Gov. promises 'swift action' on Maria Shriver cellphone pics
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who recently revealed that he cuts off the water when his children take extremely long showers, may have entered a new realm of domestic drama this afternoon involving a more formidable member of his household: his wife.
Schwarzenegger promised "swift action" after TMZ.com posted two pictures today of First Lady Maria Shriver driving while apparently violating the hands-free cellphone requirement he signed into law.
The pictures showed Shriver with her right hand on the wheel and her left holding a cellphone to her ear. One was dated July 12, 2009, and the other was taken two days ago, according to TMZ. The pictures appear along with an article that begins, "Maria Maria, cell phone cheatah!"
The state ban on handheld cellphone use while driving went into effect July 1, 2008. It carries a fine of $20 on the first conviction and $50 on the second, not including penalties. Schwarzenegger responded to TMZ founder Harvey Levin via his Twitter feed, writing, "Thanks for bringing her violations to my attention. ... There's going to be swift action."
What action? That's unclear. It's doubtful that Schwarzenegger, who earlier today was doing public relations for his wife's new ice cream venture, Lovin' Scoopful, would try to terminate her cellphone privileges -- lest he be terminated himself.
-- Michael Rothfeld in Sacramento
Photo: Schwarzenegger and Shriver wedding. Los Angeles Times file.
Probably the first time he has seen her since the funeral...
Posted by: problemwithcaring | October 13, 2009 at 03:45 PM
Classic. Everyone honors that law in the breach. So glad I rushed out to buy a Bluetooth.
Posted by: Mike OHara | October 13, 2009 at 03:57 PM
The cellphone law is a joke, of course, since the fine is not an effective deterrent to an activity found to be more dangerous than driving while legally intoxicated? And, the more times you violate this law and risk the lives of others, the lower the fine. This is the kind of law you come to expect from the best legislature the cell phone industry was able to buy?
Posted by: BOB2 | October 13, 2009 at 04:05 PM
I so feel for the man. What spouse has not had to deal with a clueless spouse that forgets that driving a car is not the same as sitting on the couch in the living room.
Good luck Mr. Governor!
Posted by: A. Yelvington | October 13, 2009 at 04:05 PM
This was fun to read. Made me laugh. Thanks.
Posted by: James | October 13, 2009 at 04:06 PM
Hopefully his "swift action" doesn't involves some Uzis, grenade launchers, a bazooka and some cheesy one-liners.
Posted by: Eliezer | October 13, 2009 at 04:15 PM
But *everyone* knows laws don't apply to the aristocracy, don't they?
Posted by: Baffled Observer | October 13, 2009 at 04:20 PM
Go figure, the people in power who make the rules for the "people" to follow, are usually the first to flaunt those rules. BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES!!!
Posted by: JustMeAgain | October 13, 2009 at 04:34 PM
Maria was a fool for marrying such a brickhead goon in the first place.
Posted by: Maria's a Fool | October 13, 2009 at 04:39 PM
Nice piece. I smirked and giggled alot throughout. You mean they're....HUMAN??" thanks.
Posted by: Tara | October 13, 2009 at 05:53 PM
I wish reporters would stop claiming it's 'only' a $20 ticket. It's actually closer to $ 200 with court fees.
Posted by: jay | October 14, 2009 at 12:07 AM
HA!
Arnold also proposed he would take away his daughters car privileges if found talking on a cell phone while driving. Thus, resulting in taking the MTA.
Oh Maria. Stop driving and just let one of Arnold's minions stroll you around town. Better yet, join the working world and take a MetroLink.
Posted by: James Cisneros | October 14, 2009 at 05:18 AM
It's actually surprising to see that Ms. Shriver drives herself around town. Saw her the other day in BH on Rodeo Drive and was struck by the fact that she was, seemingly, alone without escorts or staff around her.
Posted by: Miguel de la Salle | October 14, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Paleeze, Arnold my play that hard nose stuff with the state but he knows better than to mess with Maria. Paleeze, by the way I know how to spell Please but Paleeze.
Posted by: sheba | October 14, 2009 at 11:07 AM
I have driven and talked on phones since 1986. I have never had an accident or even come close while on the phone, so it seems this unsafe talk is bureaurcatic jibberish as always. In fact, I probably get into more unsafe situations when I am thinking while driving, completely off the phone.
What is next? The worthless imbecile Democrat from Palo Alto trying to pass a law stating that drivers can't think?
He needs to be kicked out of office.
Posted by: Ca Commentor | October 14, 2009 at 09:42 PM