April 15, 2008 - Daily Brief
Written by Jeff on April 15th, 2008Yadda yadda yadda- new Daily Brief.
News
- Northridge-sized quake likely in next 30 years: So likely in fact, that the scientists at the USGS and So Cal Earthquake Center put Southern California chances for another monster sized quake at 97%, according to a report released yesterday. As you can imagine, lots of media coverage on this one; I think this Long Beach Press Telegram report is the best, but you should also check out the Southern California Earthquake Center which features high-res maps of California; Santa Clarita, of course, is surrounded by red, orange, and yellow zones. I guess the only good news is that there’s only a 3% chance of a magnitude 8 quake in the next 30 years. And to think I was worried! Over at City Hall, someone’s looking prescient right now; the city will hold an earthquake drill tomorrow at 9:30 am.
- Paramedics may strike on May 2: There are some 60 paramedics who work for American Medical REsponse in the Santa Clarita Valley, and they’re set to go on strike on May 2 if a deal for better wages and benefits isn’t worked out with company management, Katie Geyer reports in today’s Signal. Geyer spoke with the union and details some of their gripes here. Over at the Daily News, Jerry Berrios says that if a strike should happen, EMTs from other areas of the state would be brought in to the SCV, AV, and other parts of LA County. Berrios says the company plans to outfit the ambulances with “turn-by-turn” GPS systems so that out-of-town drivers don’t get lost in the meandering streets of the SCV.
- 12 year old boy admits starting fire: KHTS reports today that a “12 year old boy admitted to starting afire that burned just over two acres Saturday night in the wash behind Creekside Road.” The unnamed boy told investigators that he had been playing a lighter near the dry brush in the riverbed. A Sheriff’s Sgt. told KHTS that charges “may or may not be filed” though if they didn’t file charges against that 10 year old boy who started the Buckweed fire, I can’t imagine they’ll charge this boy. Then again, this fire might have threatened that mighty SCV economic engine- Auto Dealer row. Link
- Local Gay & Lesbian group wants more training for Hart Staff: The Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gays group says the Hart District has made strides in educating staff and students on how to be sensitive to students who are gay or lesbian, but that it could do more. Dave McEachern, the president of the local chapter, says the “biggest problem is that no one is training the teachers not to allow students to use the word ‘gay’ or ‘queer’ in a derogatory manner.” McEachern says that staff and students should realize that “many gay and lesbian high school students have not made their sexual orientation public.” Overall though, he says Hart is doing a fine job, much better than when he was a teacher there. Sharon Cotal reports.
- Closing arguments in Castro Trial: For the last few weeks, the trial of Esperanza Castro has been underway at the San Fernando Courthouse. She stands accused of killing her husband Ramon in March of 2006. Parimal Rohit has been covering the trial, but today Jim Holt has an article on the prosecution’s closing statements.
- Pellet guns and pizza not a good mix: SCVSheriff.com reported yesterday on an incident at the Vincenzo’s Pizza in Saugus in which a man reportedly brandished a pellet gun after following two women out to their car. The fuzz was called in real quick and a “short pursuit was initiated which ended on West Galton Road.” Once they pulled the man over, they found a pellet gun in his car. Jose Castro, the suspect, is a 37 year old Hispanic man and he was arrested on Assault with a Deadly weapon charge, among others. Details.
Miscellaneous
- On coveting the shiny SCV Man/Woman of the Year License Plate frame: InsideSCV mag says getting the award depends on how much “volunteer goodness” you have in you. They list the nominees in their new May issue.
- Jeff Lambert top local lobbyist: It’s been a few months since the City’s lobbyist information system went online, and I’ve been monitoring it as new clients and new projects are updated on the site. One thing stands out: former city planning boss Jeff Lambert is the top local lobbyist, according to the site. He represents some 17 individual projects and companies. Browse through the list to get a hint of what’s going to be on future city council agendas.
- Two from Senator George Runner: The ultra-conservative State Senator who reps a small slice of the SCV both conducted an interview and was the subject of one recently. In the first, he talks to a state fire chief; that’s posted over at SCVTV.com. In the second, he’s interviewed about water, crime, and transportation issues by Best Syndication.com.
- Epic failure at new restaurant: Rattlers has moved to the new Centre Pointe Parkway, and the restaurant that’s opened in its old location, Cowboy Cantina, has been getting quite a few reviews on the popular Yelp website. Unfortunately for Cowboy Cantina, the reviews haven’t been good, with one user even taking pictures of her raw, bloody chicken. Link
- I Heart on how to get what you want in the City of Santa Clarita: I Heart is no stranger to Santa Clarita’s controversies, and he’s examined two recent ones to determine how one might go about getting what they desire from the folks on Valencia Blvd. “If I were writing The Art of War for SCV, I’d advise people to speak loudly, but infrequently,” he writes in the May InsideSCV. Sage wisdom
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Henry Mayo/G&L’s monstrous project garnered 4 lobbyist - YIKES!
Cash, regarding Weste’s Placerita property…. my comment to you the other day was complimentary.
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We’re doomed!
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Jim Backer, owner of JSB development, formerly of Newhall Land, Jeff Lambert, lobbyist and former City Planning manager, Bob Kellar, realtor and Mayor. Here is an example of the network. All three Gentlemen are associated with the Jim Backer Vista Canyon Ranch and River Court development projects.
One project is in the flood plain of the Santa Clara River near Sand Canyon. It is this kind of development that gets approved without challenge by anyone other than individuals like Ms. Plambeck. Bob Kellar promoted taking money away from taxpayers to buy open space, yet he has no problem promoting the construction of development like river court or Vista Canyon ranch. Because Bob is a promoter of the projects, he has to re ques himself from all votes associated with the project. Jim Backer, owner of JSB development, formerly of Newhall Land, Jeff Lambert, lobbyist and former City Planning manager, Bob Kellar, realtor and Mayor. Here is an example of the network. All three Gentlemen are associated with the Jim Backer Vista Canyon Ranch and River Court development projects.
One project is in the flood plain of the Santa Clara River near Sand Canyon. It is this kind of development that gets approved without challenge by anyone other than individuals like Ms. Plambeck. Bob Kellar promoted taking money away from taxpayers to buy open space, yet he has no problem promoting the construction of development like river court or Vista Canyon ranch. Because Bob is a promoter of the projects, he has to remove himself from all votes associated with the project.
This City is incestuous! Planned growth is a joke!
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Any fimilar names or faces? http://www.scvchamber.com/content.php?primary=1&secondary=2&tertiary=1
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Cash, I get what you’re sayin’ but it appears that you’re already hittin’ the Bloody Marys pretty hard this A.M. But please tell us more about Ms. Weste’s property fiasco.
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Mike if you want to see Brian, his boss and the rest of the insiders here is your opportunity. $25.00
The good ole boy network is alive and well: http://www.scvchamber.com/calendarix/cal_popup.php?op=view&id=4088&uname=&catview=0
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Bill, no BM’s today, it’s Tuesday. I have nothing more to offer on the Weste deal. I am sure if you call one of our honorable elected officials, they will gladly answer any questions you may have. Otherwise, just wait and watch.
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Sorry, I do not know how I scewed up the long post.
Jim Backer, owner of JSB development, formerly of Newhall Land, Jeff Lambert, lobbyist and former City Planning manager, Bob Kellar, realtor and Mayor. Here is an example of the network. All three Gentlemen are associated with the Jim Backer Vista Canyon Ranch and River Court development projects.
One project is in the flood plain of the Santa Clara River near Sand Canyon. It is this kind of development that gets approved without challenge by anyone other than individuals like Ms. Plambeck. Bob Kellar promoted taking money away from taxpayers to buy open space, yet he has no problem promoting the construction of a development like river court or Vista Canyon ranch. Because Bob is a promoter of the projects, he has to remove himself from all votes associated with the project.
This City is incestuous! Planned growth is a joke!
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Unless Jeff Lambert has a similar incredible roster of clients dealing before the county, the city of LA and similar sized cities like Palmdale/Lancaster/Glendale, then this has an incredibly bad stink to it.
This is Exhibit A as to why “we know who the lobbyists are” was a poor excuse against lobbyist registration. Of course they know who Jeff Lambert is- that’s the problem.
These companies are hiring him because of his real or perceived inside track. At the very least, the council needs to do something to quell that perception, because it makes them look like fools. More than likely, there is an actual inside track and the council and the city manager should really be cutting him off at the pass. He’s no longer an employee of the city, we don’t owe him anything.
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Cash, thanks for the tip. I look forward to the “…heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages”
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These companies are hiring him because of his real or perceived inside track. At the very least, the council needs to do something to quell that perception, because it makes them look like fools. More than likely, there is an actual inside track and the council and the city manager should really be cutting him off at the pass. He’s no longer an employee of the city, we don’t owe him anything.
That’s perfectly fine and legal in our system. Former Congressman become lobbyists all the time. What Lambert is doing is allowed and permissible.
That it’s now open and in black and white for everyone means I’m okay with it.
Guess what? Lambert does know the ropes, better than anyone else. So if I’m a businessman in the SCV, he’s the first person I’m going to hire. Makes business sense.
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What Lambert is doing will soon be impermissible for current employees under the ethics package that’s being considered and as of this year, it is impermissible for members of Congress. Remember, that’s why Trent Lott bailed out just in time to cash in.
I’d hire him too if I had a project of a certain size. Again, that’s the problem. The city should not have the impression out there that there is a hired gun that can get you special treatment.
Like I said, if he is just extremely competent, then he should have an impressive roster before other jurisdictions. If he does, then he is simply great at what he does. If Santa Clarita is the lone butter on his toast, then that is a big problem.
Being out in the open isn’t an end unto itself. With it out in the open, it should shape perception one way or another, because like anything else, it is new information. If one lobbyist has the lion’s share, than he and his clients should fall under a special sort of scrutiny. What good is the information if nothing is done with it?
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“That’s perfectly fine and legal in our system. Former Congressman become lobbyists all the time. What Lambert is doing is allowed and permissible”
True Jeff, when all the proper checks and balance are in place. The City ethics program seems to be far from complete at this point. The list is a good first step and should be a real eye opener for anyone that wants to take the time to read it.
One thing is for certain, the business community is well aligned with City government. The unfortunate thing is that the balance is out of whack. Taxpayers and their needs should be balanced with the needs of the business community. The council members are elected for the purpose of balancing needs. Problem is, they are all heavily influenced by the business community. This is not a revelation I know, but it makes me angry.
Perhaps Tim Ben will bring about the needed change once he leaves office. We need David G and TimBen working in concert to demand the City Council begin to represent the non special interest, interests.
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Mike has it right. Lambert’s inside track with our City Mgr & Planning Staff is harming our residential communities. Connecting his dots of past positions and relationships illustrate that Lambert’s inside track is not simply perceived; it’s reality.
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I remember when the ‘ethics code’ issue was brought up last year at one of the council meetings. Besides Mr. Ferry getting offended, Mr. Kellar got quite heated also with the suggestion. I wasn’t surprised by Ferry’s reaction, however Kellar’s reaction really stood out for me. I felt when we first became a city, an ethics committee should have been established. With so many insiders, there are bound to be back door deals that ‘we the people’ aren’t aware of. There’s too much $$$$ doing the talking and it’s becoming more and more apparent. I don’t think ‘too much’ growth is a concern for any council member at this point, as long as there is something in it for them!
And to think just 4 short years ago I was an ‘idealist’!!!
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The issue of unfair advantage that these lobbyists have with staff and city council is what makes it darn near impossible for the “average Joe” to have a chance fighting the really bad projects. That’s why a serious code of ethics is needed. The residents of this city also need to oppose the changes trying to be introduced into the General Plan, as it is being rewritten so many projects that once had to go before planning commissioners will not have to with the new general Plan changes. This will allows projects to be approved with zero community input. This should not be allowed to happen. Frank Ferry almost got his Field of Dreams pushed through. With the new changes, that would have been a done deal with no community input in spite of how much money that would have cost.
Here’s an example of how underhanded the tactics get when a lobbyist is trying to push a bad project on us;
Jeff Lambert, a lobbyist for The Avenues on the mule ranch: Jeff recently contacted the president of the former “Citizens Against Barricades” and told her if the people opposing The Avenues wouldn’t oppose his project, he would see to it that the Valley/Calgrove gate is opened. Whether or not you think the Calgrove/Valley gate should be opened or not, that is not the point here and I hope this doesn’t go off track into the pros and cons of the Calgrove/Valley St. barricade. The point is, Jeff Lambert is promising something he doesn’t even know he can deliver. And he is making this promise because he knows that Citizens Against Barricades fought long and hard to get that gate opened. So he dangles his rotten carrot in their faces and figures they will jump at this worthless offering of his and he figures his worthless promise will get them to back off opposing a really bad project that will destroy their neighborhoods along with their property values. As a core member of the Calgrove Coalition, I can assure Jeff his worthless promise will go nowhere with Citizens Against Barricades.
These lobbyists depended on commumity friendships to ram bad projects through. They figured since they are well-known members of the community, they would not be opposed. Well, that friendship chip works both ways: I and others will not be accepting the ruination of this city no matter WHO the lobbyists are.
I also do not think a registered lobbyist should be allowed to hold appointed positions with this city. That is a direct conflict of interest, and needs to be seriously addressed when the ethics issue comes up again; just another unfair lobbyist advantage with city hall. Lobbyists are professional shmoozers, they are paid to make the devil look good - how people can be fooled by this kinda crap is a mystery.
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Pauline, you hit it on the nose!
“These lobbyists depended on commumity friendships to ram bad projects through.” and, “just another unfair lobbyist advantage with city hall. Lobbyists are professional shmoozers, they are paid to make the devil look good - how people can be fooled by this kinda crap is a mystery.”
Unfortunately, the ‘average Joe’ just wants to know “what’s in it for me” and if the shmoozers offer something with that rotten carrot that ’sounds appealing’, they’ll take it. The unfortunate part is that the average citizen isnt’ well informed as to how the project will effect them, not to mention the community as a whole. By the time they find out and realize maybe it wasn’t such a good idea, it’s too late to do anything about it.
An Ethics Code (committee) needs to be established ASAP in order to curtail (if not stop completely) the amount of development this city will see in the next decade. Development that will make many rich, but our lives hell!
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Speaking of past Woman of the year.
Hey it’s time for a break. Run down to the Fleming’s and buy a new Acura! Don and Cheri are giving away a dozen cookies if you make the purchase.
They do not look as tan as usual, perhaps they are having to spend more time working at selling cars these days. Must be a real tough business in the economy.
They may want to consider offering a free gasoline card. Cookies are cheap.
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Pauline, which lobbyists have an appointed position? Or is it something that isn’t forbidden?
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All of you are right on about the Lobbyists. Try on this project for size!!
http://www.wethepeoplescv.com/id10.html
This one will be fun.
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man of the year: My money is on Goldman! He did more than his share to be sure Kellar got reelected. I know this is not a criterion, but………
It sure would be nice to see some less connected nominees on the list. The idea of man and women of the year seems a bit juvenile and out dated to me! But what the hell, if it makes the needy feel better I say do it. The so called elite should recognize those among them that give of themselves without expecting special recognition of any kind! My bad! Sorry!
How about caregiver of the year, or boy and girl of the year, etc. I can support that.
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WethepeopleSCV: Bad project, bad location, 10 pounds of sand stuffed in a 5 pound bad! Are they nuts!
Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you Cash. It will be insane when this really gets started. The developer has already been in the neighborhoods with info and little meetings here and there to gather loyalty to the corporation who will screw them. Lambert is on this project also if I understand correctly.
Anyway, it wasn’t a shameless plug but it was in the realm of relevancy.
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The website looks to be off to a great start. Thanks again.
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Lobbyist Arthur Sohikian has an appointed position with the city. This is just wrong.
Cash, I know you will find this hard to believe, but there are many people who carry the title of man and woman of the year who truly deserve that title. And many of the people who sport that “shiny license plate” didn’t give a rat’s patoot about the award, they just worked their a$$es off to try to do some good in this city. And just because someone sports a “shiny license plate,” doesn’t mean they should automatically be relegated to that (mysterious) “good ol’ boys” list I keep hearing about. (”In the interest of full disclosure,” my husband was awarded one of those “shiny license plates,” which he totally deserved but never expected).
Anyhoo - here’s the info about registered lobbyist Arthur Sohikian’s Transportation Coalition appointed position with this city:
Item to be presented by:
Mayor McLean and Councilmember Weste
DATE:
March 27, 2007
SUBJECT:
APPOINT REPRESENTATIVE TO NORTH COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COALITION
DEPARTMENT:
City Manager’s Office
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council appoint Arthur Sohikian as the City’s business organization representative to the North County Transportation Coalition.
BACKGROUND
As a result of B. J. Atkins’ resignation, his position as the City’s business organization representative on the North County Transportation Coalition needed to be filled.
On January 23, 2007, Council approved a process to recruit a new appointee to the Coalition and to designate Mayor McLean and Councilmember Weste to review applications and make a recommendation for the Council’s consideration. The vacancy was posted and advertised with applications and letters of reference sought by the deadline of Wednesday, February 14, 2007.
Interviews with each qualified applicant were conducted by Mayor McLean and Councilmember Weste during the following week. As a result of those interviews, the Council sub-committee recommends that Arthur Sohikian be appointed as the City’s business organization representative on the North County Transportation Coalition.
The Coalition is comprised of community leaders from the cities of Lancaster, Palmdale, Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles whose mission is to improve the movement of people and goods in the North Los Angeles County region. Such efforts will include the development of policies and strategies that directly lead to the implementation of the projects and programs that address critical north county transportation issues, promote economic development, and maximize transportation funding opportunities for member jurisdictions.
Mayor McLean is the City’s Council representative to the Coalition.
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I was involved with a horse rescue organization a few years ago that placed about a hudred horses on the mule farm. After 3 days of rain, the horses were up to the tops of their legs in standing water and it was a nightmare getting them all out and placed in other locations. That property will take an immense amount of fill and the project as proposed would be totally unsafe if an earthquake hit - the liquifaction issues on that piece of property should deem high-rise proposals for that site totally off limits.
Also, Monte Verde Company, the company that owns that site (Jay and Joyce Rogers) had to pay millions of dollars worth of fines for the mess this company created in the Plum Canyon area when sliding occurred due to substandard compaction of fill on their home sites.
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“Cash, I know you will find this hard to believe, but there are many people who carry the title of man and woman of the year who truly deserve that title. And many of the people who sport that “shiny license plate” didn’t give a rat’s patoot about the award, they just worked their a$$es off to try to do some good in this city. And just because someone sports a “shiny license plate,” doesn’t mean they should automatically be relegated to that (mysterious) “good ol’ boys” list I keep hearing about. (”In the interest of full disclosure,” my husband was awarded one of those “shiny license plates,” which he totally deserved but never expected)”.
I am happy for your husband! Please tell me he did not sport that silly license plate bracket on your car. If he did, at least the network knows why he has the plate.
And your husband did what for whom? Is he not a member of the Chamber?
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Pauline Harte “Lobbyist Arthur Sohikian has an appointed position with the city. This is just wrong”.
Why are you troubled with this appointment? thanks.
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Pauline, perhaps we can chat about that info sometime. It would be nice to compile these track records. You have caverns of knowledge about the histories of these locations. That could be a big help.
It’s a ways off but you know what happens when everyone thinks they have time, they miss the important stuff. Can you imagine where hospital fiasco would have gone if SGSCV had let the early stages slide by?
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Pauline Harte. No need to answer the question about the man of the year award. I know it is just coincidence Duane was given the honor the same year he was voted President of the SCV Chamber of Commerce.
I would not expect you to understand the good ole boy comment. You may be too close to the forest. Did he solicit the seat on the commission or was he selected as another form of recognition by the network.
It would be nice to see the Council step out of its comfort zone and approach a non GOB for these assignments. You know, move outside the sphere of influence of the VIA and the Chamber.
They had a chance to do this for the open space committee and failed the opportunity.
This City is incestuous!
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Another good brief today Jeff, Thanks
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I commented without reading your earlier remarks about the lobbyists Pauline. I think we are working in tandem on the same thing. I am please we have the same goals.
Lambert will never, ever, ever deliver on that gate promise ever! That shows the total disrespect he has for our whole area of Newhall. I know he’ll never deliver that and why, but most of all it shows the games beginning by the Rogers. If it was a worthy project then it wouldn’t need the games. It’s that simple.
This is a real cancer for southern Nehall.
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Why are you troubled with this appointment? thanks.
I explained that, I thought. I don’t think lobbyists should be able to have unfair access to city staff. An appointment add an unfair advantage and is a conflict of interest.
Cash, I understand perfectly who comprises that “good ol’ boy list, Cash, and we are not on that list. May I remind you of the fact that I have been before city council many times complaining about many of the things you yourself oppose? And I detest public speaking. Look what I post here, for one thing, no one on “the list” would go public with what I have posted here.
My husband’s Parks and Rec commission appointment had nothing to do with a “solicitation” on his part or any input from “the network.” He was appointed by TimBen Boydston, a “network” had nothing to do with that appointment. Believe me, he WILL be replaced by a “network” approved puppet.
Cash, the chamber of commerce doesn’t have anything to do with the man and woman of the year awards. As for my husband being honored because he was “coincidentally” chair of the chamber, that is simply not true. And currently, Duane is no longer on the board of the chamber. He put in his time, got the Hispanic Business Committee off the ground, something he wanted for many years, and figured it was time for new blood. He hasn’t been on the board for some time.
You asked what he does for whom, well, he was honored because of his many years of service to seniors as a member of the SCV Committee on Aging governing board and his years chairing the SCV Committee on Aging wine auction event that funds the Senior Center Home Delivered Meals program; he is the founder/President of the SCV Committee On Aging Foundation. Also his service to this city was another reason for the honor, like over a dozen years co-chairing the 4th of July Parade with Leon Worden (not a chamber event, only a small group of volunteers). He’s been a Parks and Rec commissioner twice, Parks chair once.
Another reason he was honored was because of all the years he worked to preserve the history of this valley, and still does as a board member of the SCV Historical Society; he has worked for years preserving Mentryville and has given historical tours at Mentryville for more than a decade; he gives tours to schoolchildren and other groups, like Scouts. Not really accurate or fair to say “I know it is just coincidence Duane was given the honor the same year he was voted President of the SCV Chamber of Commerce.”
If you have ever enjoyed a morning at the Eternal Valley Memorial event on Memorial Day, well, Duane has been a member and 3-times president of that committee for many years, and he is on the committee of the Historical Plaza in Newhall. I could go on, Cash, but why, I think you make your mind up about people (you don’t know) and that’s that. Have a nice evening.
Anyway, back to relevant issues:
WethepeopleSCV on Apr 15th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Pauline, perhaps we can chat about that info sometime. It would be nice to compile these track records. You have caverns of knowledge about the histories of these locations. That could be a big help……
That would be great, Wethepeople, you know a ton of stuff I don’t know, I think we could do some serious damage, LOL.
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“Cash, I understand perfectly who comprises that “good ol’ boy list, Cash, and we are not on that list. May I remind you of the fact that I have been before city council many times complaining about many of the things you yourself oppose? And I detest public speaking. Look what I post here, for one thing, no one on “the list” would go public with what I have posted here”.
I am glad you do understand the GOB network. From your previous comments I thought you were suggesting that no such clic existed. And yes I have witnessed your performance before the council. I know you speak your mind.
It is very clear from where you are coming. It is certainly clear why you have such a bad feeling for Mrs. Ender.
Does not feel so good to be on the right side of things and out of the network, I suppose! Keep up the good work. By the way, I did not say your husband did not do good things. The issue is the phony awards system the GOB’s have developed to fulfill their personal needs. I did not say your husband was a GOB, you most think he was at one point, to have responded as you did.
I have the utmost respect for TimBen and I knew he appointed your husband to the commission. I hope TimBen will continue to bring out in the open, the misdeeds of the chosen few.
Have a good evening.
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Yes, we would. It’s never a better feeling then to know that we have people like your Husband in our valley. It’s a becoming a lost art these days to be purely “At your communities service” as you and your husband have been. Today service is incumbent upon motives of personal advancement and aggrandizement rather then the pure feeling of giving back. Tell your husband - thank you.
I would call that extremely relevant. If you don’t mind me saying.
sterling
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“From your previous comments I thought you were suggesting that no such clic existed.”
HEAVENS NO! I am sorry if I came across that way, I know that list exists, and I know the damage being done to this city and some organizations by people who comprise this list, I just think some people are put on that list who do not belong there. My husband was never a GOB of SCV, he thinks for himself and cannot be bought or owned and he loves this valley.
I don’t have “bad feelings” for Ms. Ender, I just don’t support that kind of politics.
“And yes I have witnessed your performance before the council.”
Oh God. Belueve me, I would rather walk across hot coals with bare feet rather than speak in public like that.
Thank you, Wethepeople.
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Pauline, it is the network that I am troubled by, not your husband.
I have spent time reading about all of his many accomplishments and of his giving of his time and energy to contribute to the community.
Wethepeople said “Today service is incumbent upon motives of personal advancement and aggrandizement rather then the pure feeling of giving back”.
I agree with this statement and it is more to my point about the award. Ms. 2004 is driving around today with “the frame” on her brand new, high end, SUV. This exemplifies my point! I guess the ego feed never stops!
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did I just witness a breakthrough?
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I know where you are coming from, Cash. But we have always just done our own thing. You said, “Does not feel so good to be on the right side of things and out of the network, I suppose!” We feel very good where we are, we have always been “here.” Being supported simply for being a mindless puppet is not something either of us would ever strive for. And I certainly understand your outrage about the “incestouous” nature of this city’s political structure. A lot of people are seeing this problem for the first time now, thanks to the election. And TimBen Boydston.
“Pauline, it is the network that I am troubled by, not your husband.”
OK, we are at least in the same chapter, that IS a breakthrough. BTW, “the frame” ended up on MY car >:-( cuz it didn’t fit on his truck, which is what we use most of the time. I don’t even think about the frame, it’s just there along with a retired Navy decal, and a tattered, curled-up “abuse an animal go to jail” bumper sticker scotch-taped to the inside of my back window. The frame, the bumper sticker, it’s all the same to me.
Since we are in the same chapter at least, Cash, from now on I’ll just sit on my hands when you feel like having a go at the GOB list or “the frame.”
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“Cash, from now on I’ll just sit on my hands when you feel like having a go at the GOB list or “the frame.”
Never happen! LOL. You can’t resist the challenge of an argument or the opportunity to type a reaction!.
My position that the award is for those in need of recognition remains unchanged. I will however, not mention you or your husband in the same vein as Ms. 2004 and her husband.
I applaud your efforts to recognize there is a GOB network and that the network, if unchecked, will continue to damage the quality of life in the SCV.
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