The state of California is very much like its own country. With a diverse population of 38M (according to the most recent government census) and a gross state product (GSP) of almost $2 trillion (rivaling Spain and Italy), the Golden State is in many ways like a country within a country. Add to this the fact that the state has many of its own laws, regulations, and enforcements, and it is no wonder why the notion of California being its own country is such a common one. 

When it comes to the rights and regulations of those with handicaps or disabilities, there is a lot of misinformation out there. Whether it is spread from anonymous online chat rooms or water cooler gossip, many people do not know the actual rules about the criteria for meeting handicap or disabled parking permit requirements.

For business owners and municipalities alike, it can be frustrating to order and install much-needed property and parking lot signs only to have those items destroyed by vandals. It is costly and time-consuming to replace such damaged signs. For those who choose not to replace those damaged signs, they can become eyesores inviting more vandalism negatively affecting the overall property.

Sometimes government regulations and the larger small business community don’t see eye-to-eye on issues, and this is especially true with it comes to new policies and enforcements with the American with Disabilities Act. Though the vast majority of small business owners support the spirit of the law, providing fair access to people with disabilities, some laws and regulations have complicated nuances that challenge easy compliance.