Fuzzy dice and the law

Among the other items I frequently see people hanging from their rear-view mirrors are scented cherries and other air fresheners, graduation tassels, state park pass placards, and even garters. John Patterson, an officer with the California Midway Patrors office in Santa Ana, said all those trinkets have to come down. "The 'fuzzy dice are not allowed, nor are religious beads," Patterson said, "basically anything that obstructs the view out of the forward portion of the windshield. " These must be placed in the lower right or left comers of the windshield or directly behind the rearview mirror, where there is already a blind spot," Patterson said. Then there are the other gadgets, like the GPS devices with the calm, but firm voices telling us where to go and what to do. These are fine, too, depending on their placement on the dashboard or the windshield. "(They) are not allowed if they are placed in a location that would obstruct the driver's vision," Patterson said. Ailora ditponibia: An Orange County Superior Court program that allows traffic defendants to schedule hearings is now available in Spanish and Aetnamese. Go online to occourts.org, use the "how do I..." link and complete the required information. The court will send a confirmation by e-mail with case information, date and time of the appearance, and reservation number. Before the new system was put in place, defendants wanting to see a judge had to head to the courthouse early to get a hearing during what court officials called the "morning rush hours" of 7:30 and 10 a.m.