For those of us working in HR, there are times when it seems there are laws to limit you from doing almost everything.
Just to validate that feeling, here are some actual documented laws and mandates filed under localities and city ordinances in our Golden State of California.
It’s illegal to bowl on the sidewalk or plant a garden in a public street in Chico, CA. It’s also illegal to detonate a nuclear device with the city limits, or face a $500 fine.
Permanent markers cannot be sold anywhere within the city of Fresno.
In Redondo Beach, it’s illegal for dogs to bark after 6:00 PM. It’s also illegal to walk backwards after sunset.
In Eureka, CA it’s against the law for a man with a mustache to kiss a woman and it’s also illegal to sleep in the middle of the road.
It’s illegal to throw a frisbee on a city beach in LA without a lifeguard’s permission first. It’s also illegal to cry on the witness stand, hunt moths under a street lamp, lick toads, or put more than one baby in a bathtub at a time. And one more – it’s illegal for any animal to mate within 1500 feet of a school.
In Fresno, it’s illegal to annoy a lizard in a city park.
In Blythe, CA you are not allowed to wear cowboy boots unless you own at least 2 cows.
It is illegal to spit in public in Burlingame, except on baseball diamonds and in Lafayette you can’t spit within 5 feet of another person.
In Dana Point, CA you may not use your own bathroom if the window is open.
Pinball machines are illegal in El Monte, CA.
In Hermosa Beach, it’s against the law to pour salt on a highway or plant a garden in the middle of a city street.
Within the city limits of Carmel, women may not wear high heels. Also in Carmel, a man cannot go outside of his home wearing jacket and slacks that don’t match.
In San Francisco, elephants are prohibited from walking down Market street unless they are on a leash. Also in SF, it’s illegal to wipe off your car with used underwear.
In Baldwin Park, CA it’s illegal to jump into a moving car or ride a bike into a swimming pool.
In Santa Monica, it’s illegal to play drums on the beach.
In Cerritos, dog poop in all yards within the city limits must be picked up within 7 days of deposit.
In Long Beach it’s illegal to curse on a mini-golf course, or have anything other than a car in your garage.
In Pacific Grove it’s against the law to “molest” butterflies.
In San Diego owners of a house with Christmas lights still on them after February 2nd, will be fined up to $250.
In Norco, CA roosters may not crow within the city limits, it is unlawful to give another person a firecracker, and if you’d like to have a pet rhino, you must obtain a $100 license first.
Eileen has practiced HR for over 30 years and has served in both large companies and boutique companies, including Disney, Hasbro, and Umpqua Bank. She currently serves on the board of directors for the EDD/EAC as well as the NCHRA. A Bay Area native, Eileen enjoys visiting Lake Tahoe, reading, and spending time with her family.