PALM DESERT

Rat Lights Coming To Palm Desert

BY STAFF

PALM DESERT

, CA- On Thursday, May 8, 2008, in conjunction with the City of Palm Desert, the latest innovative approach in stopping "Running Red Runners? will be unveiled by the Palm Desert Police Department. Several "Rat Lights? are in the process of being installed at intersections throughout the city to assist officers in stopping those who refuse to stop at red lights. These LED lights have been labeled this way as their construction resembles a "rat,? with a nose and tail, along with the adage that they "rat? on violators who fail to stop at red lights, putting the safety of innocent people in jeopardy. The "Rat Light? is a simple low-tech device that is wired into the backside of a traffic signal and allows enforcement officers stationed downstream to identify, pursue, and cite red-light runners safely and more effectively than by the usual method. Past analysis and studies have shown most drivers that commit red light violations are "just in a big hurry.? These studies also found that about one in three people claimed they knew someone who had been injured or killed in a red-light running crash. This is similar to the percent of people who know someone that has been killed or injured by a drunk driver. Red-light runners fit no demographic profile: they are men and women of all ages and backgrounds. Even though many cities have opted to install photo red light cameras, the down size of these systems are that they are very expensive and have no officers present to monitor the violations. The "Rat Light? is a simpler, lower cost alternative. Officers monitor the intersections and personally observe the violations, taking immediate action to help reduce traffic collisions. These types of enforcement action, along with an offi- cer's presence, are very effective deterrents. The Palm Desert Police are coordinating installation of the "Rat Lights? with public outreach and continuing our goal is to provide better public safety through Evaluation, Education and Enforcement. We feel this program can help change driver behavior and re-establish respect for traffic signals. Our message is that we are monitoring our intersections and we will take a zero tolerance approach to those running red lights. The Palm Desert Police Traffic Division consists of a Sergeant, Motorcycle Officers and Traffic Collision Investigation Officers. They investigate traffic collisions, enforce traffic laws, develop traffic flow plans and assist with special events. If you have any questions, you can contact us at 760/ 836-1600 or visit our website. www.PALMDE- SERTPOLICE.org.

REPUBLICAN HQ OPENS

BY STAFF

PALM DESERT

, CA - "It's probable we'll see John Mc- Cain here in the Valley, prior to the election,? said Bob Olsson, "We'll also likely see our Governor here for the campaign.? Olsson is the Chairman of the Desert Republican Coordinating Council and has opened the Republican Headquarters building in Palm Desert along with Don Donnelly, Candidate Development Volunteer of the Republican State and Riverside County Central Committees. Republicans are seeking volunteers to make phone calls, for clerical support and general assistance. Volunteers for voter registration and phone workers are always needed and the headquarters will be seeking call captains. Precinct walking will be organized later in the Jackie Devereaux interviews Don Donnelly fall. Yard signs for Russ Bogh and John Benoit are now available. Bumper stickers, campaign signs and campaign buttons for all Republican candidates will be added soon. The Desert Republican Headquarters opened at 74390 Highway 111, Suite A, Palm Desert next door to McCormicks nightclub. The hours are Monday thru Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. phone (760) 320-1938

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Must bring this ad Expires Expires June 9/30/0715th, 2008 23 Vice President Dick Cheney and President George W. Bush stand amid the splendor of the Alaskan wilderness. They look at a tiny gusher of black crude that has spelled out the word: 'Oil.' Bush says: 'Breathtaking.' Caption says: 'The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.' Editorial cartoon by Mike Thompson.

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