Appeal-Democrat, Marysville, Calif., Since You Asked column: Cops can talk on phones, TV Guide goes digital

A: In a word, no. That's from officer Jeff Larson, spokesman for the California Highway Patrol's Yuba-Sutter office.

Section 23123 of the state vehicle code exempts police officers and other emergency workers driving an official vehicle. One reason is that it allows an officer to talk directly to someone reporting a possible intoxicated driver, according to Larson.

Would an officer be laughing while talking to such a person? Probably not.

The new law, of course, applies only to cell phones that are not hands-fee. Some officers use hands-free phones, including himself, but it's not required, said Larson.

Q: On Highway 20 the other day, I saw a vehicle with a California license plate and I believe it read, "5244 MA." Can you expound on the meaning? Is it something to do with a memorial association or what?

A: You're close. Plates that end with MA are not necessarily on cars driven by someone's mother. They're California memorial license plates, issued since 2002 in honor of victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.

"This plate is a full graphic and depicts the U.S. flag, with clouds, and proclaims, 'We Will Never Forget,'" said Department of Motor Vehicles spokeswoman Jan Mendoza.

As of this year, 25,554 drivers have purchased the plates at a cost of $50. Proceeds go to the Anti-terrorism Fund, which is used to hire police officers, firefighters and public health workers, and to the California Memorial Scholarship Program, which was established for dependents of California residents killed in the attacks, she said.

The plates can be personalized for an additional fee.

Q: For the past week, has Comcast Cable Channel 21, the TV Guide channel, not been sending a signal? It does no good to phone Comcast. All they can say is they will schedule an appointment and send someone out. I wondered if they had changed the channel number.

A: Bryan Byrd, Comcast spokesman in Sacramento, didn't come over to your place but apparently figured out what the problem is. The TV Guide Channel 21 used to be part of the limited basic service "tier" but recently was moved to the digital tier, which most subscribers have, because it was taking up too much bandwidth. Leastwise that's our understanding.

You responded that you subscribe to just basic service -- and aren't too happy about having to go digital to get your TV-watching guidance.

Since You Asked is published Mondays. Send questions to reporter Rob Young at the Appeal-Democrat, P.O. Box 431, Marysville CA 95901, e-mail him at ryoung@appealdemocrat.com or call 749-4710.

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