DECEMBER 2019
916.962.2896 | TRAVISBLACKLAW.COM
WRITING A LETTER TO MY FATHER
Hey Dad,
to mow the lawn whenever it needed a trim, but all my friends had gas lawn mowers while I had to use a push mower. It always took forever, and I’m still holding that against you. While you only knew me as a cop, I wish I could sit down and talk to you about my career as an attorney and how so many of the skills you helped me learn have been useful. I also want to thank you for inspiring me to become a pilot. It was thanks to you and all the stories you used to tell that I was inspired to get my license. I wish I had the chance to tell you a few stories of my own about how much I love flying. I also want to write you about something I’ll always remember you telling me. It was the morning after Mom passed away, and I remember how distraught you were. It was really hard for all of us that day, and you made a comment to me that I’ve never forgotten. You said, “I wish I told your mom that I loved her more often than I did.” Having watched you go through that, I made up my mind that day that I was never going to feel that way. I know you loved Mom and she loved you a lot, but you and she were never the kind to show much affection, at least not in front of us kids. Growing up, I never saw you express that affection, so it was hard for me to break from that mindset. When I got married, it was tough at first to tell her “I love you” and be demonstrative of that emotion, but I was able to get better with practice. I’m sure you remember that when I was a police officer, even though we only lived about 5 miles from each other, I would call
I was posed with this question, “If you were to write a letter to anyone, who would that be?” And I thought of you. I want to write you a letter in particular because it’s been such a long time since we talked last and there are a lot of things I’d love to sit down and talk with you about. I was a young cop when you passed away, and a lot has happened in my life since, but I have to let you know I’ve always remembered the lessons you taught me. Throughout my life, I remember how hard you worked to support us, and that’s something I’ve always carried with me. You taught me how to work, both just by setting a good example and through instruction. The first job I ever had was at 14 delivering papers, something I picked up only after your constant encouragement. While I might not have been a grateful teen at the time, I’m very thankful for the skills and work ethic I learned from that experience. Although, I do have one small bone to pick with you. I’m still angry you never bought a gas lawn mower. I know you expected me
you every night and tell you I love you. For the first several years, you wouldn’t respond to me; you’d always say something to the effect of, “Well, me too.” What was interesting was on the night before you passed away, I called you up like I always did. I told you that I loved you, and you said to me, “I love you, too.” It wasn’t the first time you told me that you loved me, but I will always remember you saying it that night. I’m writing this letter not just to go over our experiences together but also to tell you how much I love you and how much you meant to me growing up. I became the man I am today because I had the opportunity to watch and learn from you.
“I was a young cop when you passed away, and a lot has happened in my life since, but I have to let you know I’ve always remembered the lessons you taught me.”
Love,
–Travis
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There’s nothing quite like the magic of twinkling Christmas lights. But for city officials in Plantation, Florida, Christmas lights are a stark reminder of a prolonged fight, nearly $500,000 in court fees, and continued drama. In 2014, Plantation sued residents Mark and Kathy Hyatt for their “Hyatt Extreme Christmas” lights display, claiming it was a “public nuisance.” Each year, the Hyatts decorated their yard with more than 200,000 lights, snow, a Christmas tree, a Nativity scene, a functioning Ferris wheel, and more. Their creation was featured on two nationally televised programs and attracted flocks of visitors. But, for the Hyatt’s neighbors, extreme didn’t even begin to explain the chaos. Neighbors complained to the city about increased traffic, litter in their yards, and potential injury or death to pedestrians due to the traffic. Police officers in Plantation were dispatched to the light display multiple times each season for complaints by neighbors, accidents, and traffic control. LIGHTS OUT FLORIDA CITY BATTLES TO END ‘EXTREME’ LIGHTS DISPLAY
After a two-year battle in court, a judge ruled in favor of the Hyatts, claiming the city could not prove the display was dangerous or a nuisance. The city had spent nearly half a million dollars fighting their case. For the Hyatts, Christmas 2016 was a celebration, though their display was restrained due to the timing of the court’s decision. By 2017, “Hyatt Extreme Christmas” was in full swing again, much to their neighbors’ chagrin. Mark Hyatt rode the wave of support for his display all the way to a vacant seat on the Plantation City Council in 2016, but the highs would soon stop there. Plantation news outlets reported in 2018 that Mark Hyatt filed for divorce, effectively ending any hope of another “Hyatt Extreme Christmas.”
As the snow has settled, an extravagant lights display has instead become a story of nasty court battles with a sad ending for the Hyatts and their “extreme” Christmas devotees. KNOW THE BASICS TO PREVENT PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS
Driving while intoxicated
The National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) reports that each year, nearly 5,000 pedestrians die in motor vehicle-related accidents , and approximately 76,000 pedestrians in 2012 suffered injuries when hit by a car or truck. These accidents can occur when pedestrians
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• Walking while under the influence of drugs or alcohol WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU’RE INJURED AS A PEDESTRIAN? So what happens if you’re injured? Can you sue someone for your injuries? It depends. To receive compensation for your injuries, you have to show that someone else caused the accident that led to your injuries. In most cases, this means you have to show that someone else was negligent. Motor vehicle drivers are required to exercise due care to avoid colliding with a pedestrian on a roadway. If a driver fails to exercise due care (by, for example, texting while driving) and collides with a pedestrian, the driver is probably negligent. In some cases, the accident might be partially the driver’s fault and partially the pedestrian’s fault. California follows the theory of modified comparative fault. This means that a plaintiff’s damages are reduced by their percentage of fault. What’s more, if the plaintiff was more than 50% at fault, they’re prohibited from recovering any damages.
attempt to cross highways. 10 WALKING SAFETY TIPS
8. Be visible at all times. Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials at night. Alternatively, use a flashlight. 9. Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots. 10. Avoid alcohol and drugs when walking; they impair your abilities and your judgment. COMMON CAUSES OF PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS The majority of pedestrian accidents happen because motor vehicle drivers are focused on other cars (or their smartphones). However, pedestrians can cause pedestrian accidents, as well. Here are some of the most common causes of pedestrian accidents.
1. Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals. 2. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. 3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible. 4. Keep alert at all times; don’t be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes (and ears) off the road. 5. Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect pedestrians. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right. 6. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely and continue watching for traffic as you cross.
Failing to give the right-of-way to pedestrians
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Driving while distracted
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7. Never assume a driver sees you.
Ignoring traffic signals (including walk signals) and rules
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Make eye contact with drivers as they approach to make sure you are seen.
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I’M DREAMING OF A GREEN CHRISTMAS 4 ECO-FRIENDLY WAYS TO DECORATE FOR THE HOLIDAYS Considering all the wrapping paper, decorations, and cards that fill our homes during the holiday season, it’s no surprise that the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is not only the most cheerful but also the most wasteful time of year. According to Stanford University, Americans generate 25% more trash during the holidays than any other period — that’s the equivalent of one million extra tons per week, which is enough to convince anyone worried about the health of the planet to cut back on the tinsel and fake snow. Luckily for the eco-conscious, celebrating the season without adding too much to the landfill is totally possible. To start your own green Christmas traditions, try these tricks: OPT FOR EDIBLE Remember the cranberry and popcorn garlands of Christmases past? It’s time to bring them back! Pair handmade garlands with iced salt dough and gingerbread ornaments for a fully edible, compostable tree decorating scheme. A bowl of patterned pomanders (oranges studded with cloves) and pinecones makes for a beautiful centerpiece that smells festive, too.
GO WILD WITH PLANTS If you like to decorate your stair rail or mantlepiece, try replacing the shiny plastic and fake-foliage garlands with real holly and pine boughs or bringing festive potted plants indoors. Small evergreen trees, holly bushes, and poinsettias are all attractive choices that can, with proper care, last the whole year. DARE TO DIY If you have the time, scrap paper can be cut into beautiful ornaments, and old Christmas cards can be punched into leaf shapes and used to create lovely wreaths. Don’t forget to save your wrapping paper If you have your heart set on glitzy glass ornaments or an elaborate candle centerpiece, check nearby thrift stores before you head to Walmart. They’re often stocked to the brim with Christmas decor during the holidays, and you can probably get something you’ll love for pennies on the dollar! Plus, by recycling these previously used decorations, you’ll be keeping them out of the landfill. CLASSIC ROAST CHICKEN and ribbon scraps for next year! THRIFT SHOP TILL YOU DROP
INGREDIENTS •
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1 head garlic, cut in half crosswise 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 1 large yellow onion, thickly sliced 4 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces
1 chicken, approx. 5–6 lbs
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Kosher salt
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Freshly ground pepper 1 large bunch fresh thyme, 20 sprigs removed
BE INSPIRED NEVER LET YOUR PAST DECISIONS DETERMINE YOUR FUTURE OUTCOME. MARK DUDLEY
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1 lemon, halved
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DIRECTIONS 1. Heat oven to 425 F.
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Olive oil
2. Rinse chicken inside and out, removing giblets if included. Move to a work surface, pat dry, and liberally season with salt and pepper. Stuff cavity with thyme bunch, lemon halves, and garlic head. Brush outside with butter, and then season again. Tie chicken legs together with kitchen string. 3. Meanwhile, in a roasting pan, toss onions and carrots in olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and 20 sprigs of thyme. 4. Place the chicken on the vegetables and roast for 1 1/2 hours. 5. Remove from oven, and let stand for 20 minutes covered with foil. 6. Slice and serve with the vegetables.
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Inspired by Ina Garten
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1839 Iron Point Rd. #160, Folsom, CA 95630 Phone: 916.962.2896 travisblacklaw.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
National Letter Writing Day PAGE 1
Florida City Sues Family Over Extreme Christmas Display PAGE 2 Preventing Pedestrian Accidents PAGE 2 4 Eco-Friendly Ways to Decorate for the Holidays PAGE 3 Classic Roast Chicken PAGE 3 EVENTS NEAR YOU!
MAKE SURE TO GET IN YOUR HOLIDAY CHEER
SANTA HUSTLE WHERE: Vernon Street Town Square, Roseville WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 22, 8–11 a.m. ADMISSION: $10–$80 WEBSITE: SantaHustle.com/roseville Join thousands of Christmas enthusiasts across the country as they come together to run for cookies! This run is full to the brim with holiday cheer that you won’t want to miss, including everything from a milk and cookie station to a Toys for Tots official drop-off location. The runs include a 5K and a kid’s run, which is perfect for the entire family. Runners will enjoy a full set of 2019 Santa Hustle gear, including a Santa hat, beard, unisex performance hoodie, and a finisher medal or ribbon. Get your Christmas on and head to this year’s Santa Hustle!
KIDS’ BIRD COUNT WHERE: Effie Yeaw Nature Center, Carmichael WHEN: Saturday, Jan. 4, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. ADMISSION: Free! WEBSITE: SACNatureCenter.net Start 2020 by heading outdoors with your family and attending this guided walk. Encourage your family to get some fresh air and light exercise by hitting the trails and keeping a wary eye out for any bird they see. Guests can bring their own binoculars or borrow a pair on arrival. Be sure to dress in comfortable walking attire, and dress for the weather. All attendees are required to preregister by visiting the website above or by visiting the Eventbrite page.
The holidays are here at last! Enjoy this Christmas, and get an early start for next year with these cheer-filled events this December. WILD NIGHTS AND HOLIDAY LIGHT WHERE: The Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary WHEN: Dec. 6–7, 13–23, 26–30 ADMISSION: See website or contact zoo for details WEBSITE: FolsomZooFriends.org For its 10th year in a row, the Folsom Zoo will be strung with holiday lights, creating a unique family fun experience. The lights decorate the buildings, grounds, and animal exhibits, giving a magical feeling for every visit. Children will have a chance to meet Santa, take pictures with the zoo’s very own bear mascot, Santa Paws, and visit with a few of the zoos nocturnal animals.
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MY PERSONAL PROMISE TO YOU
As a valued client, I want you to be 100% SATISFIED with your decision to hire me as your lawyer. You should know within 90 days whether or not I am the right lawyer for you. So I offer you a RISK-FREE PROMISE, NO-QUESTIONS-ASKED GUARANTEE!
If you are NOT 100% SATISFIED with my services, you can fire me and NOT OWE ME ONE PENNY!
CALL NOW! 916.962.2896 -Travis Black
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