Is the safety gear like insulating gloves and sleeves for high voltage hot direct current work the same as for high voltage hot ac electrical work or different?
A little clarification is needed to answer this properly. Was the car on the street on the side of your house or was it parked on your yard? I'm guessing it was on the street. If it was, well, you will probably have to pay the fine. I have seen where parking lots have been designed in such a way as to allow parking within 15 feet on one side. After all, the fire department usually doesn't drive up on a lawn with their trucks to fight a fire. It never hurts to challenge the ticket in court. In your case make sure to show the magistrate documentation that you had just moved into the duplex. He may let you off with a stern warning.
You should get receiver's gloves, go to Sports Authority or whatever sporting goods store you have where you live and ask them for their best receiver's gloves. Other than that, the only thing you can really do is work on your speed by running sprints and ask the receivers on your team if they will let you run their routes with them.
I'm not a huge fan of sharkbite fittings especially in an enclosed place where they could leak without anyone noticing for a while. However, I can't see anything wrong with the setup you have. Yes of course brass is more expensive than plastic and better. Seems like maybe your handyman wants you to think he is smarter than he really is. I would suggest adding a wood block between the studs behind the valve and attaching the valve to it with plumbers strap. that way it cant wiggle around with use and cause leaks later.
