Action Line chat with Dennis Rockstroh

(07/07/2008)

12:00

Dennis Rockstroh:

Good Monday to everyone. I am back from vacation and ready to go. I am eating at my desk -- salad, lots of beet slices (and other stuff). I am sitting here at Mercury News Central waiting for hi noon.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:00 Dennis Rockstroh

12:06

[Comment From KenKen: ]

parking question: I received a parking ticket in Campbell for parking 18 inches from the curb. However, there were "L" shaped parking "box" indicators painted on the pavement and I was well within the box outlined. Was I illegally parked if I was 20 inches from the curb with within the box provided?

Monday July 7, 2008 12:06 Ken

12:08

Dennis Rockstroh:

Hi Ken. The first question is always the toughest. I'll have to check around. I do know that you have to have at least one wheel within 18 inches of the curb when you parallel park, but I'll have to ask someone about the box park. I am assuming that the box markings are more than 18 inches away from the curb.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:08 Dennis Rockstroh

12:09

[Comment From KenKen: ]

The box markings are far enough away from the curb to allow for a normally sized vehicle to park within the box and still be 18 inches from the curb.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:09 Ken

12:11

Dennis Rockstroh:

Hmmm. You should take pictures and appeal, Ken. I checked with Mr. Roadshow. He agreed with me. This is strange. Anyone else run across the same thing?

Monday July 7, 2008 12:11 Dennis Rockstroh

12:11

[Comment From VinceVince: ]

Hello Dennis

Monday July 7, 2008 12:11 Vince

12:12

Dennis Rockstroh:

Hi, Vince. Welcome to the chat.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:12 Dennis Rockstroh

12:14

[Comment From VinceVince: ]

Hello Dennis, I sent you an email earlier regarding prize giveaway by Capitol Ford. I feel it was a bait and switch on the prize. I do not believe they had enough gifts ( tool set retail of $19.95). They were offering 3 days and 2 night stay but I had to reserve with a $50 refundable deposit. Who do I call?

Monday July 7, 2008 12:14 Vince

12:15

Dennis Rockstroh:

You can check with the Consumer Protection Unit of the DA's office at (408) 792-2880. They are usually very friendly and helpful.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:15 Dennis Rockstroh

12:16

[Comment From VinceVince: ]

Thanks, I will.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:16 Vince

12:17

Dennis Rockstroh:

Vince, let me know what happens via drockstroh@mercurynews.com.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:17 Dennis Rockstroh

12:19

Dennis Rockstroh:

I have a consumer question. I am thinking about getting an HD television. What kind should I get?

Monday July 7, 2008 12:19 Dennis Rockstroh

12:20

Dennis Rockstroh:

I see 20 of you out there right now. Don't wait until the last minute to ask a question because I usually get jammed then. Usually.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:20 Dennis Rockstroh

12:21

[Comment From BB: ]

Did you ever hear back from that guy who wanted to have his wife stuffed after death, or vice versa; or did you hear from anyone on the legality of having a spouse stuffed? I think he said they were so in love that they each wanted to have the other around afterwards.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:21 B

12:22

Dennis Rockstroh:

I haven't heard back, B. I am fairly sure that it is illegal although I once had an editor who kept a skeleton in his bathroom. Said it was his uncle.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:22 Dennis Rockstroh

12:23

[Comment From Karen M.Karen M.: ]

Do you know when the construction on highway 101 around the Coyote Point Area will be completed? Seems like it has been going on forever and it is still an eyesore, not too mention dangerous from people who drive too fast.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:23 Karen M.

12:23

[Comment From Karen M.Karen M.: ]

oops, thought this was roadshow, disregard question

Monday July 7, 2008 12:23 Karen M.

12:23

Dennis Rockstroh:

Too late, Karen. But, you're right. You can tune in to Mr. Roadshow at noon on Wednesdays.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:23 Dennis Rockstroh

12:27

Dennis Rockstroh:

Karen, I check with Mr. Roadshow. He says that work in that area should be completed at end of 2009.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:27 Dennis Rockstroh

12:29

Dennis Rockstroh:

I think that your Mom should check with the person who picked out the lawyer for her. Or, the court.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:29 Dennis Rockstroh

12:30

[Comment From Zach VMZach VM: ]

Dennis, this is Zach from the BBB. Have you heard any update on whether Congress is going to replace the Medicare cards that have social security numbers on them? Since almost 90% of identity theft and fraud occur offline, one would hope that our elected officials would step up.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:30 Zach VM

12:33

Dennis Rockstroh:

Hi Zach. The pressure is on Medicare but so far they are claiming that it will cost too much. The Social Security Administration wants it done now. Congress has been on a holiday break but people can contact their local legislators so they have something to think about when they get back. This is a big, unsolved problem. See
http://blogs.mercurynews.com/consumeractionline/2008/06/24/somebody-wake-up-congress/

Monday July 7, 2008 12:33 Dennis Rockstroh

12:34

[Comment From raiderz4vrraiderz4vr: ]

My mom received an order by the court to set an appt with an Early Mediation counselor. These counselors are lawyers that provide their services free of charge. My mom called the one picked out for her - every day last week, but the holiday. The call was acknowledged and notes were taken, but the lawyer hasn't called back. My mom was told to set an appt within 72 hrs of last Monday, still no callback. Who should my mom call to either get the counseling re-set, or report the lawyer not responding. (The lawyer was not on vacation last week, we verified.)

Monday July 7, 2008 12:34 raiderz4vr

12:35

Dennis Rockstroh:

Ooops. This is the question about a reader's Mom checking with the person who picked out her lawyer and can't make contact.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:35 Dennis Rockstroh

12:35

[Comment From raiderz4vrraiderz4vr: ]

The court set up the mediator for her and assigned the lawyer, so I will be taking her back tomorrow to the courthouse and have it re-assigned.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:35 raiderz4vr

12:36

Dennis Rockstroh:

OK. Good idea, Raiderz4yr.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:36 Dennis Rockstroh

12:36

[Comment From BB: ]

Is it possible to just take a black Sharpie and mark over the SSN on the card?

Monday July 7, 2008 12:36 B

12:38

Dennis Rockstroh:

That's possible, B. I don't recommend it. My rule is to never, ever confuse a government agency. It takes almost an act of congress to fix it.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:38 Dennis Rockstroh

12:38

[Comment From DaveDave: ]

Hi Dennis, I'm the one who asked about spouses stuffing each other. To be truthful, I was too embarassed to call anyone to ask the question. I thought they'd think I was nuts. That's why I tried to ask you anonymously.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:38 Dave

12:40

Dennis Rockstroh:

Thanks, Dave. So, you want them to think I am nuts, eh? OK, Dave, for you I will do this and answer it in a future column. You're going to have people talking about us.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:40 Dennis Rockstroh

12:43

[Comment From Jack KirouacJack Kirouac: ]

Hey Dennis, how can restaurants charge people by height? Todai Restaurant charges kids by Height? what the heck?..isn't this discrimination? Some races are typically short while others are not. Is this legal?

Monday July 7, 2008 12:43 Jack Kirouac

12:46

Dennis Rockstroh:

Good question, Jack. This is not against the law. Yet. But look at it this way: if you're short, you pay for a child's meal. I know. I know. But if your child is tall, you pay for an adult's meal. I would have my tall kids bend at the knees until they are seated. Any ideas on this?

Monday July 7, 2008 12:46 Dennis Rockstroh

12:47

[Comment From DaveDave: ]

No, they wouldn't think you're nuts because you're famous. They'll know you were asking on behalf of one of your readers.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:47 Dave

12:48

Dennis Rockstroh:

OK, Dave. I will check this out. It will make interesting reading. Thanks.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:48 Dennis Rockstroh

12:49

[Comment From raiderz4vrraiderz4vr: ]

In response to the charging practices at Todai - DON'T EAT THERE. That's the only way some places will change things. Act with your wallet.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:49 raiderz4vr

12:50

Dennis Rockstroh:

That's an option, R. However, have you ever seen the line going into Todai? And it isn't cheap.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:50 Dennis Rockstroh

12:52

[Comment From BB: ]

Given that they can have bodies on display at the Tech Museum, it might be possible with permission... I wonder if it can be done without permission, as a spouse's prerogative...

Monday July 7, 2008 12:52 B

12:52

Dennis Rockstroh:

Interesting.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:52 Dennis Rockstroh

12:52

[Comment From Jack KirouacJack Kirouac: ]

I can't cite the law on this but I would bet that it is illegal considering that it is not equal treatment. Whom do you think we should contact to address this? Next it will be "people with eyeglasses pay more for movie tickets"

Monday July 7, 2008 12:52 Jack Kirouac

12:54

Dennis Rockstroh:

14th Amendment grants equal protection; however, the law already discriminates between adults and children. Any lawyers want to weigh in? We've got five minutes.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:54 Dennis Rockstroh

12:54

[Comment From Jack KirouacJack Kirouac: ]

I don't eat there, but that doesn't mean that we as people shouldn't look out for those that are being taken advantage of and don't know about any recourse. Something is rotten in Denmark

Monday July 7, 2008 12:54 Jack Kirouac

12:55

Dennis Rockstroh:

And here, too. I sure hope it's not the food, Jack. See what you've started. Thanks.

Monday July 7, 2008 12:55 Dennis Rockstroh

12:57

Dennis Rockstroh:

14th Amendment, just fyi

http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/data/constitution/amendment14/

Monday July 7, 2008 12:57 Dennis Rockstroh

12:59

[Comment From Jack KirouacJack Kirouac: ]

Thanks, hopefully you can refer it to a govt agency with oversight