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The Chula Vista Power Plant and Its Green Potential
Founder, I hope you meant benefit the Rich instead of the taxpayers when speaking about redevelopment projects. Your posts generally are right on!— December 19, 2010 2:02 p.m.
The Chula Vista Power Plant and Its Green Potential
Mr. Hasper writes a glowing account of the balance between nature and development. Unfortunately these are the only participants that will benefit. Largely bypassed in this alliance are the long-time residents of Chula Vista. A terrific "signature" park that was central to the bayfront master plan was removed so a convention center could occupy the best spot directly on the waterfront. The description of the power plant as a "huge old metal monstrosity" is ironic when considering it will be half as tall as the forest of huge new condominiums. After the initial construction, the jobs created will be of the low/mod type and not the better paying careers in the "belchy" and industrialized sector. We all love the wildlife this area contains and want to preserve it for the future. Is a super high density of hotels, condos, retail and conventions the best way to accomplish this? Perhaps not.— December 18, 2010 5:56 p.m.
Chula Vista Prepares for Cross-Border Violence and More
Many years ago when I was part of the drug culture, the attitude of "getting something for nothing" was rampant. This always led to bad decisions and highly questionable actions. Fast forward thirty-something years and we see that this idea that if it is free it is always good has permeated our local government. Has the grant writer, highly touted by the mayor, reached a level of success that is the envy of other cities? Perhaps not. The 2011 budget has a reported 18 million dollar pile of red ink yet we can't wait to waste resources on fancy, shiny baubles for the public safety departments. How about the fire department enormous Urban Search and Rescue Vehicle and now the armored anti-terrorist or drug war vehicle. I doubt if the catastrophe these are meant to address ever happens but we are ready despite the cost and lack of common sense.— December 2, 2010 1:48 p.m.
The Blur Between Southwestern College and Foundation
I guess it must be true that the more you dig, the more dirt you uncover. The line between publicly funded assets and this private, profit enabling foundation has not been blurred- it has been completely obliterated! Walt Justice's comment regarding the payoff of $10,000 to justify using college athlete labor is a good example of the mindset of those involved. The end justifies the means? I don't think so!— October 13, 2010 11:41 a.m.
Chula Vista to Cash In on Telecom Revolution? Prop H to Decide
The San Diego County Taxpayers Association analysis also has found that if H passes,the city will gain only $265,000 in annual revenue while putting up to 4 million dollars of revenue in jeopardy. It appears that the city of Chula Vista is taking a gamble that is the equivalent of drawing to an inside straight!— September 29, 2010 3 p.m.
Prop R, for Rewards at Southwestern College
With this level of graft involved, I am curious why our district attorney, B. Dumanis, is not furiously pursuing fraud, bribery or other charges against these officials. After all, she went after Steve Castenada for his thoughts alone. I must agree that our only probable recourse is to vote them all out of office and start fresh. This story needs to remain front and center in the minds of the taxpayers who will soon be footing the bill. Thanks again, Susan, you are the best.— September 16, 2010 12:12 p.m.
Get Used to Unemployment
Don't worry folks, redevelopment in downtown San Diego and elsewhere will create hundreds of thousands of hospitality industry type jobs. All you need to do is stack up families 4 to a household, pay increasing taxes to fund services and not pay too much attention to the transfer of wealth upward!— August 18, 2010 3:56 p.m.
Isolate, Expose, Avoid
OMG I have a family of skunks living in my backyard that smell way better than this deal. Thank you, Susan, for being the REAL community watchdog.— August 18, 2010 10 a.m.
Chula Vista's former police head David Bejarano accused of check fraud by partner
My crystal ball tells me that in the near future of Chula Vista, yet another executive will be leaving their post along with the "standard severance" package of hundreds of thousands of tax dollars. This latest episode might be funny but for the incompetence and borderline fraud involved.— June 30, 2010 9:06 p.m.
Spirited Debate
In a perfect world, would every worker be in a union of some sort? Would the citizenry agree to the tax rate necessary to support everyone collecting union wages and benefits, including pensions? We have seen what overly generous pay and benefits can do to a city or state budget. Can we afford to spend twice the money on municipal development projects than the open bidding initiative may achieve? I am not in favor of handing undeserved riches to developers but the reality of competition dictates some citizens will earn more than others. Do you think all of the houses in eastern Chula Vista were built with union wages? If yes or even maybe, you would be wrong, but the wages were fair based on the skill level of the employee. Today's market rate for construction is much lower with a profit margin lower also. Let's take advantage of this and get more bang for our bucks.— April 22, 2010 6:57 p.m.