58 Comments so far ↓

1. Timothy Myers says:

   September 9, 2009 at 8:10 am

   Is Alan Ferdman going to run for City Council? Alan strikes me as sort of a less obnoxious Dave Bossert. Probably pretty good at his vocation (I think Alan is a retired aerospace engineer) but not particularly well informed about other matters but very quick to offer an opinion. I can see Alan getting about 1,200 votes.
2. CC says:

   September 9, 2009 at 8:22 am

   If you end up getting these vote counts right, I’m going to be the first conspiracy nut in line.

   By the way, Happy 09/09/09
3. Timothy Myers says:

   September 9, 2009 at 9:00 am

   I must admit I am going out on a limb on the vote counts, but predicting that incumbents will win re-election to local office is like predicting the sun will rise tomorrow.
4. Cash says:

   September 9, 2009 at 9:19 am

   » Larry Mankin, SCV Chamber CEO, touts Chamber meetings with City staff prior to every City Council meeting “to review and discuss city matters” SCVCHAMBER

   I posted this meeting fact long ago. The city is way too cozy with the business community. The balance between taxpayer expectations and the business community wants and bail out is way out of balance. Every freebie the business community receives has to be paid for by the taxpayers in one form or another. If you pay close attention you will hear the business owners bragging about the thousands if not tens of thousands they save because of the Enterprise Zones. Tax revenue that needs to be made up elsewhere.
   If a taxpayer group asked to meet with the city on a routine basis before every council meeting, they would be told no! You get 3 minutes at the council meeting to ask your question and raise concerns.

   This kind of insider influence needs to be stopped. Generally one or maybe two of the council members attend these meetings. More than two would violate the Brown act.
5. sauguslady says:

   September 9, 2009 at 9:32 am

   Hey Jeff, I am so glad to see the daily brief again. I missed it when it was gone. Thank you, and I like the clean simple look.
6. Cash says:

   September 9, 2009 at 9:32 am

   Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC) – John Shaffery for Larry Mankin (Sub-Committee Chair)
   The next meeting will be announced.
   1. Committee members have met with Supervisor Antonovich regarding funding for the corporation.
   2. 501(c)(3) papers have been signed and filed with the IRS.
   3. Corporation Board members are: Bill Kennedy, John Shaffery, Larry Rasmussen, Dianne Van Hook and Don Fleming.

   Do you not see a conflict of interest having Bill Kennedy as the President of the Chamber of commerce with sitting as a planning commissioner and now a board member for the Economic Development Corporation !!!!!!!!!!1
7. Petz says:

   September 9, 2009 at 9:42 am

   Very upset with the teacher at Canyon who is “shocked ” that the district would provide an opt-out opportunity for parents during the Obama speech. The Signal and this educator forget about the politicized lesson plan prepared by Obamators in the Dept. of Education – and what was learned during this distraction. #1 – Obama admitted to not being a good student and still became president. #1A- In the 21st century style, charisma , and charm can beat substance. #2 Obama missed a learning opportunity to educate the children that the Constitution does not include Supt. of Education in the job description. # 3 – Obama never means what he says-he destroyed a voucher program in Washington DC that gave parents and children an option out of the failed schools in DC.

   Petz has two children in the Wm. Hart District and I never recieived any information how to opt my children out. Still waiting for a response to my email to a Jr. High principal.
8. Timothy Myers says:

   September 9, 2009 at 9:52 am

   Petz:

   You are a likable guy, so when the time comes for you to go to the re-education camp I will personally make sure you go to the one that has roofs on the barracks!
9. Timothy Myers says:

   September 9, 2009 at 9:54 am

   Cash

   It is quite ironic that Chamber types who are extremely right of center on almost everything eagarly step up to the public money trough to get a double helping.
10. Fred says:

    September 9, 2009 at 9:56 am

    Petz, its the reason I homeschool. My kids are much more well adjusted and think critically about the world they live in.

    I am curious. Why does Obama continue this facade of presenting himself as a disadvantaged black kid when in reality he attended privileged schools, had a mother who had a doctorate, and a grandmother who was the president of a bank?
11. Cash says:

    September 9, 2009 at 10:10 am

    Timmy.

    It was not that long ago that the President of the Auto Association was bragging in TMS that the car delears had sales in excess of $1,000,000,000.00. I also read his comment that because the association produces tax revenue, that they probably have some clout with the city. Truth is all the association does is collect the taxes we pay for a car, and then they pass them along.

    Well, now things get a little tough, actually before things got tough, the same president was the first guy to step up to take advantage of the EZ tax benefits. The city waived the fees for the new sign along the freeway (it’s a beauty too) and the city is planning to use taxpayer dollars to install direction signs to the auto row.

    One can only hope that someone calls BS on the way the city operates and takes the city to court. Or dump the incumbents.

    They will all be out in force this Saturday at the Valleys biggest charity.
12. NickelDime says:

    September 9, 2009 at 10:23 am

    cash, what local taxes are going up to pay for the enterprise zone? or are you speculating?
13. Petz says:

    September 9, 2009 at 10:50 am

    Petz wants to set ther record straight before the president speaks tonight. Obama will tell you that there are no death panels in “health care reform” and try to demonize those of us who proclaim for liberty and freedom. Obama has already sat on his own death panel when he made the argument against providing medical care and comfort to living aborted babies in Illinois.

    Do not listen to the lies put forth this evening-your life and that of those you love may depend on it. Resist and reject Obamacare. It isn’t about health, and it is not about care.
14. Timothy Myers says:

    September 9, 2009 at 11:17 am

    Cash:

    That sounds about right that they were spinning out about 2,000 cars per month on Auto Row during the liquidity bubble.

    Now the thing is Cash that things did not get a LITTLE tough, they are now probably down to about 1,000 to 1,200 cars a month on an overhead and income expectation of 2,000 a month which is a LOT tough. Additionally the new normal upon recovery will probably be closer to 1,500 a month. There aren’t enough local giveaways that could possibly fill in that hole!
15. Timothy Myers says:

    September 9, 2009 at 11:22 am

    Petz:

    I will personally intervene on your behalf in front of the death panel. Cash, probably not.
16. Fred says:

    September 9, 2009 at 11:27 am

    Petz,
    I am sure Obamacare will make it comfortable for your euthanasia. Like in Soylent Green. Lots of drugs and pretty pictures.
17. Petz says:

    September 9, 2009 at 11:28 am

    Rush is reporting that independent contractors will have taxes withheld at source under this health care fiasco. Max Bachus bill.
18. Timothy Myers says:

    September 9, 2009 at 11:45 am

    Petz:

    So independent contractors (“IC’s”) shouldn’t have income and SE tax withholding? Regular employees do and so do independent contractors if they give a bogus ID number. Will this make it harder for some IC’s to shelter their gross income on their schedule C with nondeductible personal expenses? Skim, skim skim.
19. John Adams says:

    September 9, 2009 at 12:00 pm

    A surgeon is an independent contractor so is a dentist. Does that mean I have to withold taxes before I pay them? Looks like the government feels it is not getting the money fast enough. Pretty weird that this tax stuff is in a Healthcare bill????
20. John Adams says:

    September 9, 2009 at 12:03 pm

    An attorney is a independent contractor too. So when he asks for a retainer it looks like now you would need to withhold taxes then pay him. This is in a heathcare bill?
21. Petz says:

    September 9, 2009 at 12:07 pm

    Don’t forget Realtors !
22. Petz says:

    September 9, 2009 at 12:08 pm

    Fred-What is most disturbing is the casual attitude of many people (Tim Myers comes to mind) during this transformative effort.
23. John Adams says:

    September 9, 2009 at 12:09 pm

    Loan officers too. Consultants
24. Petz says:

    September 9, 2009 at 12:13 pm

    Tim-the receipt of income by an independent contractor does not reflect the expenses and cost required to generate that income. Quarterly filing allows us to more accurately math revenues with expenses.
25. Timothy Myers says:

    September 9, 2009 at 1:20 pm

    Petz:

    I understand EXACTLY how the taxes work and if the withholding rate is more than 5-10% it would be a cash flow burden.

    As far as being “casual” I guess its just that I don’t live in pants peeing fear of life!
26. Money says:

    September 9, 2009 at 1:22 pm

    Putz, I feel sorry for your children.
27. Cash says:

    September 9, 2009 at 1:54 pm

    NickelDime

    I did not say local taxes are going up. Our tax dollar are subsidizing business. Tax dollars that are not available for the city (or state) to provide the services for which they were intended. Ken brags about having a general fund surplus for a rain day. When tax dollars are used as give aways to the business community, city services have to decline or the tax surplus is reduced.

    Ken can do a shell game with the budget and you would probably not even know it. No metric is in place to measure the success of the 21 point plan. To date the success is based on nothing more that how great everyone )the GOBN) has said the plan is. Ken needs to be held accountable for assuring there is a financial return to the taxpayers investment. Not a success based on how well the freeloaders tell him the plan is working. Right now there is no accountability and a lot of pats on the back and high fives. Ken has lost sight of his obligation to the taxpayers and the citizens of your city. The VIA and the Chamber, among others, have Ken in their pocket.
28. Timothy Myers says:

    September 9, 2009 at 1:54 pm

    Petz:

    Let’s talk about Mike Duvall! What is it about Repubs with BMI’s in excess of 35 scoring it heavy with the female lobbyists? Good thing we passed Prop 8 to protect Assemblyman Duvall’s marriage!
29. Petz says:

    September 9, 2009 at 2:00 pm

    Who is Mike Duvall?
30. Cash says:

    September 9, 2009 at 2:04 pm

    Timmy,

    Perhaps we do not need all the car delears we currently have. The problem is theirs to manage not the taxpayers. Some may have to give up their country club membership at TPC or Big “V” and downsize the home a little. I do not feel real sorry for them.

    Are you seeing much help for your business? I am seeing no help on my end and have adjusted to the financial mess accordingly.
31. Money says:

    September 9, 2009 at 2:12 pm

    cash is a professional do-nothing complainer
32. John Adams says:

    September 9, 2009 at 2:15 pm

    Petz, Mike Duvall is an actor I think? He played in the Godfather and that NASCAR movie with Tom Cruise. Yeah that’s it!
33. Timothy Myers says:

    September 9, 2009 at 2:23 pm

    Petz:

    Google “Assemblyman Mike Duvall”
34. Timothy Myers says:

    September 9, 2009 at 2:24 pm

    Cash:

    I don’t disagree with you. I just come at it from a slightly different angle. It is hubristic for ANYONE to think some local handouts or a Shop Local program can cure a 25% secular decrease in the business.
35. navigator says:

    September 9, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    Cash-Generally one or maybe two of the council members attend these meetings

    Once again I disagree with you Cash. GENERALLY one councilmember attends these meetings.
36. Cash says:

    September 9, 2009 at 2:59 pm

    Money

    And you are …………………….?

    Truth is Money, you have no idea what I do or do not do.

    Money, you best stop using the company computer for play time.
37. Cash says:

    September 9, 2009 at 3:07 pm

    navigator

    OK one attends. There have been times that two attend. More than two would be a Brown act violation. Happy now.

    There are those that believe the meetings are illegal and should be stopped. At a minimum the meetings appear inappropriate and favor the business community.
    There is no doubt the city has a business bias, at the expense of the taxpayers. The reason you are seeing large groups addressing the council on Tuesday nights is because they know this is the only way they can be heard. The monthly meeting with the Chamber are widely known and will be challenged in due time.
38. NickelDime says:

    September 9, 2009 at 3:16 pm

    Tim,

    not trying to be a shill, but the question is whether or not it will return what we are putting into it.

    politicians have this thing about optics – if it looks like I’m doing something, than I am doing my job

    K-Puls saying it had a “positive effect” sounds anecdotal at best. Can we actually measure it? Cash and I talked this to death a couple weeks back and his point is well-taken – this is an inappropriate use of tax funds. OTOH, if it “works” and is shown to have a return, it may be akin to a tax cut, one that ultimately yields otherwise lost revenue in the form of sustained employment / business / etc.
39. Petz says:

    September 9, 2009 at 3:24 pm

    Google

    Charlie Rangell
40. Fred Butler says:

    September 9, 2009 at 3:25 pm

    Turning from politics to the mundane subject of UFO orbs floating over S.C:

    I had a close encounter with a UFO guy in my neighborhood a couple of years ago that I blogged about HERE
41. Timothy Myers says:

    September 9, 2009 at 3:38 pm

    ND:

    Unfortunately the proof of this can never be found for two reasons. Econometric proof requires tons of datapoints and takes years to compile. That’s why recessions are always called on and off after the fact.

    Secondly, despite the Signal and others equating the Economic Town Hall with Davos, the SCV economy is still sufficiently integrated that the macroeconomy accounts for about 95% of whatever happens, good or ill, and any local initiatives can at best nibble around the edges and probably don’t “hurt” (other than Cash’s excellent points) So any anecdotal improvement might just be attributable to improvement in the macroeconomy.

    The more disturbing point is that no one is paying attention to the probable fact the new “normal” will be a 25% to 30% secular reduction in the bubble industries (construction, real estate, mortgage lending, car sales, high end electronics sales, etc. etc.) and what that means in terms of peoples business models and municipal revenue models.
42. NickelDime says:

    September 9, 2009 at 4:03 pm

    Tim,
    Fair points. I still maintain this region could actually create its own economy by attracting more employers. It just feels like we ended up with a bunch of Barney Fife’s running the place without real leadership / action at focusing our attention on jobs. The tide went out, in Buffet speak (Warren not Jimmy) and it was clear who was swimming naked … Ess-See-Vee.

    SFV is just ripe with employers looking to lower costs – and wouldn’t contemplate a move out of state, but would welcome another alternative. Start with a platform, entertainment services and federal contractors come to mind (we already have some semblance of both) and build from there.

    The E-D program is just so focused on retail that it misses the point entirely. Retail is the ass end of this thing – let’s work on real job creation, not job creation begat by consumption.
43. Timothy Myers says:

    September 9, 2009 at 6:01 pm

    ND:

    Retail is the easy way for cities because they skim 1% off the top and its easy to identify. Having and City where people can live AND work is much more difficult to quantify the benefits, revenue wise.
44. Petz says:

    September 10, 2009 at 6:07 am

    BHO failed to close the deal last night with the Americans who are skeptical and defiant of larger government. Way short on specifics-payoffs to unions-higher taxes-waste fraud abuse savings. He can’t pay for it-and the discussion should end until he makes a real attempt to deregulate the market for health care.
45. Fred Butler says:

    September 10, 2009 at 6:18 am

    “He can’t pay for it-and the discussion should end until he makes a real attempt to deregulate the market for health care.”

    That and eliminating the ability for ambulance chasing trial lawyers to sue hospitals and doctors for gazillions of dollars. Something I have yet to hear discussed at any detailed length.
46. Jeff says:

    September 10, 2009 at 8:47 am

    ?=That and eliminating the ability for ambulance chasing trial lawyers to sue hospitals and doctors for gazillions of dollars. Something I have yet to hear discussed at any detailed length

    Did you listen to the same speech I did? Because I specifically heard obama say he is open to including tort reform in any health care plan he signs.

    If that’s not an olive branch, then I don’t know what is.

    Not like it will get any Rs on his side though. They’re more interested in bringing August Town Halls into the Congressional chambers.
47. Petz says:

    September 10, 2009 at 8:59 am

    It would be quite sad if Mike Duvall was merely engaged in a fantasy world locker roon type conversation and did not actually engage in the acts he stands “accused” of. Shame on those who jump to conclusions before all the facts are known.
48. the original mike says:

    September 10, 2009 at 9:25 am

    Mike Duvall as chief among the people that would smear Mike Duvall. Best spin yet. Have you switched from Levin to Beck?
49. Petz says:

    September 10, 2009 at 9:35 am

    Petz is a Levin man because I don’t have to look at him. Do not get the Beck phenomenon-find his body language and facial contortions painful to watch.

    Any MAN who is honest knows the daily battle we must engage in to control their sexual nature and proclivities. What may have been “banter” became terribly harmful to so many individuals and institutions.
50. Cash says:

    September 10, 2009 at 9:36 am

    Wow,
    I have listened to many presidents address the congress over the years, but I have never heard anyone yell Liar during the speech, or laugh at what a president meant to be a serious statement in the speech.

    This took some real stones and it is good to hear that Obama heard the message. Many are thinking it but few are saying it.

    Obama will not be able to live behind this facade much longer. He reads and speaks well, but he lacks the knowledge to defend the words on the teleprompter.
51. Petz says:

    September 10, 2009 at 9:43 am

    What was the paper that the GOPers were holding up during pauses in the speech?

    Did anyone notice the only words that are permanently engraved into the granite of the House chamber?
52. CC says:

    September 10, 2009 at 1:29 pm

    All the few disruptive and rude individuals did was lower the decorum to the House of Commons or the Korean parliament. They should be ashamed. It was an embarrassment. At lease an apology has already been issued. I hope this is a lesson in civility for everyone.
53. Cash says:

    September 10, 2009 at 1:39 pm

    CC

    I disagree. Obama and Nancy have pushed the decorum to a new low standard. It is difficult to respect the office or the congress (republican or democrat). More difficult than when Bush was there, and it was tough then. Too me, Nancy is the embarrassment and the one that has set the low standards. Obama has not helped the situation. Obama with all his Czar’s for example, cause one to wonder if he even respects the office and the protocol.
54. Timothy Myers says:

    September 10, 2009 at 5:09 pm

    Petz:

    Let me break it down for you. Mike Duvall said in colorful language that he had ejaculated so much while having vaginal sex with this lobbyist that his semen was oozing out of her vagina because she wears crotchless underwear.

    If that is made up then the guy is a PSYCHO!!!!!
55. Cash says:

    September 10, 2009 at 5:19 pm

    Timmy,
    is that not normal?
56. Timothy Myers says:

    September 10, 2009 at 5:28 pm

    Cash:

    Midwestern Lutherans are so grateful for ANYTHING in that department that the LAST thing we would do is talk about it publicly!
57. cash says:

    September 10, 2009 at 6:04 pm

    http://cal-access.ss.ca.gov/Lobbying/Lobbyists/Detail.aspx?id=1268268&session=2009
58. Petz says:

    September 10, 2009 at 7:17 pm

    Timmy-you pulled those old Penthouse out of the attic didn’t you.

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