cogmeyer comment-63547 2012-02-10T10:18:21Z 2012-02-10T10:18:21Z This episode is just another example of the outsized political influence held by local police, fire, city employee and education unions. The ulitimate solution is Scott Walker / Wisconsin style public employee union reforms. Step one would be make union membership voluntary. Until Sacramentans come to this realization, our fortunes (or lack thereof) will continue to be driven by a very small select cadre of public employees, many of whom don't even live in the City. cogmeyer 2012-02-10T10:18:21Z Meeeah comment-63546 2012-02-10T08:03:03Z 2012-02-10T08:03:03Z Just FYI, there has been a ChipIn started for Larry Ottaviani. For those who who like to participate, here is the link: http://helplarryottaviani.chipin.com/larry-ottaviani Meeeah 2012-02-10T08:03:03Z Lisa Ouellette comment-63545 2012-02-10T03:03:09Z 2012-02-10T03:03:09Z The "Hotel California" is the former Norconian Resort Hotel located in Norco, California. The spa, built in 1926, was a financial failure, but the facilities were solid, so the US Navy converted the plush hotel to a Navy hospital during WWII, continuing through the Korean conflict. After the wars, the facility lay vacant for some time, until 1963, when most of it became the California Rehabilitation Center, for the treatment of heroin addiction of returning vets. Eventually it came under the control of the CA Dept. of Corrections, and has been used primarily to treat criminals convicted of drug crimes. It is known as the "Hotel California" due to it's former use as a hotel. The original main building is an architectural treasure. "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave", refers to being locked up. Lisa Ouellette 2012-02-10T03:03:09Z lovevolves comment-63544 2012-02-10T02:27:04Z 2012-02-10T02:27:04Z I have been a foster mom to 6 children AND I have my own 2 children. The most abused kids that I thought would NEVER be unified with their abusers, actually were, mainly because they were not believed regarding their abuse. Much of it was psychological, which, unfortunately seems to be far worse than broken bones or a bloody lip. Their parents jumped through the hoops and were able to take them back home, only to abuse them all over again, only much WORSE. Three of these kids came right back into the system; one of them showed up on my porch a year later and asked to stay. I could not take him back in as his fire starting behavior was a threat to the rest of my family. Instead, I took him to a teenage shelter where he stayed for a few weeks. It was reported later to me that he committed suicide in a vacant warehouse. So~ "Regular Joe"~ regardless of a teenager's rebellious and less than "angelic" behavior, I have EVERY reason to believe that these kids exposure to repeated emotional and verbal abuse is great cause for concern, and, in my opinion, gives great reason to get them the out of the hell holes they are forced to live in. I don't care if you're a former CPS worker!!! If you're affiliated or not, in contact or not... Your statement of "it should be entertaining" is absolutely disgusting. If I had to guess, I would say that either a) you do not have any children of your own, or b) you are an abuser. lovevolves 2012-02-10T02:27:04Z Copiusmyo comment-63543 2012-02-10T01:59:42Z 2012-02-10T01:59:42Z Conspiracy theory makes sense here: the elites that determine lite rail outcomes want to keep the criminal element on the transit system and out of their way. That is why the train doesn't operate in Folsom late at night and is why the lite rail system is and will continue to be uncomfortable, inconvenient and dangerous; because that's the way the elites want it. Copiusmyo 2012-02-10T01:59:42Z billboy comment-63542 2012-02-10T00:22:00Z 2012-02-10T00:22:00Z Del Paso Road is near neither; also, Placerville is not in Placer County; Yuba City is not in Yuba County; Lake Natoma is not in Natomas. Carry on ... billboy 2012-02-10T00:22:00Z Casey Kirk comment-63541 2012-02-09T22:13:57Z 2012-02-09T22:13:57Z Beautiful! Really gets me in the Valentine's Day mood! Casey Kirk 2012-02-09T22:13:57Z Jill Allyn Stafford comment-63540 2012-02-09T21:08:52Z 2012-02-09T21:08:52Z Fantastic Brooke! Claire - can't wait to see it! Jill Allyn Stafford 2012-02-09T21:08:52Z dvj comment-63539 2012-02-09T20:14:45Z 2012-02-09T20:14:45Z This is a great article and one that many need to read. Thank you for sharing your insight and knowledge. Our gratitude for these veterans needs to be expressed. Whenever I see a man or women in uniform I thank them. They are all the stalwart of our country, past and present. The effect their service has on their lives is so genuinely shared in this article. The support group is so good for them. Thank you again for sharing and let's continually support our troops. They sacrifice so very much on our behalf. Vicki Jenks dvj 2012-02-09T20:14:45Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63538 2012-02-09T19:46:24Z 2012-02-09T19:46:24Z Thanks for the info I am going to read it now. Once more you are appreciated! Much respect I just read Cosmos blog! Thanks for posting the info. He wrote the truth! Some may be afraid of the truth, for some the truth may hurt, some might can't handle the truth but for those of us who have become commodities... the truth will set us free! I loved it! Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-09T19:46:24Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63537 2012-02-09T19:06:08Z 2012-02-09T19:06:08Z In the words of Mark Twain, ‘Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” That said, I took your advice and read many articles and the opinion of many towards Frank Rizzo and his brother. And in my opinion, Tynsdale is Johnson’s brother- by another mother lol. I’ve learned Rizzo while police commissioner was boisterous and brooding, particularly to the media” just as Tyndale and as mayor “Rizzo's debacles with the media continued… He was known for frequently holding press conferences, where he discussed various relevant and irrelevant matters, often in colorful language and a bombastic attitude.” -- lol -- just as Johnson. But seriously, after reading your comment, I spent most of the morning actually reading a great deal and saw more similarities between Rizzo/ Johnson/ Tyndale and Philly/ Sac. While I appreciate your comment and opinion I have to disagree with you, and it seems I do have insight into rein of control existing in Sacramento in this era and quite frankly the similarities (Rizzo’ brothers/ Johnson/ SPOA) far outweigh any differences you may want to discuss. Their is always three sides to a story, his, hers and the truth. I read what many had to say of the Rizzo brothers and I've learned over the years to listen, read, consider all sides... Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-09T19:06:08Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63536 2012-02-09T19:03:00Z 2012-02-09T19:03:00Z Phillip, I do appreciate your advice. With all due respect, I do have an idea on the type of rein of control SPOA has held over the city of Sacramento. Whether or not it can, in your opinion, be compared to the rein of control Frank Rizzo and his brother held in Philadelphia in 1977 is not a factor for me. I’m from a community in severe pain - a community divided into victims and suspects - watching SPOA manipulate many as we die, and die, and die. Our children are dying on our streets and even more living to die in prisons and this city is a contributing factor, due to neglect of resources in efforts… Our children are a commodity as city representatives and specifically our mayor feeds the belly of the beast, SPOA, greed. I'll research anything suggested to me until the walls of Jericho fall all around this greedy city. Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-09T19:03:00Z shuttersue comment-63534 2012-02-09T18:22:28Z 2012-02-09T18:22:28Z nice piece and love that painting of Clemon shuttersue 2012-02-09T18:22:28Z newguyinsac comment-63533 2012-02-09T18:10:26Z 2012-02-09T18:10:26Z This is good to know, but it might be smart for the businesses and residents along Del Paso Boulevard to push for a change in the street name. As a newcomer to town, I have driven up Del Paso Blvd a few times and while some of the art galleries and restaurants look interesting, I've always been reluctant to stop because of the stories you hear of the crime in Del Paso Heights. I am glad to find that they are not actually the same areas. newguyinsac 2012-02-09T18:10:26Z Phillip Kampel comment-63532 2012-02-09T17:27:18Z 2012-02-09T17:27:18Z I live in Sandy Sheedy's district and never saw anything that looked like the poll she references. No mailings, no phone calls, no e-mails. How representative was it exactly? Phillip Kampel 2012-02-09T17:27:18Z Phillip Kampel comment-63531 2012-02-09T17:24:54Z 2012-02-09T17:24:54Z Rhonda, with all due respect, I doubt that you have any idea what a rein of control over a city looks like. I moved to Philadelphia in 1977 when Frank Rizzo, former police commissioner, was the Mayor and his brother was the Fire Commissioner. If you do a little research or talk to people who lived in Philly during that era, you might get some insight into a rein of control. Phillip Kampel 2012-02-09T17:24:54Z fifthgensacramentan comment-63530 2012-02-09T14:59:36Z 2012-02-09T14:59:36Z Interesting read in SNR today by Cosmo. Everything that could be exposed to revision with a charter commission. http://www.newsreview.com/sacramento/snog/blogs#BlogPost-5107298 Police & Fire may be concerned that their collective bargaing agreement could be rivised, especially in light of the fact that people like Tyndale, who don't live in the city, can't participate. Something else that Cosmo pointed out, the schools and the thje way they are governed. Imagine this mayor and his spouse attempting to open that up, especially with her new Non Profit education reform "Student First" Interesting year ahead! fifthgensacramentan 2012-02-09T14:59:36Z Heather Ireland comment-63529 2012-02-09T08:19:48Z 2012-02-09T08:19:48Z Thank you Amy! And thank you to everyone who has commented. No matter what side of the argument readers have taken in response to this issue, you have all added to the content of the original article making things that much more interesting. Hats off to all of you! Heather Ireland 2012-02-09T08:19:48Z fifthgensacramentan comment-63528 2012-02-09T06:55:40Z 2012-02-09T06:55:40Z Back at You, Girl!! :-) fifthgensacramentan 2012-02-09T06:55:40Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63527 2012-02-09T06:49:24Z 2012-02-09T06:49:24Z D Fong, is actually doing his job- his current position- as a city public servant and doing it quite well looking after not just his district but the entire city as a whole... giving his salary back to the city. While our mayor is having the city pay for his personal police chauffer. (that he criticized Fargo for) D Fong is a rare breed and a welcome asset to the council. And we are lucky that for him it's not politics as usual. Unlike Ashby, I don't think D Fong is going to fall prey to Tyndale’s games. He knows he was voted into office on his merits and not due to an endorsement. He also knows he will remain in office with integrity and not due to an endorsement. D. Fong is not having fun, but he's not a quiter. He doesn't need the job to give him fulfullment or self-esteem, so he will perform his duties with integrity and not care about the criticism. He follows his heart. He's not trying to make friends he is trying to help the city And quiet is kept, Tynsdale needs to back off of D. Fong, since Fong was in the department for 30yrs and knows all too well were cuts can really be made within the SPD. Tyndale is playing with fire and he will get burned. My bet is on Fong to come out the fight without a scratch. The quiet ones are always the one to watch lol. The loud one (Tyndale) will give his hand every time he has a big ego. Tyndale is fighting so hard against D. Fong and fighting so hard for the mayor to have control of the budget because he‘s scared- desperate people do desperate things. Tynsdale is scared SPOA is losing their control of the city council and he is working hard with Johnson to maintain it through Charter change. Fong’s not scared of Tyndale, Tyndale is scared of Fong lol thats the reason for his mean spirited public display against Fong. Thank you for the information you provided. You are greatly appreciated! Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-09T06:49:24Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63526 2012-02-09T06:45:31Z 2012-02-09T06:45:31Z fifthgensacramentar: thank you for the link. I just read the article. I’m even more impressed with D. Fong. When i go to or watch council sessions I look at what is said and more importantly what is not said. I have admired D. Fong from Day 1 often respecting the fact that he doesn’t "talk just to talk" and would rather be quiet. It shows me he’s not interested in gathering the attention of the media but places his focus on his public service. Tyndale stood before the council in previous years giving threats during the budget, "If we get less, we will do less" When their were community members getting nothing but laboring to address the violence. Shameful. Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-09T06:45:31Z fifthgensacramentan comment-63525 2012-02-09T05:50:36Z 2012-02-09T05:50:36Z Rhonda, did you read the Bee article about Darrell? And Tyndale's comment? http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/08/4168924/enigmatic-councilman-a-political.html SPOA was angry at Darrell's vote on the city budget last June. Boss Tyndale's thuggish threat was: "Tyndale says that Fong could start making amends by voting to put Mayor Kevin Johnson's strong-mayor initiative on the ballot in June. Fong says he hasn't made up his mind, but did have a good talk with the mayor on Tuesday. If the councilman continues to buck the union, Tyndale warns, it will find someone to run against him: "If we don't fix the relationship, we don't want him on the council." Who is the community stewart? Tyndale or D.Fong? And a portion of my response to that article... "And to the leaders of SPOA, both Mark Tyndale an former president Brent Meyer....two individuals who don't live in this city....and have on numerous occasions stated how it can be dangerous to live in this city while being a police officer...for both them and their families..... I give you Darrell Fong....as a myth buster! And OMT, For Mr.,non-resident, Tyndale to suggest that charter revision is a bargaining chip: "... Fong could start making amends by voting to put Mayor Kevin Johnson's strong-mayor initiative on the ballot in June." Is insulting to say the least and "flies in the face" of the constitutional process ordained by the State of California. Sorry words from someone sworn to uphold the laws of this state!" That would be Mark Tyndale! fifthgensacramentan 2012-02-09T05:50:36Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63524 2012-02-09T05:50:28Z 2012-02-09T05:50:28Z YouWantWhat-- "Give me a break!" Heck no, please don't ask for a break lol, you are needed! lol You are on a roll! I appreciate all the information you shared. Thank you. You're good! And unfreakin believable - Yes considering all that you wrote, SPOA actually had the nerve to walk away from negotiating. As Klenox stated, "This ploy is ridiculous" and I should add finally we’re seeing some transparency since many of us are seeing right through it! Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-09T05:50:28Z Natalie Kuffel comment-63523 2012-02-09T05:34:49Z 2012-02-09T05:34:49Z Thank you for the wonderful article about Woodlake/North Sacramento! I certainly didn't mean to single you out, Melissa. This mistake happens all of the time. Bob Shallit at the Bee did it recently and I expect him to be a Sacramento neighborhood expert. Personally, I am very excited by the upgrades to Del Paso Blvd. It's a street with a lot of history and a lot of potential. Natalie Kuffel 2012-02-09T05:34:49Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63522 2012-02-09T05:31:56Z 2012-02-09T05:31:56Z Again, YouWantWhat, thank you for the information you shared! Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-09T05:31:56Z fifthgensacramentan comment-63521 2012-02-09T05:31:18Z 2012-02-09T05:31:18Z Throughout this debate of spending public dollars simply based on the approval of council has been the underlying question, At what monetary threshold is voter approval required? Our charter and ordinances place excellent retrictions on council needing to approve expenditures by the city manager, when the bill is $100,000 Dollars or more. Here we have a city department, that repeatedly produces dependable annual income for our general fund while at the same time providing stabilization of parking rates in our city. To proceed with the RFP process the city will need to spend 1-2 million unfunded precious dollars of the taxpayer to proceed. The anticipation is to generate a one time cash payment equvalent to About 1/4 Of Our Annual Budget and take it all for a downpayment on a project of highly questinable, if not outright deceptive, proforma. The ramifications of which will be with this city for 50 years. While the life span of any pro-sport arena tends to be 16.5 years on avg. Additionally, the comments from some councilmembers, who voted not to allow a vote of the residents, reflect acknowledgement that the information they have been receiving from the arena shill force is unreliable knowing that there is little support to spend these funds in that manner or more likely that they don't want the parking privatized at all. In a manner like the council restricts the spending by the city manager, it's time the residents restrict the spending by our council at a fixed monetary value. The action last night clearly demonstrated that. fifthgensacramentan 2012-02-09T05:31:18Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63520 2012-02-09T05:25:07Z 2012-02-09T05:25:07Z YouWantWhat-- I want to know the answers to the questions you raised. Where is the money coming from?... Heck, I've been trying to understand what exactly the special assistants - third floor bull pen- and the mayors community liaison are suppose to do for the taxpayers/city residents. Heck, as a member of the community I thought I could meet with the "community liaison" but I quickly discovered -after he never returned my call -his position is not community outreach. So is he suppose to just do damage control for the media, send favorable and one sided media releases for Johnson and comment on media sites for damage control? If so, who is paying his salary? If he is employed for Mayor Johnson’s personal ego driven missions then Johnson should pay his salary and his job should be titled media liaison for Kevin Johnson and not as a community liaison for the city. Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-09T05:25:07Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63499 2012-02-09T05:04:52Z 2012-02-09T05:04:52Z Youwantwhat- thank you for your comment it is good to read / learn the entire quote. I did not see it coming, your comment is appreciated Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-09T05:04:52Z YouWantWhat comment-63498 2012-02-09T04:46:07Z 2012-02-09T04:46:07Z Read the criteria for assigning that ranking. The Kings and the foreclosures. And Lee, if you are going to quote something, use the whole quote. Someone might think you have some other agenda otherwise. http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mli45hdlg/5-sacramento-calif/ "#5 Sacramento, Calif. Sacramento’s lone pro sports team is flirting with a move to Anaheim unless the city delivers financing for a new arena. Sac-Town might not miss them. The team has lost 73% of its games since the start of the 2008-09 season. Foreclosures in California's capital were among the 10 highest last year. " Here's how the SBJ described the ranking system "Sacramento, which also came in at No. 5 in 2011, ranks as one of the most miserable cities in part because of its high foreclosure rates, but also because of the uncertainty of the future of the Sacramento Kings , as well as their performance, according to Forbes." Get rid of the Kings and we will be less miserable? Worth a shot! YouWantWhat 2012-02-09T04:46:07Z YouWantWhat comment-63497 2012-02-09T04:32:42Z 2012-02-09T04:32:42Z To PocketGop and William, the fairer comparrison to Idianapolis is the Pacers deal, or more to the point rip-off http://www.fieldofschemes.com/news/archives/nba/indiana_pacers/ "The city of Indianapolis has agreed to pay the Pacers $10 million a year for the next three years (plus $3.5 million for a new ribbon ad board, among other things) to play at Conseco Fieldhouse, the taxpayer-funded arena that the team plays at rent-free and keeps all revenues from. That's less than the full $15 million in annual operating costs — the Pacers' only arena-related expense — that the team owners said they wanted the city to cover, but not a whole heck of a lot less, especially considering that the Pacers' lease isn't actually up yet." "In exchange, the city gets a commitment by the Pacers to stay in town ... for three years. After that, the team could break its lease and leave town with a smaller penalty, which would dwindle to zero by 2019, the year that their lease is actually set to expire. I don't think the Indianapolis Star used my quote, but what I told their reporter was something along the lines of "This is a pretty crappy payoff for $30 million in government subsidies." Notice how Marcos neglected to mention any of this? Nope, the NFL and NBA business models are two entirely seperate models. The NBA's ain't working. YouWantWhat 2012-02-09T04:32:42Z RPH comment-63496 2012-02-09T04:32:22Z 2012-02-09T04:32:22Z If it is any consolation, the main stream media, newspapers and TV news reporters, have been making the same mistake for years. I know the people that work in the media move around a lot but I would think they would be smart enough to try to learn the geography of the area. RPH 2012-02-09T04:32:22Z YouWantWhat comment-63495 2012-02-09T04:25:29Z 2012-02-09T04:25:29Z Let's have City Council ask the city auditor to review how much the mayor's staffing of the third floor at city hall is costing, remember "His BullPen". It's not part of the mayor's assigned budget, so where is the money coming from? Who is paying for the real estate along with the operational cost of occupying that space? What exactly do those people Do? YouWantWhat 2012-02-09T04:25:29Z YouWantWhat comment-63494 2012-02-09T04:22:00Z 2012-02-09T04:22:00Z To PocketGOP....Where's KJ's current 1/2 million dollars come from? Where did his previous million come from? Where did SAG's, Beter Sacto etal monies come from? It's all there on the city's clerk site, downloadable in EXCEL and easily sortable if you know how. I've looked at each and everyone of them. You could combine all the monies of all the councilmembers and compare to the mayor's....especially given the new higher limits that are afforded to the mayor by both individuals and PAC's...the mayor simply wants the lionshare of all contributions to come into his coffers. He didn't put up close to 700,000 dollars of his own money for the benfit of this city. He want's that $580,000 in loans paid back, with recurring interest....just like his contributors want their own ROI! YouWantWhat 2012-02-09T04:22:00Z YouWantWhat comment-63493 2012-02-09T04:12:09Z 2012-02-09T04:12:09Z The president of the SPOA is not a city or county resident. This same person sacrificed junior officers last June instead of stepping up with the SPOA to help mitigate the budget shortfall and retain some of those laid off. The Dept additionally sacrificed non SPOA employees to retain SPOA employees. Who's interest does he serve as he retyreats nightly to his home in another county? And just remember, SPOA public safety officers contribute zero to their pensions. The CalPeers public safety employee formula is 9% for the employee and 22% for the employer. However all 31-32% is paid by the city. During the budget workshop several weeks ago, the city manager's report showed that our two public safety dept, Fire & PD, who do not contribute to their pensions, consume 82-83% of the descretionary portion of the city's annual budget. SPD takes home far more vehicles than anybody else as reveled by the latest city auditor audit....and SPOA has the nerve to walk away from negoiating? Just because their pinochio's SMI 3 got dumped? Give me a break! YouWantWhat 2012-02-09T04:12:09Z fifthgensacramentan comment-63492 2012-02-09T03:54:18Z 2012-02-09T03:54:18Z I think Rhonda is correct. The game will become clearer as the filing deadline for candidates approaches. The wildcard now is the charter commission vote. If the voters vote against it, especially in light of what has transpired now for over three years, all of the mayor's arguments for revising the charter go out the window, his or anybody else's version. Will that stop him, especially if he were to gain a majority of support on council? Propably not, his pursuit for the "ring of power" is too great. Meet Mayor Gollum, seeking "his precious". fifthgensacramentan 2012-02-09T03:54:18Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63491 2012-02-09T03:47:12Z 2012-02-09T03:47:12Z If we want to see personal vendettas we should watch how Johnson/ SPOA attempts to unseat those who opposed him on the strong mayor charter change. For Johnson it is personal and not business. The opposing council is fighting-- and I applaud them-- through much undeserved criticism to keep it business Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-09T03:47:12Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63490 2012-02-09T03:40:03Z 2012-02-09T03:40:03Z I disagree but I respect your opinion. In my opinion SPOA and Johnson are in the mud playing together- the opposing council is trying to hose them down. It never cease to amaze me how some people would rather look at 5 council members has having no interity than to look at the one mayor ( johnson) who lacked integrity prior to even entering office and has kept that momentum up. Heck D Fong- who has integrity- should of been Vice President or President of SPOA--one of our problems would be solved and without changing the charter. We don't need to change the charter we need to bring back integrity Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-09T03:40:03Z Rhys02 comment-63489 2012-02-09T02:59:34Z 2012-02-09T02:59:34Z As much as I feel the SPOA is as big a part of the problem as the Council... it is nice to see someone can play in the mud with the Council and throw some back. Rhys02 2012-02-09T02:59:34Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63488 2012-02-09T02:34:57Z 2012-02-09T02:34:57Z I respect your opinion but I disagree. My councilmember and from what I saw the other council members have listened to the voices of the majority of their district who want to vote after fully understanding the efforts/ consequences of the charter change. I don't think my council member refuse to acknowledge or have confidence in the strength of its citizens… I know many who were mislead by those initially ignorantly gathering signatures to put this measure on the ballot -- I don't think this is personal towards the mayor I think it's business. The same way some can say the council refuse to acknowledge or have confidence in the strength of its citizens some can argue some citizens don't have knowledge or confidence in the strength of the council opposing it. I believe they can oppose it due to lack of merit, wanting the public more informed and not due to personal vendettas. It's easy to say they dislike or have vengeance towards the mayor and Mayor Johnson can know without a doubt that is not true and he will sit in silence and not inform people that personal vendettas is not the reason for them opposing it. Just like Johnson sat in silence when a Black man stated the council was opposing it because Mayor Johnson was black. Mayor Johnson knew that was not true yet he did not raise his voice to say race was not the issue. I, personally don't dislike the mayor, I dislike his deceit. I don't have vengeance towards him I feel sorry for him one day he will have to pay the piper (and not the pied piper of city hall - SPOA) Yes it is unacceptable and an embarrassment that Sac is ranked 5th of the 10 most miserable U.S. cities I'd like to know how changing the charter will change that. And Johnson has aided in many of us being miserable. But then again, he said he’d put us on the map and for many of us our levy (hearts) are broken and we are drowning in a city of neglect as Johnson searches for money to feed his leprechaun SPOA for endorsement of this charter change. While the new brooms are sweeping hopefully they won't sweep under the rug the voices of many of us and hopefully we won‘t have to sit and look at a council, manager… appearing to be stepford wives married to Johnson Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-09T02:34:57Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63487 2012-02-09T02:06:47Z 2012-02-09T02:06:47Z I was surprised he voted against it too but our professional basketball player mayor surely has another game plan. It appears he will try and stack the council in his favor using SPOA to endorse his candidates of choice (as he did with Ashby) and bring it back. As far as I am concerned our mayor is actually transparrent-- some of us can see right through him and his ego driven ways Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-09T02:06:47Z Lee Middleton comment-63486 2012-02-09T01:03:34Z 2012-02-09T01:03:34Z This current crop of city council members refuse to acknowledge or have confidence in the strength of its citizens when it comes to their knowledge of voting issues. Once again, the five Bearers of Prevention (Sandy Sheedy, Rob Fong, Kevin McCarty, Darrell Fong and Bonnie Pannell) refuses to allow the strong mayor initiative to see the light of day by preventing the public to express their rights at the ballot box. Once again they have reduced Mayor Johnson to less than the 11% of power he and other council members currrently hold. This council continues to expose their dislike and vengence toward this mayor. For the second straight year (2011 & 2012), Forbes has ranked Sacramento 5th out of the 10 most miserable U.S. cities. Not only is this unacceptatble, it’s an embarrassment. And once again this city council has added to this miserable index. Hopefully new brooms will sweep clean with the up coming city council elections. Lee Middleton 2012-02-09T01:03:34Z Ben Ilfeld comment-63485 2012-02-09T00:12:19Z 2012-02-09T00:12:19Z Just to be clear, Scribd is like YouTube for documents. it si a storage locker. Nobody there is doing journalism, it is simply a tool that can be used for people to share documents. Ben Ilfeld 2012-02-09T00:12:19Z sactomaya comment-63484 2012-02-09T00:04:29Z 2012-02-09T00:04:29Z I was there for the tasting on Saturday, and I'm pretty sure I'm going to go there all the time. sactomaya 2012-02-09T00:04:29Z Jessica Guglielmino comment-63483 2012-02-08T23:29:37Z 2012-02-08T23:29:37Z Great way to support some home-grown awesomeness! Jessica Guglielmino 2012-02-08T23:29:37Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63482 2012-02-08T23:10:17Z 2012-02-08T23:10:17Z So much for a mayor wanting to be held accountable! Someone please tell me WHY our mayor did not comment to Mr Tynsdale telling him to stop, and put the immediate needs of the city -public safety- before this not-so immediate concern that will be put on the ballot in June?? Why would our mayor show little concern towards the budget??? ( that he wants to have control over with the charter change) Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-08T23:10:17Z Mark Bean comment-63481 2012-02-08T21:48:51Z 2012-02-08T21:48:51Z I have to call BS on the Ryde Hotel claim (as that's the only factual content of this article). Wikipedia says "The song has been given several interpretations by fans and critics alike, but the Eagles have described it as their "interpretation of the high life in Los Angeles". The Ryde Hotel website doesn't have anything about Hotel California either. I give this article 4 brown salamander's out of 5. Mark Bean 2012-02-08T21:48:51Z MikeM comment-63480 2012-02-08T21:43:42Z 2012-02-08T21:43:42Z Actually, I have my own selfish reasons for seeing this charter commission put on the ballot. I think the voters will reject it. That's not a bad thing at all. I'm surprised that KJ voted against this, though. First, the Council rejected the idea of placing this on the November ballot, which was KJ's best chance of seeing these changes take effect in his lifetime. When that got rejected, I was sure he'd favor the second-best chance of seeing these changes take effect. It makes me wonder what is up his sleeve. Is he now going to keep trying? Will he bring this before the Council on a monthly basis until they finally wear down and vote 5-4 to put it on some ballot? He only needs to make a deal with one more Council member. MikeM 2012-02-08T21:43:42Z klenox comment-63479 2012-02-08T21:02:54Z 2012-02-08T21:02:54Z There isn't a commission yet. No money has been spent. It will be put on the ballot and that will cost money, just as a strong mayor initiative would have. Let the people vote as the mayor says! klenox 2012-02-08T21:02:54Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63478 2012-02-08T20:36:31Z 2012-02-08T20:36:31Z klenox, i absolutely agree! And thank you for the thought-provoking comment. Kudos! I sure as heck would like to hear Tynsdale reply (under his name or whatever name he uses now to post on the site) I agree the ploy is ridiculous and heck absolutely unbelievable that he and Johnson would underestimate and insult our intelligence with this mess Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-08T20:36:31Z William Burg comment-63477 2012-02-08T20:31:48Z 2012-02-08T20:31:48Z The problem with the comparison to Indianapolis is that the NFL uses revenue sharing, allowing small-market cities like Indianapolis and Green Bay to be on equal footing with the big boys. The NBA doesn't work like that. If you'd like a further explanation of how NFL revenue sharing works, here's a handy video: http://vimeo.com/35003246 William Burg 2012-02-08T20:31:48Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63467 2012-02-08T20:31:00Z 2012-02-08T20:31:00Z two wrongs won't make it right and it is what it is Marcos Breton's opinion. I respect his opinion and we all have an opinion Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-08T20:31:00Z Isaac Gonzalez comment-63476 2012-02-08T20:03:26Z 2012-02-08T20:03:26Z @Pocket, Scrib is not a journalistic site. You have to go deep into the city's website to get the info, and I uploaded that form to Scrib to make it easier to link to. If you want to look at more 460 forms, go to http://nf4.netfile.com/pub2/Default.aspx?aid=SAC That address rolls of the tongue so easily. Isaac Gonzalez 2012-02-08T20:03:26Z klenox comment-63475 2012-02-08T19:58:20Z 2012-02-08T19:58:20Z The Police Union is worried about the cost of the Charter Commission but not the cost of the arena? They're not concerned about the city leasing city parking and losing millions of dollars from the general fund? This ploy is ridiculous. klenox 2012-02-08T19:58:20Z Heather Ireland comment-63474 2012-02-08T19:50:41Z 2012-02-08T19:50:41Z Thank you all very much for your input. I will pass this information on to Mr. Ottoviani and see that he looks into it! Heather Ireland 2012-02-08T19:50:41Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63473 2012-02-08T19:44:33Z 2012-02-08T19:44:33Z What the heck? Tell me what is fair and balance in journalism?? I sure as heck can't tell by the way SPOA has been protected over the years. What is fair and balance in journalism when a community dies and many more sentenced to be the walking dead and many journalist ignored their plight, cries, screams, blood to write articles to provide increased budgets and grants for SPOA. Oh please, don't tell me you are only concerned with journalist integrity if it pertains to bringing to light what has been done in the dark-- SPOA buying elected officials through endorsements Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-08T19:44:33Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63472 2012-02-08T19:38:32Z 2012-02-08T19:38:32Z I do agree with you. It's like we're walking on a treadmill since in Feb 2009 the city council created a charter review committee. And i hold Johnson responsible for this treadmill we're on since he continuously fails to focus on the budget deficit (and he wants to control the budget!) crime...and other issues he'll put in the backseat to drive his ego driven power driven charter change. But the heck with accountability when many will blame the council instead of placing blame where it needs to be-- on a self absorbed ego driven mayor. who will never get around to addressing the pain many of us are experiencing in this city because it does not affect him directly I agree, The November election results should either kill the initiative or create the means for thouroughly vetted charter reform. But our mayor doesn't strive to be a public servant but strives to control the city--our mayor is like freddie krueger, michael myers, norman bates, jason vorhees, jigsaw, chucky, leprechaun, pennywise the clown...and will attempt again to bring the issue back from the dead Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-08T19:38:32Z PocketGOPer comment-63471 2012-02-08T19:27:18Z 2012-02-08T19:27:18Z Was Serna's funding from his own pocket or discretionary county $? PocketGOPer 2012-02-08T19:27:18Z PocketGOPer comment-63470 2012-02-08T19:24:30Z 2012-02-08T19:24:30Z Has www.scrbd.com ever published or done an analysis of Sandy Sheedy or Kevin McCarty's FPPC Form 460s? How much money is coming from public employee unions or people from outside of Sacramento? Where is fair & balance in local journalism? PocketGOPer 2012-02-08T19:24:30Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63469 2012-02-08T19:21:38Z 2012-02-08T19:21:38Z it will be a moot point when Johnson and his team are gone Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-08T19:21:38Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63466 2012-02-08T19:11:34Z 2012-02-08T19:11:34Z Thank you for sharing the information and in my opinion the police union should of kept the money and put it towards their budget. If they stop using their money to attempt to buy elected officials they wouldn't need to continuously drain the budget asking our elected officials to continuously take from the needy (programs to uplift the community where crime is rampant due to lack of resources, employment....) to give to the greedy (union obsessed with power, control and money) Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-08T19:11:34Z Isaac Gonzalez comment-63465 2012-02-08T18:54:46Z 2012-02-08T18:54:46Z Too much. I agree. I firmly believe that elected officials should be more open about who gives them how much money and when. Instead of the forms being buried deep on the city clerks website, it should be on their own city webpage. For all of them. Isaac Gonzalez 2012-02-08T18:54:46Z PocketGOPer comment-63464 2012-02-08T18:45:23Z 2012-02-08T18:45:23Z It will all be a moot point when R. Fong, Pannell, Sheedy and McCarty are gone. PocketGOPer 2012-02-08T18:45:23Z PocketGOPer comment-63463 2012-02-08T18:41:31Z 2012-02-08T18:41:31Z Isaac - how much has the 'Bill Camp coalition' given to Sheedy, McCarty, etc.? Marcos Breton has a good piece on what is wrong with our city: http://m.sacbee.com/sacramento/db_106149/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=mN2122oP&detailindex=1&pn=0&ps=3 The Commission is a irresponsible decision to waste taxpayer dollars. PocketGOPer 2012-02-08T18:41:31Z Brian Steele comment-63462 2012-02-08T18:37:12Z 2012-02-08T18:37:12Z Human rights violations sheds negative light on the city....Sacramento can and must do better to create a permanent solution on the issue. Brian Steele 2012-02-08T18:37:12Z Brian Steele comment-63461 2012-02-08T18:21:21Z 2012-02-08T18:21:21Z ¡Si, Sé Puede! (Yes, We Can!). La Raza Galería Posada represemts a very intregal part of Sacramento's cultural arts community. Brian Steele 2012-02-08T18:21:21Z Isaac Gonzalez comment-63460 2012-02-08T18:20:40Z 2012-02-08T18:20:40Z http://www.scribd.com/doc/80548858/Johnson-Form-460-12-31-2011 Page 70. The police union gave the mayor $5,000 in the past six months. Isaac Gonzalez 2012-02-08T18:20:40Z ayannello2005 comment-63459 2012-02-08T18:16:35Z 2012-02-08T18:16:35Z EXCELLENT story/EXCELLENT reporting! You went extra mile and showed how Mr. Ottaviani's action's (feeding the cats) had wider reprocussions (sp) (positive), while imparting information about the trap/spay/return program as well. I'm wondering if an attorney might see this and take on his case...Even if Larry receives unemployment benefits, it's unlikely that it will be enough to cover his COBRA premiums, plus living expenses. / Again -- nice job, Heather. -- Amy Yannello ayannello2005 2012-02-08T18:16:35Z ayannello2005 comment-63458 2012-02-08T18:08:27Z 2012-02-08T18:08:27Z Heather -- EXCELLENT ARTICLE! EXCELLENT REPORTING!! // I'm only sorry our paper (SN&R) didn't have this! // Very compelling subj. -- you went extra mile and showed how Larry's actions had larger reprocussions (sp)... Hopefully some atty will see this and take Larry's case?? -- Amy Yannello ayannello2005 2012-02-08T18:08:27Z Brian Steele comment-63457 2012-02-08T18:03:13Z 2012-02-08T18:03:13Z The direct and indirect costs associated with creating the now defunct Charter Review Committee should be a good basis for estimating the additional costs of staffing and maintaining a commission. Brian Steele 2012-02-08T18:03:13Z Brian Steele comment-63456 2012-02-08T17:45:53Z 2012-02-08T17:45:53Z In February 2009, the City Council created a Charter Review Committee|. The committee was very thorough is presenting its findings and addressing 'whether the Charter meets the current needs of the City or whether any changes should be made to meet the City’s needs into the future.' By voting to place a charter commission initiative on the November ballot the city council has taken one step forward and two steps back. The creation of a charter commission emprically demonstrates redundancy in city governance, howerer the November election results will either kill the initiattive or create the means for thouroughly vetted charter refom. Brian Steele 2012-02-08T17:45:53Z Phillip Kampel comment-63455 2012-02-08T17:28:36Z 2012-02-08T17:28:36Z For those of you above who want to blame KJ for anything, let's remember that the City Council has resisted his attempts to be held accountable and take responsibility. He has no more legal authority than any other individual Councilmember, despite his efforts. Also, for those of you who have not been paying attention, the City, along with the the faith community, donors and volunteers, have been providing shelter, food and other services to the homeless and those of low income. Phillip Kampel 2012-02-08T17:28:36Z Phillip Kampel comment-63454 2012-02-08T17:18:30Z 2012-02-08T17:18:30Z Unfortunately, I don't have the time to read all the comments in detail, so I apologize if these issues have been addressed. First, Mr. Ottaviani will probably be eligible for Unemployment Compensation. He may have to go through an appeal, but should make out ok. The other thing is that as of early last year, there was a way to get COBRA payments partially subsidized. Hopefully he will look into both of these things. Phillip Kampel 2012-02-08T17:18:30Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63453 2012-02-08T17:02:19Z 2012-02-08T17:02:19Z Absolutely unbelievable. And this is why a city manager needs to propose a budget for the mayor and council to vote on and not give a mayor --relying on endorsements of the SPOA-- the power to propose the budget Has SPOA ever once asked for the city to halt discussions on changing the charter to focus on officer safety? Community safety? Public safety? No! It's all about money, greedy little leprechauns in search of a pot of gold-- one for power and one for money. Absolutely unbelievable. And you mean to tell me Angelique Ashby and Steve Cohn could not see through this when Ray Charles deceased and blind could see through this greedy strong arm tactic of one hand (Johnson's) washing the other (Tyndale) I will be glad when the day arises when this union's rein of control over the city is disarmed and the people are given public safety by public servants-- absolutely freakin unbelievable Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-08T17:02:19Z joell83 comment-63452 2012-02-08T16:31:13Z 2012-02-08T16:31:13Z what the heck joell83 2012-02-08T16:31:13Z yoel comment-63451 2012-02-08T15:28:49Z 2012-02-08T15:28:49Z "One former colleague shared a story of Glacken being taken into custody by campus police in the mid-1980s, for wandering a Berkeley neighborhood in his pajamas and throwing rocks at windows while shouting incoherently." This is both tragic and hilarious. What a fascinating life! yoel 2012-02-08T15:28:49Z Curmudgeon comment-63450 2012-02-08T13:22:34Z 2012-02-08T13:22:34Z Re-electing Sandy Sheedy doesn't help the image either.... Curmudgeon 2012-02-08T13:22:34Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63449 2012-02-08T08:10:01Z 2012-02-08T08:10:01Z Thank you Orthello, I enjoy reading the articles that you bring to us. As always job well done or heck i should say well begun since I hope you continue to bring us news occuring within the community. You are dearly appreciated. Much respect Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-08T08:10:01Z ron cooper comment-63448 2012-02-08T08:02:05Z 2012-02-08T08:02:05Z Sacramento is a City enamored with "due process". To some, this is a negative. To others, slow and steady is comforting and preferred to a faster pace of life. With the election of a former all-star NBA point guard as Mayor, Kevin Johnson wants to "push the ball". So far we have seen a stalemate - slow the game down. Keep the scoring low. Win by forcing mistakes. Games like this are not fun to watch. Even the players grow tired.... unfortunately there is no "buzzer". The game goes on until one team quits or the Coach - voters and taxpayers - change the lineup. Don't quit - VOTE. ron cooper 2012-02-08T08:02:05Z hipnip comment-63447 2012-02-08T07:53:13Z 2012-02-08T07:53:13Z hey hipnip 2012-02-08T07:53:13Z Melissa Corker comment-63446 2012-02-08T07:38:51Z 2012-02-08T07:38:51Z Correction: Ashby, Cohn, Schenirer and Johnson voted IN FAVOR of putting the strong mayor initiative on the November ballot. They did not vote "no." I apologize for the error. Melissa Corker 2012-02-08T07:38:51Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63445 2012-02-08T07:35:44Z 2012-02-08T07:35:44Z And finally what the heck?? Roger Niello, current CEO of the Sacramento Metro Chamber states. “You would be creating the political equivalent of a food fight,” For Pete’s sake, really?? Give me a break Some of us see an elected charter commission as actually creating Food for Thought. Heck the food fight began as soon as Johnson took office trying to spoon feed us a bowl of crap he masqueraded as transparency and accountability as nourishment to change. Many of us keep throwing that spoiled rotten food lacking transparency and accountability right back at him and he keeps throwing this self absorbed power hungry charter change back at us. Niello, come on now give us a break, the food fight has already begun and Johnson threw the first self-absorbed spoiled helping. Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-08T07:35:44Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63444 2012-02-08T07:25:42Z 2012-02-08T07:25:42Z What the heck??? Give me a break “(A charter commission) opens up doors to other issues that we’d rather not see open up,” said Mark Tyndale, president of the Sacramento Police Officers Association. For some of us changing the charter opens up doors to other issues (such as corruption) that we'd rather not see open up-- Heck many of us see the charter change as opening Pandora's Power box-- where Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-08T07:25:42Z Rhonda Erwin comment-63443 2012-02-08T07:19:09Z 2012-02-08T07:19:09Z Give me a break Ashby states “I don’t like a charter commission because I don’t like how much it will cost...Between staffing and meetings and the elections – It’s too expensive.” My question to Ashby is does she know how much it will cost to change the charter? hire additional personnel for the Mayor? perhaps fire and search for another city manager that will brown nose to the mayor? etc... She's a bright chick she could of thought of another excuse to state why she is standing by the man (johnson) who endorsed her and the union (SPOA) who endorsed her-- What the heck??? Give me a break Rhonda Erwin 2012-02-08T07:19:09Z matt nurge comment-63442 2012-02-08T07:12:15Z 2012-02-08T07:12:15Z Please come down and check us out! We are always accepting applications! matt nurge 2012-02-08T07:12:15Z Mary Beth Barber comment-63441 2012-02-08T04:37:35Z 2012-02-08T04:37:35Z Hey all -- forgot to post that the event is free for CFAA members and only $5 for nonmembers. Everyone welcome, from film makers to film lovers, theater professionals to designers to visual art fans. Come out and meet Drew on Feb 21! Mary Beth Barber 2012-02-08T04:37:35Z diehard25fl comment-63440 2012-02-08T03:21:07Z 2012-02-08T03:21:07Z i cant wait until half of the country gets forced to register and then maybe these laws will come down. diehard25fl 2012-02-08T03:21:07Z diehard25fl comment-63419 2012-02-08T03:19:34Z 2012-02-08T03:19:34Z i can't wait until half of the country is classified as sex offenders. time will come eventually. it will be easier to find a job and place to live when another 150 million people go on the registry. diehard25fl 2012-02-08T03:19:34Z Heidi Schussman Gilbert comment-63418 2012-02-08T03:02:32Z 2012-02-08T03:02:32Z I just recieved this as a personal e-mail and wanted to share it: Just wanted you to know that I read the article. I want you to know that I thought it was great. I stopped at a 7/11 this morning and there was a young man in uniform and went up to thank him for his service and he told me was just back from overseas. It was because of your article that I spoke with him. Thank you, Barbara C. Heidi Schussman Gilbert 2012-02-08T03:02:32Z janice comment-63417 2012-02-08T03:00:54Z 2012-02-08T03:00:54Z This article is very one sided and seems like everyone is rooting for Mr. Ottaviani but no company with a union fires a person who has the union backing him. He can sue the company but will not win because for the company to fire him and the union not to say anything they must have lots of proof he is in the wrong. Just a side note: I hate cats. janice 2012-02-08T03:00:54Z 1mam comment-63416 2012-02-08T02:48:44Z 2012-02-08T02:48:44Z rustic urban. very nice. the service is as stellar as the menu. 1mam 2012-02-08T02:48:44Z Colleen Belcher comment-63415 2012-02-08T01:43:24Z 2012-02-08T01:43:24Z Thanks for pointing that out, JRF. We will correct the caption so it states the cross streets as S and Alhambra. Colleen Belcher 2012-02-08T01:43:24Z dsl comment-63414 2012-02-08T01:27:58Z 2012-02-08T01:27:58Z After reading the News 10 artical I am even more baffled. Doesn't it seem odd that Larry continues to travel from Rocklin to Sacramento to feed the cats? He has no money, his wife and child are ill it sounds like his priorities are a bit off. He needs to let seven Up do what they need to do to clean up the mess he created. dsl 2012-02-08T01:27:58Z dsl comment-63413 2012-02-08T01:04:51Z 2012-02-08T01:04:51Z News 10 got the facts...You ask where is the Union? The Union can only protect employees in the right. This guy may have done the right thing by feeding cats but when it came to following rules he failed. dsl 2012-02-08T01:04:51Z Brian Steele comment-63412 2012-02-08T00:56:11Z 2012-02-08T00:56:11Z The state of the city is struggling...to redefine its futture...its identity...and it s relevace in California's contribution to America's future. Brian Steele 2012-02-08T00:56:11Z JRF comment-63411 2012-02-08T00:53:28Z 2012-02-08T00:53:28Z The location of the store isn't at 19th and Alhambra (those streets are parallel), as indicated in the photo. It is at S and Alhambra. JRF 2012-02-08T00:53:28Z Shane Barker comment-63410 2012-02-08T00:16:44Z 2012-02-08T00:16:44Z Congratulations to Andrew and his new establishment. I wish you continued success, my friend! Shane Barker 2012-02-08T00:16:44Z Brian Steele comment-63409 2012-02-08T00:12:38Z 2012-02-08T00:12:38Z A Huffintgton Post expose would once again shed light on the situation and press the city to resolve the issue once and for all. Public records will ucover the failed promises of both Mayor Johnson and former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to do so as a result of Oprah Winfrey's espisode reporting on homelessnes which featured Sacramento's tent city. Now its the UN redressing human rights violations...shame on our elected officials.... Brian Steele 2012-02-08T00:12:38Z Imhotep comment-63408 2012-02-07T23:55:31Z 2012-02-07T23:55:31Z The sacramento Bee journalist was amazing. The day was incredible and if you were not there you missed out! Sandy Holman, director of The Culture Co-op Imhotep 2012-02-07T23:55:31Z Brian Steele comment-63407 2012-02-07T23:52:25Z 2012-02-07T23:52:25Z Courageous actions of Americans of African descent are intertwined throughout America's wartorn history. African Americans fought for America even when Americans did not fight for them. Brian Steele 2012-02-07T23:52:25Z Ben Ilfeld comment-63406 2012-02-07T23:37:47Z 2012-02-07T23:37:47Z You know I hate to sound defensive, but we're not the only ones who offer internships. You can find unpaid internships at media organizations and many others (just google News and Review internship). It is a way for someone who would not be qualified for a full-time position to learn and get experience. I've been and unpaid intern and it absolutely helped me. And to be clear, we do have many full-time positions that are well paid with full benefit packages. Ben Ilfeld 2012-02-07T23:37:47Z