Comments on: City Cracking Down On Utility Pole Flyers – December 1, 2010

By: Mark Sailors

Mark Sailors — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 04:51:07 +0000

California is not one of those places. California is also a state that issues tickets to bike riders that are the same monetary fine as the driver of a car receives. That’s $220 for running a stop sign and the will suspend your DRIVERS license if you don’t pay it.

By: Scott Vernum

Scott Vernum — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 13:04:02 +0000

Many places allow for flyers, as long as they’re removed after 7 (or whatever is allowed) days. Then a ticket is issued.

By: Paul Hooker

Paul Hooker — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 22:58:04 +0000

Instead of dealing with the problem, just legalize it!

By: B Swizlo

B Swizlo — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 23:31:35 +0000

I always thought it would be a good idea for all of the venues, promoters, and local bands and artists create a group to go out and volunteer their time and clean up the poles. Or maybe we can get a grant to build safe, clean posting sites or canopies around town. the main goal is to work together, keep the town looking nice and less polluted. The advertising is important because these businesses, bands, dance instructors, yard sales etc all need to get their word out.

By: J. Miller

J. Miller — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:57:59 +0000

You’re not going to change someone’s behavior for the better with just a big stick. You’re going to have to add some carrot to the mix.

What’s the base problem? Rusty staples that can hurt someone. What’s the basic solution? People stop leaving rusty staples in telephone poles. Reward the correct behavior, punish the incorrect behavior. It’s akin to training a dog.

Oh, and early condolences on getting people to stop putting flyers on telephone poles. It was a noble effort, if entirely in vain.

By: Mark Sailors

Mark Sailors — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 15:47:31 +0000

OK, it is not just Arcata where it is not legal to post signs on utility poles, it is the entire state (California Penal Code section 556.1). The litter is a HUGE problem, but it the STAPLES left behind that are DANGEROUS.

By: Mrs Tinkle

Mrs Tinkle — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 07:26:22 +0000

It wouldn’t be a problem if people went back and took down the signs they put up. Instead, they invariably waste away rotting on the pole until the last final rains wash them into the drain. The entire county is plagued by festering yard sale signs left to linger until nature takes its course. What is so difficult about taking them down after putting them up? It’s more than an eyesore, it’s just plain rude. Clean up after yourselves, people. Good for the city of Arcata for taking a stand against it. I would personally volunteer my time to go around McKinleyville, gathering signs with the final outcome of some yard sale holders receiving fines (or at least having to remove a certain number of staples from poles).

By: Mark Sailors

Mark Sailors — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 00:52:05 +0000

So now it is a privilege to break the law?

IT IS A CRIME TO POST SIGNS ON UTILITY POLES.

Find a new way to advertise.

By: J. Miller

J. Miller — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 18:14:06 +0000

Perhaps a compromise: a nice, fat ticket, that can alternatively be paid off by going out and cleaning a few poles, with a quiet understanding that people won’t generally be ticketed if the signs come down in a reasonable timeframe.

People can keep posting flyers. Those who abuse the privilege get a few dirty power poles to consider the error of their ways, and those who remember to clean up behind themselves are rewarded with continued posting privileges.

By: Daniel Wasserman

Daniel Wasserman — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 04:56:23 +0000

Ask a lineman (lineperson?) how they feel about their need for tetanus shots, sutures, and anti-biotics following the gashes they receive when climbing and descending poles, which belong to their employers.

It is bad enough these persons must come out when poles are struck by errant or intoxicated drivers on cold and rainy nights, with little or no thanks from the public. Add to the insult of working in frequently hazardous traffic, they also must endure the injuries caused by rusted and sharp metal so a band can promote its’ performance.

Carried one step farther, the flyers left behind inevitably litter our streets and sidewalks before they clog our storm drains and end up in our sewer system. All of this costs city employees (and tax payers) that could be avoided by making an effort to post in windows and by using the many local radio stations free announcement services.