Stay Out of Trouble in 2018: What You Need to Know about CA’s Important New Laws

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RANTZ AND RAVEZ-As we enter 2018, there are so many items on the table to review, discuss and sort out. First, we should consider the new laws going into effect in 2018. New tax laws will impact most working and retired people in the great land of America. While some will surely benefit from them, namely the rich, corporations and people living in Red states, the rest of us, especially those living in California, will likely not benefit to any great degree. According to tax experts people in California, New York and some of the other more liberal Blue states will suffer. In reviewing these new tax laws with some friends who are CPAs, I have learned that the impact on my income will not be good as I will most likely pay more in taxes than in past years. 

Time will tell so I will let you know the results in the future. I did pay both the first and second installments on my property taxes before the end of the year since the deduction for 2017 is not limited as it will be soon. If you paid your full property tax bill like I did, you followed some good advice from tax experts.  

Then there are the new recreational marijuana laws in California. You no longer need to get a Medical Marijuana card to purchase pot. Anyone over 21 is now eligible to buy it for personal use to get high. While there are restrictions on transportation and locations where you can smoke marijuana, there will be those in our state who will drive loaded and get involved in traffic collisions, causing harm to others. DUI has continued to be a problem in our state and I believe it will only get worse with the ability to legally get high on pot. We know that DUI and injury traffic incidents have increased significantly in Colorado. In time we will know how many of us will be impacted by people driving loaded on pot. The message is clear. If you chose to get high, don’t drive. Save yourself and others the negative impact of a foolish act. 

In addition, remember that certain professions prohibit the use of pot for any purpose -- like airline pilots and other professions that fall under the rules of the Federal Government. Pot is still illegal under Federal Law.  

For regulations, go to the Bureau of Cannabis Control online. 

What ever happened to Due Process? 

We are a land of laws, rules and regulations. Since there is no common law marriage in California, everything needs to be codified. We have criminal laws, civil laws, real estate laws and so forth in California and throughout America. There are sexual harassment laws and consequences for violating them as well as other laws dealing with personal conduct. With the current trend of sexual harassment allegations against various men in politics, the media and the entertainment world, what ever happened to due process and the idea that one is innocent until proven guilty? 

I don’t condone any type of harassment or intimidation toward any woman, man or anyone else, straight, gay or transgender. All people have equal rights and freedoms. But after serving nearly 50 years in law enforcement, I strongly believe in the system that says an individual is innocent until proven guilty. Once facts are given and evidence is presented, hopefully justice will prevail and be served. 

Our system is not always correct or perfect and there are cases of miscarriage of justice. No person should ever be able or be permitted to intimidate, harm or harass any person. But in the current stormy Court of Public Opinion, when it comes to sexual harassment allegations, we need to remember that we are a society of rules and due process. There are statues of limitations and time limitations for different types of crimes. That means you must report an incident in a timely manner. If you are the victim of sexual harassment or any other crime, don’t wait years to report it. Make sure to get the incident on record and let the authorities deal with the investigation.

 

(Dennis P. Zine is a former and retired LAPD Supervisor, former and retired 12-year Los Angeles City Councilman and current General Manager at Bell Canyon in Ventura County.) Edited for CityWatch by Linda Abrams.