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I Was Speeding, But...
I just want the cops tested for steroids. It's well known that some large percentage of our police use steroids and HGH to bulk up. They claim that they need this edge to protect themselves in confrontations with criminals who are doing the same. The problem is, we don't want 'roid-ragers running the streets. When you use steroids, your judgement is affected, and you become quick to anger, slow to understand, and likely to beat first and ask questions (or cover up the questions) later. It is entirely reasonable that if we're going to test students for smoking pot, we should be testing the police for steroids. It's a matter of public safety. Far too often, police escalate the situation because it gives them the chance to play billy bad-ass and beat someone down. Some of them enjoy it. This kind of power tripping is what leads to women and children getting shot...and cops covering up the facts to "provide professional courtesy" to their fellow badge wearers. There's no question that if White was justified in this shooting in Oceanside, the DA and cops would be releasing information left and right. Since there is an embargo on the facts of this case, it's becoming a near certainty that Officer White over-reacted and shot a woman and child because he lost his temper while off duty. I'm trying my best not to pre-judge this case, but the pattern is so suspicious that it's hard to give the police any more benefit of the doubt. We KNOW cops lie. They're trained in the academy, unfortunately, on how to present selective evidence and frame people. Any cop can tell you that no matter who you are or what you're doing, they can ALWAYS find a reason to arrest you. I'm all for law enforcement protecting and serving the citizens, but lately it's turned away from "protect and serve" into "dominate and command". This is wrong, and we have to stand up against abuses under color of authority, or knuckle under to a police state where everyone is guilty until proven guilty. Best, Fred Williams Member of the San Diego Crime Commission, 1995-1997— May 26, 2008 2:31 p.m.
Ignoring Phony Accounting, Peters Tells NY Times That San Diego's Pension System Is In Good Shape
Scott "Million Gallon Man" Peters has also publicly declared that Petco is a success that's boosted our economy. Obviously, this pitiful excuse for a man either isn't bright enough to understand economics, or is an unabashed liar. Since every reputable economic analysis shows they loose money for cities, and these studies have been brought to the city's attention again and again, Peters is a liar. But how can he do otherwise, considering his leading role in approving the corrupt deals that got us into this mess? If he were honest, he would have to do the honorable thing and resign in disgrace. He supported Prop. C (the ballpark fraud) and now supports Prop. C (the mayor's captive auditor). Watching him at the Council meetings is instructive. He cuts off any debate or discussion about our finances. Then he has a press conference (surrounded by wealthy insiders) declaring he has "solved" the problems. I, for one, hope he comes in second on June 3rd. That way we'll have the whole summer and fall to educate San Diego about the "Million Gallon Man" and his record of disservice. His defeat in November to Aguirre will be so sweet. Remember to vote! No on insider corruption. No on dishonest bookkeeping and liars-for-hire. No on C.— May 26, 2008 2:18 p.m.
Handful of Fat Cat Developers Backs Yes on C; Large Number of Citizens Backs No on C
Is San Diego to be run for the benefit of the insiders, or for the citizens? This is really the question this election year. For the past decade, we've seen so many sweetheart deals, we're getting sick. When I go out and knock on doors, the voters are telling me that they are sick of the backroom deals that have put us on the edge of bankruptcy. Just a week to go before the primary, and the vote on Prop. C. Citizens will vote NO on C because they trust Donna Frye, and distrust Sanders, who increasingly seems to be hostage of the special interests, surrounded by mouthpieces like Fred Sainz who instinctively lie. NO on C.— May 26, 2008 2:11 p.m.
How San Diego's pension debt ballooned
I was in Balboa Park yesterday. I ran into Steve Francis who was walking on the Prado with his supporters. I explained why I think we should get our money back from Moores. He made supportive noises (not a firm yes, but supportive). Then his friends took up the call. They began telling Steve, yes, this is something a lot of people in the city are angry about. Look at how we've been duped. The voters know the sports teams have sucked us dry. By the time we parted, he was firmer, saying that he's not beholden to John Moores or afraid of his money. Unlike Jerry Sanders, who was hand-picked by Jack McGrory to be police chief, Francis says he doesn't owe favors to the downtown establishment. Then, today in Kensington, I got the chance to talk with Stephen Whitburn about this. He doesn't want the city employees, the rank and file, to be punished for the misdeeds of the bosses and staffers who cooked up this bad deal. I explained to him that money we get back from John Moores and the Spanos family is money that can go to fund the pensions. He nodded and agreed that it makes more sense than gutting employee benefits. He's endorsed by Donna Frye. So there is movement, Don. We just have to keep the pressure up on the candidates. There will be a whole new council majority and hopefully a new mayor next year. I hope that they will file a lawsuit within three months of taking over. We've got to Change San Diego. Best, Fred Williams— May 26, 2008 2:01 p.m.
I Was Speeding, But...
Maybe it's best for us all to just submit quietly, agree that any storm trooper has the GOD given right to taser the hell out of anybody they please for ANY reason, and shoot women and children even when they're not wearing their ominous black uniforms of death. Of course cops NEVER lie. In fact, let's enact the death penalty for even looking the wrong way at an officer of the law. (Or does that already exist?) Yep, police can ignore murders, rapes, robberies because they have to go after those DRUGS that are destroying our society just like they destroyed Cindy McCain, who was put in jail for the rest of her life, just like all the other druggies who stole and lied to get their fix, right? Face it, it's simply UN-AMERICAN to ever question anything a cop says, ever. This country was founded on unquestioning obediance and submission to authority. So next time you see a badge, I suggest you just shut up and spread-em.— May 25, 2008 6:55 a.m.
How San Diego's pension debt ballooned
Another way to avoid bankruptcy is to sue John Moores and the Spanos family for our money back. Jack McGrory, Susan Golding, and Casey Gwinn should be convinced to testify on our behalf...or face jail. Moores and Spanos could both EASILY return the $500 million in ill-gotten gains. They stole this money from us. We know it. They know it. Added up, that's a billion we could apply to our city's financial hole. Time to get our money back.— May 25, 2008 6:44 a.m.
We're Not in Kansas Anymore
Fumber lives with his mom...so we'll have to party out in the garage, quietly. He'll dress up like Toto again (all of them, Tony Spinner, Greg Phillinganes, Bobby Kimball, Steve Lukather, Simon Phillips, and Leland Sklar) and Josh will dust off his Pink Floyd shirt. Don will show up with a Brahms concerto record and Scrabble...but the whole game Russl will be correcting our spelling. Then, just when we think it can't get any more interesting, fumber's mom will find us, and call the cops. After a lengthy interrogation, and cavity searches that some in the party find oddly thrilling, Josh will be driven downtown for simple wheatgrass possession. (Since the rest of us are good friends with Bonnie Dumanis, we won't be charged.) Only Don has enough spare cash to bail Josh out, of course, and he grumbles about always having to pony up for these shindigs. Russl rolls his eyes at this, and we all barf...because seeing him remove his eyeballs from their sockets and rolling them is pretty disgusting. Eventually, we all make it home in time to sleep it off, except fumber who is already home in the first place. He ends up sleeping with Towelhead, who turns out to be a stunning beauty. We're all jealous, but what can you do? Now that's a great party!— May 25, 2008 6:36 a.m.
Idiots from I-15 to 7-11
1. Restaurants should pay a decent wage to their workers so this whole tip nonsense goes away. A tip should only be for outstanding service, not an expectation for simply being there. They even expect tips for giving me a paper cup for my coffee nowadays. Geez...just pay the workers a fair wage. 2. Most drivers are deaf, dumb, and blind it seems. If they're not jabbering away on the phone, eating a greasy burger two handed, or yelling at their soccer kids, they're driving 20 over the limit and tailgating...all in mamoth vehicles better suited to military operations than city streets. 3. Don't go to health clubs...they're unhealthy. Besides, I did some contracting for that chain a decade ago and got hold of their sales script. It was the slimiest piece of psychological manipulation I've ever seen in my life, and explained why so many people pay monthly for the privilage of carrying a plastic card in their wallet and never entering the premises. 4. If you are chatting with a clerk, and another person is waiting to complete their transaction, step aside, wait until all the transactions are completed, and then resume your conversation. Alternatively, attempt to have conversations only with clerks who can simultaneously talk and use the register. It's not too difficult to ring up a few items, announce the price, and make change, especially if you're using a scanner.— May 25, 2008 6:24 a.m.
Condemned
Thanks Brian, I've followed the work you've done with GAG over the last few years (even with a broken leg!) and you're a local hero. I wish you were a candidate. So, in spite of the fact that Marti Emerald doesn't answer email (but does send me email asking for a campaign contribution) I'll still vote for her. District 7 certainly needs a bit of leadership after all the damage Madaffer has done. (But how can anyone who loves San Diego be "friends" with crooks like Spanos and Moores?) Best, Fred Williams— May 24, 2008 7:06 a.m.
AG Jerry Brown Claims He Didn't Know San Diego Has an Upcoming Election. Is Brown Staggeringly Stupid or Does He Think San Diegans Are Staggeringly Stupid?
Burwell, you make a lot of sense. Who could that wealthy Democrat who gives to both parties be? Uh, just guessing, but how about John Moores? He wouldn't even have to do it himself, just tell his well-paid political puppet Steve Peace to get Jerry on the phone. Again, how could the AG completely ignore such blatant obstruction of justice? That was a legal search warrant. It was intercepted by the chief, brought to the mayor, and never served. On the contrary, the mayor told the subject of the warrant to hide evidence of any crimes, including the breaking of city lobbying laws. These aren't "allegations" but well-documented public facts known to anyone who reads even the UT, much less the Reader, CityBeat, or VOSD. What a farce! Time for a real investigation, but this time have a look at REAL criminal activities, rather than trumped up allegations from a habitual liar like Fred Sainz.— May 24, 2008 7:01 a.m.