Local law and policy makers adopted regulations covering everything from gun sale curbs to improving sanitation conditions in restaurants. San Marino gave the green light to alcohol sales in restaurants, while Pasadena residents found a way to have eternal rest in columbaria. Here's a sampling of local laws approved in 1997.
Los Angeles County
For the Record
Los Angeles Times Saturday January 10, 1998 Home Edition Metro Part B Page 3 Metro Desk 2 inches; 46 words Type of Material: Correction
Local laws--In the Jan. 1 editions of The Times, a guide to new local legislation incorrectly stated that more than 120 high-powered rifles had already been put into the squad cars of Los Angeles police patrol supervisors. Although the weapons have been approved by the Police Commission, officials are still discussing the issue.
No parking--Since 1991, the county has prohibited parking cars in frontyards. But enforcing the measure required hearings, witnesses and costly paperwork. In a revision of that policy, county parking officers can now write $55 tickets to lawbreakers.
Health--Spurred by a controversy over unsanitary conditions in restaurants, county officials adopted more stringent measures to ensure that public health standards are met. Reforms include mandatory training for restaurant employees who handle food, establishment of a hotline for public complaints and granting of broader power to health inspectors to immediately shut down major violators. The action came after several well-known eateries were closed temporarily for health code violations.
Child support--The county can now clamp down on its employees who are in arrears in child support payments. The ordinance also will require vendors and contractors doing business with the county, as well as people applying for licenses and permits, to make sure their employees are living up to the terms of child support orders. Unlike private employers, the county had been exempt from a requirement to provide employment information to the state for child support enforcement.
Los Angeles
Panhandling--In a measure whose implementation was later blocked, the City Council barred abusive begging, panhandling near bank ATMs, asking motorists for money and washing windshields without permission. Among various provisions, the law made it a misdemeanor for people to intimidate passersby by blocking their path, touching them or using profane, offensive or abusive language while seeking money. In late October, however, a federal judge barred its enforcement, saying it is discriminatory because it applies only to people soliciting money.
Living wage--The minimum pay was increased for employees of businesses with municipal contracts worth more than $25,000 and companies that receive at least $100,000 a year or $1 million in onetime grants of city financial assistance. These businesses must pay their janitors, security guards, gardeners, food service workers and similar employees at least $7.25 an hour with benefits--including health insurance and 12 paid days off annually--or $8.50 an hour without benefits.
