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Fred Sainz, the key to Mayor Jerry Sanders’s door
If the local media weren't so intimidated by Fred Sainz and the rest of the Sanders administration, we might get a bit more honest news now and then. Instead, we have to rely on the one publication that the Mayor and Council refuse to even talk with...the Reader. Is there any other city government in this country that refuses to even talk to a major publication?— May 28, 2008 4:15 p.m.
Why Mayor Sanders invested in Maxxum Equity Fund
Wow! The more we learn about Sanders, the more there is to dislike. Even dreadlocked Eric Bidwell is better with finance than Sanders. Time to Change San Diego before it's too late.— May 28, 2008 4:01 p.m.
Blackwater Sues City, Claims Its Bid for Border Facility Thwarted by Politics
It's confirmed...Mike Neal is Blackwater's lawyer.— May 28, 2008 9:20 a.m.
San Diego Housing Prices Plunge 20.5 Percent in Last Year, 25.9 Percent from 2005 Peak
In the late nineties, everyone was certain that stocks always go up. In the early naughties, (what DO we call this decade?), everyone was certain that housing prices always go up. Now it looks like everyone is certain that oil can only go up. I suspect there is a lot of money to be made if you are contrary enough to ignore what everyone else thinks is a certainty.— May 28, 2008 6:35 a.m.
Ignoring Phony Accounting, Peters Tells NY Times That San Diego's Pension System Is In Good Shape
Don, I hope you and Matt included this: http://www.laprensa-sandiego.org/archieve/august1… I continue to wonder how Sanders got where he is considering his record. After his abysmal failure as a police officer, he should have been fired. Instead, Jack McGrory hand-picked this guy to be chief, and then he lied his way into being the mayor. What a city.— May 28, 2008 6:28 a.m.
Blackwater Sues City, Claims Its Bid for Border Facility Thwarted by Politics
I suspect that in a strictly legal sense, the mercenaries of Blackwater may be right. They got a permit and under the current rules they probably weren't violating anything. Of course they didn't file under their own names, and performed more than a few paperwork pirouets to get that permit. Still, it looks like what they did is "legal". That's the problem. Under the current rules, a mercenary firm, building a private army for pay, really a paramilitary force, is no problem in the United States. And that's just wrong. In Iraq, these guys are a law unto themselves. They can kill anyone for any reason, and the military can do nothing, the Iraqis can do nothing, the police can do nothing...they answer to no one. Allowing them to get a foothold here in San Diego, whether in Potrero or at the border, would mean that we'd have these lawless shooters living among us. I'd rather not have ruthless mercenaries as neighbors. Besides this, whatever happened to the military tradition of training? When I was enlisted I was taught how to shoot by a petty officer. We didn't have civilians running the show. Now it seems that soldiers are being replaced by contractors not only in places like the mess hall, but in combat too. That's a very dangerous situation. Mercenaries are in it for the money and don't give a damn about the rest of us. They have no patriotism or love of country...they love cash and will fight for whoever has the most of it. This is why, even if Blackwater "followed the rules" I'm still opposed to their presence in our home. Those rules have to be changed. What kind of people think that training people how to kill is a "vocational school"? How did they get that permit? So I applaud the efforts to keep these killers out of our community. Best, Fred Williams— May 28, 2008 6:23 a.m.
We're Not in Kansas Anymore
Hi Josh (and all other San Diego party crashers), There aren't any details, really. You just show up at Golden Hall, and wander around. When you see someone who supports a candidate (not difficult, they'll be waving signs) ask where the suite is located. Some of the hospitality suites are right there in Golden Hall, others are across the street at the Westgate. The quality and quantity of food and drink is enormously variable, ranging from nothing but stale popcorn and burnt coffee to fancy party platters and a full bar. That's one of the interesting bits, wandering around searching out the most generously financed reception. Now you might have to be a bit, um, flexible. You see, they'll kinda expect you to be a supporter of the candidate/proposition paying for the goodies. So wear neutral clothing, and be willing to slap on a campaign sticker or button as you enter a suite. When you leave, take it off to make room for the next party's paraphernalia. For example, Francis and Sanders ought to have competing hospitality suites, and making the mistake of having the wrong name stuck on your shirt might earn you glares rather than free booze. Do be sure to keep your little "I Voted" sticker on though, and as you enter each doorway, enthusiastically declare "I voted for (fill in the blank)!" As the evening wears on, you'll see the winners growing more rowdy and the losers more subdued. You'll see shouts and actual jumping for joy, as well as tears and wails of frustration. Bring a camera. Generally, the winners provide more booze as they see the votes tallied in their favor, while the losers wind down. Unless you are a morose drunk who loves miserable company, you'll want to gravitate to the winning campaigns. If you're really lucky, you might even see a shoving match or two. These often involve portly middle-aged men with very red faces, and rarely end in anything approaching real violence. This won't stop the participants from loudly threatening each other with fanciful lawsuits. No invitation is required. You don't even have to vote or give a damn about the elections. Just show up at Golden Hall on the evening of June 3rd, and join in the fun. I guess early results should be up shortly after 8 p.m., but things really get going around 10 or 11 when enough precincts have been counted to start calling the races. See you there. Fred— May 27, 2008 7:34 a.m.
Ignoring Phony Accounting, Peters Tells NY Times That San Diego's Pension System Is In Good Shape
Good news! The UT saves us all a lot of time and trouble by posting their recommendations online. http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/op-ed/editoria… All an informed voter has to do is vote the OPPOSITE. But especially, let's all vote NO on Proposition C.— May 26, 2008 3:17 p.m.
We're Not in Kansas Anymore
YES on Scrabble. NO on Proposition C! Josh, how about party crashing at Golden Hall election night? Just two words to convince you, dude: HOSPITALITY SUITES So you can eat and drink for free, and party with the pols. You are invited! Fred (Yeah, sure, political campaign staffers can't dance, dress, or hold their drink very well, but you should hear what they say once they get liquored up. Show up about ten o-clock to see them really get going.)— May 26, 2008 2:44 p.m.
MAD Gets Irate
As is typical in this city, the assessment is levied for one purpose, and then diverted to another. Remember when CCDC was set up? It was to prevent the revitalization of downtown from taking tax revenue away from other neighborhoods. Well, the exact opposite has happened. Projects like the ballpark come directly out of the general fund, reducing money available for police, fire, parks, or pensions. Similarly, Little Italy uses its money to benefit local businesses with various events and special cleanings, trashcans, and even chairs on the street. Meanwhile, crucial infrastructure is ignored in Little Italy. That's why ArtWalk ended this year with a water main break that flooded the entire event. So the Golden Hills or Grantville plan may look good on paper now, but inevitably it will be manipulated by well-paid insiders. Everyone will pay, but only the few will ever benefit. This is why I now think ALL these special assessment districts have to be closely examined, and in many cases disbanded. What purpose they once served is no longer being served, and the money has been taken away from the public and stashed in private pockets. Best, Fred Williams— May 26, 2008 2:38 p.m.