE

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the California State Assembly.  He represents Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz, and Silver Lake.  www.asm.ca.gov/gatto 

Assemblyman Gatto to Host “Virtual Town Hall” on July 10, 2013

I believe in being as accessible as possible.  But getting together face to face can be difficult, especially with a a district that stretches from the Angeles National Forest through East Hollywood. 

That's why I'm inviting you to participate in a free, online town-hall meeting on Wednesday, July 10th, 2013, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. I will be available to answer questions about community issues, provide updates and information about current legislation, and discuss suggestions for future legislation. 

This online community event is free and open to the public.  Participants are not required to provide any personal information or sign-up for any websites, newsletters, or other mailing lists to participate.  Simply visit http://assemblymanmikegatto.blogspot.com at 7:00 PM, Wednesday, July 10, 2013, to join the conversation.  Due to time constraints and a large volume of anticipated questions, not all questions may be addressed at the town-hall meeting.

“Virtual Town Hall” with Assemblyman Mike Gatto
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Town-hall meetings provide an opportunity for community members to gather together, and speak directly with their elected representatives.  The internet allows modern town-hall meetings to be accessible to everyone, including those who lack transportation options or are less mobile.  Online town-hall meeting also allow for a printable record of the conversation, decreasing the need for rapid note taking, and increasing accountability.  What better way than to chat personally with you, allowing us to interact from the comfort and convenience of your own home or smartphone?  I'm proud to invite you to join the conversation at this virtual town-hall meeting.

Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the California State Assembly.  He represents Burbank, Glendale, La Cañada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz, and Silver Lake.  www.asm.ca.gov/gatto 

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Monday, July 1, 2013

Associated Press: Legislature approves reforms for enterprise zones

Excerpts from an Associated Press article about AB 93's passage in the California Legislature last week.  Strong words, I know.  But the system badly needed reform. 

Assemblyman Mike Gatto, D-Los Angeles, urged lawmakers to approve a measure to overhaul California's enterprise zone program, during the Assembly session at the Capitol Thursday, June 27, 2013, in Sacramento, Calif. The measure AB93 by Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield, D-Woodland Hills, and supported by Gov. Jerry Brown, failed to pass on the two initial attempts, but was passed on the third vote. Photo: Rich Pedroncelli
Updated 9:04 pm, Thursday, June 27, 2013

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — The Assembly passed a hard-fought overhaul of California's enterprise zone program on Thursday that was sought by Gov. Jerry Brown after he called the system wasteful and ineffective...

...AB93 passed 55-16 in the Assembly, gaining the supermajority vote needed after two initial attempts fell short. The Senate stayed in session deep into the night on Tuesday until a two-thirds majority was secured...
...The changes, backed by labor groups and some businesses, will redirect the program's $750 million in tax credits on three new economic development efforts, focusing on companies that add or retain well-paying jobs.
A sales tax exemption would be created for manufacturing or research-and-development equipment, a benefit that businesses groups have been seeking for years. Other credits would be available for hiring veterans and the long-term unemployed.
Assemblyman Mike Gatto, D-Los Angeles, described the current system as "a state-managed form of crony capitalism" that has not worked as intended.
"Enterprise zones rarely are the catalyst for creating new jobs," he said. "They most often just simply shift them from one part of the state to another..."
...Related changes added to a separate bill, SB90, on Thursday could allow hiring credits for employing welfare-to-work participants. The new provisions also would prevent enterprise zone tax breaks from going to strips clubs, which occurred in Sacramento County.
Further changes are needed to fix conflicting sections of AB93 that were pointed out by opponents.
SB90 cleared the Assembly Local Government Committee and awaits a vote by the full Assembly. If approved, it will go to the state Senate.
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