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Toll-Free (661) 859-1177 Se Habla Español www.bakersfieldtraffictickets.com HARMAN CALIFORNIA TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEYS , APC BIGGER
THE DAILY DRIVER Attorneys Defending Your Right to the Road
JUNE 2020
ROUTINE, PRODUCTIVITY, AND CONNECTION
HOW TO STAY POSITIVE IN A CRISIS
In these past few months, we’ve all definitely lived through some thought provoking times, which have influenced how many people view life. The coronavirus pandemic has had an interesting impact on the world, and while much of it has been negative, there are some positives glimmering through. For me, one positive takeaway is that I learned how I can better help myself, my loved ones, clients, and friends in the future, should something like this happen again. In Bakersfield and across the country, we all had to adapt to a new way of living and working in a short time frame. I found that having a daily routine, even if I was unable to do a lot of what I did before, helps me keep positive. Not being able to gather at church regularly was one of the most significant changes for me. Instead, we came together online, and though it wasn’t the same as being there in person, knowing that I could still connect to loved ones and we could support each other in this time helped me stay sane. I believe it’s also important to try and stay productive in times of uncertainty. A lot of people struggled with this while stuck at home under quarantine. Not only did they worry about their health, future, family, and loved ones, but many also lacked an outlet to help them feel that they were contributing somehow. I think that was one of the most difficult psychological aspects we had to push through at that time. That, combined with loneliness, took a toll on some people. As someone who lives alone, I only found myself interacting with other people when I was at work during the quarantine. I found a lot of joy going into work, not just because I got to see my team but also because I could continue to be there for my clients. Law offices were considered essential businesses and, therefore, continued to stay open. Even though our days were a lot slower, having the opportunity to continue to work
allowed us all to continue our routines and take care of our clients during a stressful time. That was important for all of us. Finding that routine, whether at work or at home, helped make things a lot easier. While I was thinking about all of this, I couldn’t help but think about the commercial drivers I talk to on a daily basis. They were also considered essential workers and continued to work and support many other essential businesses that remained open even during those difficult times. They continued to be useful and work during this crisis situation. On top of that, the places they’d normally stop to rest or to grab something to eat were closed, which made it very difficult to rest up. There’s still a lot of uncertainty surrounding many things, and the last few months have left many people feeling insecure, lonely, and downtrodden. Reach out to the people you care about, near or far, who might be feeling unhappy. In usual times or in crisis, there are a lot of lonely people out there who we can reach out too. As life returns to normal, think about ways that you can be in a better position to help other people now and in the future. Discover ways of saving a little more so you have money on hand to care for your family during the next difficult situation. And perhaps you can save a little extra to help other people, too. Work on building and strengthening the relationships in your life and hold them a little closer, so when something like this comes up again, it’ll be easy to let them know they’re not alone. This virus is a threat to our way of life, but if we learn and take these lessons to heart, our lives may be the better for it.
–Mark Bigger
(661) 859-1177 | 1
Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com
THE BEST WAYS TO HELP LOCAL NONPROFITS IN CHALLENGING TIMES
Over the past several months, families, businesses, and nonprofits have had to navigate life in this challenging “new normal,” and it can be hard to support your favorite nonprofits when times are tough. Here are a few ways you can help these important entities, even when you don’t have resources to spare right now.
small appliances? When you clean out your home and donate unused items, you benefit those in the community who need them most.
VOLUNTEER
In a time of social distancing, volunteering may be discouraged, but nonprofits still need volunteers to operate. The good news is that many nonprofits need volunteers for positions that maintain social distance, such as driving. Food banks and kitchens need drivers to pick up donations or ingredients from donors and to deliver food to people in need, such as the elderly or those with disabilities.
DONATE
While many people donate generously during the holiday season, remember that nonprofits need donations throughout the year, and different nonprofits need different things. A monetary donation can often go a long way, but never feel obligated to give money, especially when your budget may be tight. Instead, consider cleaning out your closet. What clothes, shoes, or other accessories can you part with? What about dishware or
for important causes around your community. While it might not seem like much, sharing information about local nonprofits on social media can make a genuine difference. Nonprofits need exposure, which is greatly boosted through community support. Sharing useful information about nonprofits — or sharing their posts — increases their visibility so more people will take action.
ADVOCATE
Even if you don’t have time or resources to give, you can become an advocate
KEEPING THE SUPPLY CHAIN INTACT
On April 1, in Willard, Utah, a group of people from Sharp Transportation set up a small station at a truck stop and handed out 2,000 free lunches to the truckers who passed through. It was a small way to say thank you for everything these commercial drivers are doing for the people during the pandemic. When stores began to close as the pandemic grew steadily worse in the U.S., many essential businesses were the only ones staying open. Hospitals, police stations, fire departments, grocery stores, and veterinary clinics are a few that remained open during those troubling times. In times like these, when most of the country came to an abrupt halt, commercial drivers continued working to deliver the products that kept these essential businesses running and our people supplied and fed. Truckers have always been an essential part of our country, and now, people are more aware than ever of that role. These drivers are the backbone of our supply chain and
put themselves at great personal risk by traveling all across the country. And many people are eager to give back in any way they can. Videos and pictures posted on YouTube and social media show people holding signs, waving, and like Sharp Transportation, doing their best to make sure our truckers feel our gratitude. In an interview with Fox News, commercial driver Tony Spero said, “Professional drivers are doing what we do every day, day in and day out. We’ve done it before COVID-19 and will do it after COVID-19. But right now, we are being recognized. I mean, people are thanking me for what I do. There are billboards on the highway with a picture of a truck saying, ‘Thank you, truckers.’” Our team at Bigger & Harman knows the importance of the role our commercial drivers have in our country and want to extend our gratitude. Thank you for everything you do and keep safe out there!
COMMERCIAL DRIVERS AND THEIR ROLE
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A TRAFFIC VIOLATION IN YOUR PERSONAL VEHICLE WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVERS?
INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE MISSION Thanks to your referrals, we were able to give $320 to fight human trafficking. To learn more about International Justice Mission, please go to IJM.com. MISSION: To protect the poor from violence by rescuing victims, bringing the criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts. Our long-term vision is to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice for the poor unstoppable.
Getting a ticket is a sure way to ruin your day, but it can have an even greater impact on commercial drivers. As mentioned in our last newsletter edition, CDL drivers are held to a far higher standard than other drivers. When a CDL driver is pulled over and given a ticket for a traffic violation in their commercial vehicle, the fines they are issued are far steeper than other drivers receive. But, what happens if that same driver is pulled over in their private vehicle?
THE POINT AND FINE DIFFERENCE
In California, one of the first differences is the number of points tacked onto your license after receiving a ticket. If, for example, a Class A driver is pulled over for a speeding violation in their private vehicle, they’ll receive one point on their license. However, if they are in their commercial vehicle, they receive 1.5 points. Similarly, the fine for speeding in a CMV is staggeringly steep: $285 or more for 1–9 mph over, and $480 or more for 10 mph over and up, when the extra fees are added on. Other motorists face a base fee of $35 for driving 1–15 mph over (plus surcharges and assessments), which would put the total fine closer to $250.
“THEREFORE ENCOURAGE
ONE ANOTHER AND BUILD ONE ANOTHER UP, JUST AS YOU ARE DOING.”
Although Class A drivers might face fewer immediate penalties for a traffic violation, it can influence their future as CMV drivers.
THE RESULT OF A RECORD
A driver can attend traffic school to remove those points from their license if they were in their private vehicle, but unlike for a regular Class C driver, it’s not confidential. This means that the employer of the commercial driver as well as insurance agents can still see the driver has had the violation, even if there are no points on their record. Because that information is not confidential, the CDL holder may still pay higher insurance premiums, and it may impact their employer and working status. If you were given a ticket in your personal vehicle, talk to an experienced attorney as soon as you can to discuss your options. Call Bigger & Harman at (661) 859-1177 to schedule a consultation.
–1 THESSALONIANS 5:11
(661) 859-1177 | 3
, APC HARMAN CALIFORNIA TRAFFIC DEFENSE ATTORNEYS BIGGER
Toll-Free (661) 859-1177 Se Habla Español www.bakersfieldtraffictickets.com
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1701 Westwind Drive Suite 203 Bakersfield, CA 93301
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
How to Respond to a Frightening Situation. ........................ PAGE 1
Help Local Nonprofits in Challenging Times............................... PAGE 2
The Backbone of Our Supply Chain ....................................... PAGE 2
Be Cautious in Every Vehicle ........... PAGE 3
Botanical Gardens in the US ............ PAGE 4
Have a ticket in California? Give us a call, and we’ll help you out! Regardless of the location, we can point you in the right direction free of charge!
In 1842, the Wilkes Expedition returned from its trek across the Pacific Ocean on behalf of the United States government, having visited parts of Portugal, Brazil, Antarctica, and Fiji. Among the specimens the explorers brought back from their travels were collections of plants gathered from around the world — just what the young nation needed to start its very first botanical garden. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams had a shared dream of creating a national botanical garden, but the idea didn’t really get off the ground until the Wilkes Expedition brought back the garden’s first plants. The United States Botanic Garden (USBG) was established in Washington, D.C., and four of the plants on display there today are part of the original collection brought back from the expedition. Since it’s not always possible to go on vacation and visit far-off gardens, many botanical gardens around the world have started bringing the flora right to you with virtual tours. In addition to the USBG, which offers virtual tours at USBG.gov/take-virtual-tour, check out these other gardens that allow you to explore without having to leave your home. LIVING MUSEUMS OUR NATION’S BOTANICAL GARDENS
CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN In the spring, the Chicago Botanic Garden staff invited virtual visitors to join them for a nature moment. Garden staff shared images from around the 17 gardens kept there. The Chicago Botanic Garden continues to wow with virtual tours that, thanks to Google’s technology, make you feel as if you’re really there. Start your tour at ChicagoBotanic.org. WADDESDON MANOR AND GARDENS This historic site across the pond in England gives visitors detailed virtual views of the Waddesdon Manor and its stunning gardens. Each day at Waddesdon Gardens, the staff designates a specific area as a “Silent Space,” where visitors can go to disconnect and find peace. The Gardens also created a special message for their virtual visitors that we can all take to heart: “We encourage you to find a space in your garden or in your home that feels peaceful and designate a time each day to enjoy a quiet moment of reflection.” To see this historic site for yourself, visit Waddesdon.org.uk.
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