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Daily Scream - February 2008

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Silas Barnabe   |March.01.2008
It's ironic that all through the summer and fall we heard "why is the city spending money on lawsuits". Yet the union "gave up" more minimum staffing than the old council asked for in arbitration. For the pittance of a 6.5 percent reduction in their already supersonic wages the city is giving up on paid litigations and grievances without ANY guarantees from the union not to haul the zero general fund balance city back to arbitration.

What the average citizen fails to understand is that we have to bring in over $13 million in new business revenue just keep things the way
they are now, no funding for non-profits, no transporation for lower income vallejoans, and a road an insfrastructure only rivaled in disrepair by our poor neighbors in Mexico.

I can already see the future of this deal, but at least our public safety friendly anti-citizen council and mayor are consistent. Keep paying public safety employees what few cities around the bay area do, and continue to ask vallejoans to accept new business revenue like casinos, LNG plants, taxes and fees that very few other bay area cities are asking thier citizens to endure.

For those that supported mayor
davis or had any inclination that he might be fair, I hope this deal will bring those within the reason of common human frailties that he was the wrong choice for mayor of vallejo.
concerned   |March.01.2008
If you looked at the latest amendment to the contract, it shows the police and fire still will receive a 2% raise for f/y 2008 2009. They were due 8.5% and they gave up 6.5%. PLUS ALL GRIEVENCES AND UBL LAWSUITS WERE DISMISSED AND AN EXTENSION OF THE CONTRACT!!! No wonder all the back slapping and handshaking at the waterfront thursday night. If they truly had the best interests of vallejo in mind they would give up all of the increase to rebuild the GF
J.M   |March.01.2008
I have to make a correction on the blog I posted regarding Vallejo Channel 27/28 video series below "For those of us who are shy in Policitics & are not informed...this "Sike Diced" video will be a TOTAL shocker on truth, facts & a series of events since the early 1900's, to the present day to include WTC 911. " All is correct except the video by Peter Joseph is called "Zeit-Geist" it's in German & means something like a sign for our times. On March 15, 2008 there will be a World Wide "Zeit-Geist" to alert all people regarding human rights & where governments
are headed. For details regarding this event you can contact "Sky" at 707.645.7071

This information is important to alert all regarding our government & where we are headed.
MISSMARVELOUS   |March.01.2008
Ok, someone help me out here, in the Times Herald (for all that's worth...) it says "police and fire to give up a 6.5 % raise, the closure of two fire engine companies each day and fewer on duty staff." Does that mean giving up minimum staffing? So does that mean 6.5% cut in pay, plus letting the staff of two stations go? That would count for something I suppose, someone help me out who knows how many fire personel are in each station, so we can see how much money we are actually saving (or not.)
G. Manicotti   |March.01.2008
Recall proceedings before they are allowed to make their vote.
They're fomenting a citizen revolution!
Let them eat cake !
On Fire   |February.29.2008
Who could possibly think that this was the best deal possible for Vallejo? Is this what the city is worth? 6.5%? What in the h... are they thinking? They are going to give away the city, the safety unions get everything they want and only have to come out of the life style they have become so accustom to for a few months, and then they go right back to business as usual. But the ramifications to the "everyday person" will continue to suffer till 2011 and possibly beyond. If this type of negotiation and policy making has not worked for over twenty years and now brought us to bankruptcy,
why do they think it will work this time around. The plan calls for an agreement by April that will become the long term solution. don't make me laugh. Bartee, Sunga, Wilson, Hannigan and Davis don't have a brain between them. With the exception of Gomes and Schivley, they don't have the where with all to find their rear ends with both hands.
notbuyinit   |February.29.2008
**** their 6.5%!!!!!!!!!!!
Not Surprised   |March.01.2008
http://www.mercurynews.com/ breakingnews/ci_8412190

I don't see it as being a viable solution, I thought that the City was looking for 15% cuts from police and fire and they are getting 6.5?

Regarding the question posed here about how much of the salary figures posted reflect overtime, I'm not sure, but believe me not all overtime is necessary, there's alot of gaming of the system going on
looking for all the picture   |February.29.2008
Just wondering about the "Whole Tamale", how many hours of overtime did each of those employees work for those salaries? If that was just regular scheduled hours, it would no doubt be obscene. However, because of the overtime, many of these individuals may have been working hours that would represent one and a half to two workers. For this mess to be properly analyzed the entire picture of hours verses salary needs to be out in the open.
Diana Lang   |February.29.2008
Hey Erika, I couldn't agree with you more. Sarah Rohrs contacted me today to ask how I felt about the CBO's (community based organizations) having all their funding cut. I had to tell her that after reading her article about Tuesday night's council meeting which showed an extreme lack of journalistic integrity because it ran Henke's lie, not running a retraction, and then her choosing to use the money quote from last night instead of the pertinent point of my comment which was, will the Mayor and council respect us, the taxpayers, enough to tell us how much the "deal" with the safety
unions will costs us well no, I told her, I don't trust her or her editors enough to give a quote.

Thinking on it though I don't think it was Sarah who chose the cheap shot quotes for us. I think it was one of the hack editors who just goes for sensationalist quotes instead of the substantial points made. The hacks that are so incredibly biased toward Henke and his antics and who would like to make us look less than we are. They are always determined to sink to the lowest level. Amazing how they continue to exceed our low expectations, isn't it? What an embarrassment to have this sucky
paper as the only newspaper in this town.

Thank you IBVallejo for giving us the rest - and most important - side of the story.
Jammin BandAid Man   |February.29.2008
Hey, y�all prepare yourself
For the BandAid man
You never heard a sound
Like the BandAid man
You�re bound to lose control
When the BandAid Man starts to jam

A. CONSIDERATION OF THREE RESOLUTIONS ADDRESSING THE CURRENT
GENERAL FUND FISCAL EMERGENCY AS FOLLOWS:

(1) A RESOLUTION OF INTENTION TO AMEND THE FISCAL YEAR 2007-
2008 BUDGET, APPROVAL OF A NEW STAFFING PLAN, APPROVAL
OF A FISCAL EMERGENCY PLAN, DIRECTING THE CITY MANAGER
TO IMPLEMENT SAID PLAN, AND .AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER AND CITY ATTORNEY TO RETAIN: ORRICK,
HERRINGTON & SUTCLIFFE LLP; LIEBERT, CASSIDY &
WHITMORE,
A PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION; PUBLIC FINANCIAL
MANAGEMENT, INC.; MANAGEMENT PARTNERS, INC.; AND ANY
OTHER OUTSIDE LEGAL COUNSEL OR CONSULTANT DEEMED
NECESSARY TO ASSIST IN CONNECTION WITH IMPLEMENTING
THE FISCAL EMERGENCY PLAN � MARCH 3, 2008

(2) A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
SUPPLEMENTAL LABOR AGREEMENT WITH THE VALLEJO POLICE
OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (VPOA) REGARDING COMPENSATION,
LEAVE PAYOUTS AND CONTRACT TERM.

(3) A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
SUPPLEMENTAL LABOR AGREEMENT WITH THE INTERNATIONAL

ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL 1186 (IAFF) REGARDING
COMPENSATION, LEAVE PAYOUTS, CONTRACT TERM, AND OTHER
ELEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH IMPLEMENTING THE FISCAL
EMERGENCY PLAN � MARCH 3, 2008

PROPOSED ACTION: Adopt all three Resolutions.

B. CONSIDERATION OF THREE RESOLUTIONS REGARDING NEGOTIATIONS
WITH INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL 1186 AND
THE VALLEJO POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION RELATED TO SETTLEMENT
OF GREIVANCES, ARBITRATION DISPUTES AND LITIGATION AS
FOLLOWS:

(1) A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
SUPPLEMENTAL LABOR
AGREEMENT WITH THE INTERNATIONAL
ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL 1186 (IAFF) RESOLVING
GRIEVANCES RELATED TO STAFFING LEVELS, PARAMEDIC
VALLEJO CITY COUNCIL MARCH 3, 2008
AGENDA PAGE 3

DECERTIFICATION; UNION BUSINESS LEAVE; UNIFORM
ALLOWANCE AND REIMBURSEMENT; AND, PROVIDING FOR AN
ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF POSITION IN FIRE PREVENTION.

(2) A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A
SUPPLEMENTAL LABOR AGREEMENT WITH THE VALLEJO POLICE
OFFICERS ASSOCIATION (VPOA) RESOLVING GRIEVANCES
RELATED TO STAFFING LEVELS.

(3) A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY
ATTORNEY TO DISMISS
WITH PREJUDICE THE FOLLOWING LAWSUIT AND TWO
ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS: CITY OF VALLEJO V.
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIRE FIGHTERS LOCAL 1186,
SOLANO SUPERIOR COURT CASE NO. FCS 030540; CITY OF
VALLEJO V. INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS,
LOCAL 1186, PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS BOARD, UNFAIR
PRACTICE CHARGE, CASE NO. SF-CO-155-M; AND CITY OF
VALLEJO V. INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF FIREFIGHTERS,
LOCAL 1186, PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS BOARD, UNFAIR
PRACTICE CHARGE, CASE NO. SF-CO-166-M.

PROPOSED ACTION: Adopt all three Resolutions.

Anonymous   |February.29.2008
San Francisco Examiner blog is still on....

Vallejo Strikes Deal to Avoid Bankruptcy
http://www.examiner.com/a-1249829~Vallejo_Strikes_Deal_to_Avoid_Bankruptcy
Firebug   |February.29.2008
Strange things are happening at SFgate as well, how come comments are turned off on the Vallejo articles?
Erika H   |February.29.2008
What is up with the Times-Herald's reporting of the city council meetings? The paper continues to suck all of the meaning out of the most important council meetings for this city. I wanted to share my post to the Times-Herald.

"I am a bit disappointed. In reporting last night's meeting, where I spoke, so much was lost in translation. This was the quote in the article from where I spoke to the council:

"Erika Harrison said she wants to know whether a long-term solution to the city's structural financial problems could be achieved better through labor negotiations or
bankruptcy."

I wasn't just asking a question. I was making a point, which was totally missed here. So I guess I have to do the reporting here. Following the question I asked the council was this:

"It is clear that a long term solution is the only strategy that will change the financial course of Vallejo, both now and in the future. It is your job to find an effective long term strategy to change the way business is done in Vallejo. Anything less than this spells continued failure for the city council, and failure for Vallejo".

These flawed negotiations have not provided
an effective long term solution. So the question was rhetorical. I don't know if this is an issue of selective hearing, or an inability to report and interpret the comments presented at the city council meetings. There I go with another question!"
HereToStay   |February.29.2008
Does anyone know when the report setting out this "new" deal will be released?
Fr Lou Bordisso (full text of   |February.29.2008
Our financial crisis requires all of us to make some tough choices. We are all in this situation together, we are all accountable and we are all responsible for the future of Vallejo. There are no sacred cows. Every city department, every contract, all city personnel, all city administration, all public health and safety services need to be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem. All need to bite the bullet, take responsibility and cut corners, renegotiate contracts, and be committed to balancing the city budget.Difficult situations require bold and sometimes controversial
decisions. We should seriously consider the option of bankruptcy as a part of Vallejo's plan to get ourselves out of our financial mess and give our City a fresh start. Although not popular with unions, bankruptcy might allow Vallejo to renegotiate controversial contracts, balance the city budget and reduce our debt.
Far from "throwing in the towel" as Mayor Davis put it, bankruptcy is a chance for Vallejo to get a new start and rise from the ashes of our current financial mess.
Let us pray that Davis, Sunga, Bartee, Hannigan, and Wilson have not sold the soul of Vallejo in the
deal they struck with the public safety union. Thankfully, the public can count on Gomes and Schively to tell it like it is and not be worried that they have a hidden agenda or are in bed with outside influences.
Fly On The Wall   |February.29.2008
Interesting tidbit from onlooker. Henke didn't seem like he was in any pain or suffering from any injury while he and his bought council member Barte, Riley and the heros from the fire dept. were toasting each other and tossing back drinks at the Front Room last night.

My family and I were having a dinner conversation and discussing how the settlement would affect the city and it was depressing. Then a group by the bar caught my eye and they must have just come from the meeting. All smiling and patting each other on the back. I suppose the settlement worked out well for them. Wonder if the
other city employees that are facing layoffs are feeling as happy about the outcome of the settlement?
Fr. Lou A. Bordisso   |February.29.2008
Our financial crisis requires all of us to make some tough choices. We are all in this situation together, we are all accountable and we are all responsible for the future of Vallejo. There are no sacred cows. Every city department, every contract, all city personnel, all city administration, all public health and safety services need to be a part of the solution and not a part of the problem. All need to bite the bullet, take responsibility and cut corners, renegotiate contracts, and be committed to balancing the city budget.Difficult situations require bold and sometimes controversial
decisions. We should seriously consider the option of bankruptcy as a part of Vallejo�
Anonymous   |February.29.2008
1. Chron-v-T-H
The San Francisco Chronicle has regularly been rated as the worst large metropolitan area paper in the nation but yes, compared to the Chron, the T-H is a "feeble glow of a..." rather sickly "...lightning-bug."

2. T-H repeats lies about the City Manager
Since the T-H is likely to recycle the following, along with 90% of my other letters (and yes, I do regularly write about other things than the Vallejo Fireslackers), please read this:

-----------------

"Vallejo Times-Herald
The Editor,
Dear Sir:

On February 27th, you published a front page story

headlined: "Union blames city manager", in which you
reported Fire Union President Kurt Henke's accusation that
an agreement to resolve Vallejo's financial problems made by
himself, Mayor Osby Davis, and Assistant City Manager Craig
Whittom, had been "nixed" by City Manager Joe Tanner.

Had Mr. Henke's accusations been true, his statement would
have been a gross violation of the terms of confidentiality
commonly imposed on labor negotiations. However, as it turns
out, Mr. Henke's accusations were false. I believe that
basic journalistic ethics require at least one, and

preferably two, corroborating sources be checked before any
story is published. Very shortly, barely more than minutes,
after Mr. Henke made his accusations, they were denied in
the City Council Chamber, and on the public record. Your own
reporter spent the evening in the City Council Chamber where
there were three or more officials, including the Mayor, who
were privy to the negotiations, and able to confirm the
untruth. None of them was consulted prior to your publishing
the accusations.

On February 28th, after you had learned the truth, you
published another front page story on
the financial crisis.
In that story, you did not feature Mr. Henke's breach of
confidentiality, nor his lies in the headline, nor in the
first, second, or third paragraphs. Only in paragraph four,
were you finally able to comment upon the falseness of your
previous days' headline story.

I believe that the Times-Herald has committed a grave
offense against the city of Vallejo, and against it's City
Manager, Mr. Joe Tanner. I leave it to our City Council and
their attorneys to decide what legal recourse they wish to
take against you for publication of unverified (but easily

verifiable) false statements, amounting to libel, and your
failure to publish a clear retraction and apology with
similar prominence on your next day's front page.

As a reader of your newspaper, I see this act as yet
another, and most egregious, example of your biased
reporting of stories favoring the Vallejo Fire Department
and IAFF Union Local 1186. There should be an immediate and
open investigation of this gross breach of journalistic
ethics and public trust.

Alun Whittaker"

-----------------

Please consider writing your own letter to City Council and the T-H. There is an
open conspiracy working to force Joe Tanner out of office and replace him with yet another bought-and-paid-for IAAF/CoC toady. Don't let that happen.
Katy Miessner   |February.29.2008
Interesting article from Gilroy:

http://tiny.cc/GilroyArticle

From the article: does this sound familiar?:

It's not if Gilroy will face [Vallejo's] same circumstances, but when

Unfortunately, the question for Gilroy is not if the city will face these dire circumstances, but when? In our town, the driving evil is binding arbitration for police and fire employees - passed by unsuspecting voters - and used by the unions to demand more and more lucrative benefits such as the 3 percent at 50 retirement plan. That works like this: Compensation for a retiree above age 50 with 30 years of
service equals 90 percent of the average monthly pay rate for the last employment period of either 36 months or 12 months, depending on the employer's contract with CalPERS.

The burden of these plans is growing by leaps and bounds, and it's an unfair burden on our city.

Council members (dare we say gutless) fear the union smackdown at the polls and so, the city train heads for a financial head-on as we merrily try to build more retail to mask these unrelenting obligations.

Perhaps new City Manager Tom Haglund can put together a Gilroy bankruptcy intersection chart showing when we'll
run out of cash. Maybe that will wake our local leaders up.
Curious   |February.29.2008
I have some questions...

Is DaSilva/Gates one of the City's creditors??? Does Osby Davis still represent Callaghan/DaSilva, the waterfront developers???? Does he have a vested interest in the outcome of a bankrupcy since it might affect big checks due to DaSilva and the City's ability to float a big Redevelopment Bond for the Waterfront Project's infrastructure????? Lots of people are depending on that Redevelopment Bond money...but they don't live in Vallejo.
John K   |February.29.2008
The San Francisco Chronicle does a better job of reporting this debacle than Vallejo's local newspaper:

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/29/MNFQVAV0U.DTL
Here's a shortcut url: http://tinyurl.com/242thh

Of course, comparing the Chronicle to the Times-Herald would be silly. Borrowing words from Senator Cassius F. Johnson, from Johnson County, Arkansas...

"...You might as well liken the noonday sun in all its glory to the feeble glow of a lightning-bug's ass, or the fragrance of an American Beauty rose to the foul quintessence of a Mexican burro's fart..."
J.M   |February.29.2008
the information I had copied & pasted on the October 17, 2003 report did not show. It further discussed the Bush Family & what was mentioned on the Video Series...

"WASHINGTON
J.M   |February.29.2008
Late last night, Vallejo Channel 27 or 28 had a brilliant series of information regarding the Federal Reserve, JD Miller, Rocketfellers,wealthy individuals at the turn of the century to influence stocks, loans, real estate, interest rates "The Great Depression",etc...to control you guessed it "Money". For those of us who are shy in Policitics & are not informed...this "Sike Diced" video will be a TOTAL schocker on truth, facts & a series of events since the early 1900's,to the present day to include WTC 911. This series was very well presented & it will be an eye
opener for anyone who sees it. If you would like to find out more information on this Video Series or order a copy, you will need to call 707.645.7071
It really is unbelievable, if you connect all the dots.

Copy & Pasted information from an October 17, 2003 Fox news report, even though Fox news is well Fox news.

"WASHINGTON
carol/public safety/union memb   |February.28.2008
spectator:
four months ago VFD promised to deliver santa to the tree lighting festivies. Santa did arrive, but not in a big red truck. You broke a promise to Vallejo's children, and it was not b/c of budget cuts. It was b/c of ugly politics--discraceful. Real heros are suppose to do the right thing especially when it comes to children.

and when firefighters salaries supercedes the salary of D.A.s, that's when you know you are getting paid too much.
Sharpie   |February.28.2008
Just to be clear the fiscal year is only 4 months away. This is a 4 month band-aid and nothing else. The entire state of California is laughing at the inept majority of our city council. What a joke---on us.
onlooker   |February.28.2008
Sorry J.D. Miller. It will not be a $21 Million agreement.
It will be be just enough to bring the deficit to $0.00.
Just like Henke mentioned in his little speech on Tuesday. A band-aid to get through this fiscal year.
Not Surprised   |February.28.2008
I'm hoping this tentative agreement works out. Honestly my experience with both Vallejo fire and police tells me that you won't get much in the way of meaningful concessions, but I hope to heck I'm wrong. Vallejo is such a lovely place and has such potential.
Sparky   |February.28.2008
For A.P. reports and important information about the world I go to a "real" online newspaper. The (Behind) the Times Herald often prints days later that which was once news.

As for running out of or into burning buildings, don't like it, change careers. �The world actually does not revolve around the chosen profession of fire fighting. Fire fighters have their role in the professions but do not put them on par with scientists, inventors or even heads of non-profits - at least in my book. They are workers - period. As has been printed here, modern day advances have deeply reduced
the number of serious fires. More likely a workman's comp filing would be for hemorrhoids, not burns. And you think that diving for abalone is heroic now? Bilking the taxpayers for partying like it's 1999? Thought not.

Now spec-tater, you illustrate my point quite well with your inventive spelling of intelligent. More brawn than brain?�
SIlas Barbabe   |February.28.2008
Well some of you called it right folks contract extensions! They did it in Pinole against all odds time for a R E C A L L of fiscaly incompetent council members and Mayor that have failed to address a deficit that will return year after year having funding for othjer departments, non-profits, transportation evaporate forever. Remember a contract extension is admtting that 80 percent of the general fund for safety services only is ok and will be the norm forever.
deepthroat   |February.28.2008
Okay folks: there will be no action tonight. They will continue it, and there won't be a chance for any of you to say bleep. There's an even worse deal on the table, and they will vote on it next week. Say hello to a Fire extension to their contract AND to settlement on their minimimum staffing grievance meaning, in 2012, when the city goes in for their 'fresh' contract negotiation, we will already be in the hole, having agreed to minimum staffing. No sir. We cannot let this council be this chickenshoop. And all this for a mere '45' days of breathing room. Are you kidding me? we will run out
of money in 45 days!
Vallejo Vista   |February.28.2008
Just posted on SFGate. Tentative deal reported with the unions.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/28/BAFQVAV0U.DTL

So now we have a temporary fix and wait until June to file chapeter 9?
onlooker   |February.28.2008
Not sure if anyone knows this or not, but Henke is on workman's comp for a back injury. Funny that he is able to negotiate and attend council metings. He didn't look too injured when he was standing at the podium on Tuesday.


I know that we need to go into bankruptcy, but I bet that it will be voted down tonight. 2 weeks from now is when we will probably see it. That will put a lot of heat on the council because of the time frame of needing to file chapter 9.
Vallejo Vista   |February.28.2008
Why am I not surprised that the Vallejo Times Herald plasters the front page one day with a one sided statement by the union negotiator for the firefighters union which was refuted by both a council member and the mayor at the meeting at which it occurred, then after being notified of their error minimize the mistake by briefly mentioning it in the body of another story with a headline implying that the unions are stepping up to help the city out. Unfortunately this is standard procedure for the paper where it prints headlines condeming suspects of crimes before any real information is
released and misreports trial results. Apparently the unions have similar influence over the paper as they have in city elections. I would hope that the City Council and Mayor can move beyond their affiliation with the unions and do what is right for the city--- file for chapter 9 bankruptcy. It is the only chance this city has of removing the stranglehold that grossly inflated salaries for police and fire personel hold on our city. We need the council to ensure ALL city personel and departments are valued and maintained, not just the security associated ones. It is not about staffing problems
or lack of appreciation of the job these security personel do. It is about spending far too much for each person which translates into not being able to fund adequate numbers of personel in their departments or other ones. It is also time that legislation be passed if not at the local level then at the State or federal level that prevents unions from funding local campaigns to an extent that requires local officials to kowtow to them in order to have a chance of being elected. Initiative anyone?
John K   |February.28.2008
Henke said Tanner nixed the deal. Osby said no he didn't. So it looks like Henke tells lies. And the Times-Herald prints those lies. What were the deal killers? The Vallejo City Manager didn't specify, but said in an email that the union made 4 major deal point changes that were "deal killers." Without the closed door information, we can only guess what those changes involved. Anyone care to guess? I'm guessing the union added provisions that would transform the deal into a continuing band aid solution, but what were they? Contract extensions, dropping the UBL abuse charges,
and giving up the appeal against the recent binding arbitration. What else? More deferred benefits to take a bite out of future budgets?

Regardless, it's decision time - tonight's the Big Night. Will a decisive vote be taken? Or will the decision be further postponed? Will the council choose bankruptcy? Will there be a last minute negotiated solution offered for council approval this evening? Will it be good enough to merit a unanimous vote?

Gonna be a heck of a night. Gonna be a night to remember.
Firebug   |February.28.2008
Ah that is like having an honest lie?
Behind the scenes   |February.28.2008
With all do respect, could we take it easy on misspelled words please! Information is not presented well, when we have spelling "errors"...just an observation & no need to get nasty.
Firebug   |February.28.2008
unsubstantiated opinion? Those do not go in the same sentence, maybe "unsubstantiated fact" but a fact is not an opinion, everyone can have an opinion as rediculous as it is (like the TH bloggers opinion that Henke isn't a liar)
spectator   |February.28.2008
Sparky,
Im just checking, when is the last time you have seen a more intelegent proffesional, like a professor, running inside a burning biulding instead of out?
Anonymous   |February.28.2008
I don't get that. Does that mean the Associated Press wire service is not worth reading? The journalistic cannons of the AP include truthfulness and integrity. The V.I.B. publishes plenty of unsubstantiated rumor and opinion, is that integrity? ie. of unsubstantiated opinion: "True hero's are not defined by their paid positions, it's in the other acts performed for the public beyond a "job"." My definition would consider individual actions that put a person in 'harms way' to assist another, regardless of job description and the result is little personal gain for the person
performing the act. "A" example would be any armed forces person. Some certainly to a greater degree than others, but the same would apply to local persons civil servant or not. Carpal tunnel would not count as "harms way". A dog bite would qualify, so I think postal carriers are heros .... sleet, rain, snow, blistering heat and overly protective dogs (all within their job). If your volunteer outside of work doesn't fall into that category, well.... your a good citizen, but no hero status...sorry.
Still Here   |February.28.2008
I love how the T-H loves to preach to the citizens about how one should act and what we need to do. This paper is not worth reading since most of what they have is cut and pasted from the AP wire service. There is no journalistic integrity from the publisher or editorial staff. The bias reporting has hit an all time high and the pompus attitude is disrepectful to the public. Back in 1997/1998 there was an effort by some people in the community to contact the owners of the paper and complain and letters and phone calls flooded the home of the owner. For a while, they calmed down, but they
didn't learn a thing. I think the way to get their attention again is to see if a group would like to organize a protest in front of their business and call the press. We need to boycott the paper by cancelling subscriptions and not buy ads in the paper. Letters to the major businesses that buy ads can be sent. It may not shut them down but it certainly will get a lot of attention especially since the news groups are already in town.
Erika H   |February.28.2008
It looks like the comments on the Times-Herald are shut down again. I just sent a very forceful email to Media News Group. Enough is enough!
Firebug   |February.28.2008
Agreed Sparky, My God spectater read the Gadfathers fringe benefits! No wonder so many city's are on the verge of bankruptcy.
Sparky   |February.28.2008
Spectator, I can't let your post slide by. Fire fighter's are not any more worthy than any other professional. There's a wage level that is appropriate (which Vallejo has far exceeded) for a basic job that ultimately, compared with other professions, is not that dangerous. FF's are not exceptional in any other regard - many of them are below average in intelligence, have not completed college and are best suited in a blue collar job - and can leave to do other work.

I admire anyone's desire to serve and protect - teachers, doctors/nurses, etc. but it is not altruism that drives them. They
get more than a fair return on their service.

So knock it off with the pedestal politics. True hero's are not defined by their paid positions, it's in the other acts performed for the public beyond a "job".
Robert   |February.28.2008
The fraud post, again:

I*ve know 8 vallejo firefighters and EVERY single one of them admits to taking advantage of a loophole. When their schedules are published with all of them working regular hours they all switch around their schedules so instead of going home when their shift is done, they work their next shift in succession so they are paid overtime for what they would have been paid straigh time for had they not switched their schedules around. That is embezzling and costs the city millions. It*s the common practice and one who is not willing to do it will not fit in if you know what
I mean. A friend who started working for the VFD back in 1991 said that he *had* to do it, really had no choice. Once his co-workers explained to him that instead of the 48k he signed on for he*d really be making 90k he decided to *go with the flow*. This problem is so well known that the instructor at the solano community college fire academy program explained how it works to all the students one semester and told them that is why vallejo is one of the most sought after fire depts. to work for in CA,WA and OR. Vallejo*s FD is corrupt and we shouldn*t have to pay the price for it, this
practice needs to stop!

lets pay a FAIR and decent wage to these servants.
Spetator   |February.28.2008
For everybody who thinks that Firefightersget paid too much I beg to differ... I think that firefighters are under paid for the job that they do. I bet most of you sit in your little office cubical and the most interesting part of your job is your lunch break. Firefighters save lives, when you are hurt or in need they come to help you. Cutting thier pay will mean less supplies, old equiptment, and less firefighters. So if your house is on fire or you are hurt in any way and you want to count on being helped, you should really consider on what your trying to save money on.
Vallejo Resident   |February.28.2008
This was sent to: contact@medianewsgroup.com, ironically I tried sending this to all VTH Staff, but didn't go thru.

Good Morning,

As a Vallejo Citizen, Homeowner & Resident, I must relate, I am deeply saddened & profoundly angered at the events currently happening within our City. Specifically speaking & relating to Vallejo Times Herald, time after time, to insist in reporting biased, one sided, misleading & unethical hand picked reporting. This type of reporting MUST STOP IMMEDIATELY! It might have worked a few years back, but the Citizens of Vallejo demand quality non-biased
reporting & urge the VTH Staff to gather all facts before printing information on the front page, as to ridicule our City Manager, which was the case!!! Remember the definition of biased "In theory, bias is a term used to describe a preference to a particular perspective or ideology, which means all information and point of views has some form of bias. A person-identity-firm is generally said to be biased if the person's output is influenced by inner biases, to the extent that one's views is not subjectively considered neutral or objective." Please, it is time Vallejo changes it's
perspective on business as usual, which has occurred for more than three decades to include, lies, closed negotiations,"good-old boy favors" & Fire/Police Unions draining the General fund from Vallejo. Enough is enough...Myself, as well as many Vallejo Citizens will not tolerate this any longer.

thank you all for your time,

xxxxxxxxx

Vallejo Resident
Valley Girl   |February.28.2008
I was just able to post a comment on the T-H site so it seems to still work. At least for me.

This site rocks! I wish I had found it sooner. Now I'm getting out the word to everyone I know. The abalone diving nonsense that was used in abuse of UBL was a real eye opener for me. Time to take abalone off the menu for the Seafood Extravaganza!
Sharpened Sword   |February.28.2008
An absolute fact: Vallejo police and fire get paid too much for our city, especially when you factor in the benefit package. Yes, the unions have squeezed Vallejo dry and they've done such a fine job motivated by greed that they have led us to insolvency.

Henke must've realized Tuesday night that a majority of those present in coucil chambers would sooner kick his bloated backside to the curb - preferring to have a bankruptcy judge kick his backside than to deal with his continued extortion any longer. So now he wants to deal...to little, too late I say.

My prediction: Osby will agree to
"fall on his sword" and vote for bankruptcy tonight - secure in knowing that the Gang of 4 will side with the Emergency Budget (also known as the Bandaid) and so the union bosses will get what they want. EXCEPT: for those voting to NOT go to bankruptcy, after Tuesday nights presentation and discussion with the bankruptcy lawyers, you will have shown yourselves as fiscally negligent and will be responsible for making a very bad situation worse. And contract extensions are part of the deal, WHEN we do go to bankruptcy, oooh boy, a judge will not like that. Did these dummies not hear
"6-8 weeks before running out of money the city should file for Chapter 9 protection"?

For the Gang of 4, know that the community will hold you responsible for making a very bad situation worse, prolonging the inevitable while draining our remaining funds absolutely dry. No, the bankruptcy judge will not let you get off so easy - and the public will never forget.
Anonymous   |February.28.2008
The parent company of the Times Herald is Media News Group out of CO. You can go to their website: www.medianewsgroup.com My understanding is that they are asking many of their employees from the papers they own in the Bay Area (Oakland Trib, Contra Costa Times, Marin IJ - are a few of the good papers they own) to take a buy out. If anyone has seen HBO's excellent series The Wire, they will recognize the parallels in the business of consolidating papers. Unfortunately our local paper has not been a good newspaper for a very long time. Check out the Contact Us page @ Media News Group
to see the white bastion of privledged-looking males with a few token chicks thrown in and you'll get the idea. I highly suggest you contact the parent company and lodge a complaint: contact@medianewsgroup.com

The Times Herald should be ashamed that they have sunk so low as to have not verified a claim as serious as what Henke leveled against the City Manager. They would be ashamed if they had any journalistic integrity. That a retraction was not a headline today is even more reason to tell Media News Group what a hack paper is operating in our city. Buy out of lay off Ron?

I think
all bets are off now that Henke has spoken of things in closed session. What I want now is truth and a city council with an ethical back bone to terminate Kurt "the arrogant" Henke.
Firebug   |February.28.2008
I can't get to the comments any longer either, are we banned again?
Vallejo Heights   |February.28.2008
Is it just me or has the Times-Herald turned off the "Add a comment" function on today's front page story? It wouldn't be the first time they've tried to squelch a public outcry but it would be disappointing if they chose to do so now.

And to G. Manicotti, I agree -- the way to complain about the T-H is to go over the publisher's head. His bosses may take a great interest in his mismanagement of the paper if they are presented with enough information.
MISSMARVELOUS   |February.28.2008
We all know that there are dishonest people in every facet of life, holding all kinds of jobs and positions. However, when someone has a job that makes it almost as lucrative to be on disablity as to hold a full time position, it doesnt encourage everyone to be honest. I have fire figher relatives that work for Napa and Sonoma County fire deparments. There are firemen on disability leave that do bath and kitchen remodels and run marathons. I am told contrary to popular believe they argue over who is going to work overtime, its not a burden or hardship, its how they pay for their expensive
toys and houses. Remember, there are not many jobs where you can show up to work, watch television, work out,sleep, cook dinner chat up the babes/guys and be worshipped for what you do for a living. Its become a "life style" that we have allowed to become acceptable, even though they are PUBLIC SERVANTS!!! Their jobs are important, but a lot of other peoples postions are just as important and unsafe, and they are not paid enormous pay/benefits to show up for work and do their job.
There was a time when fireman earned a good living, comparable to other blue color trades such as
construction. somewhere along the way we decided to pay them doctors, laywers and other professions pay. There is nothing wrong with wanting to earn a fat paycheck, it shouldnt come from the backs of the tax payers,they should seek higher education and make the real bling!
G,Manicotti   |February.28.2008
Is it now Henkes' turn to be sued ?
And a further question, Who is the parent company of the Vallejo Times Herald ? Want to drive the point home? Call and write to the VTH advertisers and tell them you wont support or bring them your business. Make sure you tell them why.
Anonymous   |February.28.2008
MBA by mail ? Far too generous...
Try the TV and VCR repair, or "finish high school" courses Sally Struthers was selling on TV a few years ago.
Still Here   |February.27.2008
San Jose which has similar issues regarding budget shortfalls and union contracts, wrote an interesting article in the Mercury News.

excerpt:
Filing for bankruptcy protection will allow Vallejo to renegotiate contracts with employees, vendors and bondholders and protect it from lawsuits, but the move will damage its credit rating and lead to costly legal expenses.

More California cities could follow Vallejo's lead because they face the same toxic mix of declining revenue and ballooning employee expenses, experts say.

"I don't think Vallejo is unique," said Mark Levinson, a
bankruptcy attorney hired by Vallejo. "Vallejo is not the only city in California or the U.S. that is saddled with employee contracts that are burdensome."

Gee, and I thought it was only the granola group that saw things this way. Maybe some in San Jose like hugging trees too!
Robert   |February.27.2008
Open, here is the fraud post:
I*ve know 8 vallejo firefighters and EVERY single one of them admits to taking advantage of a loophole. When their schedules are published with all of them working regular hours they all switch around their schedules so instead of going home when their shift is done, they work their next shift in succession so they are paid overtime for what they would have been paid straigh time for had they not switched their schedules around. That is embezzling and costs the city millions. It*s the common practice and one who is not willing to do it will not fit in if you know
what I mean. A friend who started working for the VFD back in 1991 said that he *had* to do it, really had no choice. Once his co-workers explained to him that instead of the 48k he signed on for he*d really be making 90k he decided to *go with the flow*. This problem is so well known that the instructor at the solano community college fire academy program explained how it works to all the students one semester and told them that is why vallejo is one of the most sought after fire depts. to work for in CA,WA and OR. Vallejo*s FD is corrupt and we shouldn*t have to pay the price for it, this
practice needs to stop!
Future Of Vallejo   |February.27.2008
WELL, now that the "bombshell" letter from Tanner to Times-Herald has been revealed, it's very clear in my mind what City Council absolutely needs to do Thursday night... declare BANKRUPTCY. The Federal government then needs to come in and do a FULL AND COMPLETE investigation of the whole affair, starting with how all these years the local Unions became so powerful along the way. This is the only way to purge the system of all this political corruption.
Vallejo Vista   |February.27.2008
The City Council needs to take the following steps.
1. File Chapter 9
2. Negotiate the contract and salary of the fire and police departments. If done properly a significant reduction in the per person compensation could both close the deficit AND maintain or increase the staffing. You can have 1/3 more personnel making $80,000 a year vs. that with each making $120,000 a year.
3. Make it clear that you value police and fire personnel and the work they do. But you also value the work of the several other departments personnel that are necessary to adequately provide the services our city
needs.
4. Cancel the contract with Lennar so that we can actually get some development of commercial business and industry and Mare Island and not more housing which places additional drain on our overextended resources.
Quit the Toffler Spam   |February.27.2008
Enough with the Toffler BS. Reading a book or watching a video isn't going to fix Vallejo in 5 weeks. This little community doesn't want spammers.
Open Government   |February.27.2008
Here we go. My post on the T-H at 5pm has disappeared. I read another post that was asking where a post went that had detailed information about abuse and fraud involving fire fighters has disappeared. I'm beginning to believe that henke is the post monitor! Thank goodness for VIB being the voice of the community!
Open Government   |February.27.2008
I think my post was just a tad wordy and the last portion was lost. It was in response to a blog post on the T-H, from Saule Goodie who repeatedly has blamed Tanner, Gomes and Schivley for pushing bankruptcy.

The end should have read: They could have accepted the concessions at least two years ago and saved their fellow city employees grief from all of the additional cuts they had to make in their budget. They didn't stand up for the other bargaining units or try to save the employee's jobs. They don't care about the grief they cause the public. It is all a game to keep the city in their
control. How much more is the Council willing to waste on this game?
Still Here   |February.27.2008
Okay, we have read the advertisement for Toffler and Associates. We have the information on how to get it if we want more information. Posting it once is informative. Posting it repeatedly it becomes advertisement.
Anonymous   |February.27.2008
COV EMPLOYEE: Spread the word on this VERY IMPORTANT video presentation below (Real Video) from futurist and author ALVIN TOFFLER, who knows how to guide governments out of the very problems that current plagues Vallejo......

After Words: Alvin Toffler interviewed by Newt Gingrich (Real Video format)
http://www.booktv.org/ram/AfterWords/0606/arc_btv060406_4.ram

Toffler Associates
http://www.toffler.com/

Toffler Associates� is the executive advisory firm formed by Alvin and Heidi Toffler. Toffler Associates helps companies and governments create their future in the fast emerging
"Third Wave" economy by assisting large, complex organizations as well as small start-ups. We work with clients who understand that successful growth in the future requires careful, strategic steps today.
cov employee   |February.27.2008
I have one thing to tell Osby: you aint no Willie Brown! Willie 'negotiated' a deal with the unions in san francisco, which bought him his political career, but the union got (and has) enormous concessions and power from the state and local governments However, in Vallejo we are spending almost $400K for a city manager, who, you know guys, KNOWS WHAT TO DO, HAS DONE IT BEFORE, and is getting paid , but instead, wannabe willie usurps the job, and thinks he can do a better job with no Vallejo experience. Let me tell you this: this is a job which should be left to professionals who know what it
takes to MANAGE the day to day business of the city, not to the amateur politicians. Instead, we Henke telling an out and out LIE about Tanner nixing the deal... and Osby doesn't even correct the record. No wonder we're all so demoralized at city hall.
Open Government   |February.27.2008
We can see you of those who are posting on the T-H blog have a real insight regarding the fiscal fiasco of Vallejo. Gee, did you order you MBA by mail too?

You (and some others) can't just pick out numbers that serve your position. Yes, bankruptcy is expensive. But lets talk about another costly issue. Earlier on, the talking head, alan davis and the unions stated that they had their own auditors review the city books, and declared that the city officials were lying about the pending financial crisis. Around that same time the unions mailed out a glossy flier to every home in Vallejo,
titled: The Shell Game. Remember that? The one that again stated that the city was lying, that they were hiding money, and could really afford to pay the salary increases and not cut their staffing levels and how it was too dangerous. As late as Dec. 2007, alan davis again stated that the city was still lying, and that there was no shortage of funds and that this fact would soon be shown to be true.

Now fast forward to last night. If you were paying attention, (big leap I know)you heard riley state that they fully understood the fact that the city did not have any money. He said they
have known this but "didn't trust the city officals and council". You also must have heard the bankruptcy attorney state that the union boys understood numbers really well. Okay, so if you review this nice bit of history, you will see that it was the unions that were lying all along. They never produced a copy of their "independant audit" that would substantiate their claim that the city was not being truthful. Have you seen it? If so, please provide it to the rest of the tax paying citizens. They were lying right up until they were able to get their funded four into office.
Then the story changed, and NOW they understand that the city is in dire straights and they are now willing to help out. (repress gag impluse)

They have known all along that the city was not going to be able to meet their expenses, yet they played their games to try and have the tax payers pay for henke's fivolous lawsuit (that he lost)to the tune of $150,000. henke then continued on his abuse of public funds by pushing up the number of hours he used to imbibe and frolick, again costing the taxpayers another $300,000 plus, while he slept off benders after sea diving. He has only worked half
of his hours actually doing what he is getting paid to do, so add another $100,000 of abused tax payers money.

The unions tried to again obtain their cash cow contract extensions, but failing that, accepted their 15 percent salary increases. Now, they knew full and well that the city was heading for bankruptcy and would chose to take their fight to a more impartial judge to seek relief. Low and behold, enter the funded four and mayor. Whoa Nelly, their eyes got big because they saw (bought) yet another chance to drain that dried up turnip. They are now ready to throw the salary increases
out, for now. Lose the minimum staffing requirements, for now. The only thing that is a deal breaker, is if the city doesn't dismiss the unfair labor practice case and sweep the UBL abuse case under the rug. Thats all it takes(for now), for the union boys to look like heros again. All they had to do is get the public to believe that there is no fiscal crisis and they ended up with everything they started off to achieve and more, all paid for by.....you and me. Ain't life grand!

The figures for this orchestrated charade are still out, but when all said and done, it will have cost the
taxpayers a tidy sum. We have paid out millions of dollars each and every time henke plays his mind games with the public. They knew the city was heading for bankruptcy and knew it all along. They could have made these same concessions two years ago and saved countless jobs for the other city employees. They could have accepted the concessions at least two years ago and saved their fellow city employees grief from being overworked as a result of being understaffed. Some only want to pick out a piece of this muddled mess and us it to point at the people they feel are at fault, and completely
ignoring or mindfully dismissing the hugh loss of public funds that pays for henke's monopoly game. Hey, but welcome to henkeville folks, the land of eternal band-aids.
D.K.   |February.27.2008
I hope the people of our Vallejo are prepared to do their part in fixing the numerous problems that plague our city. We need good schools, low crime, a good image and attractive locations to bring in the business and their jobs to raise the tax base and put our city back in the black. Along with that the city government needs to re-write the city charter, weeding out the inefficiency in both policy and personel that led us into the current predicament. Further, we all need to get behind sales tax initiatives such as the thrice failed measure H, which would have helped to fund our
transportation department, negated the recent route cuts and allowed for much needed expansion of service. Solano County is one of only three counties in the greater Bay Area that does not have a local sales tax to help pay for transit and that is a shame reflected on all of us as we were the ones who voted it down three times. As Councilwoman Schivley stated, $50 from every Vallejo resident would balance the budget. And that's with the current inefficient government in place. Imagine what a proper government could do with that. We also need to take responsiblity for our own
neighborhoods, cleaning them up on our own as some neighboorhood groups already do, and report all criminal elements to the authorities. The development projects slated for downtown, the waterfront and Mare Island need to quit stalling and put a shovel in the ground and get started, bringing much needed redevelopment, commercial and residential real estate, and local jobs in the process. Once all the aforementioned tasks have taken place, and only then, will businesses and corporations be attracted to our beautiful city, and only then will we Vallejo residents reap the benefits of the jobs
and services they will bring. Pointing fingers and not taking personal responsibility for our own parts in both the problem and the solution are a major part of what is currently wrong with Vallejo. I am involved and do my part, but we all need to step up and do our individual parts. If we all do this, from the Major down to the average working Joe, within a few years, Vallejo will be the place we all want it to be: A great place to work, play and live happily.
Future Of Vallejo   |February.27.2008
J.M. -- How about this idea...tommorow is a CRITICAL DAY in the history of Vallejo. Major media outlets are definitely going to be there. The speakers that will obviously be at the podium for or against the bankruptcy decision must bring this information to the attention of City Council (sorry I'm not able to be there because I had prior commitments). They need to know what ALVIN TOFFLER and Toffler Associates can do for the City of Vallejo. They need to know that previous City Councils, Economic Development Commission and Chamber of Commerce "missed the boat" in that regard. They need
to know are we going to look backwards at the old industrial model OR look forward and EMBRACE the "Third Wave" model. Let's make absolutely sure that the citizens of Vallejo clearly understand what's at stake.

Alvin Toffler co-wrote his books with his wife Heidi. A few of their well-known works are:

- Future Shock (1970) Bantam Books ISBN 0-553-27737-5
- The Eco-Spasm Report (1975) Bantam Books ISBN 0-553-14474-X
- The Third Wave (1980) Bantam Books ISBN 0-553-24698-4
- Previews & Premises (1983)
- Powershift: Knowledge, Wealth and Violence at the Edge of the 21st
Century (1990) Bantam Books ISBN 0-553-29215-3
- War and Anti-War (1995) Warner Books ISBN 0-446-60259-0
- Revolutionary Wealth (2006) Knopf ISBN 0-375-40174-1
Soar Throat   |February.27.2008
There's still time to participate in tonight's public workshop regarding the design and uses of the Northern Waterfront Park. The workshop is being held at 6:30 PM in the Joseph Room at JFK Library. For more information, visit the Vallejo Waterfront Coalition's website at: www.vallejowaterfrontcoalition.org.
J.M.   |February.27.2008
FOV; Excellent information!! Mmm...this could be summarized for a great Thesis Question for a Master's Degree. I hope all the Council Members are listening.
Future Of Vallejo   |February.27.2008
J.M. -- Vallejo needs to do more than just look into Toffler Associates, City Hall needed to bring them in yesterday. The track record of futurist & author ALVIN TOFFLER is undesputed!!! Way back when "Future Shock" first came out in the 1970s, Mr. Toffler stated that China under Mao, for example, understood the ramifications of its contents even then and specifically instructed their leadership to hold conferences discussing the implications for the 21st century. Remember, that was 30 years ago, way before it became obvious that the old Soviet Union (Russia), with its declining
industries and outmoded economics, was to collapse as we saw in 1989. Despite the human rights concerns in China, they EMBRACED the "Third Wave" model of economics back then. Where is China today? They avoided the mistakes of the old Soviet Union, and are getting ready to surpass the United States in all aspects. ALL THIS because they saw what was coming and took it upon themselves to EMBRACE what ALVIN TOFFLER was saying 30 years ago. Vallejo is in a similar situation. The City of Vallejo has declining industries and outmoded economics. The only way for reform in the City of Vallejo
is to EMBRACE the "Third Wave" future.

Toffler Associates
http://www.toffler.com/

Toffler Associates� is the executive advisory firm formed by Alvin and Heidi Toffler. Toffler Associates helps companies and governments create their future in the fast emerging "Third Wave" economy by assisting large, complex organizations as well as small start-ups. We work with clients who understand that successful growth in the future requires careful, strategic steps today.
J.M.   |February.27.2008
(Future of Vallejo) You've stated some great information & you got a point in regards to low-level revenue streams... When I communicate about TJ's, I'm more than not speaking about the bigger picture to bring them & other businesses in a progressive manner from a Vallejo homeowner point of view. It is backward thinking to NOT welcome ANY businesses at ALL to this town! My point with TJ'S was primarily for health, nutrition,organic products & other great items not found in your regular grocery store,(I commute to the TJ's in Napa) as well as revenue. You might want to read up on Vallejo's
history with contracting companies to perform a variety of assessments that resulted in paying lots of money & nothing got done! Try to convince the newly elected Council Members & you too will be taken for a ride in the BIG RED TRUCK! I do like & respect your optimism in regards to Toffler Associates. This could be a good Company to look into.
Open Government   |February.27.2008
:!: You now have a new slogan for Vallejo: "The City of the Over Taxed and Underserved. We like our Band-aids cause they don't stick....Welcome to henkeville."

I thought when I woke up this morning that I had a scary nightmare. A really bad dream! Then I realized that it wasn't a nightmare. I really now live in the only city in the country run by the safety employee's unions!

Some said that our new mayor should be given a chance. Well he stated that he would not roll over to the unions. He said that he had a plan to get Vallejo back on it's feet. He said that he had
innovative ideas and that he wanted to change of attitude of the city.

Has anyone heard his "Plan"? Has anyone heard any innovative ideas? We certainly get his "attitude" by watching him try to chastise anyone who speaks their mind too forcefully, including his own team on council. (But he can set the public straight about what they can or cannot say from the podium?) Now we hear riley inviting him to call? Call for what? He's not on the negotiation team. Or is he? Apparently the union gruffs didn't have any problem letting the public know that Osby will be the one that
seals our city's fate in a back room deal,(no surprize here) that is ensuring our maintaining the status quo and giving away yet again the city's ability to have a say about it's employees. Maybe they should just hire henke as the city manager then at least he won't continue to cost us 300,000 plus a year while abusing UBL!

Say hello to more taxes, less service, increased permit fees, longer delays for planning, no investigations by the police for theft and burglaries, brown outs in two fire stations a day, extended contracts for salaries that we have already acknowledged that the city
can't afford, and no hope to see a pothole fixed unless you do it yourself. But hey, at least we didn't file for bankruptcy and we still have the dubious distinction of having the best paid safety employees in California. Let me run out to the 99 cent store and buy some party plates that I will fill with fast food, liquor and smokes! At least these are readily available here in henkeville.
Future of Vallejo   |February.27.2008
I'm watching the City Council video again just to make sure I completely understand what was said last night. It seems obvious to me that NO ONE has any idea about approaching the future economic needs of the city of Vallejo. So much backward thinking. NO ONE with the vision of what the 21st century is about as far as economic development is concerned. People who say that bringing in Trader Joe's, for example, may be well intentioned, but that type of employment represents low-level revenue streams that DOES NOTHING to adequately bring in enough revenues to city coffers. THE ANSWER is plainly
obvious, and NO ONE on the City Council appears to be competent in understanding this point, and that is to EMBRACE the "Third Wave" way of economic development. The era of the old industrial employment has long been over. The knowledge economy is here and ruling the day!!!!!!

Toffler Associates
http://www.toffler.com/

Toffler Associates� is the executive advisory firm formed by Alvin and Heidi Toffler. Toffler Associates helps companies and governments create their future in the fast emerging "Third Wave" economy by assisting large, complex organizations as well as
small start-ups. We work with clients who understand that successful growth in the future requires careful, strategic steps today.
Katy Miessner   |February.27.2008
Hey admin, the link I posted was to the video of last nights meeting, not the draft emergency plan pdf.

I think that's what traveling vallejoan is looking for (I couldn't find that the video post was moved to home...)

Here it is again:

http://vallejo.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=3&clip_id=186
Hanging on by a thread   |February.27.2008
I happened to be coming back from my lunch and who did I see but riley, henke and gordon coming out of the Mayor's office. Can somebody say done deal? Since when did the mayor become part of the negotiation team? You think he would have fought more for the other employees that will be hitting the unemployment lines. There goes my economic stimulus, right into the hands of the safety employees.
J.M.   |February.27.2008
I have spoken a few times with Trader Joe's customer relations Department regarding the possibility of bringing a store here! Not surprisingly, I'm a handfull of residents who's requested a store here in Vallejo. Trader Joes' Corporate Headquarters has received several inquiries & requests in past days. Amy, a customer relations TJ advisor related they are currently expanding & growing into other possible cities within our area in 1.5 years. Amy also asked me for my zip code & I gave her 94590 & further related an open opportunity to bring a TJ's at the intersections of Tuolumne at
Tennessee, where Grocery Outlet currently resides. If you need to communicate to Trader Joe's Headquarters, Customer Relations, you can call 626.599.3700
Just an FYI-
onlooker   |February.27.2008
March 31, 2008 = $0.00


What will we do. If Sunga's comments were any indication, then we are in trouble. I would be ashamed if I voted for him. He is either clueless or spineless. Probably a little bit of both.
Alun Whittaker   |February.27.2008
Well done every who got the chance to speak on Tuesday night. You all presented (to the out-of-town news cameras) a creditable view of the informed, educated population of Vallejo -- you may just win us a Trader Joe's as a side benefit of this struggle.

On the other hand, it was brilliant timing of Henke to present his claim to be the city's savior (with a little help from St Osby), tragically persecuted by City Manager Tanner! It was late enough that many folks had gone home, or turned off their TVs, but early enough for his comments to be sure to make the headline and opening paragraphs of
the Times-Herald's front page story. It was also late enough that any follow-up rebuttal or Q&A would not make it into the newspaper story. Is it too paranoid of me to suggest that the whole thing was orchestrated and timed to the minute by Henke, Osby Davis, and the Times-Herald editors? Is it heck it is!
Future Of Vallejo   |February.27.2008
Mr. Mayor... what the City of Vallejo need to get out of this problem (and never get into it again) is a VISION AND ACTION PLAN that says Vallejo is willing and able to discard the past and embrace the future. That means economic vitality in the form of attracting venture capitalists who know how to attract and fund cutting edge businesses of the future and place then within the city limits of Vallejo. Since the City of Vallejo, the Economic Development Commission and the Chamber of Commerce DO NOT HAVE THE VISION to move forward, you need outside experts to come in to help you at this point.
May I suggest utilizing the services of the famous futurist & author ALVIN TOFFLER and his company listed below. Contact them and let them apply their professional expertise as they have done with numerous governments and businesses in positioning themselves for the future......

Toffler Associates
http://www.toffler.com/

......DON'T BE AFRAID of the future, Mr. Mayor. Embrace change. Vallejo is in desperate need of any help at this point. The success record of this professional firm speaks for itself.
Concerned Traveling Vallejoean   |February.27.2008
:?: I was not able to attend the Council meeting this week, nor will I be able to attend Thu's session. Is there a place where I can go to view the meetings later on the internet? I do not have cable and I will be traveling on business for the next two weeks. I am extremely interested in viewing the sessions while abroad. I would be grateful to anyone that can assist.
J.M.   |February.27.2008
Let's not be afraid to recall a few rotten apples within Vallejo's City Council(most of us now know who they are). Remember, they were voted in & they can be voted out!! Count me in on a future recall to assist & organize such event. I appreciate information on the legality of a recall if this should ever occur.
Plainobserver   |February.27.2008
Sunga appears to be still very clueless on city budget/financial matters. It was good to see and hear assistant city manager remind him of what he should have read before the meeting. Had he done his homework, he would not have asked those pointless and stupid questions. But then maybe he did read the meeting materials many times over and simply did not understand. The sooner he is out of the City Council, the better for Vallejo's citizens. He's embarrassing. When is the recall process starting?
Doug   |February.27.2008
Paul, don*t use the single or double quote characters. On some computers they cause a problem in the posting.
Paul Norberg   |February.27.2008
Something happened to my recent post, so here it is again.
These are the comments I made at Tuesday's city council meeting.

It saddens me to see that we
Paul Norberg   |February.27.2008
In case you missed the city council meeting on Tuesday I am posting the comments I made here.

It saddens me to see that we
Still Here   |February.26.2008
Well I hope henke and riley felt the heat from the citizens tonight! The nerve of them to come and think that the public would buy into their snake oil sales line! My name is not hanniga wiltee and I ain't buying it. Riley has come to the mike too many times telling that same tired tale of "we are always willing to sit down at the table and negotiate." If they were so willing to give up their 15 percent salary increase, and willing to cut minimum staffing, why the hell (oops! can I say that?) didn't they do it two years ago? Why did they lie about the City hiding money? We learned
tonight that they knew all along that there was no money according to riley. So you lied didn't you riley? You and henke put all of that money into those glossy mailers telling the voters that the City was being disingenuous about the city's finances...remember the shell game? If you all lied about that and infact made that part of the campaign issues for your talking heads, what else have you lied about? Hmmm! That whole bit about wanting to work things out and establishing trust made my stomach sour. Then right after that, henke comes stomping to the podium to unlease his venom on Joe
Tanner revealing closed door information about why the negotiations broke down! What it was that stopped negotiations was the fact that Tanner would not sign away the labor grievance and the court case on the arbitor's decision. It sounds like he was after the city paying his legal expenses again. This was the true indication of the disingenuous nature of their "commitment to working with" the city to solve it's financial deficit.
Anonymous   |February.26.2008
Vallejo edges closer to declaring bankruptcy
Carolyn Jones,Charles Burress, Chronicle Staff Writers
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/02/27/BAP9V90U7.DTL
Erika   |February.26.2008
I have been reading the blogs here for a couple weeks, and this is absolutely a breath of fresh air. I no longer have to sift through the Times-Herald trying to find useful information and intelligent discussion. I find these two things here consistently on a daily basis. The site is awesome!

I am tuning into tonight's council meeting on the Internet since I cannot be in attendance. I heard both sides of the issue as expected. The one thing that stuck out for me tonight was the misguided attempts of the faith community to support negotiations over bankruptcy. This is upsetting to me
because faith is the foundation of my life, and the speakers for the faith community looked out of touch and uninformed. They spoke of unity. This is decision time, not time to make up and be friends. We choose bankruptcy to set the city on solid financial foundation, or we continue business as usual and ensure that we remain in fiscal crisis mode.

I don't want faith to be represented as out of touch and uninformed. This certainly does not describe me. I exercise my right to be informed so that I can make informed opinions. I educate myself on what is happening to and in this city
because I am concerned and want to see change. I show my support for those in our city government who stand up for what is right for the city and its residents, not special interests. I couple this education with prayer that the city will overcome its struggles and prosper. This is faith, not calling for unity and peace.

I pray that those on our council took to heart what the speakers shared with them tonight, that it did not go through one ear and out the other. I pray that the council will consider the community's feedback prior to Thursday's vote instead of stubbornly holding onto
a mind that is already made up. Unfortunately I will miss Thursday's meeting but I will be tuning in to see if this council will finally wake up to the reality that "business as usual" can no longer last in Vallejo.
Anonymous   |February.26.2008
Not Surprised. I guess that your and CS biggest concern is a comparison in salaries and benefits between public safety and teachers? Their funding and benefits packages are completely independent of one another. Whatever affects the cities GF, will not, influence a teachers compensation. Your concern "that teachers get so much less...." cannot be addressed by an arbitrary and personally subjective adjustment to another public service. If the "public" determines that these two unrelated funded services need more balance regarding pay and benefits, I would hope the
"public" would support a mechanism to elevate one instead of tearing one down. Why the CalStrs and the CalPers retirement packages are different is not the fault of local public safety.
Not Surprised   |February.26.2008
sorry- I may not have been clear, the first retirement calculation that I posted was for a teacher, using the retirement calculator provided by the poster 'anonymous'
Not Surprised   |February.26.2008
Anonymous you posted an hourly summer school rate. this is where I got the salary info that I posted http://www.vallejo.k12.ca.us/recruitment/VallejoR5.pdf
Regarding retirement, I used the calculator you provided and threw in the following information-
salary $5,000 a month
retirement age 52
term of employment 30 years
Pension amount: $2330 a month, or about 46%.
Do the same math for Vallejo Public Safety with a salary of $8,000 a month with 3% at 30 (and they make more than $8,000 a month look with longevity pay and all the other goodies.
Salary $8,000 a month
Age at
retirement: 52
years of service: 30
Pension Amount: $7,200 or 90%

You can do what you want with the numbers, and in the end it doesn't matter - it's entirely up to the public to decide if a cop or firefighter deserves the pay and benefits they are receiving; just as it is up to the public to decide if they think its appropriate that teachers get so much less....
Wilson,Hannigan,Bartee & Sunga   |February.26.2008
Can someone inspire Osby to start working on making our school districts & schools perform better & earn higher test scores! We are clueless!! Davis promised to work on this right away, but we can't discuss, as our Mayor Henke told us puppets to zip it, while he adjusted our strings!!
Anonymous   |February.26.2008
From the VUSD web site: Regular Education Summer School
Teacher of Record $40.00 per hour. There are other incentives for advanced degrees. Dividing the PD salary by 52 weeks and then again for a 40 hr week, it = about $49 per hr. I guess that your reference to a PD "5th pay step" is not a reference to "starting" salary? To answer CS's concern do the FF make more or less than that rate?

CalStrs (teachers retirementhttp://www.calstrs.com/calculators/strsbene11.pl) may not get a retirement at age 50 but it appears that a teacher can go out at 90%+ before age 60 just as it is
possible for a public safety employee to get 90% at 50? Likely .... ????, but possible.
Anonymous   |February.26.2008
No City Council meeting tonight? I just checked the City of Vallejo website to watch the City Council meeting for February 26th....NO video or agenda for tonight. What happened?
MISSMARVELOUS   |February.26.2008
Its interesting that the VFD is very concerned about under-staffing of their fire houses, but will not help their brother/sister figher fighters by taking a cut in pay and therefore saving their jobs that might be cut. In fact they never address how much money they actually make compared to private sector. They only say we deserve what we make, its in our contract. Years ago, the reason government workers were given great benefits, was due to the fact their pay scale was much less than in the private sector, and they were given good benefits and retirement to off-set that. Today VFD
personel earn more than CPA's, pharmacists, some doctors, lawyers and other professtional people in the private sector. Their benefits are unmatched by any corporation in private sector. They do have a dangerous job, but they are not in the top 10 of most dangerous job listings. What about roofers, window washers, taxi drivers,and many construction jobs? City fire fighers really fight few fires, we should give them a pay cut and rename them "safety patrol." The real heros in our city are the people who tiredlessly volunteer for boards and committees (with very little assistance
from our cash strapped city.) Volunteers who work hard at keeping the public informed about what's going on in the city, arranging meetings, getting answers. Volunteers who strive to prevent our historic places of interest from being stolen from us. Editor's and volunteer staff who keep this site up and running, and the readers and writers of this blog are the true heros of Vallejo!!!
cov employee   |February.26.2008
and the saddest part is that the people with the advanced degrees, those in the confidential and management unit, those who work the long hours, the weekends, (whom you'll see tonight at the council hearing, without any extra pay)those are the ones who make less than the 'blue collar' safety workers, some of whom they supervise. Not that smart to give the economic and political power to the less educated people with the guns.
Not Surprised   |February.26.2008
Anonymous I was curious too so I checked on line and found that (in 2007) a beginning teacher in Vallejo is paid $38,162. A mid career teacher gets $53,700, and top level pay is $69,213. 5th pay step for a Vallejo PD Officer is $102,048 there are other incentives and variables that could increase the Officer's base pay such as extra pay for motorcycle duty, having an advanced degree, longevity, etc. I don't know what a teachers retirement is, but I doubt that it even comes close to the 3% (per year) at 50 that public safety get.
Anonymous   |February.26.2008
Dwarfed??? What does a teacher make per hr?
CS   |February.26.2008
Wow...thanks Paul for the terrific information; I am constantly surprised and dismayed in learning about the political history of this city. It is no wonder that we are about to make history in the state of California and elsewhere by breaking the bank.

I'm mad as hell and Vallejo deserves better! I moved here, like many newbies from SF, with great optimism.

I work as a teacher in the east bay and my salary after years of putting in service to my community is dwarfed by the salaries beginning firefighters make! Some of them, as I understand, behave like bullies regarding the
well-being of this town.

I only hope the "story" or "tale-finally-told" by this fiasco gets enough attention so that other cities and towns are on alert.

By the way, this site is so terrific in getting information to the residents of Vallejo. I'm glad I found it!
Not surprised   |February.26.2008
Kathy- you are so right about binding arbitration. It was brought about by a theatrical series of events designed by Public Safety unions to scare the public into submission of meeting all of their demands. It worked, and they continue to try to sell fear mongering hogwash to the public ever since. Compare the way Vallejo Police and Fire have dealt with the Vallejos financial woes with Vallejo miscellaneous employees who have worked with the city for years, making concession after concession in order to prevent layoffs of their fellow employees.
I'm sorry, I have alot of friends who are
Police Officers but when I read posts in the Times Herald forums obviously written under pseudonym by Vallejo cops and firemen attacking anyone who dares question their pay or benefit package, and continuing to threaten the public with the dire outcome if they have to accept a reasonable pay and benefit package it makes me want to puke.
Chapter 9 might be the best outcome for this mess, at least with that a referee could terminate collective bargaining agreements.
Anonymous   |February.26.2008
Katy,
I kept hearing about how much the paramedics "cared" about Vallejo so they didn't take the jobs offered to them in Hayward, then I hear 21 police and firefighters are retiring, then read about the old false alarms. So much for the old fake adage "I care for the city and only want to serve".

I also kee hearing about "sides" and I have to say take great offense when someone says we are on a side. On our side if we win we get a batter city to live in. On their "side" if they win they get better salaries and benefits I will let others judge which side is
more honorable.
Katy Miessner   |February.26.2008
Not sure why this got cut off, trying again.

40 years later, the Safety Union, mainly Fire Fighters,
still paralyze the city. Read what the striking firefighters did as the Zodiac was "striking". :!: Disgraceful.


Excerpts from the 12/14/2006 Times Herald article By Matthias Gafni:
"1969 strike a 'scary' 5 days for Vallejo"

"Two weeks after the Zodiac Killer shot a couple on Blue Rock Springs Road and shortly after an historic church burned to the ground, Vallejo's police and firefighters walked off their jobs."

"...repercussions are still felt
today. As the city heads into *binding arbitration with the fire union again, the controversial labor settlement tool can be traced directly to the '69 strike."

" 'The (striking) firefighters would hit a false alarm and the three trucks would drive all the way out and find a note on the fire box saying, 'Ha, ha, ha,'' Curtola said. 'Then another false alarm would go off on Rollingwood at the other end of town and the same thing.' "

"Shortly thereafter, a citizens group recommended adding binding arbitration to the city charter, and voters overwhelmingly approved sending
future labor impasses to an arbitrator.

And that may be the strike's lasting effect.

'It's interesting that during the brief strike there was no major impact to the city as far as crimes or fires,' aid Vallejo museum director Jim Kern, 'bt maybe the greater long-term impact was the legacy of binding arbitration, for bad or good.'"

*Footnote to the article: People don't realize binding arbitration strips the City of it's fundamental rights. Under binding arbitration, the City gives up their right to a trial and that there is no appeal to an arbitrator's decision. We saw this when
the City asked for certain concessions during negotiations almost two years ago, that the Fire Union rejected and the City then chose to arbitrate and then lost. Now, apparently, the Fire Union has put almost the exact same offer on the table...

Vallejo no longer needs binding arbitration because it is illegal for the safety unions to strike.
Firebug   |February.26.2008
Bankruptcy could mean a more equitable approach to the cuts that need to be made. Selling land during a housing depression, contract extensions and deferments will do nothing to solve the financial crisis this city is facing. I hope the Henkettes fire Tanner then the circle will be complete with their hypocrisy. Everythign they said that was wrong about firing Kemp they will have done in firing Tanner, every dollar spent they said was wrong abritrating cuts they will have agreed to.
onlooker   |February.26.2008
Bankruptcy is a must. It is the only way the city will be able to break the contracts and restructure. However the city council will not vote to do so. It will be a 5-2 vote with Gomes and Schively being the ones in favor. To postpone bankruptcy would be the worst thing that can happen.
andy russo   |February.26.2008
This whole mess is a disgrace; at the best it borders on gross incompetence and at worse criminal malfeasance. The safety unions, especially fire, have drained the City long enough. We need to have an outside audit and investigation of the problems. I work for the City of Richmond and we had a 30 million dollar deficit and we dealt with it and are now solvent. It took concessions from the unions and many programs were severley cut. However, as in Vallejo, the responsibility rested on the City Council for allowing the situation to get worse when they were repeatedly warned of the
dangers. We laid off over 200 hundred employees, including firefighters.We need to contract out fire services and be done with them.
Bankruptcy is a LAST resort. Solano County already has the highest foreclosure and bankruptcybrate in the bay area with Vallejo the highest in the county. The price of your homes, which have been decreasing, will now accelerate even further. Furthermore the City's bond rating will start to get worse making it impossible for us to boorow money and float bonds because the interest rate will be prohibitive.It is time to take on the safety unions in ourr City which
is being held hostage to their greed. However, the Council allowed this to happen and were unwillling to take them on maybe campaign contributions made the difference.
The bottom line is that non-safety hardworking city employees will lose their jobs and the the quality of life programs and infastructure programsin the City will be cut such as the Library and Public Works, a further blow to those who can least afford it.
Maybe we should start a recall petition for those council members who were and continue to be part of this problem!
Katy Miessner   |February.26.2008
40 years after the Zodiac Killer and concurrent Safety Union strike, the Safety Unions
Anonymous   |February.26.2008
What is "comparable"? 5-10% below Fairfield? Exactly the same on an hourly rate? 5-10% above Fairfield?
John Kocourek   |February.26.2008
I hope the negotiations are still open and there's still a chance for a resolution before filing the petition for Chapter 9. And if we file, I hope we negotiate a speedy resolution. Last night at the Townhall I thought I heard J.D. Miller say we could solve our budget problem if we could make city employee salary and benefits comparable to those of Fairfield?
Doug   |February.26.2008
I think the best outcome is to file a bankruptcy petition, renegotiate the contracts and then tell the court that we have worked it out and drop the petition. I*m hoping we can minimize the legal fees. Credit and admiration should go to the brave people who put their face in front of the people and cameras to explain the real facts.
Anonymous   |February.25.2008
If the "impending" bankruptcy doesn't happen, is that good or bad? Is there blame or credit to assign? Who gets it?
Soar Throat   |February.25.2008
I know that the City's budget and impending bankruptcy is all the buzz this week (and for the past several weeks and probably the next several weeks to come). However, if you want to get involved in something potentially uplifting, participate in the City's upcoming public workshop to help figure out the design and uses of the Northern Waterfront Park. It's being held this Wednesday at 6:30 PM in the Joseph Room at JFK Library. For more information, visit the Vallejo Waterfront Coalition's website at: www.vallejowaterfrontcoalition.org.
Sharpie   |February.25.2008
So the blame game begins as the Union supporters scramble to place blame upon Schivley, Gomes and Tanner. Have you wondered why the puppets are so quiet the last few weeks. They rarely said a word during council meetings and are no where to be found holding their own public meetings or helping us to understand our options. The silence is deafening as they say! The host is rejecting the parasites and we can blame 20 years of council majorities and Mayors for all of this.
Katy Miessner   |February.25.2008
Thank you Miss Marvelous for the post about Napa (hometown of Kurt Henke, president of the VJO Fire Union). This certainly is proof that my "theorum" is correct: the Fire Unions are creating their "market" for salaries/benefits in the region on Vallejo's back...
concerned citizan   |February.25.2008
as we face a bankrupty in our town i look at eh mayor who is not doing anything but trying to raise the taxes of his city
mr mayor if u raise the taxes some of us will be forced to file foreclosures and not live here. i moved here because i heard vallejo was great town now ur trying to drive ur people out dont understand mr mayor
well just food for thought if u wanat town to work uhave to keep what u say tofix it no shadiy deals ok. thanks
deepthroat   |February.25.2008
The state is set to take away not just the ferries, but the ferry parking lots and buildings. Read the legislation, it's all there but the official line is "dont' worry, we are negotiating and have it all under control". There has been NO contract, and no agreement. There are councilmembers, staff and certain private interests who have a lot to gain by ensuring that the ferry assets get taken away from Vallejo and into the hands of 'friendly' State interests. (yes! more union friendly owners) They actually think we should be saying "Thank you"
Keep your eye on this ball,
because while we are looking at the thugs trying to rob us through the front door, some other interests are busy getting in through the back...
MISSMARVELOUS   |February.25.2008
DOES ANY ONE LISTEN TO KVON 1440 AM, W/JEFF SCHECKMAN IN THE AFTERNOON? TODAY JEFF WAS DISCUSSING THE NAPA FIRE DEPARTMENT'S BIG 11.5% RAISE THAT THEY WERE JUST GIVEN, THEY BASED THE RAISE ON THE PAY SCALE OF A NEIGHBORING CITY, VALLEJO! OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS, THEY HAVE RECEIVED OVER 20% RAISES FOR JUST "COST OF LIVING." JEFF SAID THAT MANY CITIES ARE IN SIMILAR POSTIONS AS VALLEJO, AND ARE WAITING TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS...

P.S. KATIE M, YOUR THOUGHTS ARE APPRECIATED ON MY PREVIOUS "RANT."
Little Old Lady   |February.25.2008
Time for a history lesson...

Once upon a time in 1868, the first railroad to Sacramento and to the Napa Valley terminated at the Vallejo Ferry down at the end of Lemon Street. Back then, Vallejo was the most important wheat port in California and had a strong diversified economy. The Big Four later rerouted their transcontental railroad to a railroad ferry from Benicia thus ending Vallejo's first period of prosperity and creating huge wealth for a few people.

It seems that powerful people always try to steal from the poor and less powerful...especially when money is the only thing that
matters. History repeats itself. Vallejo has always been prey. Now everybody else wants our ferry and they can buy more friends.
JM. Moved to Vallejo two years   |February.25.2008
Yes, there are many brilliant & informative arguments, responses, information, ideas, facts, questions & answers on this VIB Site. Thanks All for letting us know what is really going on. If we all keep this up, it will only make Vallejo that much better! Thank you all for your diligence, persistence & keeping the content as intelligent discourse. It really keeps me tuned-in.
raised in vallejo--carol   |February.25.2008
Approximately 10 years ago, I remember saying to a neighbor, "I need to get out of this town, nothing is happening here, b/c the same old cronies are controlling the city" The neighbor had no clue what I was talking about. I left...

Thanks
Gomes, Schviley, ibvallejo writers , Cloutier, and some of the commenters on this website are the type of people that the City of Vallejo needs. Keep up of the fight--you're waking everyone up!
Firebug   |February.25.2008
I though Mr. Friedman's editorial today telling us not blame public safety for Vallejo's financial mess to be disingenuous. Although I do agree that public safety unions are not soley to blame for Vallejo's financial mess the hundreds of thousands of dollars paid by these special interests to contribute to the campaigns of mayor and council members for decades makes them at as big a part of the problem as the financially incompetent poltiticians they helped elect.
Katy Miessner   |February.25.2008
Forgot to post my name to the post below...
Anonymous   |February.25.2008
Miss Marvleou, I agree with you to a point. But to blame Vallejo's plethora of Section 8 on the current director of Vallejo Housing Authority is really short sighted.

You can compare that to the folks that are blaming Stephanie Gomes (a council member for 2 years and a fairly recent Vallejo transplant) for Vallejo's "lack of revenue" (we have more general fund revenue than Fairfield) and resulting fiscal disaster.

The problem is much deeper than that, and to blame one city employee for a problem (remember Gary Truelsen, her predecessor?) that is decades old I think loses sight
of the bigger picture and the solutions needed to change that picture. I remember sitting in Council when Intintoli was touting how wonderful Sereno Village would be and I thought: its just another housing project, what is he thinking? Vallejo's housing element needs to change, the town needs a paradigm shift from top to bottom but with the current majority, I doubt it will happen. I think there are a lot of folks who like Vallejo just the way it is for these reasons:

-Many Vallejo business people (not neccessarily residents) make $ from the current situation. We are like the "Baltic
Avenue" of Monopoly. Everyone needs a cheap place to start and who wants to lose Vallejo's place in the Bay Area as "Baltic Avenue"? Absentee Landlords who don't maintain their property and/or who don't screen their tenants because they know that City Hall is incapable of dealing with them (if the City wants us to be safer, they'd be better off putting $ into code enforcement, not decimating it). Property management services and real estate agents also do well here, and I can tell you from experience, you can complain to them about a house they manage and it falls on deaf ears.
There are a lot of Benicians (Time Herald owners and many writers) that make $ off of Vallejo the way it is now and it behooves them to paint Vallejo like a "gangsta town."

-Insularity: Look at the endorsers for the majority on council and you'll see the good ol boys/Chamber people. Not that "we" are all new, but there is a certain segment who has run this town into the ground. Projects generating revenue now should have been developed in the reign of Tony Intintoli and Al DaSilva, Community Development Manager prior to Whiittom. What did he do? He sold Mare Island to
Lennar, sold the Waterfront to Callahan/DeSilva, a regional park to Shell Bechtel (Intintoli had a big hand in that).

-Big bucks for campaigns. I believe the Safety Unions (Fire Union especially) want Vallejo to stay the way we are. An apathetic town with a rag of a newspaper that I wouldn't even let me cats [you know what] on. The town pay sno attention as the City gives away the store to them, and they create their "market" for salaries in the region on Vallejo's back. You see their cash all over the campaigns. If Intintoli runs for County Sup, lets place bets on how much cash
he gets from them. Politicians look the other way since they love that $. And its not just local-look at Wiggins and her active promotion of VFD.
MISSMARVLEOU   |February.25.2008
***News Alert**** Today in the Times Herald it stated that the Benica City Council is going to start working on their city planning for the year. One of the items listed was ferry service. Ok, Vallejo's ferry is taken over by the State, and now talks are going to start up in Benica about ferry service? Benica has been trying to get its own ferry service for years, and had 1 million dollars allocated at one time from the Feds for seed money. Lets watch closely folks, its time to snatch Vallejo's "goodies" and run. Who would lobby the efforts of Benica for ferry service and can we
link them to any of the decision makers who signed off on the idea of giving our ferry system away to the State? Lets pay attention! It was probably obvious to our local County and State representatives that the City of Vallejo is on the brink of bankruptcy (they have been draining us too folks in various ways.) They knew there would not be much of a fight, kick them when they're down, kick them all around...
MISSMARVLEOU   |February.25.2008
Did anyone read the Times Herald today(it didnt use to be the rag it is today, if you get in the archives of the Vallejo Naval Museum, you can see "real" reporting from ages ago.) Anyway, apparently we are attracting homeless students from other cities (Fairfield) to our fair almost bankrupt city. Its just another illustration of other cities getting rid of their social problems by sending them elsewhere. Vallejo has a reputation of being the place to land when you fall on hard times, its why we have such a disporporiton of section 8 and and so many social programs. I am sure our
Vallejo Housing Authority promotes our city in such a light, the more candidates for social programs, the more federal funding the Vallejo Housing Authority receives. Remember, VHA's director lives in Contra Costa. VHA even promotes itself downtown, have you ever seen such large lettering on a building? Dont want to miss the social programs in Vallejo folks....
Al J. Love   |February.24.2008
Hey J (Hansen) this is Al (J. Love). I think we will become friends. I have faith that you can think through this thing. You're "almost" getting warm.

You were disingenuous by making the statement that Schivley and Gomes were exacting vengeance on the fire union. That's the kind of pablum we've all gotten used to seeing in the Times Herald. Does anyone bother to look at that paper anymore? Or has it died its miserable biased death?

What you're saying is that the damage done to Vallejo is a result of the news reports. News reports about Vallejo's pending financial crisis which may
result in the city having to file for bankruptcy. Vallejo's image has been sullied.

Is it the case that if the news chooses not to show images of flag draped coffins containing the remains of US soldiers returning from Iraq that they weren't actually killed?

The news reports didn't cause the damage to Vallejo. The source of the damage is the bloated public safety salaries and benefits which have steadily increased for twenty years as a result of union leader ruffians and city council members over that time span who formed a majority on the council who either had their votes bought for them
by the unions or were too imcompetent to know what was going on. Tony Intintoli was major for 16 of those years and this is
his legacy.

If you didn't attend last Thursday's meeting you can watch JD Miller's analysis right here on this web site by clicking on "video." I invite you to listen closely to his commentary re the difference between structural and cyclical deficits. If you disagree with that analysis of why spending must be brought under control otherwise you're just looking for money to pay the bills (revenue) then please provide your own analysis. Even Mayor Osbie Davis made
statements similar to this when he was campaigning. We'll probably see this week if he meant it or if it was just empty talk.

Wouldn't it be great if next week the news could report that for the first time a majority of the Vallejo City Council has voted to reverse a twenty year trend to not extend an unreasonable firefighters union contract. Just think if they had the intelligence and guts to to that. Just imagine how proud and happy most Vallejo citizens would be to get a modicum of city services and maintenance. People would be dancing in the streets and painting frescoes depicting Good
Government. This city council has the chance to do something historic and change the way Vallejo operates. The news could be reporting Vallejo Avoids Bankruptcy.
Still Here   |February.24.2008
Glass half full, such wise sentiment from Roosevelt and holds true to those who dare to swim up stream in the name of progress. We should strive to find more more people that share your optimism and stand up for change for the good of the citizens and the City of Vallejo, as optimism is a matter of attitude.

We have heard from the mayor that Vallejo needs a change in attitude yet he and the funded four have fed into the pessimistic attitudes of those resistant to change and the fear instilled by the safety unions and their dept. heads. We have yet to see the "innovated ideas", the
"breath of fresh air", and the other political rhetoric inscribed on their glossy campaign literature. They have treated the citizen's as lemmings, ready to be lead to the cliffs end. The "attitude" of those council members that dared to see beyond the business as usual and work for structual change is what keeps hope alive. We won't bow down or bend over. So I hope that Gomes and Schivley stay strong and keep the course. Eventually we will see change. Let's just hope it's sooner than later as this failed strategy of "business as usual" has brought us to a fiscal
crisis.
Glass Half Full   |February.24.2008
Shouldn't we should be wondering who Jhansen real is since he has so much information that no else has except for the City Council and City Manager.
Again, how did you know what the BK attorneys said in closed session? And my latest question is how do you know that the City will be closing two fire stations? Rumors? I doubt it. Do you attend the closed sessions or does someone who attends the closed sessions tell you what is going on so you can put it out on this blog. It's OK you can tell us and we will keep it a secret!
Let's see what two fire stations would be closed. Of the 8 stations,
the station on Mare Island can't be closed because it it paid for by the business owners on Mare Island. So we have seven to pick from. Maybe they will pick the one on Columbus Parkway. That should increase the response time to Hiddenbrooke to around 20 or 30 minutes. Wouldn't that be great. Or close the station in Glen Cove so that community can suffer. Or the one on Marin St. so the old downtown section can burn down. Who knows except you.
Glass Half Full   |February.24.2008
I first would like to say that I agree with "Not Surprised" and the reasons the City is in this mess.
On another note, President Theodore Roosevelt made a statement that is very much what is happening today to our two councilmembers, Gomes and Shively. They get blamed for all the problems when we know who is really to blame.
The quote:
"It is not the critic who counts." (like jhansen etc.)
"Not the one who points out how the strong man or woman stumbled, or the doer of deeds might have done them better. The credit belongs to the man or woman who is actually in the
arena, whose face is marred with sweat, and dust and blood. Who errs, and comes up short again and again.
Who strives courageously.
Who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself (herself) in a worth cause.
Who, if he or she wins, knows the triumph of high achievement.
And who,is he or she fails, at least fails while daring greatly so that his (Her) place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knows neither victory nor defeat."
Still Here   |February.24.2008
JHansen, while the release of information and subsequent discussions of Vallejo's potential filing for bankruptcy could be seen as damaging, it isn't any more so than the two year battle to resolve the city's financial dilema. This information has been in the news and other media. It has been no secret to anyone who has paid attention to our city news. I frankly am more concerned that the taxpayers in this city are given frank, and honest information about what is going on behind those infamous closed doors. While some may have confidence in our new elected officials, I don't. I haven't heard
a single thing coming from the funded four and mayor that has made me think they are working toward long term fixes. It certainly appears that we are headed down that same failed direction that has held this city in a stanglehold for over twenty years. So I appreciate the town hall that was held and glad that this website has made the same meeting available for viewing by the public.

Once again, the union/chamber funded majority will take action that will fail to move this city forward or change the way we do business. This same funded majority (same flawed solutions, different faces) is
going to attempt the same piecemeal, temporary and costly fixes which will result in this city going over the same problems next year and years that follow. It has been the funded majority that for the last twenty years made the decisions that have moved us to bankruptcy. You see, the desenting minority didn't cause the problems, because they were trying to implement change and have been out voted. So to blame Gomes, Schivley, Cloutier and Pearsall now is illogical thinking.

If the funded majority's ideas and decisions haven't worked up until now, why do people think we should sit silently
and accept it once again? It's apparent that the funded majority don't get it and we have to continue to try to get them to change the STRUCTUAL DEFICIT or it won't matter how much more revenue we take in, we will always short change the citizens in city services. Wake up!
deepthroat   |February.24.2008
I'm so sick of public safety blaming the lack of revenue (instead of their own greed). I could say something witty about whining and sacred cows, but instead I'll say this: the economic development department is decimated because there is NO MONEY. there is no money because we can't afford to pay public safety. The single economic development employee (Whittom) who might actually figure out a way to get some revenue is consummed 100% of his time with 'negotiating' with the union, and the rest of the employees are demoralized, knowing that they get 1/2 of what a cop gets, and their job is on
the cutting table. Time to quit whining, backdoor dealing and either show that you're going to put up, or just let the whole mess get sorted out in bk. While I don't have much hope that the bk court will relieve the City of its obligations, the process will be more public.
JHansen   |February.24.2008
Al J. Love,

Thanks for pointing out that I "almost" know how to read. I can "almost" read so much that I have "almost" read many articles on the current situation in Vallejo. Not just the Chronicle or the TH. Google Vallejo Bankruptcy and see how many news articles there are on Vallejo BK Nation wide.The average reader of these articles can only come to one of two conclusions, Vallejo has already filed or filing is immanent. Neither conclusion will serve the reputation of the City well in the future.The damage is already done.

On another note, the statement that
Vallejo spends 80% of our budget on public safety salaries is disingenuous if it doesn't include the statement that the City has failed to generate revenue. If the City had generated revenue consistent with a commmunity of 120,000 we would not be having this conversation and the ratio would be more in line with like cities.

There is plenty of blame to go around...it's not just public safety. I hope the City does not have to file. I am optimistic the unions and City will come to some amicable agreement. It doesn't sound like there will be many employees to pay in the coming weeks (I heard
two fire stations are closing)so we should be ok...as long as our house is not on fire.
Not surprised   |February.24.2008
I worked for the City of Vallejo for many years, and I'm very saddened to see the city going through this, but I am not surprised. I think that to even start to figure out how to fix this, people need to understand some of the things that contributed to your current sitation.

Police Wages - Don't blame individual VPD Officers for what they are getting paid, Part of the mess is due to the city agreeing to binding arbitration, but you can also blame the California Correctional Officers Union for their political contributions which bought and paid for your last two governors: They were
repaid very nicely with peace officer status, huge pay raises and gravy retirement packages. Police departments all over California saw this happen and jumped on the gravy train. With that said- I do think it's time for all City of Vallejo Employees to get real about whats going on and make serious concessions before their labor contracts are thrown out by a bankruptcy referee

Mismanagement - It has been rampant throughout the Police Dept and the City since the 70's. The Police Department has for years been too 'top heavy' There are too many supervisors who have very little responsibility
or accountability. There is a basic 'mistrust' of non-sworn employees who are paid 40-60% of what a cop earns. As a result, they have never been utilized as efficiently as they might have been. Example: For years Vallejo PD had highly trained and experienced non-sworn crime scene investigators, then under the leadership of none other than Chief Gerald Galvin, crime scene investigation was contracted to the Contra Costa Sheriff's Crime Lab at a rate of about 4 or 5 times what VPD employees were being paid for the same work. The reason given for this was that the civilian employees could not be
trusted. The affected employees were given other jobs (mostly menial or clerical) within the department, but the question remains, how much have irrational decisions like that made over the past 20 or 30 years contributed to your current fiscal meltdown?

Fear Baiting- Citizens all over the US have been fed the line over and over that in order to be safe you have to perpetually hire more cops and pay them whatever they ask for. It's just not true. Police are 'reactive' they can mitigate damage by a quick response to an emergency, but they have very little if any effect on preventing crime.
(If anyone disputes this I would be glad to post links to numerous studies which support this) The way to make your city safe is to fight poverty, unemployment and apathy. If you make a reasoned and financially prudent decision to hire more cops make sure that you will benefit from it in some tangible way.

The City of Vallejo needs to provide the public with a full and unbiased report on the ability of the Police Department to fullfill its basic functions with current staffing. While not perfect, 'response time to emergency calls' can be used as a barometer to determine how effective the
Police Department is. Has response time to calls for service increased or decreased over the past 5 years? Is there any correlation to the response time and staffing levels? What is the response time in neighboring communities?

Irrational Exhuberance - I drove through Vallejo 2 years ago and saw alot of building going on and said to myself "oh wow I bet that the city is busy spending their 'potential revenue' from building permits-I wonder what's going to happen when this housing boom crashes? Well folks, it crashed and in true City of Vallejo style the City got completely blind
sided. I have heard that Tony Pearsall saw this train wreck coming awhile back and issued a 'warning' to public safety employees for which he has been attacked and belittled; that's unfortunate Tony is a smart guy and was good cop, his only mistake was was that he was brave enough to tell the truth about this mess. You would do well to ask him to consult with the City now in order to find some way to stop the bleeding.

Good luck Vallejo! I hope if you bail yourselves out of this mess you, as citizens, get more involved, ask more questions, demand fiscal responsibility and raise holy hell
when you don't get what you think you should be getting for your tax money- it's in your hands.
MISSMARVELOUS   |February.24.2008
It would be interesting to survey and find out in other cities what the percentage is for Fire Safety personal that live in the city (or even the county) for which they work. I have a reliable source that tells me that in Santa Rosa (for instance) over 65% of the fire personel live in Santa Rosa, or close by. They like to use "poor little old Vallejo" for what they want to be when they "grow up." Funny that an affluent area like Santa Rosa/Sonoma County needs to use Vallejo as a measureing stick, their tax base is much beefier than Vallejo's, but we pay fire safety more than
the city of Santa Rosa/Sonoma County. Same of course goes for Napa County. Remember Kurt Henke conducted union business outside of Vallejo, sounds like he was trying to show other cites/counties "what they could be."
deepthroat   |February.24.2008
I am going to speculate that it is easier to sell the City to the greedy union reps if you don't live in Vallejo and have to deal with the aftermath, but I realize it is speculation. It would be interesting to see where the negotiators live...As to the downtown, downtown owners are so insular, overprotective and anti=competitive, that they deserve what they get. Once they really open the doors to everyone,(they know what I'm talking about) regardless of whether the particular business competes with some lame existing hole in the wall at the back of a used furniture shop, then they can stop
complaining at their own misfortune.
Anonymous   |February.24.2008
Addressing the 80% of safety personnel that do not live in the city. Actually, Vallejo like ANY other city, could go down a list of not only safety but all city personnel that do live in the city and we could find a fair amount that we wished lived somewhere else. Conversely, there are a lot of city employees (safety and non-safety) that live in Vallejo and are employed by some other city that we are happy to have reside here. Should we ask them to leave? I think not/I hope not!
I have never heard of the theory that seniors were to buy flats above the stores in downtown. Sounds like urban
legend to me. That would have been the Florence Douglas administration and I cannot see that as part of her vision as mayor of this city for 16 years. During her tenure, most of the living spaces were leveled, including the Georgian Hotel which would have been ideal for renovation and senior living?
What Vallejo hasn't done during and since her administration is to increase the cities retail tax base.
Retired Cop   |February.23.2008
It is sad to see the most of the people who post on this website about Vallejo's budget problems real don't know what is actually going on in this City.
An earlier post memtioned #371, which is the badge number of Jeff Azuar who was killed in the line-of-duty eight years ago. Jeff was a personal friend of mine who ,unlike 80% of police officers and fire fighters, lived in Vallejo. Jeff and I talked about the future of Vallejo and we both knew that the "bubble" had to burst. Meaning that the salary increases to public safety had to stop or Vallejo would go broke, Well, guess what
Jeff, Vallejo is broke and the bubble did not burst!!
It is not the fault of the rank and file of the police and fire depts. But the fault of their union representatives who only care about how much they can put in their pockets and the pockets of their members. It it about GREED and controlling City councilmembers!
This has been the problem for over 20 years with past city councilmembers, past city managers, and several business owners doing business in this City to benefit themselves and not the City. That is why Georgia St.was closed off. They thought that senior citizens would buy flats
above the stores in downtown Vallejo. Well, no one did due to the drug addicts and whores who roamed the streets of the downtown. And guess what, those fine citizens of Vallejo are still in the downtown.
Well, it's time to pay the piper and not come up with some stupid temporary deal that will benefit the unions and not the citizens of Vallejo.
Al J. Love   |February.23.2008
Guess what jhansen. You almost know how to read. Chronicle headline said Vallejo "near" bankruptcy. The council members you're trying to refer to are "Gomes" and "Schivley." Guess what. You almost know how to pay attention. The firefighters union has been exacting increasingly stringent financial obligations on Vallejo taxpayers for twenty years. You either face reality or you don't. You choose to inform yourself or not. Gomes and Schivley are trying to inform Vallejoans about the situation we are facing and what bankruptcy would mean for the city. Even if they weren't
trying to do this Vallejo would still be in the same lousy financial situation because close to 80% of our General Fund goes to pay public safety employees. Aren't you concerned that our firefighters might injure themselves when driving fast down one of the many ripped up pothole-riddled streets that we don't have enough money to repair because most of it goes to pay their luxurious salaries and benefits. Please tune in. You can do it!
glass half full   |February.23.2008
Hey Jhansen, you say, "How can they go against the advise of the BK attorny..."

How can you know what the BK attorney advised the Council as the public hasn't heard one word from them yet?

The public will hear a presentation from them next Tuesday, but we haven't been privy to counsel from the hired guns. Seeems that you have some private information given in closed session that the rest of the public doesn't have? It had to be one of the fab four -- or is it five now -- who gave you information that was illegal to share? Tell us, what have the BK attorneys said so far? We'd
love to hear.

And oh yes, let's follow the example of Mayor Davis and ignore the FACT that the city is facing bankruptcy so that we can bring new business and revenue into the city under false pretenses. Let's just pretend that the city is all honkey dorey and we have no financial problems at all. Shhhhhh...don't tell anyone the city is falling apart -- if we don't talk about it, they'll never know. Whistling in a graveyard is all it is...
jhansen   |February.23.2008
We now have the distinction of the first CA city to file bankruptcy. But guess what? We have not filed bankruptcy...but the image remains. That will do a lot to bring business and revenue into the city. Thanks council members Gomez and Shivley. How can they go against the advice of the BK attorney and truly have the best interest of the city in mind. I think it is an attempt to exact vengeance against the fire department. It
jhansen   |February.23.2008
We now have the distinction of the first CA city to file bankruptcy. But guess what? We have not filed bankruptcy...but the image remains. That will do a lot to bring business and revenue into the city. Thanks council members Gomez and Shivley. How can they go against the advice of the BK attorney and truly have the best interest of the city in mind. I think it is an attempt to exact vengeance against the fire department. It
Still Here   |February.23.2008
In response to a poster that stated that they worked for the VPD:

Remember 371, not all citizens feel hatred or loathing for the VPD or VFD. Your union representatives have their hand in creating the negativity toward the city safety employees. Maybe they should share the blame as well and people should be mad at them too?

There is enough blame to go around. The council majority (which has been union backed and union funded for over twenty years) signed those contracts too. As a matter of fact, the council majority thought that this was a good deal and proudly declared so to the
citizens. The desenters on Council were frowned upon each time they spoke out about their concerns for the salaries and the budgets. The funded council majority spoke of how this was a good deal for both the city and the employees. The majority of voters, in turn voted these union funded council members into office. Those voters are too, responsible for our current crisis. Remember they hand picked the candidates of their choice and so if bad decisions were made, they voted for thses union funded council members. The bad decsions have consistantly voted in favor of those labor agreements, did
little to bring in new revenue, or change the way they did business.

Yet the only ones being blamed, are those council members that dared to try to bring about change in how the city does business.(Because as we now see, it is not working.) So there is a systematic failure somewhere in this picture. It doesn't appear to be the decisions made by the Un-Funded Council Minority.
Fulla   |February.23.2008
The other aspect of having a strong Mayor, is having districts that Council members represent. I don't believe that Vallejo is large enough to function well under districts. Strong council members getting more attention for their districts, weaker ones not being a effective.

But some of the past representative's performance do not necessarily mean that a strong Mayor won't work. I believe that we have people that would be of a caliber to hold that position. That would mean the person would have to have the qualifications to hold that office. It would make it harder to run a mediocre
candidate and throw a ton of money on that person just to install a puppet. Of course stranger things have happened here in Vallejo.
Katy Miessner   |February.23.2008
Glass half empty, I disagree with the statement "the council-manager form of government...works. It absolutely does not work in Vallejo: You look at council majorities over the years and they are all supported by the Chamber/Fire Union group. Davis, Hannigan, Wilson stated that they were the "candidate of change"--look at their endorsers and their campaign contributors and you will see the same old names.

But I also don't like the idea of a strong mayor. At least with a City Manager, one has to have certain qualifications. A strong mayor does not--and that's scary. What if
Sunga--with his defunct MBA--ran and won?

I do think the council should be fulltime and with a living wage. The council members who do their job well are spending way more than part-time hours on it. Its a set up for failure; this city's problems and issues are too complex to have part-time council members.
MISSMARVELOUS   |February.23.2008
I would like to know why Vallejo receives the least of services through the county if we are paying the most taxes of any city in Solano County. The freeway and roadways look really terrible! Is it because Solano County arranges to have most of thier Section 8 housing concentrated in Vallejo, and funnel our portion of the county funds through Section 8 sponsorship instead of through funding for services and roadway/highway improvements? I use to live in Benica, and the general feeling of the community was if you needed affordable housing you should move to Vallejo. It stinks, but its the
truth! Mr. Norberg can you shed some light on this subject? "Little Old Lady" do you have any information on the subject? We need to pressure our County and State Representatives for funding!!! The money is being spent somewhere, and its not in VALLEJO!!!
Glass Half Empty   |February.23.2008
While it's a great idea to require city employees to live in Vallejo, unfortunately it would be illegal.

I want no part in a strong mayor form of government in Vallejo -- that would be a step backwards and create a dictatorship. The council-manager form of government has become the most popular form (63 percent of governments in the United States in cities of twenty-five thousand or more)for a reason: it works.

Most importantly, a city manager is required to have professional education and training, and to follow an established code of ethics, none of which is required for an
elected mayor. Can you think of one mayor of Vallejo in the past 20 years who has had the training and education to be the manager of the city? Nope.

A council-manager form of government provides some checks and balances. In a council-manager system, the elected representatives make policy, and the trained and skilled manager provides complete and objective information, pros and cons of alternatives, and long-term consequences.

This last election showed that the voters are too easily swayed by slick color flyers and union-endorsed propaganda -- I don't want the city's management to be
put up for sale to the highest bidder. We have enough of that on the Council as it is.
deepthroat   |February.23.2008
On the taxes: Vallejo is the most populated City in Solano County, yet receives the least services and funds from the County. The property taxes are disproportionate: old time property owners pay hardly anything. Newer property owners pay through the nose for multiple benefit assessments districts. There are some excellent ideas on this board. However, there is a disconnect between staff and the council. Councilwoman Shively's idea of having all staff or at least management reside in Vallejo is superb. All those retirees, and none live in Vallejo. What's clear is this: the inmates are in
charge of the asylum, and there is NO ONE who is not on the 'inside' close enough to see this, much less change it. The council knows what the inmates choose to make public. I would advocate for a strong mayor form of government, and giving council people salaries for work done. It's unrealistic to expect council people to solve our problems in 4 hours a week, and for the pittance we give them. Plus, on the outside like they are, they will never fix it.
Silas Barnabe   |February.23.2008
I can't seem to find this in the video or in my notes, but I recall J.D. Miller mentioning something about despite all the pro busines revenue pro safety union rhetoric, that Vallejo actually brings in more sales tax and revenue than Fairfield? I do rememeber the presentation about we pay $70 more per person in Vallejo and receive less services than citizens in Fairfield, and I see that our general fund is much larger than Fairfields.

I was also thinking about Mr. McConnel's statement that eventually we would be paying even more taxes. Once again I appluad Council members Gomes and Shively
for giving us a chance to digest this huge amount of data and comment. Even though I feel we are over taxed now for what we get now I was thinking about proposing a tax that must be approved by the voters every year.

This would prevent public safety and other special interests from simply "buying" a council or mayor in an election to have them mis-spend the tax money and then cry broke. We could then vote on renewing our funding to the city every year which would be another check and balance our special interest friends would have to spend a boat load of money on to gain control of.
I think the voting of the tax should be timed during off election years forcing public safety unions and other special interests to spend more money on slick campaign shenanigans to convince the public to support revenue that lines their pockets.

We could also earmark money to each department from a tax to help insure adequate staffing around departments we choose. It was a completely and shameless propaganda war last election where (since it was so excellent explained by J.D. Miller)pro public safety union supporters jeered the city for hiring consultants yet it was because of the
structural deficit as brought to our attention by Mr. Miller since 1992 that has caused every other department to reduce staff and spending in favor of public safety(hence they get 80 percent of the general fund).

I think we need a comprehensive plan to bring Vallejo back to health. I have outlined my thoughts on revenue, on the expenditure end we need to have binding arbitration removed from our city charter, and make it easier to recall and install candidates chosen by the recall. It is my belief putting the brakes (adding checks and balances) on how the city can use revenue would make it
less appealing for public safety union special interests to recall candidates. I also think we should "cap" public safety expenditures to a certain year or benchmark to prevent a pro safety union and special interest elected council from "shifting" non safety expenses from the general fund to the new tax.

Just a thought and I hope to hear more from some of the truly great folks I have met on this board.
Anonymous   |February.23.2008
P Norberg: " ... The employee contribution is the same 9% for both safety and non safety. The big difference is the city contribution - 28% of salary for safety and 17.2% for non safety. Both plans are underfunded..."

Thank you for the reasoned explanation. I am still trying to understand the meaning of terms such as "unfunded actuarial liability" ... but I'll get there. Again, thank you. In any event it is a much more reasoned explanation than any of the following:

"If Davis has temporarily staunched the blood-letting of our general budget to the
extortionists,

"there is a pathological penchant to bleed dry our city by the 1186 bosses?"

"if the 1186 (parasites) bleed the city (host) completely dry (bankruptcy) they will likely get booted by the judge in favor of Cal Fire"

If the retiree medical and retiree pension funds, which are not limited to two employee groups ("The city has two pension plans with PERS. One for safety personnel and one for all the other employees." then lets focus on those problem areas. Bringing in Calfire as an earlier poster suggested does not remove the pension plan or possibly
even the retiree medical from the 'mix'.
Rick Mariani   |February.23.2008
LOST KEYS

Someone left a set of keys in my studio thursday eve at the town hall meeting.

Please call me if you are missing your keys.

642-7262
Paul Norberg   |February.23.2008
The city has two pension plans with PERS. One for safety personnel and one for all the other employees. The employee contribution is the same 9% for both safety and non safety. The big difference is the city contribution - 28% of salary for safety and 17.2% for non safety. Both plans are underfunded - the safety plan by $52 million and the non safety plan by $32 million. The safety plan has $223 million in assets and the non safety plan $124 million in assets, but the city is still responsible for providing all the funds needed to pay the future pensions of active employees and the
current pensions of retired employees.

The city has the same responsibility for retiree medical benefits, but has not provided any money to create a fund for these future costs. The city only pays the insurance costs as presented for employees covered in the plan. The $135 million unfunded actuarial liability is the value today of what the city is responsible to pay in the future. $68 million of this is for employees who have already retired. The actuarial report does not give a break down between safety and non safety employees, so I don't have any way to estimate the cost of the two
employee groups. Safety employees are elibible to retire with full pensions at age 50 and non safety employees at age 55, so my guess would be the cost would be greater for safety employees as they may retire earlier and collect benefits for a longer period of time before medicare kicks in at age 65.

Both the pension and the retirement medical benefit plans are putting a severe strain on the city budget, and both plans need to be renegotiated.
Anonymous   |February.23.2008
Mr. Norberg: "The safety employees are comtributing 9% of pay and the city is responsible for the difference. The current city contribution is @28% of pay"

Do other employee groups contribute a 'greater' or 'smaller' %? Is this part of the "systemic problem" MS Gomes and Ms. Schively have refered to on occasion?

Mr. Norberg: "Regarding the $135 million unfunded retiree healthcare benefit. It is primarily a responsibility of the general fund." ..... "The city now funds retiree medical benefits on a pay as you go basis. That means they pay the bills as they are
presented each year. For fiscal 07/08 this cost is eatimated at $2.5 million for the general fund. For FY 08/09 it will be $2.9 million and for FY 09/10 it will be $3.3 million."

As I add up your figures for 07/08, 08/09 & 09/10 ($2.5m+$2.9m+$3.3m), I don't know how the $135,000,000 is reached? If an employee group (FD) is 25% of the total # of employees would the 07/08 liability for that group be $600,000?

Thank you for your time and explanation.
Anonymous   |February.23.2008
Thank you retired cop for the sick leave information. A question on the accrual rate/usage. If a cop has the flu and uses one day of sick leave, is his/her sick leave deducted by 9 hrs? If a fireman has the flu and misses one day and uses sick leave, is his/her sick leave deducted 24 hrs? The both miss one day, however one employee (fire) is deducted 2.6x more for the same period of time missed? Is that the reason for the difference in the accrual rate? And although the total amount of hrs accrued (for a PD) has never exceeded 2000-2500, is not, the hourly rate that a cop is paid for his
"buy out" higher than the average employee hourly rate? Consequently, 2500 hrs at one rate is similar to 5000 hrs. at a lower rate?
Snarky   |February.22.2008
NO MORE BANDAIDS!!!!! If Davis has temporarily staunched the blood-letting of our general budget to the extortionists, he had better tell us what it is going to cost us and if it includes contract extensions - w-a-y before voting on it. For many, many of us will publicly reject this strategy which seems to be the definition of insanity - doing they same thing again and again but expecting different results. Yep, that's how we got into this mess. Have we not learned by now that there is a pathological penchant to bleed dry our city by the 1186 bosses? Give them credit for at least knowing that
if the 1186 (parasites) bleed the city (host) completely dry (bankruptcy) they will likely get booted by the judge in favor of Cal Fire so they are just now coming to the table with a fix (temporary). I do not give the union-bought fools on the council nor current mayor credit to distinguish a bandaid (temporary fix) for true long-term change (do not negotiate with terrorists). And I really don't trust them to tell us (the taxpayers) what it will cost us (can you say even greater benefits to their already obscene package?). Do not sell us down the river!

Wake up, say NO! to the extortionists
and demand that we have a long-term strategy to get out of this abusive relationship with 1186.
Still Here   |February.22.2008
On our mayor's campaign literature it reads: "Osby is the only candidate with innovative solutions to the challenges facing Vallejo today." Funny, but signing contract extensions, agreeing to continue salaries that the city can't afford, secret back room door deals, etc. etc. all sound like the same old stuff we've had for over twenty years. Innovative solutions? And that would be a big no. Only candidate? Tht would be abig no also! He's got the Hanniga Wiltee henkettes who sit at his feet and nod their heads.
Glass Half Full   |February.22.2008
I believe that this might be the most critical week in the history of Vallejo politics. Citizens must show their support for Councilmembers Shively and Gomes by attending the now "study session" this next Tuesday night. Rumor has it that the audience will be stacked with people who would challenge those two councilmembers for the wrong reasons. Those same people will not even know the real issues but come to show support for the fire union and bad solutions to our budget problems. Don't let those people attack Shively and Gomes. Come and show your support Tuesday night and Thursday
night. It might be your last chance to influence which direction this City is headed.
Retired Cop   |February.22.2008
Mr. Norberg has given the correct information regarding the City's portion to the retirement with CalPers. Monthly checks are received from CalPers. The alloment comes from the 9% officer's contribution and 28% contribution from the City.
All sworn personnel will receive a cash buy out for up to 4 years of annual leave if the officer has acquired that much leave on the books. Sick leave buy out is 1/2 of all sick leave that is on the books. Officers can acquire as much sick leave as possible during their career. The difference between police and fire personnel is that police officers receive
approx. 9 hours per month of sick leave. Fire fighters receive 24 hours of sick leave per month. No police officer has never had more than 2000 to 2500 hours of sick leave even after 30 to 35 years on the force. Remember officers get only 9 hours of sick per month.
Officers do receive full medical benefits for themselves and their spouse for life. Medical is funded by the City of Vallejo. There is not cap on medical benefits.
Still Here   |February.22.2008
Sam, I don't think you need to put the document on the daily scream. If people are interested, just have the link shown and the people can go to it. Just a suggestion.
Sam Kurshan   |February.22.2008
According to the rest of the Times Herald story, the meeting will still take place Tuesday with second one scheduled for Thursday, where the decision will then be made.
Sam Kurshan   |February.22.2008
WOW CHECK THIS OUT NOW


Breaking News
Updated: February 22, 2008 56:15 PM PST

'Productive' Vallejo labor talks continue; council to delay bankruptcy decision two days
A crucial City Council decision on the city's financial crisis has been postponed from Tuesday to Thursday, city officials announced Friday. In an urgent effort to close a $6 million general fund cash shortage, city management and labor union officials have been in marathon discussions this week to hammer out an agreement. Full Story
Paul Norberg   |February.22.2008
Regarding the $135 million unfunded retiree healthcare benefit. It is primarily a responsibility of the general fund. At the 12/17/07 city council meeting the budget issues were discussed and a report showing the $135 million liability was presented. The report states that about 80% of the liability relates to the general fund and the balance to other funds. The city now funds retiree medical benefits on a pay as you go basis. That means they pay the bills as they are presented each year. For fiscal 07/08 this cost is eatimated at $2.5 million for the general fund. For FY 08/09 it will
be $2.9 million and for FY 09/10 it will be $3.3 million. Prudent accounting practices would require that retiree medical benefits be funded much like pension benefits are funded to ensure that the money is there when the bills are presented. If the city started to create a fund for these benefits now instead of when they are incurred, the cost would be $12 million annually. With deficts of $10 to $11 million projected for the the next two years, there obviously isn't any money available to pay for this future expense.

Cities and counties across the country are all worried about this
issue. Contra Costa County has an unfunded liability of $2.6 billion and this is the biggest single issue they are facing. It could lead to bankuptcy for the county if benefit plans aren't renegotiated.

For Vallejo this is just another reason why the union contracts need to be renegotiated now. A band aid short term approach won't work anymore. We need to get the personalities out of the equation and deal with the facts and figures.
Sam Kurshan   |February.22.2008
Sorry folks due to technical limitations I can not copy paste the entire document.

Don't be lazy download and read it your self:

http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/recall.pdf
Sam Kurshan   |February.22.2008
nomination papers are filed with the
secretary of the governing board. (��307, 311, 11002)
"Governing Board" includes a city council, the board of supervisors of a
county, the board of trustees of a school district or community college
district, or the legislative body of a special district. In the case of the recall
of a trial court judge "governing board" means the board of supervisors.
(�11003)
All of the required
Sam Kurshan   |February.22.2008
:idea: :idea: :idea: :idea: :idea: :idea: :idea:

HERE IS THE ENTIRE RECALL PROCESS

II. RECALL OF LOCAL OFFICERS
A. IN GENERAL
The State Constitution requires that the Legislature must provide for the
recall of local officers. This provision, however, does not affect counties
and cities whose charters provide for recall. (Cal.Const., Art. II, Sec. 19)
A "local officer" is defined as an elective officer of a city, county, school
district, community college district, or special district, or a judge of a
superior or municipal court. (��11001, 11004)
For the purpose of
recall of local officers, the term "clerk" refers to the
appropriate elections official for the jurisdiction in which the recall is being
sought, in particular:
1. the county elections official (the County Clerk or Registrar of Voters) in
the case of the recall of elective officers of a county, school district,
county board of education, community college district, or resident
voting district, and of judges of superior or municipal court.
2. the city clerk in the case of the recall of elective officers of a city; or
3. the secretary of the governing board in case of the recall of
elective
officers of a landowner voting district or any district in which, at a
regular election, candidates
Sam Kurshan   |February.22.2008
What I would like to do NOW, with a little feedback first please, would be to email Bartee, Sunga, Hannigan, Wilson and Davis with the link to this document, saying that they ought to familiarize themselves with it as soon as possible because they are going to need to
Sam Kurshan   |February.22.2008
7. Serve the Answer
If an answer is filed, the officer must within seven days after the
filing of the Notice of Intention, serve a copy of the answer, by
personal delivery or by certified mail, on one of the proponents
named in the notice. (�11023)
6 Proof of publication is obtained from the newspaper publisher after the Notice of Intention
appears in print.
Sam Kurshan   |February.22.2008
I have spent most of the afternoon doing research on the recall process. Unless we want to recall only Bartee and Sunga,we have to wait 90 days from when they took office, which was December 4th.

We can't just go out and get signatures either.

A legal process has to be followed.

Here are some of the steps from the document from the California Secretary of State that I earlier urged you all to download and familiarize yourselves wit

PRELIMINARY STEPS
1. Serve, File, Publish Notice of Intention
Proponents begin the recall of an elective officer, including any
officer appointed in lieu of
election or to fill a vacancy, by the
service, filing and publication or posting of a Notice of Intention to
circulate a recall petition. (�11006)
The only limitation on these proceedings is that they may not be
commenced against an officer of a city, county, special district,
school district, community college district, or county board of
education if:
(a) the officer has not held office during the current term for
more than 90 days.
(b) a recall election has been determined in the officer's favor
within the last six months.
(c) the officer's term ends within six months or less.
However,
these limitations do not apply to an officer appointed in
lieu of an election pursuant to �10229(a)(2). (�11007)
2. Serve the Notice of Intention
A copy of the Notice of Intention must be served by personal
delivery or by certified mail on the officer sought to be recalled. In
addition, the original of the Notice of Intention, along with an
affidavit of the time and manner of service, must be filed within 7
days with the appropriate elections official. A separate Notice of
Intention must be filed for each officer sought to be recalled.
[See Exhibits A and B] (�11021)
3. Publish
A copy of the
notice must be published at the proponents' expense
at least once in a newspaper of general circulation. The publication
need not include the information listed in Section 5(d) below. If
such publication is not possible, the notice shall be posted in at
least three public places within the jurisdiction of the officer sought
to be recalled. Posting is allowed only if there is no newspaper of
general circulation able to provide timely publication in the
jurisdiction of the officer whose recall is being sought.
(Government Code �6000, et seq., �11022)
16
4. File Proof of Publication
The
proponents must file proof of publication6 or an affidavit of
posting the Notice of Intention at the same time that they file two
blank copies of the petition with the appropriate elections official.
(�11042)
5. Content of Notice of Intention
The Notice of Intention must contain all of the following:
(a) the name and title of the officer to be recalled;
(b) a statement, not over 200 words in length, of the reasons for
recall;
(c) the printed name, signature, and residence address of each
of the proponents. If a proponent cannot receive mail at his
or her residence address, the Notice of
Intention must also
contain his or her mailing address. The number of signers
shall be 10 or equal to the number of signatures required to
be filed on the nomination paper of the officer sought to be
recalled, whichever is greater. Each proponent must be a
registered voter in the electoral jurisdiction;
(d) the provisions of Elections Code �11023, which permit
incumbents who are the subject of recall to file an answer to
the notice and prescribes the method for doing so.
[See Exhibit C] (��11005, 11020)
6. Answer of Recallee
Within seven days after the filing of the Notice of Intention,
the
officer sought to be removed may file with the elections official an
answer of not more than 200 words. (�11023(a))
The answer shall be signed and shall be accompanied by the
printed name, signature, and business or residence address of the
officer sought to be recalled. (�11023(c))
7. Serve the Answer
If an answer is filed, the officer must within seven days after the
filing of the Notice of Intention, serve a copy of the answer, by
personal delivery or by certified mail, on one of the proponents
named in the notice. (�11023)
6 Proof of publication is obtained from the newspaper publisher
after the Notice of Intention
appears in print.
deepthroat   |February.22.2008
have the petition ready on tuesday and sign the people up. I think those chambers will be packed. Be prepared to address the motion to continue. (of course they will move to continue to have more time to 'think' about it)and they can act when not so many people are watching...
Rick Mariani   |February.22.2008
I can smell it ...... the extension of the contract that is the root of all of this mess. I say not one more month let alone 2 more years until 2012.

This is like putting a band-aid on cancer and although the lesion might not be visible the cancer grows and the city will surely die.

We can begin the recall process for the two new puppets as well as the mayor (the possible or probable 5th puppet) after 90 days in office which is March 4th!

I think we have the votes and the power to recall anyone who agrees to this extension and we all know who they are already. We have seen the power of a
recall recently in California and we just need to seize the day. Carpe Diem!
Sam Kurshan   |February.22.2008
Why hasn't a single person other than Rick Mariani and myself, spoken about a recall :?:
deepthroat   |February.22.2008
Also, as to the sick leave, that's true. What's at stake is the uncapped vacation leave, that can be accrued forever, and since fire never takes vacation (they never have to) that's the cash payout upon retirement.
Paul Norberg   |February.22.2008
Anonymous seems to think that the City of Vallejo is not responsible for pension payments. Where do you think the money comes from? In fiscal 08/09 the city contribution to the safety pension plan will be $8.6 million. It is true that CALPERS issues the checks to the retirees, but the funds come from the city and the employee contributions. The safety employees are comtributing 9% of pay and the city is responsible for the difference. The current city contribution is @28% of pay. Every year CALPERS makes an actuarial valuation to determine the city contribution. The CALPERS report
is available on the city web site - budget information documents "6/30/06 CalPERS Annual Valuation Report - Safety". The valuation report projects the future pension cost of retired and current employees, adds in the projected future employee and city contributions and compares that to the value of the assets on hand plus the projected investment earnings on those funds. The latest report at 6/30/06 shows an unfunded liability of $52 million. The 28% city contribution is determined by the cost of future pensions for current and retired employees and the estimated investment earnings
made by CALPERS on the assets it is holding. If the stock market does well, the city contribution goes down, but if the market suffers a decline, the city will pay more.
deepthroat   |February.22.2008
if only it were that simple. We have a pro fire union majority.
Sam Kurshan   |February.22.2008
In that case, turn it sideways, put some salt on it :idea: and stick it where the sun don't shine
deepthroat   |February.22.2008
Ok. it's official. There is an offer on the table. it will be to extend the fire contract til 2012. And it only helps the city for four months.
Maureen Kocourek   |February.22.2008
Regarding retiree payouts.

It is my understanding that once a city employee retires, then the funding (which the city has been paying into during the employee's active career) is the responsibility of Cal-PERS.

The money no longer comes from the City of Vallejo.

Has anyone visited the City of Vallejo's website?
I'm referring to the section "Budget Information Documents"
Within that section there are a couple of reports from CalPERS. One deals with Safety employees, the other with what they call "miscellaneous" employees.
Both documents say this, in
part:

"Any unused sick leave accumulated at the time of retirement will be converted to credited service at the rate of 0.004 years of service for each day of sick leave.

That's on page 41 of the report.

I don't think any of the accumulated sick leave gets "bought out". I do think that the accumulated annual leave is bought out.

On another note, we are all aware of the "Special Meeting" at 4:30 on Tuesday in the City Council Conference Room, aren't we?
Anonymous   |February.22.2008
Silas, I have no idea if the City of Vallejo has an obligation to retiree medical in the amount of $135,000,000. I was responding to what you alleged 13 posts earlier: "Vallejo's obligation to retirees is still $135,000,000 no matter how you try to dance around it." According to the TH, the GF is the only thing in jeopardy regarding bankruptcy. If that $135,000,000 is not relative to the bankruptcy proceeding, then it is a moot point. Just concern yourself with what the problem is ..... bankruptcy. If retiree medical is not connected to the GF and bankruptcy concerns, "I didn't
read anyplace where the $135,000,000 obligation was from the general fund": Silas Barnabe, then there is no reason to worry about it.
Silas Barnabe   |February.22.2008
Anony,
I didn't read anyplace where the $135,000,000 obligation was from the general fund, care to provide a link to said fact or is it more of the same for you and your friends obfuscation, distortation admit nothing until you face what we are facing now? In addition do you deny that there is a $135,000,000 obligation from retirees to the city of Vallejo?
MISSMARVELOUS   |February.22.2008
Does anyone know how a City of Vallejo bankruptcy would affect the VAllejo Housing Authority? We know they use funds from HUD to help out of town land-lords with their rentals (the same Napa, Marin and other city land-lords that dont take care of their property and fill our historic district with section 8 housing.) Um... Wouldnt it be fun to publish all the names of slum-lords along with accompaning pictures of their properties in their local papers (Such as the Napa Register and the Marin Independent.)
Sam Kurshan   |February.22.2008
There seems to be a glitch.

The Web site link for the free Adobe pdf Reader is:

http://www.adobe.com/products/reader/

Must have been gremlins
Sam Kurshan   |February.22.2008
Sorry folks the web site link for the free Adobe pdf Reader is:

http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/recall.pdf
Sam Kurshan   |February.22.2008


The following web site link is for a document titled:
"PROCEDURE FOR RECALLING STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS".

It is 30 pages and is in pdf format. So it requires the free Adobe pdf Viewer to read it once it is downloaded to your computer.

The web site link for the document is:

http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/recall.pdf

The web site link for the free Adobe pdf Reader is:

http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/recall.pdf

THERE WILL BE A POP QUIZ ON THIS ON TUESDAY. SO, FOR HOME WORK OVER THE WEEKEND, YOU SHOULD READ THE ENTIRE DOCUMENT IN ORDER TO BE PREPARED!

I AIN'T
PLAIN' HERE :!:
Sam Kurshan   |February.22.2008
>>>>>>>LATEST RECALL INFORMATION
Anonymous   |February.22.2008
I cannot see a difference between a "buy out" and "The sick leave is added into the retirement pension."
"Added" would mean an increase wouldn't it?
I am not "hung up" on Pearsall. I am relatively sure he is a source you would trust for the correct answers. He would know the formula for sick leave buy out (hour for hour?). He was a recipient of a VPD sick leave buy out, if he had any sick leave. He should also know if his retirement check is from the City of Vallejo, as Norberg implied OR from CALPERS (separate from the City of Vallejo). For information
purposes, it might be worthwhile to at least get his opinion/perspective regarding retiree medical.
If the retiree medical is $135,000,000 from the GF (which is only $85,000,000), then something needs to be done for sure. However, targeting only 25% (FD) of the employees as the problem as Sam Kurshan has " the very people who are responsible for our present dilemma, IAFF 1186!", is ..... to quote Ms Miessner ... "insane".
Sam Kurshan   |February.22.2008
I meant Puppet #5
Sam Kurshan   |February.22.2008
Rick,

I fully support your idea and would be more than willing to help write it.

Additionally though, I beleive it should include puppet #4.

Osby Davis!

I was supposed to move on Tuesday and have postponed that until Wednesday, so I can devote all of my time and effort between now and Tuesday to do anything I can to help.

By the way, thank you for finishing what I started to say, concerning this, last night. ]

Somehow in his energetic effort to make sure everyone had time to speak, Allan unintentionally cut me off mid way throught my statement.
Katy Miessner   |February.22.2008
Anonymous, I am slightly corrected: From the T-H:

Fourteen veteran firefighters announced their retirements...[they]...feared the city, facing a $6 million deficit and possible bankruptcy, would be unable to buy out their accrued vacation and sick pay.

Jim Higgins...faced losing 5,400 hours of accrued sick leave, which translated into an added year's retirement and a cash payout of an "undisclosed amount. "

I based my estimate on Jim Higgins' w-2 from last year:
$232,729 Higgins W-2 2006
how much he grossed before taxes)
$256,000 With 2007 10%
raise

$171,000 Reduce by 1/3 (account for OT)
$60 divide by 2928 (# of straight-time hours in a year)

I think $60 is a fairly correct guess (reasonable in the sense of correct, not reasonable pay). Glad to hear that you think $60 an hour is too high to pay, I think we all can agree on that.

Either higgins got $325,000 or he got some of $325,000 added to his retirement and got some cash. Sounds like he got the value of all $325,000.

If the feds have this same deal then the feds are too high (unless their salaries are a lot lower than Vallejo, and I believe they are. CFD is
lower, we heard that last night from JD MIller).
Still Here   |February.22.2008
Anon, No the Fed.s do not. The sick leave is added into the retirement pension. At least for civil service employees. And why are you so hung up on Pearsall?
Anonymous   |February.22.2008
Ms Miessner .... I think you are speculating too much. Are you sure that employees can elect to get paid, hour-for-hour, of their sick leave balance? You should confirm that with ex-Councilman Pearsall (ret. PD). $60 per hour, for a FD employee (what rate?), sounds very generous indeed. I will speculate that is too high. I am glad to know that you regard $60 as reasonable, but I would guess, it is too high. It would be informative if Mr. Norberg could include that in his revisionist history as to when that came about (sick leave buy-out)? I wonder if the Federal govt. has some sort of sick
leave buy out?
Silas Barnabe   |February.22.2008
So anony you have proved one thing, you can certainly dance. Vallejo's obligation to retirees is still $135,000,000 no matter how you try to dance around it.
Rick Mariani   |February.22.2008
This coming Tuesday evening we will see the four puppets (Bartee, Sunga, Hannigan and Wilson) who I refer to as "The Gang of Four" vote for a contract extension. We all know it is going to happen. All of us can see it coming.

What can we do?

Well first we can be there kicking and screaming and trying to appeal to whatever integrity they might still have but the real thing we can do and hopefully begin that evening is to have a Recall Petition available so we can sign it and get the Recall process underway.

It is time to cut the puppeteer Henke's strings!
Katy Miessner   |February.22.2008
Here's the answer, Anonymous: the City can't pay anymore. No more money. You have killed the goose and the golden egg is gone.

And for an example of how out of control our safety personnel pay and benefits are, Jim Higgins just retired and got paid out for 5400 hours of sick leave (who ever heard of getting sick leave paid out?)

If Higgins was making $60/hour--a reasonable estimate--his sick leave pay-out alone totaled $325,000. If all 21 fire & police who just retired had these amounts of accrued sick leave paid out, Vallejo will have to pay $7 million in sick leave alone. That is
insane.
Still Here   |February.22.2008
Interesting tidbit from last night's meeting was that the safety unions finally conceeded to the fact that the city was broke. Excuse me? They knew all along and this was just another ploy to bargin their way into more perks and contract extensions. They have been masters at playing this game and had they negotiated in "good faith" they would have accepted the cuts in pay, agreed to cut the minumum staffing requirements, and cut all those other little perks that have cost the tax payers too much money, just like they are apparently agreeing to do now. If they had done this over two
years ago, we wouldn't be heading into bankruptcy and having to gut the other city dept.s. All that crying for "good faith bargining" has put a bad taste in everybody's mouth. They sat around making excuse after excuse and now that we are in panic mode, then they say they finally have trust in the numbers? And the sad part of this whole negotiations is that this only keeps the city out of bankruptcy this year...maybe. We will be right back at this same place next year. So instead of the Council dealing with building revenues, they will spend yet another year trying to deal with the
budget. So our "funded four" will have that as an excuse not to make good on their campaign promises and move the city forward. What a mess!

Ms. Erin "straight talk" Hannigan has no concern for other employees that will be losing their jobs, no concern for the citizens that will have no services, no concern for the CBO's that will be cut off and possibly have to shut down, but consistantly vocalizes her concern for her funding source, the henkettes. We see where her priorities are, loud and clear.
Anonymous   |February.22.2008
I am not sure. Ex-councilman Pearsall could address that question ("Then perhaps the retirees wouldn't mind if we stopped paying out that obligation?" more accurately as he is a recipient of retiree medical. The city is not currently paying anything for his retirement income or any other retirees income. In any event, taking away retiree medical from dedicated individuals who served so long and unselfishly (PD), like ex-councilman Pearsall, seems unappreciative at the very least.
Firebug   |February.22.2008
So are you saying Vallejo is not on the hook for $135 million for retirees? Then perhaps the retirees wouldn't mind if we stopped paying out that obligation? Most of which is for medical benefits (it must be nice to retire at 50)
Anonymous   |February.22.2008
Norberg fails to include the "10% higher than 14 surrounding cities and fire districts" was the City of Vallejo's idea that was offered to, then, union president Russ Sherman. The time frame would have been 1989 and not 2000.
It is also hard to believe that his understanding of where retirement money comes from is so wrong. If he would just ask his community neighbor ex-councilman Pearsall, if the City of Vallejo GF (or any city fund for that matter) is obligated for his 90%(+?) retirement check. The answer is no.
Still Here   |February.22.2008
Here is a link to the news broadcast from the town hall meeting from channel 2.

http://www.ktvu.com/video/15375099/index
Firebug   |February.22.2008
Last post was one of the rats leaving the sinking ship perhaps?
Anonymous   |February.22.2008
Paul Norberg rewrites history or revisionism without (with??) malice: "Here is a little history of our public safety contracts. They were originally negotiated in 2000 and covered the years 2000 to 2005 and then were extended to 2010.

In 2000, when the current Public Safety Union contracts were negotiated with the Fire and Police Unions, the City agreed to set union salaries at 10% higher than 14 surrounding cities and fire districts. ...blah blah blah....

Also, in 2000, pension benefits were increased
Firebug   |February.22.2008
The cat is out of the bag now! The only reason to avoid bankruptcy is to preserve public safety contracts, and preserve our bond rating so that means:

A)Certain members of the council want to continue borrowing for pet projects and developments, and beholden to public safety unions the contracts would be preserved intact and they could grant the contract extensions that got us in this mess.

In short there is nothing for you and I in avoiding bankruptcy unless you have a pet development project that meets the majority Council's fancy, or you are a public safety union employee. That sure
doesn't add up to a whole lot of Vallejoans.
Anonymous   |February.22.2008
My hat goes off to the Town Hall meeting oranizerslast night! Those who were responsible for organizing this event ought to be very proud in that you have provided a much-needed forum for our community. Special thanks to Joanne and Stephanie for their articulate contributions as well as to the fine panel presentations. The presentations went a long way to assist all of us in understanding the situation we are in, how we got here, and what the future might hold. Good job!!!!!!
Silas Barnabe   |February.22.2008
Much thanks for an excellent presentation of Councilmembers Gomes and Shively. Great speakers it is now abundantly clear why there wasn't any comments from official safety representatives. Safety unions clearly will lose if our officials file, I should have know this when nearly two dozen of them put in their retirement papars. The comments from Mayor Davis, Hannigan and others about bankruptcy not being a "panacea" is false as far as I am concerned now.
J.M   |February.21.2008
The Buffalo on the wall had a nice hat at the Townhall meeting this evening! It kept looking at me while, I sat in the back corner . I really hope there is a gigantic turnout this coming Monday, February 25 & even more Vallejo residents on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at the council meeting.
Sam Kurshan   |February.21.2008
I just hope people are as energetically involved in the recall of Bartee,Sunga, Wilson, Hannigan and possibly Davis, as they are now. Because until we get them out of city government, the same thing will occur again and again. That being a Council stacked and controlled by the puppets of the very people who are responsible for our present dilemma, IAFF 1186!
Firebug   |February.21.2008
I loved Erin Hannigan's, and Davis comments about bankruptcy is not a panacea. They mentioned it wouldn't mean tossing out the unions contracts yet 21 police and firefighters don't agree with as they put in for retirement.
Still Here   |February.21.2008
I'm disappointed that the City has not learned from it's past mistakes. If they continue down this road of robbing the Redevelopment fund to put into the general fund they risk being sued again. Doesn't seem like a smart move. Since they are losing so many employees to retirement anyway, they should totally redo the emergancy plan.

I can remember Charles Bailche (spelling) coming to council meetings and complaining about the compliance to the law suit and ensuring that the promised work be completed for Homeacres. As a matter of fact, we still haven't finished with the Buchungo(spelling)
issue for affordable housing and now, here we go again with "risky" redevelopement fund finagling....
The Dumas   |February.21.2008
Nevermind.
ReDevelpoment Agency
The Dumas   |February.21.2008
What does RDA stand for?
Firebug   |February.21.2008
After reading the recent W2 firefighters compensation, I would say that they got more than their fair share. We can identify the public safety influence in campaign contributions linking them to certain candidates, it would be nice to see the RDA influence in campagn contributions to these politicians that got us in this mess but no one has told us who these dark figures are.
Little Old Lady   |February.21.2008
Remember that the "system" that is feeding on Vallejo is multifaceted. The City's finance sheets make it look like the General Fund, the Redevelopment Agency and the Housing Authority are all very separate. But that is not how it works in real life.

When the VHA takes their multimillion $ cut from the incoming HUD Subsidies to pay for a bunch of folks to write checks to the absentee landlords who milk their "cash cows", none of it goes to pay for the increases in social and public safety services paid for by the General Fund. When the City sees the answer to every cash
problem as more Redevelopment and creates a strategy to destroy a National Historic Landmark so that they can tear down those old brick buildings facing the Napa Straits and build some nice State Farm type buildings for the tax increment, we give up our soul as well as the future possibility of any heritage tourism economy. When the City extends the timeline for an existing Redevelopment Area because the last period only resulted in a ring of subsidized housing strangling the life out of the old city center which then will require more subsidized housing, then see the first sentance of this
paragraph.

For every problem there is a nice simple solution...and it is always wrong. The frantic "swift boat attacks" are an attempt to divert the masses into believing that the "tomorrow" shown in the Economic Development Department's powerpoint shows might be real. How else can the City float more Redevelopment Bonds so that DaSilva Gates can build some more infrastructure and fill the pockets of all the consultants. The Fire Union just wants their share of the loot.
Doug   |February.21.2008
I can do that but it deserves the full detail. Doris, Burl you radicals you, are you still in the area? Send us a sign o great ones, protectors of the poor, heroes of public justice and personal heroes of mine. Hello, hello
Still Here   |February.21.2008
Doug, this sounds like an important historical piece. Maybe you should submit it ti the editor as a "Primal Scream" so that it can be read more smoothly and completely.
Doug Sherman   |February.21.2008
Part 2 redux (double quotes also a problem)

Someone did notice however, a couple of Berkeley Radicals as some would probably call them who lived next door to Lewis ave. I was living in the area at the time and started meeting with the radicals to figure out how to stop the whole thing. We circulated a petition and I presented it to the board of sups. The upstanding supervisor came unglued and read me the riot act. Can you imagine, someone having the audacity to interfere with a perfectly legal swindling of public funds. So at the end of the day we had stopped this public rip off. The
Vallejo Redevelopment agency continued to sit on the money and then tried to divert it away from the Glen Cove area. The radicals took the case to the grand jury and the finding came back that the money must be used in the project area. This is where I go fuzzy on the particulars and the movement of the money (some of the money may still be floating around a balance sheet somewhere) but the lasting impression for me is that redevelopment must be watched very, very closely. It has a history of corruption and mismanagement here in Vallejo. The most hilarious thing to see is the chairman of the
long lost corruption committee get up in the public comment portion of the board of sups meetings and complain about everything under the sun. Must be some kind of guilty psychology at work in him.
Doug Sherman   |February.21.2008
Part 2 - sorry long winded today

Someone did notice however, a couple of
Doug Sherman   |February.21.2008
I cant remember who asked the question about redevelopment and dont know if this post will even answer it but heres my direct experience with corruption in the redevelopment process. Back when Glen Cove was nothing but rolling hills of long grass blowing in the wind, someone or some group decided that the long grass and the rusty old barbed wire fence that ran along Glen Cove road was blighted. So they set up a redevelopment district and built the beautiful Glen Cove we know today; much nicer than the dumb old grass. The redevelopment district encompassed both sides of 780, the entire section
of unincorporated Solano County with Benicia road running down through the center of the entire district. So tax increments began to roll in and they grew to 5 million or so. A county supervisor (not Barbara) had a high school friend that lived on Lewis Ave, which is adjacent to Glen Cove, so he was appointed the chair of a commission to decide how the blight was to be best mitigated. OK, so he appoints all his neighbors to sit on the commission with him and oh yes, one other person from Banning Ave. across 780. By the way, the announcement for the commission was published in the paper, the
Fairfield paper that is. All quite legal. So they met and tried to figure out how best to spend this money and can you imagine, the recommendation came back that all the money should be spent on Lewis Ave. The very neighborhood where these commissioners live and own many acres of land. Never mind the dirt poor people and completely substandard infrastructure along Benicia road and it side streets. The supervisor reviewed the recommendation and found it to be sound and of good judgment, after all who will notice. Someone did notice however, a couple of
Doug Sherman   |February.21.2008
hey Marc, the single quote character is still causing a problem.
Doug Sherman   |February.21.2008
I can
MISSMARVELOUS   |February.21.2008
Let's keep our eyes open folks, many of us feel that maybe bankruptcy is the answer, we could really shake the unions up, but let's look a the possibilies. Remember the online discussions with "Litte Old Lady" last week, we need to protect our "goodies." There are forces at work that would like to see Vallejo in bankruptcy, that way Vallejo would be forced to give up some of it best and most valuable assets, such as Water Rights (the City of Vallejo is rich is water rights, we own Green Valley Falls, and several lakes in Napa, that doesn't make the Green Valley or the Napa
residents happy, I am surprised they haven't gone after our water right before, or maybe they have...) St. Peter's Chapel folks, wake up and smell the history! Worth millions!!! It's been proposed to remove the windows for restoration, right! Do you think the windows would ever be put back? The ferry, oh yeah they have that already.
Remember our city problems could distract us from what is really going on, let's keep a watch out and protect our interests! What say you "Little Old Lady?"
Anonymous   |February.20.2008
SOLUTION: Vallejo needs a big-time Matier and Ross (SF Chronicle) investigation into what's going on in this town. Nothing better than to have the best investigative reporters in the Bay Area lift up the rug and see how much dirt is really under there. Matier and Ross will not let anything slip by or mince their words.
Still Here   |February.20.2008
Yeah, "vali vallejo 6 yrs" who thinks that Gomes and Schivley are hiding the "bad loans" and consultant fees information! Where was she when the council talked about the transportation fund? I hope she does show up so we can asks some questions of her.
Firebug   |February.20.2008
I think the natives at the TH blogs are really about three people so if there are only three seats we might be in troube
Still Here   |February.20.2008
Oh the natives are restless! (T-H blogs)It appears that there are indications that people other than those who want to hear about the ramifications of bankruptcy are planning to attend the meeting tomorrow. Funny how they don't show up for the regular council meetings yet they want to take over a town hall meeting! So be advised to get there early to have a seat. It will be interesting to hear what people have to say, but I hope they don't think they will monopolize the meeting with issues that don't have anything to do with the subject matter like casinos on Mare Island and wallymart!
Anonymous   |February.20.2008
"You would think that people would get tired of playing the "Blame Game.""

We'll know if that is true or not after tomorrows town hall?
Glass half Full   |February.20.2008
You would think that people would get tired of playing the "Blame Game." But I assume that it's easier to blame one Councilwoman, Gomes, for all of the financial problems that have been ocurring for over 20 years in this City. I believe she has been on the Council for 2 years!
Instead of just asking Councilwoman Gomes what she has done for economic development why not ask councilmembers, past and present, what they have done. At least she tried to get the Nugget Market to come to Vallejo but didn't get support from other councilmembers.
And don't stop with just asking councilmembers
what they have done, we should also ask the Economic Development Dept. for the City of Vallejo what they have done to bring in new business.
The answer will be for the most part, "NOTHING."
In the new Financial Emergency Plan, the only thing that is suggested to enhance revenues in the City is to increase fees so the residents can pay more for more increases in salaries etc. etc.
The blame shouldn't be placed on the shoulders of Gomes or anyone else who doesn't have loyality to any special interest groups or unions. The blame should be placed on the shoulders of the public safety
unions. In 2006 John Thompson was hired as the City Manager based on his experience in economic development. Thompson's entire year was spent attempting to deal with the public safety unions. The result: no reasonable agreement with public safety and no economic development.
Joe Tanner was picked as the City Manager because of his expertise in economic development. Tanner's entire first year was spent dealing with the public safety unions and now a new council which four members were endorsed by public safety unions.
The result: no reasonable agreement to save this City with the public
safety unions and no time to do economic development.
So there is Gomes two years on the Council.
With this the on-going battle with the public safety unions, no one has the time or the manpower to devote to economic development which this City needs. So let's deal with facts and not fantasy and fix this City.
Still Here   |February.20.2008
Where in the City charter does it say that Council members have to bring in revenue? I've looked under the job definitions and can't find it anywhere. It's the economic developement department within the city, and Chamber of Commerce(s), Convention and Visitor's Bureau that are supposed to be looking for and bringing in revenue. So when did a policy making body become the revenue generating agency?
Anonymous   |February.20.2008
And another thing--apparently some on other blogs are blaming Gomes for our current situation becuase she "voted against WalMart?" Are you people a bunch of idiots?

Walmart chose to build on the White Slough. This area has a plan in place that does not allow for the humongous super Wal-Mart. And when was this plan put in place? 1995, years before Gomes lived here. So you can all blame yourselves. And you people were the ones who said Mare Island would be a regional park. And then LNG comes along? Vallejo doesn't know how to keep a promise or a commitment. No wonder the good
businesses avoid us like the plague.

Besides, WalMart got their votes and they are the ones stalling now, NOT THE CITY, not Gomes. They are required to do an economic analysis that was voted for by Fire Union puppet Pamela Pitts. And Walmart also has to do the legally required EIR. WalMart is AWOL.

You Safety Union cronies need to find some other scapegoat. And BTW, another Fire Union puppet, Bartee voted the same way as Gomes. Why are you not pointing fingers at him?
Bob   |February.20.2008
Hmmmm - when to start the recall, when to start the recall. . . . decisions, decisions, decisions!
Anonymous   |February.20.2008
Council member Gomes has pushed for wholesale change of our fiscal situation for her entire term on council(and before, see VCPR letter) Wholesale change meaning the end of binding arbitration that is brought this town to its knees.

Schivley warned for years that we were going to be in this situation.

And now will the five Henkettes: Davis, Hannigan, Wilson, Bartee, Sunga shelve the effort started by the prior council to challenge binding arbitration?

And speaking of revenue development, Davis, Hannigan & Sunga have delayed the downtown because they are so unfamiliar with it that
they put off an important vote until March. Hannigan and Sunga, Chamber of Commerce cronies, should know about this project! And Sunga's been on council for two years (apparently napping). Thanks Vallejo voters for voting in these two stooges.
Firebug   |February.20.2008
So Gomes needs to bring in more income? What has Sunga, Bartee, Wilson, and Hannigan done? I don't think Gomes ran on a new revenue platform does that make the above safety endorsed majority liars now that there is no new revenue? Wouldn't it be a conflict of interest to vote on developments catering to the poor like Walmart and owning multiple property around Vallejo that caters to the poor?
Anonymous   |February.20.2008
I doubt that Gomes has caused it all. Though "cutting" (Gomes) is only a band aid .... what are the revenue ideas that she has brought? Don't give things like Touro, unless you give the same credit to everyone else on council that likes those type of possible revenue ideas. The "Discovery" center on Parcel A is a loser as well.
Silas Barnabe   |February.19.2008
I was looking at the Times Herald blog on bankruptcy a while ago and it looks like zippy "vote out all incumants" is posting away that this whole financial mess is caused by Gomes! As long as the Times Herald has posters like zippy we can forget about "intelligent discourse".
Anonymous   |February.19.2008
How did they cover the big deficits in the transportation and marina funds?
Anonymous   |February.19.2008
Cal Fire dosen't look to bad now, huh?
Smoke Filter   |February.19.2008
Continued: Rumor has it that even the state and other outside stakeholders have grown increasingly apprehensive about Vallejo
Smoke Filter   |February.19.2008
Vallejo is Burning to the Ground. Can we expect a Phoenix?

Why should any of us be surprised that the City is under water? Vallejo has been a growing cesspool of fiscal mismanagement for years ranging from the $70 million school system deficit disaster, to the big deficits in the transportation and marina funds and the looming trainwreck of our general fund bankruptcy spurred by incompetent public safety contract negotiations.

Rumor has it that even the state and other outside stakeholders have grown increasingly apprehensive about Vallejo
Sparky   |February.19.2008
Now most of you agree that the (Behind) The Times Herald is a lousy newspaper. And it has only gotten worse the last few years. Really, what paper misspells the name of the city it is published in above the fold??? It is also well known that Ron Rhea is great buddies with Henke. Now, if only he takes the buyout: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/02/19/state/n152633S01.DTL&tsp=1

I believe our local rag is part of this chain. If anyone watches The Wire, they will immediately understand the politics of our modern day newspaper business.
Firebug   |February.19.2008
That link to the national reaction is hilarious, I wonder where the 1166 TH bloggers and the Osby Davis bloggers are? I am certain the national bloggers will go real easy on them
Anonymous   |February.19.2008
National Reaction To NBC11 Article
http://www.topix.net/forum/source/nbc11/TP2C82VHPAFQJ0API


Vallejo On Brink Of Bankruptcy
VALLEJO, Calif. -- by John Boitnott , Web Producer
The city of Vallejo is on the brink of becoming the first
California city ever to declare bankruptcy, city council
members said Tuesday.
Anonymous   |February.19.2008
VALLEJO JUST MADE HISTORY...WE'RE ON THE DRUDGE REPORT
DRUDGE REPORT LINKED TO NBC11 ARTICLE BELOW......

Vallejo On Brink Of Bankruptcy - News Story - KNTV | San Francisco
http://www.nbc11.com/news/15345539/detail.htm...

Vallejo On Brink Of Bankruptcy
POSTED: 19 pm PST February 19, 2008
UPDATED: 3:49 pm PST February 19, 2008
VALLEJO, Calif.-- by John Boitnott, Web Producer

The city of Vallejo is on the brink of becoming the
first California city ever to declare bankruptcy,
City Council members said Tuesday.

Silas Barnabe   |February.19.2008
Excellent letter Alun, I will relish the article from the Times Herald explaining why the city had too few lifeboats. I wonder which Council members that claimed to want an open and honest government in their campaign voted to suppress the truth?
Sam Kurshan   |February.19.2008
Hmmm. Now isn't that special!

Eeny meeny miney, Bartee, Sunga, Hannigan, Wilson, Davis?

Who could it have beeezed?

Need I say Mo?

Recall time! Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding, Ding!!!!!!!!!
Anonymous   |February.19.2008
Very important excerpt from the MSNBC article today found at:


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23241404

"Council members Joanne Schivley and Gomes have announced they will host a community town hall meeting this Thursday to discuss bankruptcy.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at 733 Tennessee Street between Napa and El Dorado."

>>>>>> "Gomes said she and Schivley wanted the meeting to be held Tuesday night at City Hall >>>>but one of the council members pulled the item from the agenda.
Sam Kurshan   |February.19.2008
Fughedabowdit Alun,

That'll happen when pigs fly.

T.H. Publisher,Ron Rhea, has a blind allegiance to Kurt Henke.
Perhaps you recall a very short time ago, the TH shutting down their blogs when they started to become overwhelmingly against their policy of endorsing 1186 policies and candidates. This is what the TH stands for. A good old boy mentality that will only go away when enough voters wake up to the fact that they are responsible for our current financial state of affairs. This goes back decades and comes full circle to County Supervisor De Silva, who finally will have an opponent in
the next County Supervisor's race.

Unfortunately, bankruptcy may be the only thing that finally opens the eye of the blind voters who have followed the 1186 band wagon into the sea like lemmings.

Davis = former County Supervisor= Home boy of De Silva= anti Kondylis=anti Cloutier=TH=1186==Ron Rhea.

Man that got me dizzy

My solution is to recall everyone but Gomes and Schively.
Alun Whittaker   |February.19.2008
To the Editor, Vallejo Times-Herald
Dear Sir:

Once again I appeal to your, apparently hibernating,
journalistic ethics in requesting honest and truthful (as
opposed to "fair and honest", (c) Fox News) reporting of the
City of Vallejo's financial crisis. As our city's only
widely available news medium, you do have an ethical
responsibility to report fully, truthfully, and objectively
on the issues. This you have not done in the recent past.
For example:

In Spring 2007, you prominently reported (and editorially
endorsed) claims that city government was crying financial

wolf-at-the-door: publically reporting a budget crisis,
while sitting comfortably on millions in secret accounts and
loans? Yet now, without retraction or explanation, your same
reporter writes that the city is on the doorsteps of
bankruptcy!

In Summer 2007, you cheered on the fire union in its fight
to prevent lay-offs, claiming concern for public safety to
be its sole concern, Yet now, you report that fire fighters
are retiring in droves to save their huge pension packages
from the bankruptcy court's axe. You do not question their
sudden failure of concern for public safety , nor
for the
safety of the understaffed fire crews they leave behind. You
even resist the urge to editorialize about rodents not
staying aboard their sinking abalone boat.

In Fall 2007, readers of the Times-Herald were continually
regaled with the need for fresh faces and new ideas to solve
our city's problems, along with a slate of candidates,
well-funded by special interests, but pledged to be
responsive to the citizens' will for a new approach to
solving Vallejo's long-running union disputes. Since their
successful election, our new city council majority seems
incapable of anything
but resolutions to "delay the vote" to
make more time for yet "more study". Now, when council
members Schivley and Gomes called a special town hall
meeting to explain the realities of the situation to the
public, our new city council majority chose to "respond to
the public" by staying away, and Mayor Davis questioned what
he believed to be an "atmosphere of panic".

It seems that the only ones panicking right now are of our
city council majority and their union paymasters, too busy
jumping overboard to spare time to brief their leaderless
deck crew of
council members. In the face of the council
majority's inability to act, what we need is to appoint an
emergency committee of qualified, knowledgeable representatives capable of addressing the problem, for a
start: council members Schivley and Gomes; former council
members Cloutier and Pearsall; City Manager Tanner, and
Finance Director Stout. Then let's give them the authority
necessary to bring our budget back onto a balanced,
sustainable course. Next, and this Mr. Editor is where you
fit in, we need a trustworthy channel for local information,
committed to providing all of the
news, and only the news:
clearly delineating between facts, opinions, and propaganda.
Is that too much to ask the ethical employees of a local
newspaper.

Yours sincerely

Alun Whittaker

cc Mayor, Mayor, & City Council
& Vallejo IB
Still Here   |February.19.2008
We again see straight talkin' hannigan defending the henkettes. They finally conceded to the fact that the city is going broke. The hanniga wiltee group inspired such confidence and honesty that the henkettes have now seen the light? Wow! What made that light bulb go off?
Analmouse -Pronounced Analmoos   |February.19.2008
I knew it. He wears his hat to sleep :!:

Marc Garman--The Editinator   |February.19.2008
RE: FERRY TAKEOVER

During a conversation with Rob Stout, Vallejo's Finance Director it was made clear that there will be very little money for Vallejo if the state takes over the ferries.

Because the money for the ferry is in a restricted transportation fund it cannot be "dumped" into the general fund to pay salaries and whatnot. Prop. 218 makes this illegal.

Furthermore, a lot of the ferry monies come from transportation grants. If there are no ferries, there are no grants. Use em or lose em.

The small payout Vallejo might get is a pittance compared with the size of
our deficit.

As to the inquiry if I wear my hat while sleeping: Yes, I wear my hat... AND NOTHING ELSE when I sleep. Thank you
Firebug   |February.19.2008
We are making headlines nationally!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23241404

Usually national news forces the locals to follow suit and start report "real" news not henkette filtered propaganda coming from the current city leadership.
Anonymous   |February.19.2008
I thought I remember, at one time, reading in the TH about the city council forgiving a loan to the Redevelopment Agency from the GF?
Sam Kurshan   |February.19.2008
Please pardon my typo: support
Sam Kurshan   |February.19.2008
This evening at 7PM there will be a critical meeting of the Benicia City Council, where the EIR (Environmental Impact Report) for the Seeno - Lake Herman Road project will be discussed, voted upon and accepted or rejected.

As you may or may not know, Benicia's new Mayor, Elizabeth Patterson, ran on a platform opposing the project in its current state.

As bordering neighbors of this parcel of land we will all be affected by the density of the project if it is built as it is presently being presented.

Remember, this is the largest undeveloped piece of land in the City of Benicia.

Please
show your support for our friends and neighbors in Benicia, by attending this vital meeting tonight!

It will be at 250 East L. Street, Benicia, at 7PM.

Thank you for your suport!
Anonymous   |February.19.2008
That could be true Firebug, funny how memory fades as we get old but the theres a colorful history in that area that precedes the ice cream truck incident. I will post my recollection of it when I have a few moments. Im also fairly certain there is a grand jury report excoriating the Vallejo redevelopment agency over Glen Cove mitigation measures. Well find it if its out there.
Firebug   |February.19.2008
Katy sorry I missed Ms. Lang you all deserve credit for calling this 5 years ago.
Doug,
I seem to recall what you are talking about, the grand jury report was performed after a complaint was filed because an ice cream truck ran over a young child 12 years ago or so and it was determined that if there were sidewalks the little guy might still be alive.
Doug   |February.19.2008
Not sure about loans but corruption surrounding redevelopment, yes. The sidewalks and underground infrastructure on Benicia road was the result of a grand jury finding against the redevelopment agency about 10 yrs. ago. The money that came in from Glen Cove redevelopment (the blight for glen cove BTW was an open field with an old barn, the kind of barn photogs like to shoot) was collected and held by the city or the agency, not sure, but they refused to spend it to mitigate the underserved people in the area. The grand jury report would be a good read today and Id like to get a hold of it and
review the facts (if I do Ill pass it along). If youre really good at your research youll be able to make a connection between then supervisor Simpson and a current Vallejo Politician.
Anonymous   |February.19.2008
Has the GF loaned money to the Redevelopment Agency in the past?
Still Here   |February.18.2008
But back to the original issue, using redevelopement funds to put into the general fund for city wide services. This money will never be returned to this fund and so that neighborhood/area will continue to have blight with no way to address it with the fund depleted. Not a fair way to treat those citizens, or a good idea as a funding source. They are skating on extremely thin ice and not at all sure they could pass scrutiny in court. The poorest neighborhoods being robbed of direly needed funds, yet the money was derived off of their misery. What a deal.
Still Here   |February.18.2008
I don't work for the VPD so I can only go by what I'm told by the workforce and the numbers are what the Chief stated just a few days ago. He also stated that there may be a shift that has 21 officers on duty but I find that hard to believe. Maybe he meant in total which included some that were not on street patrols? I've heard the same numbers for a few years now at various beat health meetings and neighborhood meetings.(7 to 10)

As for the numbers dwindling, I can understand the desire to move on to a city that can afford the salaries and have a more stable economy. Not sure what city
fits into that catagory but I think that many employees with the City of Vallejo would like to have more job security, not just the safety employees. Maybe after the dust settles, the issue of salaries can be addressed. Just as with sports, the salaries are so astronomical now that the teams can't hire much new talent without readjusting salaries of the top paid. As those positions become open, there may be more room for newer hires to come on at lower salary scales until the city can afford to do better.
Fact   |February.18.2008
Still Here,

Once again, you are incorrect. Staffing levels of seven to ten are correct for some periods, but not for most. My original response was to your inaccurate statement "Vallejo doesn't have beats". I understand your concerns, but Vallejo will be lucky to have enough officers to staff North Vallejo even if funding is found...they are all leaving. Even the ones who cannot retire are leaving to go to other agencies who are lining up to take them. They don't want to go through this again next year.
Still Here   |February.18.2008
Which sounds like they actually don't work in their "beat" since there are only 7 to 10 patrols on the street at any given time, as I stated. Anyone who has ever listened in on the calls, it sounds like they are all over the city. But back to my original concern, does that mean that No. Vallejo will get more assigned patrol officers for those "beats" since the city is pulling a half a million dollars out of the redevelopement funds? I think not.
Sam Kurshan   |February.18.2008
I want to share this article with everyone. It is about the State's role in a municipality's bankruptcy filing. Written by The Public Law Research Institute:

http://w3.uchastings.edu/plri/fal95tex/muniban#27
Fact   |February.18.2008
Still Here,

Patrol officers have always been assigned to beats. Over the years there have been different configurations, but they have alway had geographical areas that are comensurate with calls for service. Generally, you can find them on their beats. However, because of staffing shortages, they are often called upon to cover calls in ajoining beats. Sometimes,depending on the call priority and availibility of other officers, they respond to call across town.It doesn't sound like many officers will be left in the near future,so who knows what will happen.
Anonymous   |February.18.2008
Did Higgins when he was a council member help keep the mall out of Vallejo to protect his shoe store on Georgia Street? Who knows this story???
Analmouse (Pronounced Analmoos   |February.18.2008
Marc,

Do you sleep with your hat on?
Still Here   |February.18.2008
Okay, so since your informed with some information that isn't known to the general public so: When did the patrol officers start patroling their "beats"? Are you saying that the patrol officers are assigned a "beat" and that's were you can expect to find them during their shift?
Sam Kurshan   |February.18.2008
Back to the matter at hand.

How, if at all, will the monies Vallejo receives from the State take over of our ferry system, figure into the financial equation? Will it make a measurable difference, or will it be too little too late?
Sam Kurshan   |February.18.2008
Zoom, Zoom, Zoom
Fact   |February.18.2008
Hey Still Here,

The VPD doesn't have beats??? They have eight beats. But don't let the fact get in the way of your opinion.
Sam Kurshan   |February.18.2008
You know, I did drive a cab for a while in New York City.
But it wasn't for me though.
It was too aggressive.
Bwa, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!!
Still Here   |February.18.2008
And thanks to Ms. Gomes and Ms. Schivley for taking the initiative to get information out to the public. Even basic Chapter 9 information is bettter than none at all! I have been asking why the City is waiting till the last minute to discuss any other options and have been met with silence. Why? Is bankruptcy off the table because the henkettes won't make any deals if it's considered?

Even if they are able to pull the city out of the red (just barely)for this round of budget finagaling, what's going to happen next year when the economy is worse than this year?
what is the city hiding?
Still Here   |February.18.2008
So they city is planning to rob the redevelopement fund of a half a million dollars to put into the general fund! Although the city's talking heads say it's legal (this is still questionable) the other issue is the ethics of taking this money away from the blighted area it was intended to help, and use it to pay for shortfalls in the general fund budget. There is no defined plan to use this money in just that area. The police Chief stated that he couldn't promise that North Vallejo will have the "extra attention" that this money is supposed to be paying for. Vallejo doesn't have beats,
so the patrol officers go from one end of town to the other all day and night. No officer stays in just one area while on duty. So what I am hearing is that yes we are using North Vallejo's Redevelopement funds, but it may not benefit that area at all. I see a law suit in the near future. Who's going to pay for that?
Marc Garman--The Editinator   |February.18.2008
The viewing and funeral for Surinder Kumar are as follows:

2/18/08 Viewing 4 to 8 p.m., Twin Chapels Mortuary,Vallejo

2/19/07 Funeral 10 a.m., Twin Chapels Mortuary, Vallejo.
Michael Tatham   |February.18.2008
re the rate of pay for city employees, i retired as a union rep in 92. then when representing surrounding cities when we tried to justify a pay raise for a job classification we were contratualy allowed to compare them to similar jobs in other cities. we were NOT contractuly allowed to compare them to vallejo as vallejo's pay scales were considered obsence (this was for non public safety employees)
J.M(Amador Neighborhood)   |February.18.2008
To"MISMARVELOUS".thank you for your comments & advise on the 7-Eleven issue on the Vallejo Flemming Subdivision area. It was very refreshing to see several home owners in the area walk the neighborhood, gather signatures & pass out fliers this past weekend in regards to the incident. I learned, certain homeowners are aggressively trying to limit the 7-Eleven store business hours or completely shutting it down. Even though we need businesses in the area, I can certainly live without a 7-Eleven store here. Liquor & convenient stores such as these really degrade any neighborhood, such
as Nebraska at Broadway...which do not represent the nice homes nearby. It is also nice to hear several neighborhood associations have been meeting monthly & will be joining forces with others on a monthly basis as well. The Vista Neighborhood Association is always busy & does meet monthly. I couldn't join their board,as my home does not fall within boundry parameters,(ironic, since my home sits a few hundred feet from the boundry, but are nice to let you attend meetings & receive alerts etc...We definately have some great people living in this area.

On another note; anyone know, who's
moving in where Grocery Outlet currently is located at on Tennessee at Tuolumne once they move in May-June 2008 to their new location by the I-80 corridor?
Katy Miessner   |February.18.2008
Hey Firebug -- Diana Lang also signed that letter--she also reminded us last week at City Council that it was a "lame duck" City administration, City Manager David Martinez and Finance Director Fred Wright, that helped get us into this mess.

They must have known the ramifications and yet they recommended approving that contract extension anyway. And then they left the City, with us holding the bag.
Analmouse   |February.18.2008
Well, I guess we know that "Anonymous" is really "Gabriel".
Firebug   |February.18.2008
The letter dated July 2003 by the four authors Gomes, Meissner, DuCharme, and Weigal is a wonderful picture of where we are today in Vallejo. If anything the TH should be scorned for not doing a story about this letter four years ago. How our resident Trolls can consider comments about such a letter as "name calling" and not "intelligent discourse" by default is like calling us what they called the authors 4.5 years ago "tree huggers" "hippies" ETC.

Marc, Please do not be intimidated by the emails you are apparently getting from some of the dark figures that
run this city. If they do succeed in shutting VIB down then at least hand over the lawsuit affidavits to me and I will open another website exposing the perpetraitors. It was refreshing when you posted the threatening letter to Dave West from Alan Davis, it shed much light on the insidious creatures that hide behind the pale of public scrutiny.

It is sites like this that give me faith in our constitution, look at all that is not published in other papers including the TH that has been revealed here! Lets continue to have intelligent discourse here like we have been and practice our first
amendment right that has made and continues to make our country great.
Silas Barnabe   |February.18.2008
The little VIB laundry list put forth by "anonymous" offers a more intelligent discourse than the San Francisco Chronicle Blog and the Contra Costa Times Blog on an average day, but the above VIB blog examples offers more intelligent discourse than Vallejo Times Heralod Blog has on its best days or any day for that matter.

A lecture about name calling that contains name calling involving subjective opinions of hats certainly resembles one recent writers letters to the Times Herald Editors. Move along now and retreat back to your little electronic world where no one else is allowed
to be critical or have an opinion but you.
Marc Garman--The Editinator   |February.17.2008
Never in my wildest dreams did I think my little 'ol hat would be such a hot topic. I love this hat. It was even purchased at a Vallejo business. Each comment about the hat brings me joy. Thank you.

Anyhow, There has been some spirited commentary on the blog... some of which hasn't been all that constructive.

It is not possible for VIB to maintain 24 hour intense gulag style monitoring. So, I am asking the participants to try to address the issues. Vallejo is facing some real issues. I expect a certain amount of spurious dialog, but let's keep the collective IQ up. And, no I will not
delete every strong comment.

Public officials and persons are subject to public discussion. Even strong public discussion. So, no...the monitor is not sleeping. The monitor is allowing freedom within a certain range. But if this blog devolves to a point where it is mostly attack without much insight...

WE WILL SHUT IT DOWN. IT'S UP TO YOU.
Anonymous   |February.17.2008
"then why are we reverting to name calling and such? There isn't anything wrong with debating ideas, but let's try to act like adults.

Dialogue monitor. Have you been sleeping at the wheel? Why all of a sudden this concern? Is the LCS (Loose Canon Sam) about to show us how a NY cab driver would react? There has been plenty of name calling that has NOTHING to do with INTELLIGENT DISCOURSE that you let pass. But maybe you consider the few below examples acts of adults? My personal favorite was sam calling safety personnel "scum"

Anonymous Feb:17( I only have on word for safety
backed and loved politians.
C R O O K S!)
Silas Barnabe Feb 12 (Gabby is obviously a troll ignore it Sam and it will go away.)
IGGY Feb 17 (Clearly the Safety Unions (but especially IAFF) have brought shame to an honourable profession.)
Sharpie Feb 17 (Personally, i think the cops blow away fire with integrity. I also don't have much of a problem with their salaries.
Sam Kurshan Feb 16 : (You're like a leftover remnant troll from the TH blog era.)
IGGY Feb 16 ( and now we've got the UNION PUPPETS Wilson and Hannigan (who is dumb as a box of rocks)
Sparky Feb 16 (Rats jumping ship!!!)
Sam
Kurshan Feb 14 (the greed and corruption that has polluted the organized labor )
Silas Barnabe Feb 14 (Erin Hannigan was had the demeanor of Ms. Piggy, Michael Wilson wore the smirk of a leprechaun, Hermie Sunga stare was as if he was a puppet resting from his masters labor)
Al J Love Feb 14 (it looks like we got a lot of dead wood. Puppets are often made out of wood.)
Alun Whitaker Feb 13 (I swear that even Sunga woke up at least once.)
Snarky Feb 4 (let's see, Duhril Edwerds,)
Sparky Jan 3 (I think Buck wants Vallejo renamed to Bucksville.)

Intelligent discourse? Right. And Mark....lose the
hat .... it is nothing more than a refined Mr. T accessory. Eye catching, but tacky, something Warren Beatty wore in Dick Tracy? Bald is beautiful. But .... if the purpose is to draw attention, then mission accomplished.
Sam Kurshan   |February.17.2008
"Dialogue Monitor'

I made that commitment PRIOR to your intervention:
So don't put me in the same barrel as the antagonist!:


"Lets get something clear.

I respect the publisher of this web site and will be damned if I get into a spat with ANYONE here. You can disagree with me until the cows come home, but I will not engage in ANY personality based attacks or defenses from here on in. That is why I have made my presence scarce until recently."
Anonymous   |February.17.2008
"I'm the Legal Secretary who works in an office that most hate--You never know when you're going to receive a bomb threat. I also stay up at night b/c I can't shake, out of my head, the screams of 9-1-1 victims or the innocent voices of children. I get paid approximately 27 dollars an hour with, at the most, .... "

Trying to stay within the envelope of "intelligent discourse" .... What does the line pd or ff make? Not the supes in the office ..... the line guys and gals that are on scene with the 'screaming 9-1-1 victims and innocent victim voices'?
Anonymous   |February.17.2008
Excellent blast to the past about in the "tree hugger" expose. How shamefull it is that a group of citizens can better predict the financial outcome back in 2003 than members of our city leadership. I only have on word for safety backed and loved politians. C R O O K S!
Correction   |February.17.2008
Actually, Orange County did go bankrupt, but had a one-time cash problem (bad investments) that caused them to run out of money. They were in/out of bankruptcy court fairly quickly as they refinanced their debts and became healthy. Richmond almost declared bankruptcy but didn't.
Carol   |February.17.2008
All do respect to the police officer--I know you have a hard job. But what about the Legal Secretary that is awaken in the middle of the night to prepare officer's search warrants, ramie warrents, and bail enhancements; or the Legal Secretary who transcribes interviews of child victims of molestations crimes; or listening over and over again the screams of victims on 9-1-1 tapes;or having D.A.s' hovering over your back while preparing last minute legal docuements. I'm the Legal Secretary who works in an office that most hate--You never know when you're going to receive a bomb threat. I
also stay up at night b/c I can't shake, out of my head, the screams of 9-1-1 victims or the innocent voices of children. I get paid approximately 27 dollars an hour with, at the most, 3% cost of living raise, sometimes 1% during bad years. And if I want benefits for my family and I, a portion will have to come out of my pocket.
And now, the County wants to take more away. And, this is working in the richest County in the Bay Area.

and by the way: Here's the what outside Law enforcment personnel are saying--they know that VPD gets paid top dollar along with the City employees,
"Hey, let's work for the City of Vallejo, but not live there!" :
Katy Miessner   |February.17.2008
To Curious: Its been said already (I believe by our City Manager?) that our bond rating is already non-existent. So not sure if bankruptcy would matter...

Also, Redevelopment and the City are two different entities, so it might be that the City goes bankrupt but the redevelopment agency doesn't. They are completely separate, and redevelopment does have cash. Its our General Fund that is in trouble.

Thats why the City, in their emergency plan, is proposing to use about $500K of redevelopment funds from North Vallejo to pay for Police Officers. This might not acually even be legal--the
City is required by law to segregate funds, and it has to be very clear that these officers are particulary for N. Vallejo.

But since there has been no CA City to ever declare bankruptcy (Orange County did but they did not have to go through with it in the end), a Vallejo bankruptcy would be unprecedented so who knows what the judge will decide? I would wager that the Safety Union lawyers (Alan Davis especially) are scrambling to create arguments as to why their contracts can not be nullified if we were to go bankrupt. And, I bet that lots of Safety Union (Fire Union IAFF especially) cash
is being dumped into this effort to pay for the lawyers since a Vallejo bankruptcy will set the precedent.

I honestly don't think we can avoid bankruptcy. It's absurd, the shape the City's finances are in. The City has already made numerous cuts year after year. If the $20 million in cuts for the "emergency plan" are made, there won'y be anyone left to figure out how we fix our budget for the longterm...

These would all be great questions to discuss in a City Council public meeting but apparently that discussion has been deemed verbotin by the powers that be (the council
majority). So much for public process in this town...
Silas Barnabe   |February.17.2008
Gabby is obviously a troll ignore it Sam and it will go away. You have contributed much more to the cause that Gabby.
Dialog monitor   |February.17.2008
:idea: Okay folks, this isn't a personal blog for life histories. If the objective is to create a dialog, debate and an exchange of ideas, then why are we reverting to name calling and such? There isn't anything wrong with debating ideas, but let's try to act like adults. I come here to read and exchange ideas on what is going on within our fair city and if I wanted the hate speak, I'd be reading the T-H blogs. Sam and Gabrielle, this isn't about you. Please all, take a deep breath and lets talk without trying to cut each other off at the knees and making it personal. There's enough of this
going on at City Hall.
Anonymous   |February.17.2008
"I asked a sincere question and you inject your bitter sarcasm into it."

What question?

"I'll bet they launch a public relations media blitz exclaiming themselves as our city's saviors." Is this prediction as credible as your pre-election rant when you envisioned 'total victory'?

Bitter sarcasm? That was an honest question. ("Is this prediction as credible..."

"but I will not engage in ANY personality based attacks" ... "You're like a leftover remnant troll"

?????????????? Ok ??????? that criticism was to the substance of my question?

"Worse
yet you don't have the guts to identify yourself." Honestly, you sound as stable as Eric Harris and Dylan Kleybold. Who in their right mind would want you to know their identity.
curious   |February.17.2008
So if the City of Vallejo goes bankrupt, then it appears to me that the City would never be able to float another Redevelopment Bond in our lifetimes. The City does not now have a bond rating and who, in their right minds, would invest in a Bond, even if the new mayor did manage to patch together a deal with the Unions to delay all those raises to give the illusion of solvency so that the City could raise the money so that his client would be able to "move forward" with the waterfront development.

This pending disaster stands on three legs. The safety Unions' greed is only one.
The others are Redevelopment and Subsidized Housing.

Remember..."when standing on the brink of the abyss, the only progressive step is backwards".
Iggy   |February.17.2008
Officer Friendly,

I have a great deal of respect for Police and Fire officers. But then there is the action of the union. Clearly the Safety Unions (but especially IAFF) have brought shame to an honourable profession.

They share a fair amount (but not all) of the blame for the mismanagement of the city. This is because they have used their money and political influence with great success to install stoolie YES men and women, such as Hannigan, Wilson, Bartee and Sunga into city government.

Of course there is the Business Leave scandal and other conflicts of interest outlined by the Grand
Jury.

The unions called Rob Stout (Finance Director) and the city a bunch of liars. They said the city was hiding money. They knew better. This was only a tactic.

Now they have overplayed their hand and we are all going to pay the price. The safety unions have disgraced their membership and injured Vallejo gravely. The jobs the union was supposed to protect are going away.

Perhaps its time to consider new union leadership.
Sharpie   |February.17.2008
Personally, i think the cops blow away fire with integrity. I also don't have much of a problem with their salaries. So to officer friendly, i respect what you do and think you are doing a good job considering the circumstances.
Bob   |February.17.2008
Anyone think after reading the latest counsel report that Joanne Shiveley is really the mayor of Vallejo?

So the union is making noises that they will negotiate for some of the same cuts that they took us to arbitration for last year? Hmmm - how curious. Especially so soon after the Pinole recall . . .
Silas Barnabe   |February.16.2008
Respectfully Officer friendly we appreciate what you do, but I would also like to ask you for the same consideration. Behind every budget cut there are real humans suffering the outrageous increases in fees, lack of affordable transportation and the city's abandoning non-profits.

You signed up to be a cop, we however have been subjected to backroom politics and corrupt union activities (Union business leave scandal) where safety unions through arbitration have sent a message to us load and clear. Based on the arbitration I feel your union can care less about the people you serve. Having a
change in of heart(like Alan Davis has) is easy when there is no money left.

I am not worried about a media blitz as we have a well documented pathology of events that led to the city's financial situation from the rise of power for Henke eclipsing the Barclay administration to the grossly over-estimated revenues and subsequent birth of the over-priced safety contracts of the Matinez era, the LNG disaster, the waterfront boondoggle featuring coincidentally or new Mayor Osby Davis, and the complete out and out campaign lies of safety union endorsed candidates. There was never hidden money
and given the fact that the State is in a recession there isn't a safe and sane business that could bring in $13,000,000 per year for ever and ever.

This little subgroup won't be the only group remembering safety unions leadership, and their endorsed politicians invovlement in how we got in this God-for-saken mess we find ourselves in. The truth of the matter Vallejo is going to be the first of a number of cities that find themselves teetering on the brink of bankruptcy in the coming years.
Officer Friendly   |February.16.2008
I am a police officer in Vallejo. I have been pouring my blood, sweat and tears into this city for a very long time now. I have seen things that keep me awake at night. I have been in life and death situations many times. I am paid well for what I do. However, I do not do it for the money. If you paid me an extra 100,000 dollars a year to do the job it would still be a stupid line of work to get into.

We live about 5 to 7 years after retirement. I don't know if staying 25 years is worth it anymore. I could make less money somewhere else and live longer to spend more time with my
family.

All of you in this little sub group are no doubt dedicated citizens. Just don't forget there are human beings behind the badges.

Policing our streets takes a definite mental and physical toll on our minds, hearts, bodies, and souls. Our morale is in the dumps right now and we are trying hard to stay focused on the mission. For those of us still here, we will keep working. However, I am seriously considering taking my talents and education elsewhere. I just can't deal with the same old crap year after year from an extremely mismanaged city.
Sam Kurshan   |February.16.2008
Lets get something clear.

I respect the publisher of this web site and will be damned if I get into a spat with ANYONE here. You can disagree with me until the cows come home, but I will not engage in ANY personality based attacks or defenses from here on in. That is why I have made my presence scarce until recently.

Get it?

If you think you can now say how come it was OK for you to act like that in the past Sam, you'll get no response either.

This board is supposed to provide the opportunity for healthy dialogue, (focus on that or don't waste mine or your time) the kind that did not take
place on the TH blogs.

Now don't forget to blame me for my part in that too.

When you're done go back to the TH blogs and troll around there instead.
Sam Kurshan   |February.16.2008
What are you just lurking there like a troll waiting to attack?

I asked a sincere question and you inject your bitter sarcasm into it.

Worse yet you don't have the guts to identify yourself.

You're like a leftover remnant troll from the TH blog era.

Jeez!
Anonymous   |February.16.2008
If the concessions are made, that includes, a contract extension is bankruptcy still a looming certainty?

"I'll bet they launch a public relations media blitz exclaiming themselves as our city's saviors." Is this prediction as credible as your pre-election rant when you envisioned 'total victory'?

If the possible scenario you refer to is "avoiding bankruptcy". Well, from the "pit" .... that would be a good thing and credit be damned.
Sam Kurshan   |February.16.2008
Just for sake of conversation,

There is an article in todays Times Herald, hinting that the fire and safety unions are about to make the concessions they were originally asked to make prior to arbitration.

If they do (with no contract extensions) and as a result, the city avoids bankruptcy, I'll bet they launch a public relations media blitz exclaiming themselves as our city's saviors.

We need to be prepared for this charade and I would like to know how others feel about this possible scenario which may pan out.

I respectfully throw this into the pit for discussion.
ANNOUNCEMENT   |February.16.2008
Join us at the spectacular seaside home of Wendell Quigley and Manny Furtado for a very special reception

Introducing Linda Seifert
Candidate for Board of Supervisors District 2

Sunday, March 9, 2008
1 PM to 3 PM
601 Tisdale Avenue
Mare Island
Donations accepted

**Enjoy an afternoon with your Mare Island Neighbors

**Enjoy a light brunch, sip wine, and enter an opportunity drawing for two round trip tickets on Southwest Airlines anywhere they fly in the continental USA

**Meet and talk with Linda

To RSVP or for more information, contact Cathy at (707) 803-3485 or ritch4@gmail.com
Katy Miessner   |February.16.2008
RE: Garbage Rates
Michael, your point is well-taken, but who in the City will have time to negotiate a new garbage contract as we cut services beyond the bone?

We did see some stellar negotiations for bus services by Cty staff person Crystal Odum Ford. Maybe when the contract comes due, we can all demand that the same negoiation take place.
Iggy   |February.16.2008

WE'RE ALL GOIN OVER THE EDGE----YEE HAW---THANKS KURT HENKE--
Iggy   |February.16.2008
Seems to me that Tony Pearsall suggested Police and Fire give up their raises for a couple of years to avoid this mess. That was almost two years ago.

Because Pearsall dared to touch the ALMIGHTY PUBLIC SAFETY POT OF GOLD they turned their backs on him. Henke and Company cranked up the media spin machine and slick fliers and now we've got the UNION PUPPETS Wilson and Hannigan (who is dumb as a box of rocks) on City Council.

A lot of people in this town are such morons (sorry) that they will vote for anything they are told to in a slick flier.

Wake up Vallejo THE BANKRUPTCY TRAIN IS
LEAVING THE STATION
Sharpie   |February.16.2008
I'm not brainwashed either. It's the apathy that is the problem. A few bucks here or there and nobody says anything about it. That's the way the city has been run for years and years. They just nitpick you to death until they eventually bite the hand that feeds them and go too far. It takes a BIG expense or a BIG crime problem for people to take action. Unfortunately the garbage rates are at the bottom of the apathetic barrel (pardon my pub). Just wait for your property taxes to go up in light of this financial mess. Then we'll all be screaming.
Michael Tatham   |February.16.2008
everyone seemed to miss my point of our outrageous garbage rates by passing it off as somthing the "good old boys' did in the past.
so what if they did? i am asking for something to be done now. isn't there somebody on the city council who can try to get competative bidding for our garbage rates? can anyone else speak up about this instead of just blaming it on a past deal and letting it go.
i have been harping on this since 1998. i feel like i am in an enviorment where everyone has been brainwashed that this is acceptable and that i am the only person who they have not brainwashed
that this is okay.
it might not cure all the great problems we have in vallejo but it is a start
G.Manicotti   |February.16.2008
How soon before the tumbleweeds blow in ?
rompi� asno la ciudad   |February.15.2008
Anybody know if there is a risk of the city losing it's charter, because they failed to meet the minimum requirements of city services?

Good writing about San Diego http://www.slate.com/id/2128062
Sharpie   |February.15.2008
From a 2003 article in The Nation-New York's Bind: When Citie's Go Broke the Options are Few. I think some of these concepts are useful to understand and maybe, just maybe this is a sick gamble to increase revenues with taxes as people are frightened by increased crime and fire risk due to too many overpaid employees rather than appropriate numbers of moderately paid employees. Remember that the public safety unions wanted LNG. It was just a greedy grab to increase revenues one way or another.

Here's a couple of paragraphs:

"'Part of what every mayor will do is seek to frighten
people,'' former Mayor Edward I. Koch said last week. The theory is that if enough people are frightened about layoffs or closing firehouses or even shuttering zoos -- all of which Mr. Bloomberg has threatened -- their representatives will become emboldened to raise taxes."

"Of course, tax increases and service cuts affect everyone differently. ''There's not some Everyman who's affected the same way,'' said Charles Brecher, research director of the Citizens Budget Commission. ''There are different constituencies. The question is, who do you want to offend the least?'' It's also
sometimes true that a temporary tax, or one dedicated to a specific goal, like the income tax surcharge for hiring more police officers imposed a decade ago, may be more politically palatable."
Sharpie   |February.15.2008
This is called the "Saving Face" stage of this disaster. The people who ideally should be preparing the citizens for whatever is coming are instead trying to make themselves look good, or positioning themselves to shift the blame. Of course the people who we would rightfully blame will say that it doesn't matter how we got here, but it indeed does matter how this happened to us. We learn from our mistakes and this is one mighty huge screw up!
Bailing as Fast As I Can   |February.15.2008
Can some please explain to me why the City refuses to tell the public what exactly is going on? Why won't they talk about the ramifications of bankruptcy? I haven't heard much over the last few meetings that indicates that the city is going to be able to make it's bills after May. The fact that the employees are leaving in droves shows that maybe they have some inside information.

What is Davis and company hiding? If they loose any more employees, they will be bankrupt by March with all of the payouts. Davis needs to stop blocking information and come clean now and we should be demanding
to know just exactly what is it they are doing behing those guilded doors!
shock:
Sharpie   |February.15.2008
I'd jump off a sinking ship as well. The captain (Davis) and his favored officers (Bartee, Sunga, Wilson, and Hannigan) should show their dedication to the city and go down with the ship or at least do some bailing. Bad news is that the ship had holes in it from years ago. Apparently the good old boys and girls did some damage that they never repaired. Great Job Gang! We need a new boat, a new captain and 4 new crew members who know how to steer.
Sparky   |February.15.2008
EXTRY EXTRY - READ ALL ABOUT IT!!! Rats jumping ship!!!
Click Here for the article (added by admin)

Big surprise - NOT. These fine people who care so much about our city are jumping now before their pay is decreased. Gotta leave at the highest dollar ya know? You do know what this means though, right? They all have to get paid out. All of the hoarded vacation and sick leave they have amassed (they trade days off so they don't use their vacation days) will need to be paid - now. That will put us over the
edge financially if we have to pay all of these heros right away. Yep, hello bankruptcy anyway.

Wow, Osby did such a great job on this. Especially keeping the public from knowing what was really going on. All that backroom dealing just to get to the B word anyway.
Carol   |February.15.2008
...Electrolytes...that's what the firefighters inject after a drunken night. Electrolytes and reruns of Bay Watch. Well, at least, that's what my ex use to do.
IMO   |February.15.2008
Anonymous,

You are correct. This woman is delusional. She intentionally twisted Sam's categorization of those people who posted the malicious posts on the TH site and included herself in their group. She also resents what she claims to be Sam's inner circle of friends as you pointed out in your comments. Then she lectures Sam about it being a corporate world that she expects him to be part of, but in actuality, more like the analogy Sam made about her dressing him up like a doll while watching her favorite show, The Vallejo City Council meeting, so he would meet her expectations of what she
feels is proper attire to attend a city council meeting in. Phew!

She said;

"As you impressing me, I really do not give a flying fig. You can wear what you want. (I recall the statement was made that Mr. Osborne should be the benefactor of our good will for a new shirt, but that was OK as it came from your circle of friends). Just a bit of tidying up would be in order. Your opinion would carry a lot more weight if you made that little effort. That would show that you care as much about yourself as about us, the uneducated, (demographycally challenged) Vallejo residents.
This is a
corporate world and a certain amount of decorum is expected!

Enough on this subject.

Good day to all.
Anonymous   |February.15.2008
Based on the quoted remarks below, "Gabriele" appears to have an identity crisis and is crying out to be accepted. Ironically, she appears to resent what she categorizes as the "politically correct crowd" which she has chosen to leave herself out of by her absence from the City Council Meetings:

"the politically correct crowd did not seem to be interested in that one. Not enough press, I guess."

Then she warns Mr. Kurshan about who he is dealing with in an obvious attempt to further provoke him into a confrontation with her because she is embarrassed about her
misunderstanding the definition of a word she incorrectly assumed the definition of and her ego is bruised by Mr. Kurshan's response to her tirade:

"You have no idea whom you are trying to slam. I do not need a spelling lesson either, but if you continue to use words that no one but a handful of people is able to understand, spell it for all our benefit next time."

If Gabriele is as civic minded as she claims, she will make her presence known at the next City Council meeting and if not, she will become the recipient of far less credibility than she accuses Mr. Kurshan of having.
Firebug   |February.15.2008
Davis troll? Writing style is similar to letters to the TH editor condeming Cloutier about his lawsuit.
IMO   |February.15.2008
Who is this Gabriele character?

It is apparent that she has a big ego. She attempted to humorously state her opinions of an individual, thinking it would pass without seeming like an insult.

It seems obvious that her post was meant to draw out Sam Kurshan. His presence on this board has been pretty much non existent until she baited him with her personal attack.

Yeah the guy has a big mouth. So what. He has more passion for his beliefs than few others I have encountered.

As far as his attire, pleeeeese. He looks no different than any other concerned citizen, who comes to the council
meetings in jeans and a tee shirt.

There are always those who try to kill the messenger because they do not like their method of delivery. These are the kind of people who spend their time trying to remake and repackage us by stripping our personalities and replacing them with ones they feel are a better fit for them, not us.

As far as her criticism of Mr. Kurshan's use of a Yiddish word to describe his elation, she did in fact incorrectly misinterpret her belief of what he said with hers. She was wrong. His use of the word fahklempt has pretty much become a household word due to its wide
spread use on TV and in movies.

Kurshan has told us admittedly, that he is an in your face guy from New York. I guess this offends the sensibilities of some of us laid back Californians. Did you ever think he is making all this noise just to get our attention, because once he does, he gets to the point and his ideas are right on the mark and hit their target like a heat seeking missle.

I think Gabriele is one of those who may have been involved in coming to council meetings in the past, but has found it more convenient to stay home and watch instead of participate. She seems more concerned
with criticizing people than with the issues at hand.

Kurshan was right in his assessment of her as an arm chair commentator. If she was genuinely concerned with the issues, she would dwell on them and not on his personality.

Gabriele needs to come to council meetings, get involved and stop passing judgment on those in attendance. Otherwise she is seen an an agent provacateur (Gabby, that means someone out to provoke others, in case you are not familiar with the word,)and not as someone trying to express their opinion.
Iggy   |February.15.2008
Sammy,
Sorry, but Gabriele has got you pegged. You have some good ideas. Really good ideas actually, but the menacing glare and threats really scare people.

Why, if you took a little trip to charm school more people might actually listen to you. Instead, they sink in their seats wondering what will come out this time.

And appearances do matter. If we were disembodied creatures floating around in a vacuum of pure thought it wouldn't matter, but guess what!! This is planet Earth. A nice shirt makes you look better.
Gabriele   |February.15.2008
Marc, thank you for your reply. See, I knew you at least had a sense of humor.
Keep the hat on, you are OK!

A sincere THANK YOU to Ms. Gomes for letting us know that all the efforts, to assist this family in their time of need, were successful.
Gabriele   |February.15.2008
Good Morning All,
and especially Sam who must have been up late last night by the looks of that reply I got!

Well, I am taking the bait and go tit for tat because you are expecting it. This always seems to be your MO, reaction!

For your information, it is never ever appropriate to use the type of language you used in a public forum. You continue and try to lecture YOUR opinion that you feel is the only politically correct way of doing things.
My family supported the efforts of Mr. Cloutier and Mr. Pearsall to attain and retain their political positions on our council.
You, Sir,
have done nothing but turn people off with your attitude and language. I hope you tone down your rethoric , because you do have many good ideas that could become reality if presented correctly.

If you would be able to re-read posts made on the TH site, from those days you would also see many posts done by me pointing out the obscene pay packages received by Safety Union Memebers. Many posters slapped me down when I stated that Vallejo Fire was blessed because our City does really not have that many fires and how about the term "Hero". I had also suggested that if one is not
satisfied one should look for "Greener Grass" somewhere else. As to the sexual orientation and private life of some, I also stated that was not my concern. (You even bringing this up is fishing for another reaction.) All these suggestion came a long time before this messy exchange of opinions that you call appropriate.

As you impressing me, I really do not give a flying fig. You can wear what you want. (I recall the statement was made that Mr. Osborne should be the benefactor of our good will for a new shirt, but that was OK as it came from your circle of friends). Just a bit of
tidying up would be in order. Your opinion would carry a lot more weight if you made that little effort. That would show that you care as much about yourself as about us, the uneducated, (demographycally challenged) Vallejo residents.
This is a corporate world and a certain amount of decorum is expected!

I do not recall ever seeing you at City Council meetings in the past! I do recall being one of only two people left at a council session when it dragged on to 23:40 one night. Where were you? That was also a crucial session, but the politically correct crowd did not seem to be
interested in that one. Not enough press, I guess.

You have no idea whom you are trying to slam. I do not need a spelling lesson either, but if you continue to use words that no one but a handful of people is able to understand, spell it for all our benefit next time.

I have a basic understanding of the severity of our situation. Do I have a solution to our problem? No, but I am but an integral small part of the whole picture trying to help our strikken city along. I am very active within my community and as a Volunteer. The real truth will never be told, despite your belief of
being one of the saviours of our beautyful city. You take yourself way, way too serious and I do believe I hear the delivery truck stopping to unload that salt I ordered last night.

One can get things going and done without ranting and raving, as well as threatening.
Looks like it is going to be a great day in my neighborhood!
Marc Garman--The Editinator   |February.15.2008
Dear Gabrielle,

I consider the hat an act of kindness to the viewers at home.

As a bald man I am well aware of the reflective properties of the human scalp.(Not to mention the wind...oh the cold wind whistling across that vast expanse...like the tundra in winter)

I would hate to blind the kiddies at home.

As to eating the microphone...Got a few pointers on that.
Guess its been a few years since my time as a lounge act in the Catskills. Todays microphones are ever so much more sensitive.

Always striving for perfection.
Stephanie Gomes   |February.15.2008
I know many people have been very concerned with Mr. Kumar's brutal killing and his families' inability to get visas to come to the US for the funeral services.

I just got a call from Mr. Kumar's daughter, and the visas were approved!! Mr. Kumar's son and mother are making flight plans right now. I could hear the happiness and at least some peace in his daughter and wife's voices.

This is one of the main reasons why I love Vallejo and keep struggling for Vallejo -- we are a good, caring, compassionate, intelligent community that when push comes to shove, can join together and make
seemingly impossible things happen.

May Mr. Kumar's family find peace and healing together in this terrible time.
Joan Rivers   |February.15.2008
Maybe Ms. G should come down to city council and be a participant in the civic discussion instead of just an armchair critic. It's about the subject and not the attire. Maybe you should get off my red carpet and join the people at the podium. Then maybe your attention will not divert from the issues being discussed instead of focus on apparel.
Sam Kurshan   |February.14.2008
Gabriele,

By the way, you mistook the German word "verklemmt" (uptight) with the Yiddish word "faklempt".

Adjective

faklempt (comparative more faklempt, superlative most faklempt)

Positive
faklempt


Comparative
more faklempt


Superlative
most faklempt

1. excited
2. overwhelmed
3. happy

When Barbara came on SNL I nealy choked on my cigarette cuz I was just so faklempt.
Sam Kurshan   |February.14.2008
Gabriele,

I was hesitant to reply because I felt it would be seen as my "taking the bait." I am only going to reply once and after this reply, I will not go "tit for tat" with you concerning this.

I respectfully disagree with your opinion and feelings concerning my "relentless use of offensive language" in the TH posts. The use of what you perceive as offensive language was a conscious and intentional choice in the approach I used to communicate with those whom I consider to this very day to be the low life scum of the earth. These are not the people who made posts
disagreeing with my opinions and the opinions of others who I am talking about, but those who posted for the sole purpose of intentionally distorting the truth, demeaning public figures family members with false innuendo and posting false allegations about sexual escapades of those running for Mayor. Not just once but in an ongoing malicious attack meant to personally demean decent and hard working people who have given their hearts and souls for the good of the citizens of Vallejo. Many of those posts were made by our so called "heros" while on duty at the local firehouse. I offer no
apology for my past words.

Concerning your humor, (even at the expense of your possible reaction that I do not have a sense of humor) I beleive it is ill timed, innapropriate and is based on your personal and seemingly prejudiced, homophobic observations.

For example, you said: "Is there a Mrs. Kurshan? If there is, please assist your husband in choosing his wardrobe, or I swear I will personally take up a collection for some well fitting pants along with some shirts to fit his personality. The Village People stuff is so "vorbei"!"

I do not attend City Council meetings to
impress anyone with my personal choice of wardrobe. I dress in what I feel comfortable in. I am sorry it does not meet with your approval. Furthermore it is offensive for you to equate it with "The Village People stuff". That could easily be misinterpreted as a slur against gays.

Your comment about taking up a collection for some well fitting pants and shirts to fit my personality is equally inappropriate because your choice of what I ought to wear would be based upon your likes and dislikes, not mine. I am not a doll who you can dress up to appear to you in a way you deem acceptable
to entertain you, while watching your favorite TV show, the Vallejo City Council meeting.

Your use of Yiddish words out of context is easily interpreted as your mocking the culture it derives from.

Your comment concerning Mr. Garman's not taking off his hat
is inappropriate too. How do you know he is not wearing it for a reason, let alone it solely being out of personal choice and preference?

Finally, your hope that your comments will be taken with a grain of salt and a sense of humor is a thinly veiled cloak, meant to excuse what are really and truly inappropriate and insulting comments
made by you.

Gabriele, The broadcasting of the City Council meetings are not a TV show for your personal entertainment or gratification. It is very easy for you to sit at home in your chair and pass judgment on those of us who make a commitment to attend on a regular basis.

Perhaps if you spent half of the energy you expelled here by coming to the meetings and getting involved, instead of being an arm chair commentator, you would have a better perception of what goes on there and your time would be more wisely spent.
Sharpie   |February.14.2008
You are a riot Gabriele!
Gabriele   |February.14.2008
Just some observations from the side lines to be taken with a grain of salt and hopefully a sense of HUMOR by all:

We can aggree, across all political party lines, that we are in a big heap of unmentionable stuff.
But, what is it with all the drama while speaking at the podium, i.e.hairtossing and touching, use of words like verklemmt, (meaning "up tight" and the perpetual eating of the darn microphone, that we, the viewers at home have to run from in pain. (We absolutely are not able to understand what you are trying to say. Hands and lips off the thing, do not touch
etc.)
Also Mr. Editor, what's up with the hat while indoors? You seem like a likable bloke with manners, take off the brain shield while speaking, please!

Mr. Kurshan? has many valid things to say, but I will never forget or forgive his relentless use of really offensive language in the TH posts. That really takes the credibility factor down a notch, Sam. I hope you are not getting verklemmt if I call you Sam? Is there a Mrs. Kurshan? If there is, please assist your husband in choosing his wardrobe, or I swear I will personally take up a collection for some well fitting pants along with
some shirts to fit his personality. The Village People stuff is so "vorbei"!

Now if we can stop the addressing of City Staff on a first name basis, that would also be appreciated by some of us. Giving the impression that one knows the staff person really, really well and one is holding a private not business conversation with said staff person, does not seem a good thing during these trying times.

Since we are playing the blame game here, question to all you people in the know: "What party affilliation did prior and current councils and mayors have? Please state! I mean
political, get your minds out of that overflowing Sanitation and Flood sewer!

Well, I could go on, but I know many of you have really serious matters to post here and I will not keep you any longer. Did I make you smile, well, just a little bit????
MISSMARVELOUS   |February.14.2008
TO "J.M." regarding closing the 7-11 in your neighborhood, I think you may have a chance, since it sits so close to homes in a residential area, there is no buffer zone at all. You can see the parking lot of the 7-11 from the last house on Glenn St. It seems strange that the city would allow a retail store to be operated 24-7 when it's located right in a neighborhood. Its not in a commercial area, but invites people to come shop at all hours of the day and night, not good for the neighboring houses who must put up with the comings and goings. You should start a petition as you said
of the entire "Hahns subdivision" the neighborhood where the store is located. You will most likely receive support from other neighboring subdivisions such as the Vista de Vallejo(to the North) and to the East, "Hahns Ranch." We were shocked to hear how many times the murdered clerk had been held up previously. Having a store such as the 7/11 introduces a crimminal element to a neighborhood, especially when it is so close by, within yards of homes. At the very least the 7-11 should curtail its hours, hold-ups are done often late at night when less customers are around.
Good luck with the petition!
Carol   |February.14.2008
to the Kumar family:

Get a letter indicating that this is violent crime from the detective handling the case. Once you receive the letter, call the Solano County District Attorney's Office and request a Victim/Witness Advocate--even if the D.A.s Office may not have the poice report yet b/c there is no suspect, the family is still intitled to an Advocate. The V/W advocate can help assist with a VISA--and funeral expenses--paid by the State. IT IS THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S JOB TO ASSIST VICTIMS--make sure you make that clear.
Sam Kurshan   |February.14.2008
Iggy,

As a person born and raised by a pro organized labor family, as well as being a member of one union or another for most of my working life, I am also disgusted by the greed and corruption that has polluted the organized labor movement. It is a poison that has clouded the public's perception of organized labor as a whole.

The organized labor movement in the United States is the backbone and core of the advancement of workers rights and protection. When a few bad apples are allowed to promote their personal agendas under the guise of "union leadership", they become a dangerous
vehicle for the complete undermining of the purpose and principles of organized labor as a whole.

It is up to all of us as individual members of unions, to use our moral values as human beings to guide us away from the influence of those whose purpose is to taint the good name of organized labor for the benefit of their personal greed and motivations.
Al J. Love   |February.14.2008
Uh oh! Did you see last night's Study Session Regarding the Updated General Fund Financial Projection Through June 30, 2012 And Discussion of Fiscal Emergency Plan at City Hall? Either Osbie Davis, Erin Hannigan, Tom Bartee, Hermie Sunga and Mike Wilson have such a good grasp of the complexities of the city's budget that they don't have any questions or comments or have little of substance to say or conversely they are waiting for their puppeteer to exercise his control over the strings attached to their brains, mouths, and voting fingers. The 30 page document was received by the council the
night before which is hardly enough time to digest it in its entirety, so you would expect council members who spent any time at all perusing it to have questions. Joanne Schively and Stephanie Gomes had many many questions and comments and really tried on behalf of Vallejoans to understand the convolutions of the document. In contrast, Ms. Hannigan and Mr. Sunga had absolutely not one word to say during the entire night. Mr. Bartee, who has Kurt Henke living inside of him, weaseled his way out of any significant commentary by saying most of his questions had been answered after Ms. Schively
and Ms. Gomes had done all the work. We'd certainly like to see the list of his questions. Mike Wilson and Osbie Davis talk like they're still running for office. Little substance and lots of fluff about working together and creating a bright future for Vallejo. VALLEJO IS ON THE VERGE OF BANKRUPTCY! VALLEJO WILL BE OUT OF MONEY BY MID-APRIL! THE FIREFIGHTERS CONTRACT HAS A LOT TO DO WITH IT! Where can we get some competent leaders to guide us through this swindle? Because other than Ms. Schively and Ms. Gomes it looks like we got a lot of dead wood. Puppets are often made out of wood.
Iggy   |February.14.2008
Sam,
It's a real shame the voters went for Hannigan and Wilson in the last election. This is a prime example of big money fooling the people.

The Pinole recall should serve as a shining example and a ray of hope for the people of Vallejo.

Too bad the public safety unions have become the "Fat Cats" and "Big Business" they once may have fought against.

Corruption and greed are still corruption and greed even if you cloak them in a hero cape.

The IAFF has soiled the once impeccable reputation of the public safety employees they represent.

Disgusting.
Sam Kurshan   |February.14.2008
On a sweeter note:

I can not express my gratitude enough, to Council Members Schively and Gomes, for shining like a beacon in this time of darkness, by asking the relative and probing questions necessary to see this matter through in a positive manner, as well as their genuine concern for the public and its right to have an adequate amount of time to have ALL of the facts presented to them prior to the Council voting on the matter.

They are the finest examples of public leaders, whose motivation is soley based upon their love for and commitment to the citizens of Vallejo and not to any
special interests.
Straight Talk   |February.14.2008
The silence from the Henkettes was deafening last night. I heard Erin Hannigan say too many times during the election, "If you want straight talk and real answers, Vote For Me." (Kinda like Hermie's imfamous 5 Star Plan for Vallejo).

Boy did the voters get ripped off!!!

Not a single idea on the budget last night. Not a comment. No opinion. No answers. And definitely no straight talk.

All last night proved was that the Henkettes follow orders well.
Sam Kurshan   |February.14.2008
I want to clarify my commitment to a recall of those council members who may vote to accept bankruptcy for the City of Vallejo.

For most, I believe this clarification is unnecessary.

What I meant was, any council member who is part of a group which was elected through the financial support of the local IAFF, who is acting to protect and promote the agenda of the local IAFF, by not using their special relationship with IAFF local leadership, to convince them, that it is imperative that they make the concessions presented to them and the citizens of Vallejo last night, will be recalled.

I did
not think I had to spell it out, but this means the recall of Tom Bartee, Michael Wilson, Erin Hannigan and Hermie Sunga.

Side bar: I am particularly disgusted by Erin Hannigan's demeanor last night. She fell asleep three times. Once for more than a few minutes. I sat in the front row and watched her closely. Her callous lack of attention to the information being disseminated, sent a message loud and clear that she was bored as a result of an already made up mind on the subject. This is not the first time I have noticed her lack of attention. If it is related to her having a "full
plate" from working all day and raising a family, then she needs to assess whether she is capable of fulfilling her role as a council member, as a result of what appears to be a complete lack of concern and energy and enthusiasm on her part. This isn't a PTA meeting after work.
This is the future and well being of the City of Vallejo and its citizens and it mandates a complete span of attention, energy and committment. Anything less is unacceptable!
Tim   |February.14.2008
What about the idea of Cal Fire taking over Vallejo Fire Department. They mkght be able to keep the staffing and still save money?
TRIOF   |February.14.2008
Did I miss something or did I hear that the henkettes have now conceeded to the fact that the city is broke and is willing to not only forgo their last two salary increases and giving up minimum staffing...temporarily?

Let's see, we first heard from Parker that people would die if minimum staffing was not in place.

Then we received a slew of glossy mailers that told us that the City was hiding money and that it really wasn't going broke and it was all just a ploy to cut staffing levels. The hired gun Alan Davis stated that the city was not being truthful and lying to the public. The
henkettes state that they are not going to put their employee's life in danger and would not consider cutting staff.

So the City then goes to arbitration, the arbitor rolls over and sides with the henkettes, stating that the City did not prove it's case. (The City did not show that cutting staff would not jeopardize the safety of the ff.'s) They challenge it in court, drop the challenge and go back to the same drawing board...negotiations.

And now, we hear that the ff.'s will give up salary increases (watch for the back end deals though) and they will cut staff and close down a
station a day...brown outs.

All that money, all that grief, all that panic invoking rhetoric and gee, they can continue to live in the lifestyle they are accustom to even without their 15% raise. Gone are the scare tactics and I guess we will continue to live with one less ff. per shift! Soooo...WHO WAS PLAYING GAMES?
Firebug   |February.14.2008
Wow! further connecting the dots wouldn't it be great for some if they knew in advance of the Ferry takeover deal?
Little Old Lady   |February.14.2008
For those that are interested...Google Perata and Joe Callaghan or DaSilva Gates. They are all good, good friends. Way back when LNG was our main concern, our legislators....Wiggens and Chesboro...lifted the State Lands interests on the old Kaiser Property "legislatively" at the request of the City of Vallejo fathers. That means that that property owned by the State of California that is dedicated either to water oriented uses or parklands, never housing, was turned over to Callaghan/DaSilva for housing development. The State Lands staff was outraged. There are special provisions to
consider environmental social justice issues like parklands in gravely underserved dense, low income communities. There were no hearings and Wiggens staff flat lied when questioned about the pending legislation. She was a co-author.

Now connect the dots between all those good friends. I come up with dense transit oriented development with a relocated ferry terminal on the Kaiser property but it could go to a separate authority, not the City. Now connect the dots between our new mayor, the City's key redevelopment expert and C/DS.

There is very big money at stake here and it is
very possible that some of the infighting and friction is actually induced by "plants". It would not be the first time.

The Tiffany windows in Saint Peter's Chapel have been appraised at $30 million.

What Bechtel wanted back in the LNG days was our water. They'll be baaaaaack.
J.M   |February.14.2008
I am shaken to hear the news on the crime victim at the 1208 7 Eleven Store. I was under the impression I was a well informed citizen, but to many issues are happening, which I cannot keep up. I moved away from the Oakland area to this great town 2 years ago & at this time, I feel a false sense of security in my neighborhood. I have been walking my German Sheperd here for over a year & it has always been & still is a pleasant experience, while I glance at the lush vegetation that surrounds the unique Spanish-Mediterranean homes in the area. I have been a strong advocate since moving here
to the Vallejo Police Department, Public works, City Council(speeding issues)volunteering to remove graffiti from our streets, beautifying Amador etc, etc...Today I found out first hand, by reading the VIB post below on the murder. This murder happened right around the corner from my beautiful neighborhood & my pride & joy home on Amador. It is very sad to hear this, especially when it happens in the least likely place. One would hear of such things more often across the bridge, but not in my neighborhood! My sympathy & prayers go out to the family & victim. Next on my agenda is to
permanently remove this 7-Eleven store from this neighborhood...I will start gathering signatures from all residents in this area. Can someone provide assistance as to how I should proceed, i.e. signatures,taking it to the City Council,neighborhood complaints(which are many),traffic issues on residential area et... Please advise how I can get started or if this is out of reach.
Silas Barnabe   |February.14.2008
I guess this software dose not like spell checker's? It cuts off text.

I saw a different story, Erin Hannigan was had the demeanor of Ms. Piggy, Michael Wilson wore the smirk of a leprechaun, Hermie Sunga stare was as if he was a puppet resting from his masters labors, and Tom Barte looked to some other time to be concerned. All showed no remorse at what they are about to do to Vallejo
Silas Barnabe   |February.14.2008
I saw a different story, Erin Hannigan was had the demeanor of Ms. Piggy, Michael Wilson wore the smirk of a leprechaun, Hermie Sunga stare was as if he was a puppet resting from his masters labor
MISSMARVELOUS   |February.14.2008
While we are all very concerned by the possible bankrupcty of our City, we must be ever vigilent to protect our less obvious assets. Last year while our attention was diverted by our budget concerns, our Ferry was snagged right out from underneath us. This was not a sudden decision as some might think, but had been in the plans for over 18 months. If you google Ron Cowan (Alameda developer) Don Perada and the word Ferry, you will discover that plans for grabbing our ferry started some time ago. Blogs indicate that the fine citizens of both Alameda and Oakland "knew something was
up." I find it hard to believe that our County and District representatives knew nothing about this... Now we need to protect what is left, the City of Vallejo is rich in Water Rights, rumor has it that there is a move to turn our Green Valley resevoir into a park (um, I wonder who would want to do this and why.) This is of course a terrible idea and another way for County to get its hands on our 100 year old Water Right. We also own water rights in Napa County, maybe Napa developer's will lobby to get their hands on those... We also have a hugh asset in St. Peter's chapel, worth
millions in Tiffany stained glass windows (we should have a Sotherby's appraiser give us the real evaluation, probably worth much more than we think.)Who will be waiting around to grab St. Peter's? Lets keep our eyes open folks, least the old "switch and bait" plan is put into place, and someone grabs our goodies... What say you "Little Old Lady?"
carol   |February.13.2008
Is Mr. Henke the little poopoo guy on South park? I

watched the city council meeting online--good job with getting your point across regarding firefighters union.

kudos to the man who spoke "from the heart." He took the works right out of my mouth.

Mayor Davis needs empathy lessons. No sign of his supporters anywhere? Guess they can care less about Vallejo.
Silas Barnabe   |February.13.2008
Like I said before this will be a magic show to make the elephant look like a rabbit that he(Osby) is pulling out of his magician hat. Expect more gimmicks in the budget with inflated revenues for fire inspections, and lofty revenue exagerations from phantom projects. Worst case is we will see some sale of land to help cushion the blow before pet projects like a Casino on Mare Island can be made a reality.

As long as they have a soul to sell they will sell it to the highest bidder. Remember when the budget deal is announced we can still win Vallejo back just as the recall in Pinole
succeeded against all odds, politicians, and safety unions we can take back our City!
Sharpie   |February.13.2008
Anybody else curious what Osby "Band-Aid" Davis came up with to save Vallejo? The "untouchables" I'm sure took full advantage as Davis refused to even consider bankruptcy. Seems like it's more about saving face than saving Vallejo. There is nothing other than periodic band-aids that will get this town back on solid ground. The only option in my mind is massive public safety salary adjustments and of course that's off the table thanks to previous councils and the legacy of Intintoli.
Katy Miessner   |February.13.2008
Michael -- thats a good question and I am sorry I have not gotten back to you via Royal Mail. Its been a busy time in Vallejo for the ol' (and getting older) disco queen! I wonder if there is a good ol' boy connection there...

One thing thats good: because of prop 218, the City can't raid the VJO Garbage funds to balance the budget after spending every last dime of our general fund. The City--rightly so--recently increased the fee they charge the Garbage company, to cover impact the garbage co has on Vallejo such as the heavy trucks tearing up our streets. Unfortunately, the increased
fees went into the general fund to plug the heavily bleeding wound in the budget caused by Public Safety Union (mainly firefighters) exhorbitant pay, including overtime needed to cover their abuse of Union Business Leave pay.
Iggy   |February.13.2008
Yippee!! It works!!
Al. J. Love   |February.13.2008
There is an outpouring of sympathy by many people who have posted comments to the Times-Herald story about the sad murder of 7-Eleven employee Surinder Kumar. It comes naturally for people who have compassionate hearts to reach out to the victim's family and try to surround them with love and care. We wish this harmful act never happened and a mother still had her son, a wife, her husband, and a son and daughter, their father. We imagine the pain, sorrow, and shock the family is experiencing because we have heard about death, or perhaps have witnessed death in some form or another, or have
suffered our own losses (pratyekabuddha). Maybe the perpetrators will become conscious enough to realize their bad action has put them in hell within themselves for a long time. Some of us may go so far as to imagine that one day the murderers will attain the beauty of the heart if they manage to become conscious at all.

We are sickened that this murder took place in our city. It presents many concerns, e.g., the continuing degradation of Tennessee Street; the transience that stores like 7-Eleven foster because they don't provide a neighborhood with much in the way of real needs; the
inaction of the owners of the 7-Eleven re security when there had been previous problems.

Members of the Kumar family appeared at the City Council meeting last night to request assistance in obtaining a visa for Surinder Kumar's son so he will be able to travel from India to participate in funeral ceremonies. The lack of care shown by Mayor Osbie Davis to the grieving family was abominable. He said there was not much he could do and they should contact Congressman George Miller. I would expect the mayor of the city where an innocent man was murdered to at least offer some condolences on
behalf of the citizens to the victim's family who are sitting in front of him. I would expect that he could offer some nominal assistance to help them solve their problem. Even if he doesn't care he could at least go through the motions. If he's not really Christian at least he could pretend. I apologize to the Kumar family for our mayor's callousness. This mayor did not represent me last night. But Joanne Schively did. Thankfully, she had the presence of mind and concern for the family to express her sympathy and offered to help. She said she would help the family to get in touch with Dianne
Feinstein and Barbara Boxer. Thank you, Joanne. You looked a lot more mayoral than our current mayor.

Ganesha Sharanam Sharanam Ganesha
Gan Gan Ganapati Sharanam Ganesha
Om Gan Ganapataye Namaha
michael tatham   |February.13.2008
i have been asking this question for years and i have not gotten an answer from numerous elected officials and others. how come vallejo does not have competative bidding for its garbage service like other towns do?
the end result is that we have a garbage company that is guaranted a 10% profit while our rates are 30% higher then the county rates!!!!!!!!
MISSMARVELOUS   |February.13.2008
Thanks "Little Old Lady" for the "Napa Connection." It was also pointed out to me by several old time Vallejo Citizens, that Vallejo use to never look as it does now, run down and in a sorry state of repair. Ruination of Vallejo started about 25 years ago (when the Fairfield Mall was being developed) We have local and county politics to blame. Lets think here, who has been a long time "politico" directly affecting Vallejo? We have only our district, county and local representatives to thank for how our city "looks", after all they figure out how they want our
funds distributed across Solono County, and Solano County has done very well for itself (you would never know by looking at Vallejo however, lets keep those funds flowing East up Hwy 80.) We need to clean house, we only have ourselves to blame if we keep re-electing the "old guard." Petty jealously, egos and personal vendettas have prevented Vallejo from attaining what it can and should, we have allowed the "Foxes" to guard the henhouse. Our "goodies" are being given away, the Historic District and Historic downtown to Section 8, Mare Island to developers, and more
recently our Ferry service (look to see who signed off on that one folks!) We need to take back our City from non-Vallejeons who seek to bleed us dry for their own personal and political gain!!!
Alun Whittaker   |February.12.2008
Congratulations to all concerned in the dramatic reading of the Freifeld Report into the City Council minutes. I think it had an impact on everyone up on the dais -- I swear that even Sunga woke up at least once. And if the readings didn't do it, then Sam Kurshan's "meaningful" summing up really drove the point home that we're not going to take this stuff any more. Why even Stephanie Gomes admitted to being shaken, and she's on our side!

We need to do more of this. Next time, the Grand Jury report?

- AlunHW

PS Why are so are many using noms-de-souris here. Are we worried about
Henke hit squads in the night?
Little Old Lady   |February.12.2008
Miss is right on...

Let's add the Napa Valley component.

Mare Island...a National Historic Landmark that the Feds had invested billions$ in...was sold to Lennar for #1. The transfer Agreements called for protecting what is important historically. But no. Mike Thompson...who represents Napa, not us...passed special legislation to allow formation of a Redevelopment Area on Mare Island for economic reasons alone. No mention of the laws that protect significant historic properties, especially those that are equivalent in importance to Montcello, New Orlean's French Quarter, or the
Presidio of San Francisco. The City has been betting on a nice Mare Island Redevelopment Area to bail out the ever growing City deficit. The plan was to get rid of all of those old brick buildings built in the mid 1800's along the riverfront and build some nice State Farm type buildings to funnel that tax increment right to the Fire Department Union. The Feds threaten toothlessly to delist Mare Island but that is just what the Redevelopment folks want to be able to bulldoze away. That this would be illegal doesn't really matter when the Redevelopment expert lives up there in ....Green
Valley.

Doesn't Henke live in Napa? Don't we drive up to Napa to shop? Does the Napa Valley really want to share any of their lucrative tourist economy with a National Historic Landmark on the Napa River?

Let's all remember that Napa City has had 100's of complaints filed with the ACLU and the Feds for racist housing policies, then take a look at where our City staff lives.

But the Feds keep writing multimillion$ checks to the City of Vallejo because we are so very poor. That money sure does not stay here. It ends up in the pockets of those that profit greatly from our
distress including the slumlords that live in the Napa Valley.
Sharpie   |February.12.2008
Firebug, I think it's quite naive that Davis continues to put his hands over his ears and shout LA LA LA LA LA everytime somebody says the "B" word. Being a leader and a realist means you are aware of both sides of a problem and fully informing yourself about all options positive or negative. I'm not seeing that from Davis. Going into negotiations with the attitude of - We will not discuss bankruptcy - is being a pure TOOL for the Unions.
Firebug   |February.12.2008
You mean it took our newly elected Mayor and Council two months to study this budget deficit? The Gadfather's accounting for dummies would be too difficult for them to comprehend. I wonder if Bankruptcy is still "off the table" at this point?
Missmarvelous   |February.11.2008
I would like to address the question of why Vallejo is always last and on the back burner of having the following projects accomplished: The terrible condition of HWY 80 through Vallejo, Highway 29/Sonoma Blvd, looks terrible as well, our new Hwy 37 over pass has never been finished, it looks terrible beneath the overpass, no landscape or plantings etc. (Cal Trans has no problem beautifing Hwy 80 through Fairfield and Vacaville.)
Why does the Fairfield Mall and surrounding area end up with all the shopping, ie Trader Joes, Barnes and Noble etc. Vacaville has their share of shopping at their
outlet stores and new Nut Tree retail center. Remember the poplulation of Vallejo is greater than Fairfield and Vacaville and we are forced to drive East to shop.

A long time Vallejo resident gave me some inside: There were several prominent Vallejo City officals and business people wo owned large property investments in Fairfield (about 25 years ago.) When the developers of the Mall came to Vallejo expressing interest in building a mall in Vallejo, they were re-directed to Fairfield, where prominent Vallejo busieness folks owned investment property (at this time the population of
Fairfield was much smaller than it is now.) Vallejo Business such as JC Penny and Sears were encouraged to leave Vallejo and move to the Fairfield Mall. To this day business have been re-directed out to the Fairfield area, where long term leases on property there have filled the bank accounts of property owners (many of whom moved to the Green Valley area, which is why many old time Vallejo citizens say "strings are still being pulled" by folks in Green Valley.)
It makes you wonder if the many stalls to the re-development of our downtown are related, if we had a successful
downtown, no one would be traveling to Fairfield, and the mall depends on our 100 thousand plus population to keep the mall going. Dont forget when the Mills Project(mixed retail shopping area) was proposed for the fairgrounds area ( a few years ago,) the developers of the Fairfield Mall lobbied againt it. If you keep an area depressed looking, fill their historic areas with section 8, keep the criminal element localized, no company will want to start a large development, nor will folks want to stop and shop or visit (they will continue East on Hwy 80.)
This may seem far-fetched, or does
it?... Think about it!!
Does any one else have insight on this????????
Sharpie   |February.11.2008
I believe now that the Public Safety Unions waited too long to make concessions to their contract. It's not in their best interest to work for a bankrupt city, however their braintrust kept telling them that there were no money problems. Now we're within just a few months of being in a financial emergency status. The only way in my opinion to avoid it now is to have the Public Safety Unions gouge their pay into oblivion with a contract extension of course thanks to Osby Davis, Mike Wilson, Hermie Sunga and Hannigan. We'll see what happens, but the time for Henke and the gang to ride in on the
white stallion to save the day has past us. They blew it completely and I truly hope the city recognizes that they now have the upper hand in negotiations with bankruptcy now a large reality. Not exactly the hand I would play, but years of mismanagement by the good old boys and girls has put Vallejo under the bus in more ways than one.
Firebug   |February.08.2008
Not about labor? Goto the link and read the blogs and look at the filth posted much like was on the TH blogs. Also look at who supported the anti-recall campaign and that the fire department just happened to be in the midst of contract negotiations.
ejb   |February.08.2008
The reason for the recall in Pinole had nothing to with labor-management relations. It was about the city council granting low interest redevelopment loans and their subsequent default by restraunter Gary Wong.
Silas Barnabe   |February.08.2008
It seems that hypocrisy knows no bounds with the Times Herald, by featuring an edotorial about the bads of selling kenwig lanes to a developer by a private party. After reading about recent sales of land in the Vallejo Unified School District including a ball fieled that displaced hundreds of little league players and their families from Spring activities in a city that is woefully lacking wreaked of hypocrisy.

Where was the family loving Times herald when these sales where being negotiated? They were busy writing about these sales as a "good" thing.

Great Sam Kurshan, when the
movement starts please do not hesitate to enlist support here. I noticed that the pinolerecall.com had a button for donations using paypal. I think internet donations would bring in quite a sum of money from Vallejoans and supporters as many can't find the time to get off of work but have a little money to send. I haven't been to Gary Cloutiers webpage in a while but I hope he opens up his wallet to internet donations.
Sam Kurshan   |February.07.2008
Silas,

Believe you me, I have "read up" on this thoroughly and I am staying on top of it.

Regards,

Sam Kurshan
Firebug   |February.07.2008
It seems like inept leadership isn't just in the city council. With land and housing prices at an all time low what does the Vallejo School District do? Sell land to a development company. Good deal for the development company rotten deal for the citizens and children of Vallejo.

Odd how there isn't one peep or disenting voice from the newly elected school board, and the old inept school board.

http://www.timesheraldonline.com//ci_8184727?IADID=Search-www.timesheraldonline.com-www.timesheraldonline.com

Perhaps the day will come when we toss out those rascals too, perhaps Dan Glaze and
Hazel Wilson spent too much time helping with the Osby Davis campaign and recount effort and not enough time studying their business at hand.
Lou A.. Bordisso   |February.07.2008
"In studying the charges against the incumbants in Pinole it appears that with Barte's actions, the UBL scandal, and possible contract extensions we may have enough support to launch a successfull recall here. One problem is in Vallejo's charter, we can't choose a candidate to replace the recalled official." Firebug

Maybe it is time to revisit the city charter and make some much needed changes. Lou A. Bordisso
TRIOF   |February.07.2008
"Firefighters Local 1230, which will negotiate a new contract with the city in the coming months, invested heavily in Alegria's campaign in the form of money, polling and lobbying voters. The Times, in an editorial, counseled voters to reject a recall."

****

"On Tuesday, in a late-in-the-campaign filing, Alegria reported receiving another $3,284 from the Central Labor Council's PAC and $600 from the firefighters union. Last week the two groups gave her $10,322 and $4,806, respectively; the late-in-the-campaign filings do not specify whether the donations are cash or in-kind
(nonmonetary)."

*****

"The labor council produced several mailers trashing Espinosa." (Former Pinole City Manager)

The last days of the campaign were marred by allegations of cheating and tampering as each side accused the other of trashing its signs. One man was arrested two weeks ago after he admitted removing pro-recall signs from a shopping center and tossing them into a garbage bin."
******
This all sounds so familiar. Firefighter's unions, trash talk, missing campaign signs (VI, unions campaign money being tossed about. But it shows that a determined people
can make changes if the elected officials are not keeping the best interest of the citizen's in mind when making decisions. We will be watching when the new budget proposals are revealed. New contract extensions, costly perks, no mention of the abuse of public funds (UBL'ing) , etc. etc. are being anticipated. Keep watch!
Firebug   |February.07.2008
In studying the charges against the incumbants in Pinole it appears that with Barte's actions, the UBL scandal, and possible contract extensions we may have enough support to launch a successfull recall here. One problem is in Vallejo's charter, we can't choose a candidate to replace the recalled official. In the case of recalling Barte we would automatically get the next runner up in the last election which would be Pearsall. If we recalled Bartee and Sunga then I believe Pearsall and Edwards would move up.
Angry Vallejoian   |February.07.2008
Hello - I am new here but have been lurking in the background for awhile. Congrats on creating a very informative web page.

Re: the Pinole recall I applaud the constituency for voting against business as usual and hope that Vallejoians are taking notice. I say this I am concerned about Bartees attempted power grab in December to fire Chief Sherman,which would have made Henke the de facto head of the fire department. If this issue comes up again and is passed, I hope that the people who are concerned about Vallejo's future will have the same fortitude to stand up and be heard as the
people of Pinole did.

As far as any recall attempt in Vallejo being up against big labor money, I don't think that is really much of a concern. The loss of Pamela Pitts in Vallejo, as well as the successful recall in Pinole shows that money and intimidation are not always enough to sway a population.
Firebug   |February.07.2008
The recall succeeded YES!!! This is great news! I did notice how it didn't get any print in the Chronicles or the TH, must be because all of the politicians that were against it. I read the blog on the Contra Costa Times with interest, their firefighters union memebers are about as indignant as ours.
Vote yes 94, 95, 96, 97   |February.06.2008
Why? Simply because of the public safety opposition. There must be money in it for them somewhere at the expense of native americans.

http://www.NoUnfairDeals.com/keyfacts/whoopposes.htm

WHO OPPOSES THE BIG 4 GAMBLING DEALS?
As of 2-4-08

Public Safety Officials
California Professional Firefighters
Carlsbad Firefighters Association
Hayward Firefighters
San Francisco Fire Fighters Local 798
California Highway Patrol Former Chief Executive Officer Maury Hannigan
Salinas Police Chief Daniel M. Ortega
San Francisco Police Commissioner Yvonne Y. Lee
CAPITAL Public Safety Liaison
Officer Alice Wong
Silas Barnabe   |February.06.2008
I think much can be learned from the Pinole recall! Such nasty comments from their firefighters union!

http://pod01.prospero.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?msg=14730&nav=messages&webtag=cc-comments

Vallejo and Pinole have similar situations and I don't think we should take recall off the table here, it can and has been done despite big labor money and politicians urging voters to vote NO.

http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_8180990

I hope Sam Kurshan is reading up on these guys.
Silas Barnabe   |February.06.2008
Pinole recall successfull!

http://www.contracostatimes.com/ci_8180990?nclick_check=1

It is possible to recall public safety union and special interest good ole' boy candidates!
Vote No 94, 95, 96, 97   |February.05.2008
Why? Simply because of the public safety money grubbers used in the advertisements. Do we need another wad of cash to blow on these overpaid public servants? I think not!
Almighty$$   |February.04.2008
Anonymous said, "It would be great to know of the identities of the dozen or so firefighters that contributed ($1,000 each?) to Wilson and Hannigan..."

Take it a step more, Anon. Unions do this to "hide" political contributions. They ask some rank and file members to contribute money towards union-backed candidates, and then when nobody is looking, they pay the members back. The public isn't allowed to see the Union's books. So who's checking up on them? NOBODY.

Union backed candidates get extra money to send out their slick brochures full of spin, print fancy signs (and
buttons, fans and water bottles) the public gets duped, and we get stuck with union-run cities in it only for themselves. The public gets screwed again.

So nice how democracy is working these days. The power of the almighty dollar.
Sharp enuf   |February.04.2008
"recent history tells us that people are coming back to downtowns"
They are certainly coming back to Pleasant Hill. Though a quick look through google earth shows quite of bit of parking, especially near the Century 16 multiplex that anchors the "new" downtown. The cliche "if you build it, they will come" may have some truth. Pleasant Hill may believe that if there is nowhere to park, "they" probably won't come back. The "new" downtown Pleasant Hill could be mistaken for a outdoor mall with drive up parking AND a lot.

I did some reading on the book
suggested by Mr. Healy: "The High Cost of Free Parking". My impression was the author was addressing "Free" parking, I don't care if parking is "taxed". People like being mobile. If the store they are shopping at doesn't have the right size/style (whatever) taking public transportation to Fairfield or Pleasant Hill for a store that does could end up being a 12 hour round trip ordeal. Is downtown Pleasant Hill on the cutting edge of public transportation?
Katy Miessner   |February.04.2008
Anonymous, recent history tells us that people are coming back to downtowns. Downtowns that turned into ghost towns with the malling of America are revitalizing and experiencing unbelievable success. Vallejo has a great opportunity in our downtown, especially combined with the Touro project.

Vallejoans have become so used to parking right in front or a block away from their destination. In a successful downtown, that is just not going to continue to happen. Vallejoans--including certain downtown business owners--must change their way of thinking if they want the downtown to be a success.


It would be great if consideration of better public transit could be in the mix. But currently the City has no revenue in the general fund to subsidize it and future revenues will only continue to fill the black hole created by the unbelievably generous Fire and Police salaries and benefits...
Anonymous   |February.04.2008
One community at a time. Walnut Creek. Are you comparing the Lesher Center to the Empress? The center has 350,000 patrons visit each year (is parking overrated?). It has 4 stages for performing arts. There is a multi story parking garage adjacent to the Lesher Center with 3 more "parking holes" within 1 block. Additionally, Walnut Creek GF subsidizes 25% of the arts program (total=$25m). The Lesher Center won't be playing Casablanca or the Wizard of Oz any time soon. The Empress couldn't stay open before when it showed Turner Classic Movies, why will it work now?

I realize all
the businesses I mentioned are gone. Along with shoe stores, paint stores, camera stores, pharmacies, three theaters and sport stores that occupied buildings for 25 years (same proprietors). Multiple reasons for there demise, but one common complaint was.....no parking. I don't care if they build on the "parking hole" across from the Empress. But dismissing parking as not much of a problem is ignoring history. But then again, what can history teach us?
Katy Miessner   |February.04.2008
"Spearman alludes that now her only problem with Cloutier is that he was not forcoming in pointing out voting irregularities until after the recount was concluded"

Spearman needs to be careful with what she says: I personally brought up irregularities with McWilliams during the recount. In two instances, I was told that my concerns were unfounded. Rosenthal then gave false information to the Board of Supes, which indicated to me that I was right. And then McWilliams then gave contradictory information about the other issue in a public meeting, indicating that I was right. In
another instance, I was told I was right, but the recount continued to be conducted using the wrong process.

I suggest Spearman refrain from issuing uninformed statements.
Silas Barnabe   |February.04.2008
The above post about the campaign contributions in the Times Herald was mine.
Anonymous   |February.04.2008
Sharp=enf did yield one important issue the new plan put forth "less $$ for the developer". Having a group of citizens form a collective and sue the city just to get input with no financial gain for themselves is telling in itself.

More telling are the financial disclosures that are out over the election. I can hardly wait to see who donated to which candidate. In the Times Herald today they mentioned donations from none other than Erin Hannigan's Fathers contributions to the Davis camp as well as our very own former Mayor Curtola.

It would be great to know of the identities of
the dozen or so firefighters that contributed ($1,000 each?) to Wilson and Hannigan. It would reveal much if any of them are involved in the union business leave scandal, and might explain why Haniigan and Wilson along with the other union bought candidates Bartee and Sunga are trying to brush this mess under the rug.
Sharper than Enough   |February.03.2008
Downer DAV, as for Lang's comment, let's try this: Walnut Creek, Berkeley, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, etc., these communities have theaters, auditoriums and performing arts centers where you have to walk 1-4 blocks from the nearest parking structure.

Sun Valley and other malls are a different animal then walkable, centralized downtowns that cities all over America are trying to re-create. Have you been to Pleasant Hill?

The parking holes, a.k.a parking lots that came about in the 60's were a misguided notion of bad redevelopment principles at the time in Vallejo's history. Do
you really think wiping out the heart of downtown to put up parking lots was a good idea? Maybe you need to go to Urban Planning 101. Oh that's right, you are probably one of the sore "speculators" that Janet Sylvain was blaming Triad for.

With people living, recreating, dining, working and going to the Empress downtown, you will have a density of populace that will enliven what has laid fallow for a long time - the heart of Vallejo. More bodies and money downtown means less crime - if groups like CCRC don't get in the way.

BTW, ALL the mentioned businesses you sited as being
downtown are gone. There must be more of a reason to go downtown than a handfull of restaurants and a hotdog stand.
Dan Healy   |February.03.2008
There is a really interesting book about urban parking planning called "The High Cost of Free Parking" by one Donald Shoup. To a large extent it suggests that parking should not necessarily be the core issue in urban planning and that many cities devote way too much money to subsidized parking.

I'm not advocating for the Triad plan; I just think people would be well advised to read up on the issue, as it is more complicated (and in many ways more interesting as the City tries to incorporate smart growth principles) than you might think.
DAV"   |February.03.2008
"Diana Lang stated that it would be nice if parking was our biggest problem. Other communities with performing art spaces have parking that is blocks away."

Which community?

Ask any merchant (if you could find one) on Georgia St or Virginia between Santa Clara and Sonoma that was in business in the 60's: What is the biggest problem? Answer was ..... Parking! That is why the warehouses behind the old Levis, Newberrys, Pennys, ect...as well as the Hanlon (old theatre across from the Empress) were torn down. Downtown needed PARKING. Has the formula changed since the 60's? Are
people less lazy today than they were 50 years ago? Are they no longer affected by rain, wind and cold? Parking will be a problem. If parking wasn't a problem then Sun Valley et al wouldn't have about 100 acres dedicated to parking.
Sharp enuf   |February.03.2008
"Thanks to the hard work and dedication of this group of people, Vallejo got a much-improved waterfront plan with more to offer the people of Vallejo, not just $$$$ for the developer."

I was at a meeting where Gary Cloutier said 'if the parcel A project was removed from the plan he could compromise on EVERYTHING else'. In other words he planned on holding the entire project hostage so he could stop the residential development on parcel A. In other words he didn't see anything that needed "much improved" between the Yacht Club and the Animal Shelter. There is no
"much-improved" waterfront plan. Changed somewhat, probably less profit for the developer, parcel A is still going to be residential. Where is the "much-improved"? And exactly what is a "view sliver" the coalition was always touting? What view? A 150 year old military complex? Without development you can't see the bay now! What was going to be blocked? Cranes? Walk one block to see the cranes! Its not as if, for example, planned building was going to interfere with a view of Yosemite or even a sunset. Much improved...... BS. (That stands for Barn Soap)
WaR   |February.03.2008
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Sharp enuf   |February.03.2008
I'm pretty sure Cloutier proposed, at a City Council meeting, to end the cities relationship with Callaghan DeSilva and give TRIAD a shot at developing the whole thing. Schively dismissed the financial ($4m???) contribution Callaghan DeSilva had invested and was ready to move on, regardless of how many additional years it would have taken. Why is she now concerned about TRIADS investment? As far as the lawsuit 'improving' the original plan..... that may or may not be true (beauty is in the eye of the beholder). What the lawsuit did do for sure was stop anything from happening.

You are
right about the issues being different. The waterfront at least has a established major corporation and the downtown is putting 3 movies (two of which have played TCM about 100 times) into the $6 million jewel of downtown. I am sure the opening shows will be well attended, however, nobody is going to continue to pay $10 for what is on their TV. I hope the Hiddenbrooke residents are NOT counting on being repaid within their lifetimes for the street money that was deferred for this project?
Sharpest   |February.03.2008
Sharp Enuf, you bought the hype (or perhaps were one of the people spreading it initially?). The Waterfront Coalition didn't oppose waterfront development -- just crappy waterfront development like originally planned by Callahan/Desilva.

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of this group of people, Vallejo got a much-improved waterfront plan with more to offer the people of Vallejo, not just $$$$ for the developer. (BTW, why isn't Callahan/Desilva being called to the carpet for not starting their waterfront project? The legal proceedings have been settled for, what, at least a year now?
Maybe the City should fine Callahan/Desilva $200k for not starting their project?)

As opposed to the downtown property owners, the Coalition folks didn't just say "NO" to Callahan/Desilva, they offered alternatives and were a part of the solution.

I'm not seeing the downtown property owners offering any alternatives other than saying the city should put the brakes on a plan that had unprecedented community support and input and put it out to bid again because there are just so many developers just panting to get into Vallejo.

I think the downtown property owners are
afraid of the Triad plan because it exerts some sort of control on how the downtown is developed, including what types of businesses would be good for the area (property owners want to be able to rent to any business that comes along that will pay the rent, no matter if it fits with the concept of a revitalized downtown, including drug/alcohol treatment facilities, office/no retail like phone banks, etc.), and how the property owners should maintain their properties (no boarded buildings allowed, no crumbling facades, etc.)

And last but not least, the property owners want to start the
development process all over again so they can do what they didn't do when the current plan was developed: get the city (or a developer) to pay for a parking structure to serve their businesses (no charge to them of course).
Sharpie   |February.03.2008
In response to share enuf.. I don't think the opposition to the waterfront development and the CCRC's problem with Triad are the same issue. The waterfront development opposition only wanted a better plan. I don't think they had any desire to kick those developers out of town. Would be good if CCRC, Triad and the City could get together and come up with a solution that works for everyone. If you think about it, that's what that waterfront lawsuit actually did. There was no need to start the entire process over which would have taken many many years I expect. Let's keep Triad here and work with
them thru this economic downturn.
Silas Barnabe   |February.03.2008
It looks like Geri Spearman and company are at it again attacking the person and not the process. Ms. Spearman alludes that now her only problem with Cloutier is that he was not forcoming in pointing out voting irregularities until after the recount was concluded; while defending Mr. Davis call for a recount simply because the election was close.

Conversely I wonder if Mr. Davis would have called for a recount if he had won the election knowing two precets where counted incorrectly? Considering the group Mr. Davis used for advice on the recount Willie Brown, Elihu Harris and Kevein Shelley
(two accomplished scoundrels and one known to the FBI) I have to conclude he would have taken any avenue at any cost to insure the outcome of this election was in his favor.

Oh and to Sharp_enuf, the differences in the waterfront to downtown are enourmous. It is ironic that Mr. Davis worked for Calahan De-Silva in the original Waterfront plan, and now works for the City as Mayor in the downtown development. I wonder if the downtown plan would elicit more shady characters and backroom deals if there were 99 year lease deals like at the waterfront and Marine World?
Snarky   |February.03.2008
Yo (Not) Sharp Enough...Dude, yer mixing apples and oranges re: downtown and waterfront plans.

The waterfront plan as proposed by Callahan-DeSilva was a horrible mess of bad planning without ANY public input. The Triad building was ALL about public input and process on top of good design principles.

The "downtown people" referred to by Sharpie are actually just a couple of people with an agenda. You can see the dysfunction of CCRC in the letter written by Janet Sylvain to the mayor and city council (should be available from the City Clerks office). One of the 6 reasons given
was hit the nail on the head: "Triad's project has generated unstable real estate speculation". Meaning she, along with others, rushed into buying downtown when they heard about Triad's plan and bought up buildings thinking they would make a killing in a couple of years. That's why they call it speculation Janet.

The hysterically funny part about all this is that Janet and a bunch of other sycophants owe Buck K. lots of money. Buck opposed the plan for his own greedy reasons and got some of his interest "paid" by trotting out those who owe to bad mouth Triad at the city
council meeting a few weeks ago. Imagine their surprise when Buck did a 180 a now LOVES the plan? Those who were fighting Buck's "fight" all look as ill as Hermie Sunga did on Tuesday night. Yep, cuz now they are standing all alone with really no legitimate reason to oppose the plan.

Janet should be used to looking like a ... well, let's just say her track record of who/what she supports ain't so good. Hmmm let's see, Duhril Edwerds, trying to kill off Wednesday Night Celebration, trying to kill off the Saturday Farmers Market, spreading false rumors about Gary C....well the
list goes on.

So (Not) Sharp Enough, you've got to consider the source and get yer facts straight.
sharp enuf   |February.03.2008
Sharpie....Probably the same IQ that opposed the waterfront development?
Were they afraid of change, was there a different motivation, or were they just plain dumb?
Sharpie   |February.03.2008
:?: Can anyone shed some light regarding the downtown people and why they oppose the Triad deal. It's common sense to know that another opportunity would be years into the future. Why are they pushing away a good opportunity? The economy is bad news and I don't see any developer having the hots for our downtown anytime soon. Are they afraid of change, is there a different motivation, or are they just plain dumb?
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