April 2010 

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Captain   |May.03.2010 Debate on the other debt crisis Our View: Ugly truth about state pensions begins to emerge http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/editorials/2010-05-03-editorial03_ST_N.htm

Back Atcha   |May.02.2010 Snarky Mark, I didn't bother to read your response since you can't seem to control yourself in responding to me. Suffice it to say that Vallejo needs to remove BA from its charter as a first important step in changing how we do things. I'm very proud of the Yes on Measure A folks and the truly grassroots movement to effect change. Looking forward to seeing the colorful signage throughout the city. As a property owner & small business person I shout Yes on Measure A proudly.

curious   |May.02.2010 Not all Republicans are angry white men. Many historic conservation and environmental programs were put forth by Republicans. Abraham Lincoln was a Republican. So don't tar all Republicans with the same brush. Unfortunately, California Democratic politicians have proven over and over that they are in bed with the Unions, so any that get my vote are going to have to be on record against the public employee union stranglehold on California. Just as any Republican that might get my vote has to prove that they are not beholden to the Christian fundamentalist rightwing. Time to vote record not party. The words "supported by Police and Fire" will cause me to vote the other way.

Oberver   |May.02.2010 to "LOve affair" let's not throw out the baby with the bath water,...I'm a democrat and always will be mostly because the Republican party has beome the party of "NO" and the party of angry white men, and let's please remember that it was the private sector that brought the economy to its knees,...however, it's also true that unions have become as corrupt and greedy as the private sector. Unions brought workers good things like sick leave and medical coverage, etc., so lets focus on what's broke and leave partisan politics out of it.

curious   |May.02.2010 Please don't yell. I can't hear what you are saying because of the decible level. The playing field is not level. The Unions have an inordinant amount of power and endless funding from unions all over the State. How is that fair? The mailer I received did not tell me how to vote; it was a statement of the facts without a lot of drama and hype. The people on the City Council are supposed to work on behalf of the community and I am grateful that the City stepped up to do what is necessary to end the killing python-like grip of the PSUs.

Mark   |May.02.2010 Quote from Back Atcha: "Snarky Mark, while it may be perfectly legal for unions to spend an obscene amount of money on negative campaigning, it is morally reprehensible to threaten the very community that pays their bloated salaries. Billboards, faux-magazines with misleading rhetoric only shows how desperate and ugly the PSU's have gotten." I AGREE. Quote from Back Atcha: "The disrespect you and your ilk have shown for the taxpayers, will hasten the demise of the stranglehold they've had on our city. And I will toast that end come June." I AM SHOWING DISRESPECT FOR THE TAXPAYERS? I AM A TAXPAYER! IT IS THE CITY COUNCIL SHOWING DISRESPECT FOR TAXPAYERS BY SPENDING OUR MONEY (MONEY WE DON'T HAVE TO SPARE BY THE WAY) TO PROMOTE BALLOT MEASURES AND TO ATTEMPT TO INFLUENCE THE OUTCOME OF AN ELECTION. THE MERITS OF THE BALLOT MEASURE IN QUESTION IS NOT THE ISSUE -- THE ISSUE IS THE COMPLETELY INAPPROPRIATE USE OF TAXPAYER MONEY TO IN ESSENCE, CONDUCT A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN. I WOULD IMAGINE YOUR VIEWPOINT WOULD BE SOMEWHAT DIFFERENT IF THE COUNCIL HAD EXPENDED PUBLIC FUNDS TO OPPOSE MEASURE A RATHER THAN SUPPORT IT. AND BEFORE YOU GO SHOOTING YOUR DARTS AT PEOPLE AND PRESUMTIVELY CATEGORIZING THEM, YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED TO KNOW THAT I AM NEITHER INVOLVED IN ANY WAY WITH, NOR AM I A SUPPORTER OF OUR LOCAL PSU'S OR THEIR SELF-SERVING ACTIVITIES. HOWEVER, I DON'T DISPUTE THEIR RIGHT TO ENGAGE IN THESE ACTIVITIES, SLEAZY THOUGH THEY MAY BE, BECAUSE THIS IS STILL A FREE COUNTRY. THEY AREN'T DOING IT WITH TAXPAYERS' MONEY AND WE DIDN'T ELECT THEM TO REPRESENT US -- THEY REPRESENT THEIR OWN SPECIAL INTERESTS. YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED TO LEARN THAT I SUPPORT MEASURE A, THOUGH I SHUDDER TO THINK THAT THE CURRENT COUNCIL MAJORITY CAN DO A MORE COMPETENT JOB OF CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS THAN AN OUTSIDE ARBITRATOR. ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF BANKRUPTCY -- THE PRIMARY REASON THE CITY SHOULD HAVE ENTERED INTO BANKRUPTCY, IS THE ABILITY TO NULLIFY LABOR AGREEMENTS AND UNILATERALLY IMPOSE NEW AGREEMENTS THAT THE CITY CAN AFFORD. BUT OUR USELESS COUNCIL MAJORITY, AFTER PUTTING US INTO BANKRUPTCY AND EXPOSING THE CITY TO $$MILLIONS IN LEGAL FEES TO NAVIGATE THROUGH THAT PROCESS, THEN NEGOTIATES A NEW CONTRACT THAT WE STILL CANNOT AFFORD RATHER THAN IMPOSING ONE WE CAN AFFORD. NOW WHAT KIND OF SENSE DOES THAT MAKE? IT NEGATES THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF THE BANKRUPTCY FILING AND SHOWS WHAT KIND OF IDIOTS ARE CALLING THE SHOTS ON CITY COUNCIL. AND NOW, THESE SAME IMBECILES ARE SPENDING PUBLIC FUNDS ON A POLITICAL CAMPAIGN. THAT IS JUST PLAIN WRONG NO MATTER WHAT THE ISSUE IS. THERE IS A PRINCIPLE HERE AND ITS ABOUT GOOD, CLEAN, HONEST GOVERNMENT. WE DON'T GET TO PICK AND CHOOSE WHEN IT'S OK TO USE PUBLIC FUNDS TO SUPPORT OR OPPOSE BALLOT MEASURES -- IT'S NEVER OK, PERIOD! BINDING ARBITRATION DOES NOT SERVE US WELL AND MUST BE REMOVED FROM THE CITY CHARTER. BUT NEITHER THE CITY COUNCIL, NOR THE CITY MANAGER SHOULD BE FUNDING THIS EFFORT WITH TAXPAYER MONEY. THEY PLACED THE ISSUE ON THE BALLOT -- NOW THE BALL IS IN THE CITIZENS' COURT TO SECURE ITS PASSAGE. MAYBE YOU WANT GOLDMAN-SACHS GOVERNMENT, I DON'T.

Back Atcha   |May.01.2010 Snarky Mark, while it may be perfectly legal for unions to spend an obscene amount of money on negative campaigning, it is morally reprehensible to threaten the very community that pays their bloated salaries. Billboards, faux-magazines with misleading rhetoric only shows how desperate and ugly the PSU's have gotten. The disrespect you and your ilk have shown for the taxpayers, will hasten the demise of the stranglehold they've had on our city. And I will toast that end come June. Yes on Measure A!

LOve affair   |May.01.2010 People in general (including democrates) are quite sick of the "love affair" that democrates have had with the unions for the last 25 years. Jerry Brown gave government workers unionization in the 1970's. Grey Davis gave police and fire retirement at 50, democrates on the Vallejo City Council gave police and fire binding arbitration, being a conservative is looking better and better every day...

curious   |May.01.2010 The dominos are going over so just keep up that Union propaganda. Meg will have a field day with it after she takes out her Republican contenders. Whether you or I like it or how the two of us vote, Meg will probably be the next governator and the rules will change. Many California Democrats on key committees may not be in Washington next round either. It has nothing to do with the Tea Party; it has everything to do with public employee greed and graft. You folks have overplayed your hand.

Yeow!man   |May.01.2010 Curious � |May.01.2010 Public employees were only allowed to unionize and use public money for political purposes though a law Jerry Brown put forth shortly after Vallejo voters put BIA in the Charter because the psu strike, in the wake of the Zodiak, crippled the city. The "NO on A" signs was from money that is as private as the change in your pocket. If you feel differently I suggest you quit paying taxes to protest what you think is illegal spending.

Curious   |May.01.2010 Public employees were only allowed to unionize and use public money for political purposes though a law Jerry Brown put forth shortly after Vallejo voters put BIA in the Charter because the psu strike, in the wake of the Zodiak, crippled the city. Do you really think, in today's political climate where every community in California is finding that their employee contracts exceed income, that Meg will not be the next governor? Nowadays, the words "supported by police and fire unions" are enough to make voters turn the other direction.

Mark   |May.01.2010 Dear Curious-- It is perfectly legal for unions to spend money on political campaigns, whether we agree with their agenda or not. Just because their paycheck comes from the taxpayers, doesn't make it an expenditure of public funds once it is in their pocket. It is their earnings and they can spend it as they wish, just as you and I can do with our earnings. Those who disagree with their agenda, should form a "Yes on A" campaign committee, raise money to fund it and run a campaign to pass the measure. That's how it works in this country. I'm glad you're happy to see the city illegally spending public funds to support this ballot measure. I'm sure you would be equally delighted if the city spent taxpayer's money to support Meg Whitman's campaign for Governor, or used our money to make contributions to the campaigns of candidates for the state legislature, or perhaps to fund Carly Fiorina's bid for the US Senate, or to contribute to a Sarah Palin Presidential campaign. Be careful what you wish for.

Curious   |May.01.2010 So how legal are all the No on A signs funded by Union dues that are directly taken out of paychecks funded by the tax payers in order to get more money out of the taxpaying public? The playing field is not level. I was happy to see the City of Vallejo's mailer because it was the first piece that counteracted the massive Union money machine. Too bad about the Sanitation District. Is Al Levezzo, part of the Redevelopment counsel for the City, still on the Sanitation District's board?

Mark   |April.30.2010 Yesterday my water bill came in the mail and I open it to find a 4-color printed "informational" piece inserted that was nothing more than political propaganda supporting Measure A. A little taxpayer funded stunt paid for by a bankrupt (both morally and financially) city unable to fulfill even its most fundamental responsibility, namely adequate public safety. Now they are talking about closing yet another fire station -- the message is surely "don't have a heart attack in Vallejo". Then today, I open my mail box to find yet another 4-color mailer dedicated solely to the same effort--to convince our citizens to support Measure A, though of course, this is all only "informational", a very transparent attempt to skirt right to the edge of the law, but just as clearly, as any idiot who reads this crap could attest, it is such a thinly veiled piece of political propaganda that it surely violates the spirit of the law, if not the letter. Although in this case a strong argument can be made that it violates the letter, as well. And doing a 4-color mailer city wide ain't cheap. We're talking like at least $35 grand here. Now whether the City Council is culpable in this escapade, or whether our "interim" city manager took it upon himself to authorize funding for this outrageous misuse of public funds, I do not know. Surely, the city attorney must have been consulted as to the legality of the language, ie, falling outside the technical definition of "advocacy" and within the technical definition of "informational". The city pulled exactly the same stunt during last November's election cycle to advocate on behalf of the Telecom tax--I believe it was Measure U. That caught my attention and I made an appearance before the City Council to let them know what I thought about such misuse of public funds and to querry who might have approved such action, since the City Council apparently did not directly cast a vote approving the disemination of such propaganda or the funding thereof, or so they claim. I had previously been informed that both Councilmembers Shively and Gomes had requested at the time they voted to place the measure on the ballot that no such expenditure be made, and this "directive" to city staff was summarily ignored. Of course I too, was ignored when I addressed the Council concerning this issue. Now, the same arrogant disregard for the public's rapidly diminishing monies has been repeated, with no doubt more to come before the June election. This time, this issue must be agendized at a Council meeting so that the Council cannot simply ignore these concerns and questions, but must respond, and of course the Mayor would not have the prerogative of simply cutting citizens off after 3 short minutes have expired, with no action taken to determine how this happened, who authorized it and what will be done to prevent it from happening in the future. My concern has nothing to do with the merits or lack thereof of Measure A. It has to do with the principle of spending public funds to campaign for or against something which appears on the ballot. This is the domain of the voters and the campaign committees that are established to support or oppose issues appearing on the ballot. It is not appropriate or legal for the city to engage in electioneering, which is exactly what they have done, with taxpayer's money, of course. This time, we should not be content to let this matter rest after stating such obvious concerns to our elected officials. This time something must done about it. As a little backgound, I can tell you that this kind of thing is fairly widespread at the local government level, as cities, counties, agencies, special districts and the like use public funds under the guise of providing "information" to the voters. Here in Solano County, the county Transportation Agency has repeatedly done the same thing to try and convince voters to increase our sales tax to fund their transportation "improvement" wish list. They can continue to place these measures on the ballot -- the voters have told the Transportaion Agency "NO" three times now, until they get their way. And the citizens have zero recourse short of digging into their own pockets to pay for very expensive legal action, with no assurance of the results. It goes without saying that this reprehensible action is even more outrageous when done by a city that doesn't have a pot to pee in, but somehow finds the funds to engage in this kind of illegal and immoral behavior while in this crime-ridden city our public safety services have been cut already to levels that are below that which any reasonble person would consider adequate to protect the lives and safety of our citizens and their property. The answer we get is to make even further cuts in defiance of the fundamental obligation of government to keep us and our belongings safe and secure. And can't you just wait for the November ballot measure, surely on its way, to raise our taxes even more to get the city out of its financial quagmire? Somehow the city found the money to pay for a poll (and polling firms don't come cheap) to see how much more they might be able to squeeze out of us. The irony of course is why would we want to suffer an even greater tax burden for the privilege of living in this community, a tax burden already considerably greater than that endured by the citizens of other nearby towns which enjoy a safe and secure environment, good schools, and a prosperous local community. And naturally, they will use our money in an overt campaign to try to convince us to vote for their proposed tax increases. It is infuriating beyond words and speaks volumes about the unique combination of arrogance and incompetence that characterizes the majority of our elected city leaders.

Hmmmmmm   |April.30.2010 Driving by the IBEW hall on Amador Street today (the one with the big No on A sign), and who should I see but Erin Hannigan walking in to visit her friends and campaign donors. Nice to see that the Funded Council members stay true to form.

Anonymous   |April.30.2010 I read that this morning and felt a little less terrible about our own stupid contracts.

Observer   |April.30.2010 I agree with "laws on the books" - the grand jury believes that Vallejo's code enforcement has improved - only the high profile newsworthy stuff has but Vallejo is still a city of unkept lawns and dumpy neighborhoods where even neighborhood associations are unable to secure any support from code enforcement. People allow their lawns to dry out, park unregistered cars on the unpaved portion of front yards, pile 15 people into a section "8" house and the list goes on...... If you want Code Enforcement to respond to a complaint, tell them that news cameras will be onsite - they like photo opts.

Anonymous   |April.30.2010 Did Salerno help negotiate that contract?

Anonymous   |April.30.2010 "[Oakland] Firefighters are protected to a degree by a clause in their contract that says anyone covered by the contract who was hired before July 1, 2009 cannot be laid off." WOW. Who agreed to THAT? Jerry Brown?

Hmmm......   |April.30.2010 Our current mayor is just one in a long string of GOB picked lackeys that support the Vallejo economic paradigm of Blight=Redevelopment=Subsidized Housing=Blight that cycles forever. Each spin puts money in their pockets. The PSU mess is a component in that the same GOB picked politicians are put into office by the PSU money with a few promises attached for quid pro quo. The GOBs could not let Gary's win stand so they sent in the "boys" to disappear a few ballots. (The gays are seen as an enemy of the system. Who are they to come in and fix up historic houses that could be perfect Daisy properties!) Yes, there are laws but enforcement takes political will. We get tap dancing. The reason Code Enforcement has stepped up is that there is no work for staff plan checking, inspecting or pushing paper around because the construction economy (which fed the Vallejo machine) is dead here. So the inspectors are out there in the field looking for stuff and listening for hammers. HUD has serious rules. Check out HUD's web site or the HUD liason with the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in DC. Federal law requires that all Federal Programs (including Section evaluate adverse impacts to historic properties and mitigate. Most of old Vallejo qualifies. If they don't follow the rules, the Feds could cut off Vallejo's money. But until there is lots of smoke, HUD won't act.

Firebug   |April.30.2010 Oakland Councilman DeLaFuenta taking a hrder stance at public safety in Oakland. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_14991544?nclick_check=1

Anonymous   |April.30.2010 You are right, Laws, about the lax Tobacco and Alcohol ordinances. You should read the latest "Your City Council Report" for the detailed reporting on that issue. Thank you VIB for providing that service -- we see how pathetric Osby Davis really is. He is deliberately blocking great and problem solving ordinance. Code Enforcement isn't our enemy, its our dumb@$$ mayor.

Laws on the books   |April.30.2010 Today the Times Herald reported that the Grand Jury has found that Code Enforcemnent has greatly improved. My question is how can a 150 year old city like Vallejo have such relaxed or non-existant laws. Vallejo has no anti-loitering law, very lax tabacco and liquor laws, and has no law with teeth regarding blighted buildings. The Vallejo Housing Authority is not doing their job either. They are gving away our tax payer dollars in the form of section 8 vouchers to Slumloards who do not maintain their property. They have been inspecting houses and buildings and turning a blind eye to obvious violations pertaining to health and safety. A perfect example would be Daisy Villanueva, landord of blighted property, VHA continues to approve her horrid properties for section 8 vouchers. Maybe the Federal Govt should be called in...

John K   |April.30.2010 Firebug, Thanks. Good links to put occupational risks in perspective. http://tinyurl.com/y9s9grm http://tinyurl.com/2wldgqz

Anonymous   |April.29.2010 If Micheal Thompson knew how to run a campaign, he'd visit VIB and capture some of Dan Healy's pathetic diatribes attached to the various Bartee articles. I don't want "Diarrhea of the blogs" Dan Healy "judging" me. Then again, I don't want Micheal-I can't spell my first name-Thompson judging me either. Hey, having bad judges may curb crime!

Thursday   |April.29.2010 @HAPPY DAYS Hi Dan, go away now

HAPPY DAYS   |April.29.2010 What happened to Dan Healy, I haven't heard from him in a while. I miss his logical reasoning, even if he is a Democrat. Come back Dan, some of us miss you.....You old Cobb Mountaineer?

Anonymous   |April.29.2010 I liked you a lot more when you were ranting and raving about Code Enforcement. Who cares who did it with whom and you being the end result of love without borders.

momster   |April.29.2010 sorry the previous post was mine. SB1070 has me a little charged up these days.

Anonymous   |April.29.2010 Tea Partier: while the tea partiers are singing Hallelujah, I'm feeling many hate me b/c I have melanin in my DNA. I'm American Indian, and Dutch/Irish--as far as I'm concerned my ancestors have been here from the get go and now the ARizona dictators want me to show proof of citzenship b/c of the color of my skin!! My great grandfather is a Delaware Indian, so Tea Partiers, how about showing me the birth certificates of your great granfathers. btw Hallelujah is the LATIN term for PRAISE.

Anonymous   |April.29.2010 The politics and perils of public pensions: "The dispute over California public employee payouts is growing. Republicans blame Democrats, who see the problem but fear alienating labor.... State Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown is one Democrat in a particular dilemma." http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/me-cap-20100429,0,4290670.column

Firebug   |April.29.2010 How about now John? http://tinyurl.com/2wldgqz

California Tea Party   |April.29.2010 Republicans must be singing "Hallelujah" right about now. Republicans were already set to sweep 2010 election cycle with the DC healthcare debacle, but with AZ Gov Jan Brewer busting onto the scene with SB 1070, Democrats must be worried now about POTUS 2012. Jan Brewer knows California mentality inside-out (Wikipedia), so she is the perfect Republican candidate over Sarah Palin for POTUS 2012.

John K   |April.29.2010 Firebug - the first link is good but the second one opens a blank page... http://tinyurl.com/y9s9grm http://tinyurl.com/2bcu2ta

Yes on Measure A!   |April.28.2010 Thanks for the links Anon. This article just supported our case for YES on MEASURE A: "The historical touchstone of labor union existence

Anonymous   |April.28.2010 The Boston Globe got it right, at least as relates to CA and several other states. It didn't have to be that way but the unions are out of control, or in complete control with the help of the democrats that work for them. I guess it depends on how you look at it. UNION MARCHERS PROPOSE $40 BILLION IN TAX HIKES http://tinyurl.com/23rzsc6

Anonymous   |April.28.2010 The Boston Globe states that Municiple Unions should be abolished. http://tinyurl.com/33r36sq "SOONER OR later, the Devil always overplays his hand. In the current crisis of public employee unions bullying cash-strapped governments, that is a good thing. Politicians and the public now see the vice-like control of the unions."

Firebug   |April.28.2010 Robert, If this is a clue to their longevity after retirement the so called "stress" opinion is just that. http://tinyurl.com/y9s9grm http://tinyurl.com/2bcu2ta I think a rebuttal on the yes on Measure A website concerning the QA on the no on measure a website would be very helpful (Why do I think Ron York had something to do with the QA's) http://www.votenomeasurea.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/No_On_Measure_A_qna.pdf

I wonder...   |April.28.2010 In blue collar jobs, do you think there are more injuries and deaths in Construction type jobs or the Fire Department type jobs? Wives of construction workers worry every day that something could happen to their spouses (as do the wives of firemen.) Yes, we worry they will fall from the roofs and ladders,be electrocuted, be injured or killed by the equipment they use every day, suffer long term health problems from the chemicals they are exposed to. When a construction worker is killed or injured, it never makes the paper, flags are not lowered at half mast, the T.V. does not broadcast thousands of constructions workers from across the country attending the funeral. Mostly folks just mutter "poor bastard." I wonder... Are some folks lives more valuable than others?

Robert Schussel   |April.28.2010 If you read the methodology it is not based on any scientfic data but rather someones opinion of what makes a job stressful. Many jobs are highly stressful such as Wall Street Traders,Students ( anxiety over tests and grades),soliders,air traffic controllers,people in hostile work envirnoments etc that did not show up .Even a job such as a large stone diamond cutter,snake handlers etc can be highly stressful. Physiologically studies have shown them to be highly stressful. My point is that people are too ready to accept pseduo science as fact. What is stressful to one person may not be to another.Also how stress is defined will make a big difference in the rankings. Looking at long term effects on physical and mental health is more realistic criteria. Usually people in highly stressful positions have shorter lifespans and poorer health--two criteria not considered in the methodology.If these two criteria are included the rankings would change.

Vjo-in   |April.27.2010 http://www.careercast.com/jobs/content/ten-most-stressful-jobs-2010-jobs-rated-0 Wow is this for real? Check out this study.

Vjo-in   |April.27.2010 Tuesday, April 27, 2010 LoginSign Up Front Page Culture Politics Business Sports Sunday Best Help Tag Cloud GO Tag Cloud arco arena art ask officer michelle basketball business capitol capitol events city of sacramento comedy community Crime culture development downtown education environment event events family fashion film fire food fun Help history journalism kevin johnson kings local mayor kevin johnson midtown music nba nightlife open2009 People police politics sacramento sacramento city council sacramento concerts sacramento kings sacramento police department second saturday Southside Park Sports state capitol sunday best tyreke evans Sort Alpha Sort Popular Most Stressful Jobs "#1 Firefighter" by Jim Doucette, published on April 27, 2010 at 28PM Storyline: Fire Safety Community Tags: culture fire > No high resolution image exists... > Image 2 of 5 Loading 5 of 5 Recently careercast.com, a job search web site, did a study and listed what they found to be the most stressful jobs of 2010. Firefighter came out as the most stressful job in their study. Although some of you may or may not agree with this report, I thought that I would give you a little insiders view on some of the things that I believe make our profession stressful. Some may think the obvious;

John K   |April.27.2010 Nice, Firebug. I love the solicitation for arguments in three sentences or less, three short and punchy sentences. Make them good, not the usual diatribe. Make them convincing. Forget about fairness. If you would like your answers graded (free of course), send them in... What a hoot Another piece right out of the playbook. The expert economic forecasters at PolicePay seem to think that prosperity is just around the corner and there will be plenty of golden goose eggs for the finding, if the union members know where to look. But in order to collect the eggs, a new foundation of public opinion has to be built from scratch. The base that provided support for damage control will no longer serve our needs. Looks like Vallejo did supply many of those 15 items they have to deal with in order to get some favorable public opinion.

Chapter 9   |April.27.2010 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Council Told to Consider Bankruptcy http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=ab6OQc35weDI&pos=14 April 27 (Bloomberg) -- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which has missed $6 million in debt payments since Jan. 1, should consider seeking Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection, City Controller Dan Miller told a three-hour special committee hearing. "It's not good," Miller said at the start of the hearing before a silent audience of about 20 that included city officials and union members. "Nobody wants to do it, but it's there for a reason," he said. "Maybe for the purpose of helping cities that are in the situation we are in now." "It's difficult to get into Chapter 9," Miller said. He said Harrisburg would have to present a proposed debt relief plan to its creditors and get an endorsement from the state before it could seek bankruptcy.

Chapter 9   |April.27.2010 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, Council Told to Consider Bankruptcy http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601109&sid=ab6OQc35weDI&pos=14 April 27 (Bloomberg) -- Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which has missed $6 million in debt payments since Jan. 1, should consider seeking Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection, City Controller Dan Miller told a three-hour special committee hearing. "It

Firebug   |April.27.2010 Interesting reading John, Here is some more. http://www.policepay.net/20100426.pdf Looks like Vallejo has provided policepay with much needed data to polish PSU rhetoric. One thing is certain with our streets and infrastucture falling apart aound us, the rhetoric of saying more Police is "vital" to quality of life in a city is going to be a very hard sell.

John K   |April.27.2010 Give Local Government Budget Control "In California, many political outcomes are determined in advance because the game is rigged. Because unions effectively negotiate their fat contracts with themselves (government) the process of collective bargaining has been turned on its head. As in Las Vegas, the house always ends up the winner..." http://tinyurl.com/28jbb58

Anonymous   |April.26.2010 Great article. It really shows the disconnect between the police and the rest of the world. Everyone else is taking hits, but asking the cops to is answered with accusations of union busting and cop hating. This final quote shows that the police union head is confused and just doesn't understand that the party is over, we need cops and appreciate them, but cities can't keep paying them the moon and the stars: Tulsa Officer Phil Evans, president of the police union, finds such rhetoric disorienting. "It used to be that cities were proud of their police department," he said. "Now it's all about the bottom line."

WSJ   |April.26.2010 Here's the link. A quote from the article: "But police called the mayor's offer extortion and accused him of union-busting. Members overwhelmingly rejected the deal. The layoff notices went out within days." http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704508904575192351090107196?mod=WSJ_hpp_LEFTTopStories

robert schussel   |April.26.2010 There is an article in todays Wall Street Journal how other cities such as Tulsa OK are dealing with declines in Public Safety. Could someone who has access provide the link for everyone Thanks

Anonymous   |April.26.2010 http://www.hulu.com/watch/144719/saturday-night-live-public-employee-of-the-year Saturdaty Night Live: 2010 Public Employee of the Year Awards

Another Someone   |April.25.2010 Thanks, Someone! I was there in spirit! I'm glad to see their boycott is working *so well*

Someone Else   |April.25.2010 I stopped by V. Sattui yesterday and boy was it crowded. That boycott is sure working! It was lovely.

Inigo Montoya   |April.24.2010 V. Sattui has great dessert wines, try their Vintage Port and Madeira!

No Tea Baggers   |April.24.2010 The tea party is full of ignorant know nothings. With Sarah Palin as their leader I fully support them in order to splinter the right and guarantee Obama another 4 years with a landslide election in 2012.

California Tea Party   |April.23.2010 Republican sweep in California for November 2010 election - Meg Whitman (R) for Governor over Jerry Brown, Rick Tubbs (R) for District 7 over George Miller, Carly Fiorini (R) for Senate over Barbara Boxer, and John Dennis (R) for House over Nancy Pelosi. The people's revolution has begun!!!

YES ON A   |April.23.2010 Sattui! I wish I could go there this weekend -- according to posts by Firefighters there's some demostration. If I could, I'd walk right in, get my glass, taste what they're pouring and buy a lot. We Vallejoans know how that poor guys feels. We've been under the Union thumb for years and years. YES ON A YES ON A!!

John Wilkes Booth   |April.23.2010 Why are you all so dead?

Gran Torino   |April.23.2010 I will definately buy more Suttui wine! Refreshing to see someone with influence speak out against gross abuse of public funds and union corruption. NO MORE UNION THUGGERY!

Firebug   |April.23.2010 Thanks for the link John K, very very alarming to say the least.

Positve news   |April.23.2010 Two positive news articles about Mare Island/Vallejo in the SFChron read online line search Vallejo and then look at news articles for 4/18 and 4/21. Its nice to read something positive for a change! Viva Vallejo.

President of SEIU   |April.23.2010 Guess who has made a gazillion trips to the Whitehouse to visit President Obama? The president of SEIU. Wonder what he wants...

John K   |April.23.2010 UNION MARCHERS PROPOSE $40 BILLION IN TAX HIKES... The public employee-union backed marchers arrived at the Capitol this week after 48 days on the road from Bakersfield, and Thursday presented lawmakers with their state budget recommendations -- $40 billion in tax increases and loophole closures they said will avoid service cuts and balance the budget for years to come. http://tinyurl.com/23rzsc6

John K   |April.23.2010 Winemaker Dario Sattui said he has nothing against firefighters and that his comments were aimed more at the 'politicians' who he said have approved inflated public safety pay and benefit packages. His letter came out of concern that such contracts could lead to bankruptcy for municipalities in Napa County, as they have elsewhere, including Vallejo. 'I'll probably lose some sales,' he said. 'You can't take on motherhood, apple pie or firefighters. But somebody has to speak up.' http://tinyurl.com/28edr8o

Anonymous   |April.22.2010 Sattui is the winemaker that the PSU's are trying to ruin.

Anonymous   |April.22.2010 Who is the winemaker? I'll buy their wine just because of this!

Newly Independent   |April.22.2010 I never would have dreamed I'd be siding with Republicans. Not just siding, but cheering them on! What the he|| is this world coming to?

On Fire   |April.22.2010 More of the "Bloody Their Noses" doctrine: Public employee pensions are quickly becoming one of the hottest political issues in the state. On Wednesday, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said reducing government pension costs will be the top priority of his final eight months in office. �Pension reform must be our No. 1 priority. I refuse to pass this crisis onto the next governor and the next Legislature,� Schwarzenegger told reporters in a Capitol news conference. ***The issue exploded in Sonoma County this week when North Bay firefighters and their supporters launched a boycott against a St. Helena winemaker who criticized their pay and benefits.*** Now, the Republican governor vows to make pensions a major focus in Sacramento. He is backing legislation authored by Senate GOP leader Dennis Hollingsworth that would create a two-tiered pension system for state employees. The bill, SB 919, would leave benefits unchanged for current state employees but alter benefits for newly hired workers. The bill would save $110 billion over 30 years, Hollingsworth said.

Anonymous   |April.22.2010 Why am I not surprized that the Miller job bill has NOT ONE MENTION of Vallejo?

Anonymous   |April.22.2010 Miller's jobs bill estimated to save 6,200 East Bay government jobs http://www.insidebayarea.com/crime-courts/ci_14922605?source=rss

Sad Dem   |April.22.2010 Now THAT's a smart move by the state if they can pass it. But the public unions have so many paid whores in the Senate and Assembly (I'm sorry, I mean "representatives", they won't likely pass it. Look at AB 155. Evans is THE worst, too. Makes me ashamed of being a Dem. Michael Allen is a carbon copy. And so is Wilson, but minus any proof of intelligence.

Retired_IBEW   |April.21.2010 Legislation introduced to reduce pension formulas for new state employees: http://www.sacbee.com/static/weblogs/the_state_worker/2010/04/schwarzenegger-hollingsworth-i#discovery # Reducing the formula for non-public safety employees by adding 10 years to full retirement eligibility age, which would be 65. # Changing the retirement formula for CHP, firefighters, correctional officers and other peace officers from the current 3 percent at 50 to 2.7 percent at age 57. # Changing the calculation for retirement benefits for all from the highest single year to an average of the highest 3 years. # Eliminating the exemption on the first $200 of wages that goes into calculating CalPERS employee contributions to the fund. # Adds 5 years to the length of service time (currently 20 years) required to be fully vested for the retiree health care benefits. # Gives the state the authority to purchase health insurance on its own instead of through CalPERS. # Cuts the state's contribution to retiree health care costs from 100 percent of the average HMO cost to about 85 percent, matching the contribution made for active employees.

I Like the Press Democrat   |April.21.2010 http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100421/OPINION/100429882/1042?p=1&tc=pg Go to see the graphic on page one but the editorial is excellent. Re: AB 155

J.C.   |April.21.2010 Good article. I'm sure most of the people interviewed would have pension envy of their own if they new would California government employees were getting away with.

Anonymous   |April.21.2010 Pension gap divides public and private workers http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-02-20-pensions-cover_x.htm

Hmm...   |April.21.2010 anon... Fear is a well used strategic ploy to manipulate the masses into "feeding" those that promulgate it. Vallejo's PSU's were not the first to use it and Bush was certainly not the second. Certainly those past dark ages where the Sheriff of Nottinghan could just kill you on the spot or the Inquisition could burn you at the stake for the mere crime of being female would keep most people silent and handing over every penny they had. Fear of an interminal afterlife in the fires of Hell still keeps money flowing to the the Churches. Maybe Fear is in our genes because there might be tigers in the bush. Not many tigers around these days, but the PSU's are perfectly willing to put people out of business, slander or harrass them when they identify them as enemies. Maybe the PSU's move just a little slow or be too busy with other terrible problems to respond to emergencies at homes where their identified enemies live. For the cynical power hungry...anything that works is just fine. Fear is only irrational when it is not justified. Fear of Vallejo's PSU's falls in to the rational category.

Anonymous   |April.21.2010 It's Bush's fault! priceless. Thanks On Fire, you made my day.

On Fire   |April.21.2010 HDTH, It's not just Vallejo that feels the pressure from PS. This is a repeat post from a Sacramento attorney: The difference between the aforementioned professions and that of law enforcement is that law enforcement sits in a unique position of public trust. The public relies on these agencies and pays them to insure our security. We also rely on them to tell us what we need to do in order to insure our safety. When people are scared or threatened they are willing to spend their last dime especially when authoritative figures advise failure to due so will be at the public�s peril. �If you take the massive layoffs we had last year, couple that with the massive layoffs we may have this year, the release of more inmates on the street, more prisoners, more criminals, it�s a recipe for disaster,� said Bill Miller, vice president of the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriffs Association. �Do we need even one victim because of this?� asked Miller. �Somebody�s going to get killed because of this.� Scaring the public into spending occurs at various levels of government. We all remember The Bush Administrations hollow threats of �Weapons of Mass Destruction� followed by an unlimited and seemingly endless flow of American dollars. Another local example of this can be in the bankrupt city of Vallejo. The City of Vallejo�s Police Department suffering from cutbacks and a bankruptcy were quick to use their position in the community and access to the press to scare the community to spend or suffer the consequences. While it is true that our cities and counties all need to allocate some of our scarce funds towards law enforcement. Yelps and threats from law enforcement should be taken with a grain of salt due to the obvious conflict of interests that these very powerful police agency possess. Remember power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. John Campanella

Anonymous   |April.21.2010 More bad news for CA, county, city budgets. Looks like Valleo's Calpers pension contribution rate, scheduled to increase from 28% to 52% of payroll over the next five years, will likely increase to 54%: http://calpensions.com/2010/04/21/a-second-calpers-rate-hike-for-employers/

Observer   |April.20.2010 In today's news San Jose's mayor annouced that the city will need to lay-off hundreds of emplyees due to fiscal problems, including some police and fire fighters, unless city and safety employees agree to a ten percent reduction in wages. The unions there may agree to it if it will save jobs. But then there's Vallejo where most residents are afraid to show "Yes" on "A" signs for fear of police retaliation.

Press Dem   |April.20.2010 Howdthathappen, what, have you become god??? It is so obvious from posts here, posts on the TH, posts on Press Dem and on the Sattui facebook page that the PSUs and their apologists want (and will) attempt to punish anyone who objects to your pay. And extort us too! Sorry I ain't buying that patriarchial BS. You have a job you are paid to do. You want respect? Earn it by not attempting to force us to respect you with your bullying and insults. Because you will never get respect that way. Maybe some will be afraid of you, but I'm sure that's fine with you.

Anonymous   |April.20.2010 That's called being paid to do the job you were hired to do. You don't get extra credit for doing what your job description says you've agreed to do. And you get paid handsomely to do that job, too. So as a Vallejo taxpayer, you're welcome.

Anony   |April.20.2010 People that were given the opportunity to be placed in a position/profession that puts them in position to help people. If it wasn't you it would be someone else. You are replaceable. And you have gotten far too much mileage out of your self-centered argument. What does it have to do with getting paid too much anyway?

Howdidthathappen?   |April.20.2010 Anonymous � |April.20.2010 "No wonder citizens now fear firefighters and police. They have the means and the motives to really hurt people who dare to stand up to them." If that is true, riddle me this. Did Pearsall "fear" the person he was with after falling flat on his face at deaths door? Did he "fear" those that saved him from crossing that threshold? Who could have caused the greatest harm? Whose help resulted in the best possible outcome?

PressDem Article   |April.20.2010 "Another post under the personal Facebook account of Brad Conners

Anonymous   |April.20.2010 No wonder citizens now fear firefighters and police. They have the means and the motives to really hurt people who dare to stand up to them. The vandals and barbarians are within the city walls.

anon   |April.20.2010 Firestorm over public safety pensions http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100419/ARTICLES/100419467/1350?p=1&tc=pg

Anonymous   |April.20.2010 City Council MAJORITY...

Anonymous   |April.19.2010 Excellent article! Nice to see that many of the issues are going mainstream. Of note is the sixth paragraph which speaks to Vallejo's lack of fortitude. Many cities across the state, and nation, have been following the Vallejo bankruptcy. It's a shame the city has spent millions with out charting a true path to follow. I think the legal precedent is something that will be looked at as a positive step, but the actions of the city council will be viewed as a failure.

:-P   |April.19.2010 A chance to Rein in Pensions Long Beach Press Telegram www.presstelegram.com/opinions/ci_14916671 Long Beach City Council members will take up an issue today that is worth the attention of voters all over California, or for that matter the nation. It is the unaffordable pensions of government employees, which is the biggest threat to solvency facing cities, counties and some states. We can't expect a solution to come out of the meeting, but these local officials at the very least owe voters an honest look at the problems, which are huge, and the remedies, which have eluded politicians everywhere. The reason is that overspending on public pensions benefits the very people who are in charge of cutting spending, and any cuts they might make could result in retribution from their most generous supporters, the government employee unions. Evidence of retribution came just last week in Long Beach's primary election, when leaders of the local police union paid for last-minute hit-piece mailers aimed at a council member, Gary DeLong, who had dared to vote in principle against a union contract because it didn't deal with pension abuses. The union leaders knew they couldn't provoke the defeat of DeLong, but they wanted other politicians to see what could happen if they stepped out of line. (Interestingly, the local firefighters' union had no part in the retribution, and in fact endorsed DeLong's re-election.) In Long Beach, as elsewhere, the stakes are huge. Just a few years ago, the city was paying nothing into its superfunded pension account, Advertisement but now, because the city jacked up benefits, pension costs total $80.4 million ($42.2 million of that from the city's general fund). According to Director of Financial Management Lori Ann Farrell, the cost will rise to $85.2 million next year, and $96.9 million the year after. The numbers are impressive for employees, too. Public safety workers can retire at age 50 with up to 90 percent of their pay, and non-safety workers can retire at age 55 with somewhat more modest benefits. Nothing remotely like this exists for anybody, including union workers, in the private sector, and half the workers in this country have no pension at all. You can see where this is going, and the story is the same almost everywhere. The city of Vallejo already has gone into bankruptcy because it can't pay its unaffordable pension and health care obligations, and former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan is making the rounds recommending that the equally strapped city of L.A. consider bankruptcy as well. But bankruptcy isn't an easy solution, and it may be no solution at all. Bankruptcy would allow a city or county to get out of its union contracts, but it isn't yet clear that it could do anything about existing pension benefits. Also, it doesn't seem to do much for political courage. Despite the humiliation of bankruptcy, Vallejo's elected politicians have refused to do anything but minor changes at the fringes of pension reform. Careers come first, public service second. That's the message of many, if not most, politicians, and it's the same from members of police unions. In Vallejo, even as crime rises and the police force has been cut from 158 to 104, police union leaders make it clear that they would cut the size of the force rather than cut the compensation of its members. In Sacramento, where politicians created the statewide pension disaster, there is no significant sign of reform. In fact one Democrat from Norwalk, Tony Mendoza, is pushing a newly revived bill, AB155, that would block cities like Vallejo from even the frail harbor of bankruptcy. Often voters have to decide which politicized message to believe, but not in this case. The facts come straight from the experts who run the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). They say these pension plans are not sustainable. There is too much money going out and too little coming in. There are three solutions: Either cut pension benefits; cut services (including public safety, which takes up to 70percent of a city budget and sometimes more) or raise taxes. But let's eliminate that last one, since, in Long Beach for example, voters ignored City Hall pleas a few years ago, in more prosperous times, and whacked one of the city's main tax sources, the utility users fee, in half. As for public services, they already have been cut, and not much remains except for the big-ticket item of public safety, which is supposed to be Priority One for a public servant. It certainly is for voters. But the situation is not hopeless. Twenty-seven states have made pension reforms of some sort in the past two years. San Diego and Orange County have made modest reforms. Here are three things Long Beach's council members, and others, can do immediately: Be candid. Remember that these pension deals were hatched in secrecy. When union contracts get discussed in closed meetings, they are closed only to voters, who learn the details only after the deals are done. All the participants in these secret meetings, every one of whom benefits from the payouts, know all along what is happening. Create a much less expensive, two-tiered pension system like that of the federal government. This will have little immediate effect, but can help in the long term. Insist that those who earn pension benefits pay half, or more, of the costs. Ideally, they would pay for anything with a payout bigger than the dwindling number of plans in the private sector. Finally, if council members prefer to duck the pension issue for ideological reasons or to benefit their own careers, they can put a charter amendment on the ballot and leave it up to voters. Voters know exactly what to do. (Vote YES on A! Ok, I added that thought myself!)

John K   |April.19.2010 WOW is right. That is a well-written article. What an eye-opener. Required reading for Taxpayers: 'The Beholden State: How public-sector unions broke California' http://city-journal.org/2010/20_2_california-unions

VIB Fan   |April.19.2010 Its time to resurrect this cartoon. https://ibvallejo.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=29&Itemid=55&limit=9&limitstart=36 Scroll down to see Nichelinie Stirs The Pot.

VIB Fan   |April.19.2010 Its time to resurrect this cartoon. https://ibvallejo.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=29&Itemid=55&limit=9&limitstart=36

Anonymous   |April.19.2010 LA Mayor Villaraigosa is proposing laying off 750 city employees to help close a projected $485 million budget shortfall. The layoffs follow 105 pink slips issued this fiscal year. The mayor's proposal also includes the early retirement of 2,400 employees. It's not just Vallejo anymore.

WOW   |April.19.2010 The beholden State: How public-sector unions broke California http://city-journal.org/2010/20_2_california-unions

FireFighers Premium pay   |April.19.2010 Here's an interesting article in today's Chron buy Matier & Ross "Not every city worker gets them, but those who do will probably keep raking them in even as the cash-strapped city orders furlough days, lays off employees and demands other concessions - because the premiums are in employees' contracts." Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/04/19/BAUU1D023T.DTL#ixzz0lYwdM8CY

Hmmmm...   |April.18.2010 The reason this is going on is that the the Board of Realtors and the Chamber have long opposed any meaningful code enforcement, business licenses for people in the rental business and charging for the cost of police and service calls to rental buildings because they all make money in this system. Code Enforcement folks have told me on the QT that they are told by higher ups to ignore certain property owners. Owners of rental properties take accelerated tax write offs, then sell their buildings in a tax deferred exchange to another owner of rental properties and so on. The system keeps churning out fat commissions for realtors and tax bennies for owners many of whom are Vallejo's "finest". It seems some communities, like Vallejo, have been designated as dumping grounds by ABAG and the regional power brokers. Daisy is a realtor.

Dirk Diggler   |April.18.2010 Sounds like the Toad of Code should open up a can of woop ass on this Daisy Villanueva. Could the VIB post her pic and pics of her other properties. This would be a perfect oppurtunity for the TH to do the same and something positive for the community. Time to publicly shame these a-holes.

audience member   |April.16.2010 anonymous, they're not related but they're married

Anonymous   |April.16.2010 Daisy and Cris aren't related.

Anonymous   |April.16.2010 419 Georgia #304 and 419 Georgia #204 are on the section 8 voucher list. How long has VHA been neglecting their mandated inspections?

Suzanne   |April.16.2010 From the T-H March 24, 2010 "The property owner, Daisy Villanueva, who owns several buildings in Vallejo totaling about 90 apartments, responded Tuesday to perceptions ..." I cannot ge the rest of the story without paying the T-H which I do not want to do. I believe, but cannot prove, that she does have Section 8 units. A Rental Inspection Ordinance is SO needed.

Daisy Villanueva   |April.16.2010 Daisy Villanueva is the star of the Times Herald today. Apparently her flea-bag multi unit property in the 400 block of Georgia St. has more than 30 violations. Can someone find out if Daisy receives Section 8 monies for her building? How about all the other property she owns in Vallejo? What kind of condition is it kept in? Maybe we can ask her husband Cris, he's a "numbers man."

curious   |April.15.2010 So if people carrying guns on their hips in a coffee house make me verrry uncomfortable, then you have no problem with me taking my business elsewhere? I would not spend any time in a fundamentalist church either where gays were being demonized from the pulpit. And if the City of Vallejo keeps encouraging economic policies that detract from my quality of life, it is just fine for me to leave my house to Section 8 because that is the "highest and best use", then that's OK too. Right?

CRRAAAZY   |April.15.2010 No guns - you are absolutely right. You have every right to spend your $ where you wish. My concern is that because you and others feel "uncomfortable" with people legally carrying guns, you seem fine with outlawing it. I do not agree with many religions or speech from many groups, but I will defend their right to practice their Religion and speak their mind regardless if it makes me "uncomfortable" or not. In addition, your comments about "Gun toting Christian Warriors" seems an attempt to put all OC supporters in a nice little "category". I am not Christian, am not "recruiting" anybody, and do not impose my views on anyone. I do believe in my right to protect myself and my family. I am very familiar with all of my weapons as I have been around guns since I was 8 or 9 when my Grandfather taught me how to shoot, clean, maintain and store weapons safely. He was a farmer and guns were a common part of life for him. I served several years in the military getting further training in firearms. By wanting to make it illegal for law-abiding citizens to carry weapons I believe this only encourages the criminal element. They know they can attack innocent people at will with no consequence. That I do have a problem with.

Cities with no BA   |April.15.2010 I posted this on the blog attached to the "well oiled machine" article and wanted it here for more to see. In 2003, senate bill 402 was struck down in CA courts as unconstitutional. It's why CA general law cites cannot use binding arbitration to settle contract negotiation disputes (violates our state constitution). "In its ruling, the California Supreme Court affirmed an appellate court's decision that SB-402 is unenforceable on grounds that it violates two provisions of California's Constitution. The first provision states that a county's 'governing body shall provide for the number, compensation, tenure, and appointment of employees.' The Court held that SB-402 violated this provision by compelling the county to submit compensation issues to binding arbitration. The second constitutional provision states that '[t]he Legislature may not delegate to a private person or body power to make, control, appropriate, supervise, or interfere with county or municipal corporation improvements, money, or property, or to levy taxes or assessments, or perform municipal functions.' http://firechief.com/news/firefighting_california_court_strikes/

Anonymous   |April.15.2010 Weren't there four murders in one day in Oakland last week? Isn't that the Chief's golden promised land of perfect policing?

Keeping up with the Jones   |April.15.2010 Crime around the Bay Area Update. Yesterday there was a shooting at the campus of Pinole High School during a track meet. Last week there was a home invasion robbery in Napa, never even made the news, shhh dont tell the tourist might find out.

Anonymous   |April.15.2010 Cities must control employee costs http://www.visaliatimesdelta.com/article/20100415/OPINION/4150317/Cities+must+control+employee+costs Unions seek power over local governments http://www.ocregister.com/opinion/local-244000-committee-unions Council approves idea of binding arbitration ballot measure for fire union http://www.gilroydispatch.com/news/264550-council-approves-idea-of-binding-arbitration-ballot-measure-for-fire-union

Bad Allen, take 2   |April.14.2010 http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100413/OPINION/100419839

Bad Michael Allen   |April.14.2010 PD Editorial: Ethics reform Registering City Hall lobbyists may have benefited Allen Published Press Democrat: Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. A month ago, the Santa Rosa City Council took up a modest package of campaign finance and City Hall ethics reforms. With independent, third-party campaigns a growing presence in local elections, the council unanimously decreed that organizers must quickly and prominently identify their major donors. But action was postponed on an ordinance tightening the city

Hypocrite   |April.14.2010 First of all: the business wasn't considered "non-conforming" by Planning Staff when the Drs applied for their permits. Second of all: the neighbors said they are NOT being impacted. Its not a kind of business where you'll get a rush of customers. Third: The council realized that the ordiance Planning was trying to follow was too broad and left to much room for differing interpretation (thus, the reason why one planning staff thought the business was OK and the other one thought it wasn't). Problem solved, the business gets to stay (after putting a HUGE investment into it, we hypocrites are thrilled by that) and the council has identified where they need to tighten up the language of the ordinance, so that people aren't out thru the wringer like this again. (It cost them more than $2000 to appeal what was a city mistake - I hope they get their $ back.)

Anonymous   |April.14.2010 It was interesting to see the people who spoke in support of a nonconforming business in a residential neighborhood. Home based business that have customers driving to and parking on residential streets are usually not allowed. Many consider this increased traffic and congestion blight in residential areas. I guess hypocrisy is alive and well here in Vtown.

drbobwoolery   |April.14.2010 I want to thank the Unanimous City Council, and our many supporters who took Tuesday night to thwart the efforts of some on the City Planning desk to drive us and our business, State of the Art Chiropractic, out of Vallejo. In particular, Robert McConnell brought the legal reasoning to show the Council the weakness in the Municipal code, which is to be revised. Thank You.

NoGuns   |April.13.2010 Craazy, I suppose if the stores were allowing the likes of the Hutaree group, a self proclaimed Christian Militia, then you betcha! Gun toting Christian warriors that meet to recruit other 2nd Amendment advocates by speaking about starting an anti-government uprising by murdering a law enforcement officer and then bombing the funeral procession. They too enjoy this same freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom to bear arms that people like to fall back on as an arguement to do whatever they please. I would not spend any of my hard earned money in any business that would entertain the likes of this group and I would certainly alert others to this practice so that they can decide if they want to support that business as well. I wouldn't want my family members to be in that type of environment as it is not OUR norm. Now before all of you Charlton Heston- channeling fanatics get your panties in a bunch, I am not comparing the OC group to the Hutarees. But how would I know that one or more of the OC fans have the same ideology? I don't. I'm running in to read a paper, chat with friends and enjoy a cup of coffee and in comes a group of people with guns on their hips. This is not the norm. This is not what the general public expects as part of their latte experince. So to keep my anxiety at a minimum, I choose to sip my coffee at a location where I can enjoy myself and not have guns or bible quoting Christian militia in my face. That sir, is my right. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/30/us/30militia?scp=1&sq=militia&st=cse

Hmmm....   |April.13.2010 Here are some guidelines for civility in public discourse worth reading. http://www.summitdaily.com/section/communityguidlelines

Right on Momster   |April.13.2010 You can always share that choice bit of video that Marc has on here from the candidate's night.

Pocket Liners?   |April.13.2010 Resident cop, you said it so well: "Like I said it's about the people that run the money eating machine and line there pockets with it." Who's pockets are getting lined? Not the taxpayers. Not the City council (they make a pittance). Only one group left: City Employees. Last I checked, at the top of that list are Firefighters and Police. The same groups dumping a ton of cashola into ypur campaign to keep binding arbitration. NO MORE POCKET LINING! YES ON MEASURE A.

momster   |April.13.2010 Don't worry I'll take care of Wilson in Sonoma County just like he took care of Vallejoans--not I have many collegues and friends who live in Sonoma County and many of them are from the LBGT community.

CRRAAAZY   |April.13.2010 noguns - will you also stop shopping at stores that allow freedom of speech and religion?

Press Democrat   |April.13.2010 This is from last night's candidate forum: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100412/ARTICLES/100419883?p=all&tc=pgall Personally I loved this: Asked what they would do to solve the state budget crisis, Wilson, who is the chief financial officer at ARC Inc. Architects of Benicia, said he would seek to eliminate inefficiencies and waste. Hey Mike, you are a waste, can we eliminate you?

Campaign slogan   |April.13.2010 Give Vallejo Citizens a say -- VOTE YES ON A Me likie!

PSU Troll   |April.13.2010 What does all of this hate about Pearsall have to do with binding Arbitration. I forgot . You can't show how binding arbitration benefits the taxpayer. BA helped create a serious finanical situation for Vallejo so you need diversions to try to distract us from your GREED . Give VALLEJO CITIZENS A SAY--VOTE YES ON A

Integrity?   |April.13.2010 You make me laugh. Hey Burky, have you gotten a NOD yet on that house you mortgaged to the hilt? Integrity, ha! GED spelling gives you away. Oh wait, could be one of too many. Back under the bridge with you. Focus on changing the way it has been done in the past and vote YES on Measure A!

Firebug   |April.13.2010 So somehow you want to be an exception to integrity? That pretty much sums up PSU's a group of exceptionalists.

2009 City of Vallejo Wages   |April.13.2010 Robert Nichelini, Police Chief: $201,277

Resident Vallejo Cop   |April.13.2010 Like I said it's about the people that run the money eating machine and line there pockets with it. It was never about me, but you are the one that has to create the diversion to get away from the truth. Do you have any more personal attacks against someone that you don't even know. I dont know you and never attacked you "define integrity" but I do know Tony and have known Tony for many years. He shut down a program because it was no longer profitable for him and took over one that was. It's not an attack it is a fact. Having many wives only to lose them to infidelity is a fact not an attack. " define lack of integrity" You are the children of the proverbial Pied Piper.

Firebug   |April.13.2010 And you are by your actions...unfortunately we do not know your actions or who you are.

2009 City of Vallejo Wages   |April.13.2010 Dave Jackson, Police Captain: $202,421

Resident Vallejo Cop   |April.13.2010 And still waiting for you to point out the lies.

Resident Vallejo Cop   |April.13.2010 Respect is earned. Integrity is who you are.

Firebug   |April.13.2010 resident cop, integrity is earned not proclaimed, you have a lot of earning to do.

Resident Vallejo Cop   |April.13.2010 Like I said, I stand with integrity.

Firebug   |April.13.2010 Good for you resident cop maybe soon you can put your money where your mouth is and actually do something for Vallejo like Pearsall has.

2009 Vallejo City Wages   |April.13.2010 Larry Rogers, Police Sergeant: $312,775

Resident Vallejo Cop   |April.13.2010 Tell me what lie have I stated. I'm not bitter, I still live in the same house and have been committed to Vallejo a lot longer than many of you here. From what I can see you are the one trying to divert the conversation away from the facts. I stand with my head held high with integrity knowing that I have and always will give my very best to Vallejo. I was born here and I will die here. Vallejo is home.

PandorasBox   |April.13.2010 The truth will pervail! Resident Cop and Double Standard his the nail on the head!!!!

Resident Vallejo Cop   |April.13.2010 One more thing FireBug, look at the police pay. I'm at the bottom of the pay scale for OT. I never needed more because I never left Vallejo. I'm also a cop in Vallejo even when I am off the clock. I didn't move to Hiddenbrook just so I could say I still live here.

Resident Vallejo Cop   |April.13.2010 Yes they did for sure. We had programs in place that guaranteed over time. The Beat Health program was one that created a level of funding that could exceed Benicia's police departments budget. This program like Fighting Back was and is championed by Tony Pearsall. There is a catch phrase that says "follow the money" well follow the money. It takes you right back to Tony. And now what do we have because of these programs we have police staffing levels that predate any proactive community police programs. We live in a city that is literally a ticking time bomb. We have city worker being assaulted, we have shootings that happen only a few feet away from emergency personnel with the lights flashing on the trucks. Tony is the Pied Piper and you are the children that follow him.

Fighting Back   |April.13.2010 Resident Cop/Anony/Double Standard/Troll - bitter, aren't we? In addition you seem to be short-sighted, frustrated and no doubt, a lonely person. Fine but don't lay your anger on Tony. I watched his transformation from retired cop to council person to Fighting Back director and have seen his love for Vallejo, tireless energy to help Vallejo and his follow through for Vallejo. No, I'm not the person engaged to him but I am someone who also works hard for this community and feels your singling him out and lies about him can not stand unchallenged. Tony actually is making a difference, are you? Tony has never in the time I have known him disparaged the work VPD does. I would imagine that he is like many of us Vallejo taxpayers though who are disgusted by the negative campaigning against us, the ultimate employers of city employees. Silly for you to come on here, lie, whine and think you'll get agreement. I think your forum is over in the sand box.

Ignore the TROLLS   |April.13.2010 Trolls, ignore the trolls.

Yes on A   |April.13.2010 Again, nothing to do with Pearsall. You're trying to divert attention away from the fact that we all need to vote YES on A to stop you and your ilk from raping our city. YES on A!

Firebug   |April.13.2010 Well then resident Vallejo cop, you are saying that Vallejo Police Officers pad their overtime?

Resident Vallejo Cop   |April.13.2010 Your right it's not about individuals, but it is about individuals that created this money eating machine and those who still use it to pad their pockets. Tony is still using this machine to rape the Fighting Back organization just the same way he used his neighbor watch program with the Vallejo PD racking up ridicules amounts of overtime. Its funny how no one in the VIB points out how this shell game works. He is instrumental in shutting down a PD neighborhood watch program because there was no money in it for him, and then gets the funding for Fighting Back and then becomes director for over 100k a year with no real responsibility. Using tax payer dollars to fund his four or five ex wives and any future ones. The VIB talks about the people of Vallejo being brained washed, just look in the mirror. I'm not being a troll I'm just stating the facts.

Anonymous   |April.13.2010 Fourth Oakland Slaying in Just Over a Day

Anonymous   |April.13.2010 http://pensiontsunami.com/index.php

Anonymous   |April.13.2010 This issue isn't about any individuals. It's about our city. It's about what our city can afford, no matter if the employees are greedy bastards or giving angels. We don't have the money.

Anonymous   |April.13.2010 Is that you, Bucky?

troll   |April.13.2010 Suzanne Thank you for your polite response. I can assure you with just as much certainty that 'not everything the PSU's do is for money.' Though you would never know it by the tone of this blog and the articles contributed. Tony worked with the men and women in PS for 30 (?) years. During that time never a word about GED morons money hungry thieves. He left and things changed overnight? I don't think so. They are the same now as when he was employed. He was either part of that evil group of employees and supported their "stealing" from the tax payers or it didn't happen. I believe 'not EVERYTHING' he does is for money and that applies to all city employees as well. That certainly is inclusive of the PSU's

Double Standard   |April.13.2010 Tony started the programs in Vallejo while he was a police officer that only boosted his own ego, inflated the police budget, rank & file, and sent the cities budget into bankruptcy. All this and the quality of life is not any better. Fighting back is being ran the same way. Running programs from a bygone era and telling everyone that he is making a difference, but really not making any difference at all. He uses his position to manipulate the system for his own personal benefit and works the VIB like a puppet on strings. This is apparent to everyone with out blinders. Mark the VIB has the potential of making a positive change but it's just a political hit squad.

Suzanne   |April.13.2010 I'm not going to turn this into a "defend Tony" blog, but, not everything he does is for money. The garffiti program is not a Fighting Back program and Tony is NOT paid of the time he spend organizing volunteers, soliciting supplies, or working on "Paint-Out Saturdays". There are many many other things he does for which he does not get paidl. Just so you know.

Anonymous   |April.12.2010 The state of California, the seventh largest economy in the world (or was), needs someone with a Business perspective at the helm. "Bob Balgenorth, president of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California" Sounds like another union slug. I would rather vote for John Gotti Jr.

PSUs To Whitman   |April.12.2010 Bob Balgenorth, president of the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California (SBCTC): "Governor is a really important office -- and you can't run the state like a business. And every person who has campaigned in the past on trying to run the state like a business has found out later that they were badly misinformed."

Lifelong Dem?   |April.12.2010 I've been a lifelong Democrat but am disgusted by the local suck-up to the PSUs. Michael Allen? NO WAY. Michael Wilson? NO WAY and he's a PSU suck up - Mike, do you see them endorsing you? NOT gonna happen, pal. Lee Pierce? A refreshing alternate. He's go my vote. If he doesn't win the dem nomination, I'll have to vote for whoever the Republican is (please, no...) Not sure who opposes Noreen Evans -- but I'll opt out of voting if she has none: she makes me ill. Jerry Brown vs Meg Whitman? The thought of Meg buying the governors office disgusts me, but if Jerry can't throw off the Union yoke, I'll be forced to vote for Meg Whitman...

Anonymous   |April.12.2010 Hear, hear! I too refuse to vote for any public union backed candidates. Ever.

Heck NO   |April.12.2010 This will be very interesting. The PS unions have carried tremendous clout since 9-11. I think the PS unions have cashed in the majority of their good will. Only time will tell. I for one wont vote for any CA politician that accepts the PSU endorsement.

PSUs vs. Meg Whitman   |April.12.2010 Union effort readying to unload on Whitman (SFGate.com) http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/nov05election/detail?entry_id=61138&tsp=1 Led by the California Professional Firefighters (30,000 members), State Building and Construction Trades Council of California (SBCTC) and Service Employees International Union (SEIU), "California Working Families 2010" will spend the next several weeks in research/fundraising mode. They're likely to stay on the down low until after the June primary. Then the artillery will start. The Firefighters union interviewed all the guv candidates -- including, yes, Whitman last fall -- and decided to endorse Brown, who has been a longtime supporter of firefighter issues on workplace safety. Union spokesperson Carroll Wills told us that the firefighters decided to take the extra step and join this coalition "because Whitman started becoming very hostile towards working families, particularly towards public employee working families."

Ammiano On Ballot Failure   |April.12.2010 No Gay Marriage For You in 2010, California http://blogs.sfweekly.com/thesnitch/2010/04/gay_rights_advocates_fail_to_g.php Ammiano said the failure hopefully can provide some guidance for a successful endeavor in 2012. "There might be some way to make this a win-win to get some analysis of why it failed: person power or money so we can gird our loins -- as long as it wasn't same sex loin girding -- for 2012."

Hot Off The Press   |April.12.2010 Gay marriage fails to get on California ballot (Reuters) Mon Apr 12, 2010 55pm EDT http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE63B5N620100412 (Reuters) - A challenge to California's gay marriage ban failed on Monday to qualify for the 2010 ballot, leaving gay activists mulling a 2012 push and hoping a federal court will overturn the measure before then.

This is just in...   |April.12.2010 Below should say, cut all dispathcers and cut police officers positions. The City of Cotati is going to try to get voters to raise taxes, otherwise they will also be making deep cuts. Um, all these smug cities said they would never have the problems of Vallejo, I have one thing to say to them "PRIDE GOETH BEFORE A FALL!"

This is just in...   |April.12.2010 The wealthy and affluent city of St Helena is 500000 in the red in their general fund, due to a drop of 42% in hotel taxes and 32% in restaurant tax. The city council is considering cutting all dispatcher postions as well as police officers. Read it online at the St Helena Star.

Blammo   |April.12.2010 The point is that everything he does is for money.

troll   |April.12.2010 Maybe he has a couple of extra left over cans he'll sell you next time you feel threatened by PSU's?

troll   |April.12.2010 No, not mad about any "thin blue line" He was over that when he paid for his furniture. He gets paid $70k a year. Why is that "volunteerism"? He is getting paid to contribute. If he is doing a good job .... great. But don't make a list of his "volunteerism" and "contributing" as though he'd do it whether or not he was compensated. He made a business out of arming citizens with MACE! He did that for the money, not some community well being spirit you think he has.

Mad Troll   |April.12.2010 Troll you're angry because Pearsall has stepped over the "thin blue line". I can't imagine what you're saying (and have said) about him over on the Times Herald blogs where they allow just about any obscene vitriole.

the troll   |April.12.2010 It was not a "straw man" fallacy. It was a direct response to "Hey you, troll" Simply a question to an unsupported statement regarding "volunteerism" and "contributing"

Yes on A   |April.12.2010 Making Pearsall the Straw Man here won't work. Let's get back to the issues this city has control of right now, which is removing binding arbitration from the charter so there will be no more $100k+ pensions and free lifetime medical. EVER AGAIN. Yes on A. Viva Vallejo!

troll   |April.12.2010 "Funny thing is that Peasall I think is worth every penny to this community. 2. He contributes here with lots of volunteering" He gets paid $70,000+ to get other people to paint over (and over and over) graffiti .... they're volunteering .... @ $70k+ is that what you call his contribution? He is organizing a golf tournament to fund FBP that pays him $70k+ ...... is that the "volunteering" and 'contributing' you are referencing?

A BELIEVER   |April.11.2010 You have to be kidding me? Vic Grey writes in the TimesHorrid on why the Director of GVRD should be fired, for allowing US citizens to use public land, like the waterfront?? But thinks it is alright for poople not to declare their gender when they run for Council and lose? Come on now. I don't believe in their cause, like I don't believe in her/him chocies...but they both have a right to do whatever is within the law. Or did it change when Vickie was a diplomat???? Talk about calling the kettle black????

Anonymous   |April.11.2010 Pension promises threaten California cities, counties http://www.sacbee.com/2010/04/11/2670020/pension-promises-threaten-california Excellent article.

Anonymous   |April.11.2010 NoGuns, you better stay inside and lock up your children! Since you do not want to be associated with any nutcases, stay away from the nutbowl.

troll   |April.11.2010 "3. Years ago if the greedy unions had taken him up on the 10%, we would probably not be in a) bankruptcy" You have got to be kidding! That 10% would have = about $2.5 million for PS. Revenues for the city are down 10x that amount ($20 million+). There can be no faith in the critical thinking skills of people that make these above statements. As far as items 1., 2. and 4., yes you can say the same for old snaggle tooth.

NoGuns   |April.10.2010 The Open Carry group is actively recruiting young people to join their "see my big boy toys" Vallejo group. I hear that they are inviting young people via facebook and my space. I suppose that the younger the easier to brainwash. It also will attract people who are not trained in gun use. So they must be getting too little participation from adults? That being said, they are planning to be at Starbucks at Adm. Callaghan Sat. morning. Just a heads up to steer clear of the area. I have stopped giving my money to Starbucks and any other business that allows them to gather and wear guns.

Foreclosure Alert   |April.10.2010 More scam artists posing as landlords (SFGate.com) http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/04/10/BU4A1CMVNN.DTL&tsp=1 The glut of vacant foreclosed homes has inspired con artists to concoct a new scam: posing as landlords to swindle prospective tenants out of rent and deposit money.

Captain   |April.09.2010 Yes on A!

YES on A!   |April.09.2010 Stay on point people, which is YES on A! Who cares about their distractions? Viva Vallejo, YES on A!

Anonymous   |April.09.2010 nice try mon ami.

Anonymous   |April.09.2010 Isn't Marti Brown a state employee? Isn't she part of the problem too then? And Ozzie must get PERS from his stint on the Board of Stups and CC. But really, it's the 3% at 50 that is killing us taxpayers. Point fingers at everyone else all you want, but you're the problem. You just hate that, don't ya?!

Yes on A   |April.09.2010 Think globally, act locally. I can't fix the Fed or state system, but I can fix my local system by voting YES on A!!

Anonymous   |April.09.2010 Well, the Federal government was smart and went to a two tiered system in the late 1980's. The old system was a defined benefit system, and the newer defined compensation system (which Gomes and I are both under, unfortunately for us) is a combo that relies mostly on a 401k and social security, with a small annuity. Our 401k's are tanked like most people's, and that's what the new retirement system relies on. We Feds don't get to retire until age 62, and will be lucky to get 1% of our highest salaries x the number of years worked. We don't get lavish OT or dumb a$s education pay to bump our retirements up. As opposed to you, who gets to retire at age 50 with 90% of your highest year's salaries. Plus OT and the other little perks. Oh, and tax free if you scam the system like Riley and claim a hurt back from a speed bump and go out on disability.

Anonymous   |April.09.2010 Lets be honest. Tony and Stephanie's pensions are part of the problem. We have promised more than we can pay at the local, State and Federal level and try as you may, your favorite couple sits squarely in the midst of this storm.

Hey you, troll   |April.09.2010 Funny thing is that Peasall I think is worth every penny to this community. 1. He lives here and pays taxes 2. He contributes here with lots of volunteering 3. Years ago if the greedy unions had taken him up on the 10%, we would probably not be in a) bankruptcy b) low in #'s of police staffing and c) the unions would have shown that they're not just blood-sucking vampires out to bleed the host dry. 4. He's not a suck up and surprisingly stills loves this community and respects the police force even though they, like petulant, nasty children, have turned on him. So can't say the same for Snaggle Tooth Riley, can you?

Anonymous   |April.09.2010 And how much did you offer to give up? Thought so. Nothing.

dirdee dumb dums   |April.09.2010 "My, my, wasn't it Pearsall who offered to give back 10% of his retirement if the PSUs would match it? Oh yeah, they said No. Duh. Greedy ba$tards." WOW .... Then he'd only be making $18,000 more than Joe Tanner. 10% of his retirement? Doesn't he want the unions to give up 30%+

Ask 'Em   |April.09.2010 If any of these No on A folks come on your property, ask them what town they live in. Get their first and last name. Ask them why they want to screw the Vallejo taxpayer then tell them to get off your property. Be sure to share their name and city they've come from with us here. Then we should show up in their town asking why they want to screw the Vallejo taxpayer. My dog says she's really 'looking forward' to 'meeting them' at the door.

Anonymous   |April.09.2010 My, my, wasn't it Pearsall who offered to give back 10% of his retirement if the PSUs would match it? Oh yeah, they said No. Duh. Greedy ba$tards.

Firebug   |April.09.2010 When a troll decides to post here because of a post I authored, I know I have enraged a (t)urd teh win for me!

durdee num skull   |April.09.2010 My My look who makes only $20,000 MORE than Joe Tanner....x-councilman Tony Pearsal! What a sweet contact he had to attain such a pension.

Overpaid Government Worker   |April.09.2010 Overpaid Government Worker "A blog inspired by Vallejo,CA firemen who make 200K a year. Government corruption,monopoly,inefficiency,the special class of workers." http://overpaidgov.blogspot.com/2009/05/calpers-100000-pension-club

Firebug   |April.09.2010 My My look who makes only $3000 less than Joe Tanner....Jon Riley! What a sweet contract he had to attain such a pension.

Anonymous   |April.09.2010 Vallejo's $100,000 Pension Club grows from 46 members to 58 members in one year. Even though inflation is negative they all received their 2% Cola increase. Kirchner (FD) tops the list going from 193K last year to 197K per year this year. Vallejo's first 200K retiree is just months away. http://www.californiapensionreform.com/database.asp?vtsearchname=&vtsearchemploy=vallejo&vtquery=1&vttable=calpers

How did Oakland get Trader Joe   |April.09.2010 If Trader Joe's only uses demographics to decide if they are entering a marketplace, how did Oakland get two TJ's? Wikipedia Oakland's demographics and let me know what you see... We have got to stop making excuses as to why businesses will not come to Vallejo, demand better, get more! We have got to stop acting like "second class citizens" stop waiting for someone else to take care of what we get in our City. Out of town "staffers" have been the ones choosing what kinds of businesses come to town, like what you see so far? If not, get loud and proud, call the City every week until something positive is done.

Anonymous   |April.08.2010 Uh, there is no mayoral election this year, is there?

Uh, no   |April.08.2010 First off, once was more than enough. Next, this crystal ball you are using is faulty. I think the winner of the next election is someone who actually gives a damn about the Vallejo taxpayer first and foremost. No Enterprise Zones. Don't work for the taxpayers. Everyone will say they are pro-business silly. Five-Year Business Plan would be appropriate if the city was a business, which it is not. A priority given to updating our General Plan is what is needed. If housing is part of a larger development plan with no overly generous give backs to developers and on the right parcel, then heck yeah to new housing. You have no idea what impact redevelopment has on a city. Unless Vallejo approaches redevelopment in a whole new way, just say NO! to more redevelopment areas.

Mayor 2010   |April.08.2010 The Mayoral candidate with this agenda will win November 2010 vote...... 1. Pro-Business Policy (small biz/SBA loans get prefered treatment) 2. Five-Year Business Plan (tax breaks for Fortune 500 firms) (ie Walmart, Lowes, FOMOCO ect....) 3. Enterprise Zones (no 99cents or smoke shops allowed) 4. Housing Problem (no new housing construction in city limits) 5. Redevelopment (immediate action on redevelopment areas)

Mayor Vote 2010   |April.08.2010 The Mayoral candidate with this agenda will win November 2010 vote...... 1. Pro-Business Policy (small biz/SBA loans get prefered treatment) 2. Five-Year Business Plan (tax breaks for Fortune 500 firms) 3. Enterprise Zones (no 99cents or smoke shops allowed) 4. Housing Problem (no new housing construction in city limits) 5. Redevelopment (immediate action on redevelopment areas)

Alternative To Trader Joe's   |April.08.2010 Trader Joe's is owned by the Germans Karl and Theo Albrecht. This German-owned company won't put Trader Joe's in Vallejo, due to their "demographic requirements", but you may lobby them to put their smaller sister grocery store chain, ALDI-SUD, in Vallejo, since they already have Aldi-Sud located elsewhere in the United States...... Aldi- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldi http://www.aldi.com/ Trader Joe's- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trader_joes http://www.traderjoes.com/

Getting your dream job   |April.08.2010 Meant to type Below are the steps required by H MARTIN Foundation on how to register with them for your dream job. I am sure Senato Boxer and others are very pleased by this humanitarian gestur.

Getting your dream job   |April.08.2010 Below are the steps required by H MARTIN Foundation on ho to rgistr with the for your dream job. I am sure Senato Boer ad otrs are very pleasd by this humanitarian gestur. Communicating with your US Senators For each US Senator of your state you must correspond using 2 of the 3 types of communication (Phone/Fax, Letter or Email. Before you get started print and save a copy of the pre-written letter by clicking on the first link for a Word document or clicking on the second link for a PDF document. When sending your letter to the US Senators (option #2), please use the Washington DC address shown on the lower left side of the web page. If you are using option #3 to Phone/Fax your US Senators, then use the numbers also shown at on the lower left side of the web page. Once you have completed your communication with your US Senators, then click on the link to go to the HMF Verification Requirements' Page. Remember to keep all correspondence with your US Senators as proof for future HMF Verification Requirements when you apply in person.

Anonymous   |April.08.2010 There is no "independent" politician from either side. You are a dreamer!

Anonymous   |April.07.2010 "Police officers and firefighters know that the super-pensions at age 50 were a gift from grateful politicians. They know that the pensions are so costly that cities and counties are being forced to reduce or eliminate other services and that next they will be forced to eliminate police and fire jobs." That author Bob Andrews must be a VIB hatter!

Lee Pierce Fan   |April.07.2010 For a truly "independent" Democrat (not bought by the usual monied supporters), and someone who will TRULY represent Vallejo (not that carpet bagger Mike Wilson) I urge you to support Lee Pierce leepierce2010.com and join his FB page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Santa-Rosa-CA/Lee-Pierce/110896553745?ref=search

On Fire   |April.07.2010 Interesting read from Santa Rosa: GUEST OPINION: Cities can't afford public safety 'super-pensions' Bob Andrews By BOB ANDREWS Published: Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 5:47 p.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 5:47 p.m. ( page of 3 ) Brad Conners, the vice president of the Santa Rosa Police Officers� Association, defends the high level of benefits for public safety officers (�In defense of public safety pensions,� Close to Home, March 31). But his defense is misleading and glosses over the deadly fiscal crisis represented by super-pensions for public safety employees. The Santa Rosa Police Officers� Association is a union, with its top goal being more pay and benefits for its members. Same for the Firefighters Association. For them, the 1999 law change that led to public safety officers being able to retire at age 50 with up to 90 percent of pay for life was literally worth a fortune. That law change was not something they negotiated locally, and it was not a sudden recognition that law enforcement and fire protection are �professions,� as Conners wrote. Instead, the law change was an immense reward from Sacramento politicians for support by public employee unions. Money in, money out. Meanwhile, back in Santa Rosa, the police and fire unions had gotten voters to approve a very mild-sounding ballot measure that granted police and fire workers mandatory �comparable pay and benefits� (based on a group of comparison cities) and binding arbitration. Did voters understand that this measure gave virtually all power in �negotiations� to the unions? the entire story at: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20100407/OPINION/100409611?p=1&tc=pg

Poor Farms   |April.07.2010 I know this doesn't have anything to do with Vallejo, but the gang-rape of a 7 year old in New Jersey really disturbed me. What was shocking the portfolio of that property's owner. Interstate Realty Management Co is absolutely farming the poor. Farming the poor (and those guaranteed gov't subsidies) is quite big business. One relief, at least there aren't any Vallejo properties on this list of 269. http://www.irmmgmt.com/IRM_Communities.htm

Anonymous   |April.07.2010 Let's make sure that no Union loving, speciall interest sucking Dems OR two faced, whining, special interest sucking Repubs get into office in June or November! They both suck!

back seat   |April.07.2010 rumor has it hermie accepted campaign $$$ from the h martin hermie has no balls to do anything about it

DEMOCRATS RULE   |April.07.2010 I'm starting a new facebook page that talks about cry baby Repubs and their birther/teabagger whinners. It will be called, Cry Me A River!

Democrats Fail   |April.07.2010 Facebook Fanpage - No Democrats left standing in November! http://www.facebook.com/pages/No-Democrats-left-standing-in-November/102604233107950?ref=pymk Let's make sure the Democrats pay the ultimate price for knowingly passing a bill that the people are dead set against, and bribing their cowardly members with taxpayer money to do so! Let's defeat every last one of them in their districts this fall.

Rick Mariani   |April.06.2010 A friend of mine began a facebook page requesting a Trader Joes in Vallejo The more people that become a fan of this page with their Facebook acct the more notice we will get from Trader Joes. Go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-Trader-Joes-to-Vallejo/110481858974529?ref=mf become a fan and then send this out to all of your facebook friends so they can be fans too. the more we get people to sign up the more attention we will get from Trader Joes to look into finally opening a store here! Viva Vallejo!!!

Firebug   |April.06.2010 Maybe I am missing something, but I don't remember Marc ever writing about Hermie Sunga's troubles with the FPPC http://www.fppc.ca.gov/enf_letter/11-09-09/ENF005.PDF

firtree   |April.06.2010 Bring Trader Joe's to Vallejo. I know they turned us down before, but why give up? I started a fan page on Facebook last night. Why should Benicia have all the fun? We need to keep our face in front of TJs and show them we won't take no for an answer. We are just as good as anyone else, and V-town would be a much better location than Benicia!!! Benicia's fan page has 2500 fans and apparently, TJs has responded as "impressed". We can do better!!! Let's tell TJs that we want them HERE. We're worthy, cool and ready to buy, buy, buy! Please take a few seconds and become a fan, write a comment (optional, but makes an impression). The community has really supported Benicia's fan page, and they got noticed by VTH, which really helped their membership. We can do this!!! I don't know if this is the best place to get the word out, being new here, I don't know the ropes. Once in Facebook, do a search on Trader Joe's Vallejo, it should come right up. THANKS!!!

silasbarnabe   |April.06.2010 Public Employee pensions are half a billion dollars underfunded. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/04/05/financial/f180113D14.DTL&tsp=1

ObamaCare   |April.06.2010 IRS could tap tax returns for health insurance penalties http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0517093120100405 WASHINGTON, April 5 (Reuters) - The Internal Revenue Service could tap individual tax returns to collect fines against people who fail to buy health insurance as required under recently enacted healthcare legislation, the U.S. tax commissioner said on Monday.

Ken S.   |April.05.2010 Sending all that water to the central valley all these years has destroyed the salmon industry in northern California. Maybe the people down South can use desalination plants and use ocean water for crops.

LA Insolvent?Almost   |April.05.2010 LA faces insolvency without using $90M in reserves http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2010/04/05/state/n143237D56.DTL&tsp=1

silasbarnabe   |April.05.2010 I know wing-nuts are against entitlements, but when has water in an area that doesn't rain become and entitlement?

George Miller In Trouble   |April.05.2010 Democrats declare war over water (SFGate.com) http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/nov05election/detail?entry_id=60623&tsp=1 Central Valley's Costa to Bay Area's Miller: "We will change misguided policies that place fish ahead of the well-being of Valley families." "Here's my message to Congressman Miller: We will not back down -- not in the Valley and not in Congress. If he wants a fight with the Latino community and Valley farmworkers whose futures depend on water allocations, we'll give him a fight. If he wants to fight with people whose economy hinges on farms getting a fair share of water, we'll give him a fight. If he is willing to destroy the entire Valley way of life to suit his own ends, he'll get the fight of a lifetime. George Miller is a poster boy for polluters whose toxic waste creates stress factors that kill fish upstream while he pushes for water restrictions that solely blame and punish us for dwindling fish populations."

Interesting article about the   |April.04.2010 Here is an interesting article in today's Contra Costa times, still think Vallejo can afford it's Police Contracts? Lafayette, Orinda put police service discussions on hold By Jonathan Morales Contra Costa Times Posted: 04/02/2010 07:34:51 PM PDT Updated: 04/03/2010 07:19:28 PM PDT Cost uncertainties have led officials in Lafayette and Orinda to suspend talk of setting up their own police departments instead of contracting with the county Sheriff's Department. The Danville Town Council decided last month not to move forward on such a proposal. Now, Lafayette and Orinda are following Danville's lead. The discussions were spurred by a report that showed rising pension payments could dramatically increase the cost of the contract police services, in some cases doubling in five years. The cities could save money by forming local departments or joining with other cities, according to the report commissioned by both cities and fellow contract town Danville. Because key factors at the county level have changed since Lafayette council members first looked at the issue, they decided to put off the question for two years, said City Manager Steven Falk. The county wants to negotiate lower pension payments with the deputy sheriff's association, he said, and contract negotiations between the union and the county are stalled, leaving salaries relatively flat. As a result, Falk said, county estimates of the cost of city police contracts will rise only 3 percent next year, down from the 12 percent estimated earlier. "So that change has given the Lafayette City Council reason to pause and reconsider its options," he said. Falk said the cost of contracting with Walnut Creek, another option the council was -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Advertisement -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- considering, would be roughly the same as with the county. Orinda will also stick with the county police contract for now, said City Manager Janet Keeter, although it will continue to look for ways to reduce police costs. She said she has been directed to look into the Walnut Creek option and renegotiating the contract with the county. Keeter said she also will be working with new police Chief Jeff Jennings to make the department more efficient. Until the county can provide a clearer cost estimate, there's not much city officials can do, said Orinda Mayor Tom McCormick. He was also concerned about the high cost of starting up a local department. There is one fact, however, on which there is no ambiguity. "We've always been happy with the service the county's providing," said Lafayette Mayor Brandt Andersson. "As long as the cost is not untenable over the next couple years, it makes sense to say we're good for a couple years." Contact Jonathan Morales at 925-943-8048. Follow him

Improvement at the Vallejo Far   |April.04.2010 Yesterday I went to the Vallejo Farmers Market. 5 years ago it was very pleasant, familiies of all races and backgrounds shopping and eatting and enjoying themselves. Police patrolled on bikes. Starting about three years ago, I started noticing a trend of young men hanging out on all the corners, especially in front of Greens Liquors. If you watched long enough you could witness a drug deal or two. These same young men would also drink ouf of brown paper bags and would disappear into buildings on Georgia St accross from Greens Liquors. Yesterday when visiting the farmers market I noticed no "young men" hanging out on the corners, in fact there was a Asian Chef demonstrating cooking via a cooking class. Then I noticed, Greens Liquors has closed and also remembered that one of the worst crime ridden buildings on Georgia St (owned by realtor Daisy Villanueva) was shut down a few weeks ago due to building code violations. Wow I thought, one liquor store and one crime ridden building located together on one street can really distroy an entire downtown. If another liquor store tries to come into the downtown, we need to protest loudly, as well as create a big noise if any slumloard thingks they are going to fill their building with criminals.

Vallejo Heights   |April.04.2010 Here's a link to the Trader Joe's Location request page: http://www.traderjoes.com/about/location-requests-form.asp (I hope that works...)

Shuggie Fan   |April.03.2010 Hey thanks for the Johnny Otis link! I have always liked his son Shuggie Otis as well-Strawberry Letter 23 is one of my alltime fav songs and now I like it even better since Shuggie has a VJO connection thru his dad! http://popup.lala.com/popup/504684642129688946

Positive story today on SFGate   |April.03.2010 Mr. Otis reflects: Johnny Otis, the rock 'n' roll and R&B legend with deep ties to the Bay Area, and to radio, is the subject of a new book, "Midnight at the Barrelhouse: The Johnny Otis Story," by George Lipsitz, published by the University of Minnesota Press. Otis was born John Veliotes in 1921 in Vallejo, the son of Greek immigrants. He grew up in an integrated neighborhood and chose to align himself more with African Americans than with white people. "Black culture captured me," he once said. "I loved it, and it was richer and more fulfilling and more natural. I thought it was mine." Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/04/02/PKVJ1CK9U6.DTL#ixzz0k47doe1Q The above story is one of the first positive stories the media has published regarding Vallejo in a long time. There was also a story about the butterfly house/habitat at Discovery Kingdom. Nice to see something positive for a change. Viva Vallejo

John K   |April.03.2010 Trader Joes... myself, family, and friends have been sending emails to TJ's letting them know that it's 15 miles and/or a $4 bridge toll to the nearest Joes. Went to Pinole yesterday, but usually have to forget about shopping TJ's in favor of a LOCAL trip to Raleys, Lucky, Safeway, Grocery Outlet, or one our Mexican or Asian stores. We would certainly shop Trader Joes if we had one. Most products seem to be cheaper than similar products at other stores and the labels are honest.

Help Benicia Get Trader Joes   |April.03.2010 Okay, one last ditch effort, did those of you who want a Trader Joes, go online to Trader Joes and vote for a location in Vallejo? Benicia wants a Trader Joes, and I know the only way they will get one is by Vallejo providing the retail space with lots of parking (old Cost Plus site?)the larger population, the great 3 freeway access, the existing "big business draw"(Costco,Century 21, Bed Bath and Beyond) perhaps Benicia would be willing to provide their "demographics" as folks keep pointing out that demograhics are very important to Trader Joes (not so sure about that since Oakland has 2 Trader Joes and both Stockon "the third most misrable city in the US per Forbes Mag and Modesto both have a TJ's) So sometime this weekend get on the TJ's website and vote for Vallejo!!!!!

John K   |April.03.2010 Good stuff, Firebug! Roses to Brown, Gomes, and Schivley. Thorns to Hannigan, Wilson, Davis, and Sunga. Never thought I'd be favoring Chevron over a host city, but... assuming Chevron will be paying a fair share of the UUT... Go Chevron! Just say NO to new taxes or increases in existing taxes. Prop 13 homeowners don't have it easy. http://www.insidebayarea.com/timesstar/localnews/ci_14801900

Firebug   |April.02.2010 More on outsourcing Police and Fire, way to stand up for the taxpayers, Stephanie, Joanne, and Marti. http://calpensions.com/2010/04/02/outsourcing-police-fire-and-pension-costs/

Firebug   |April.02.2010 I am not certain if the City of Vallejo's Charter would allow citizens to modify the UUT tax, but look at what Chervron is doing to the City of Richmond. http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_14808758

April Fool   |April.01.2010 I guess that means we're fools to believe Tanner's coming back!

Anonymous   |April.01.2010 It's April 1st!

Alice in Wonderland   |April.01.2010 The chance of Tanner coming back while Ozzie and the stupid trio are up there has the same chances as a snowball has in hell. It's personal for the Oz because Tanner didn't let him get away with his dictatorial, law ignoring, fake strong mayor BS. The Oz hates to be thwarted.

Anonymous   |April.01.2010 Cash-Poor Cities Take On Unions "Unions have priced themselves out of a job." http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704059004575127991641216702

Bloody Nose   |April.01.2010 http://www.apbweb.com/featured-articles/952-time-to-circle-the-wagons An exerpt: "bottom line: The main event is a POLITICAL GAME and the legal game is the side show. Unless you beat them politically, you will never win even if the courts one day decide in your favor. If you discover you cannot win under the current rules, change the rules, and go outside the experience of the elected officials. Think outside the box. Get dirty and fight to win. If you are in this predicament, then your elected officials did not RESPECT the union or the officers. To get respect you have to bloody their noses and demonstrate that the union is willing to make it personal, because it is personal on so many levels." I never heard giving someone a bloody nose as a method to create respect. Don't be fooled, they aren't looking for respect, their intent is to instill fear. Isn't that what criminals do to intimidate their victims?

Anonymous   |April.01.2010 Tanner to replace Adams under reduced contract terms. That's what I'm hearing.

curious   |April.01.2010 Is anyone writing about the PSU's "bloody their noses" doctrine of intimidation? It seems to me that the PSU's really intend to make an example of Vallejo and just kill it to show other communities that are considering bankruptcy what will happen to them if they dare. Mercenaries are identified because they take what they want from civilian populations through the use of force.

It only takes a minute   |April.01.2010 Maybe we can all take a break from our usual and make one small attempt at doing something positive that I think everyone can agree on! Lets try to beg Trader Joes to take a chance on Vallejo! It only takes a minute! To request a Trader Joe's in Vallejo, go to traderjoes.com, under "Contact Us" you will see a drop down menu labeled "Customer Questions & Feedback", click the drop down menu to show the "Location Request" option. From there, you can state our case.

anon   |April.01.2010 Jonez Did Matt Mustard ask you to write this? Have you ever heard of benefits and what they are worth.Factor them in and Vallejo is near the top in the entire state. What happened to everyone going to Oakland? Hows that working for those Vallejo Police who transferred who may face layoffs if several taxes aren't passed in Oakland. Using your argument about violent crime should make Compton,detroit ,NYC etc the highest paid officers in the US.

Jonez   |April.01.2010 ...and only in Vallejo do you have the highest violent crime per officer ratio in the State and the lowest officer per citizen in the State (cities of over 100,000). The officers working in Hayward and Richmond are making more money than Vallejo officers. Remember, Vallejo makes an "average" wage.

Captain   |April.01.2010 More on Jonothan Benefield: Oroville Inn owner denies red-tag status http://www.chicoer.com/news/ci_14798862

Keeping up with the Jones   |April.01.2010 FYI, crime update in the Bay Area: Hayward has just had 3 homicides in the past week. This brings them to 11 or 12 for the first quarter of the year, they had 7 homicides for all of 2009. I only mention this, as several Vallejo PD have transfered to Hayward. Should we be letting the "media" know that there is a "state of emergency" in Hayward? Walnut Creek had a carjacking a few days ago, Hercules, Antioch both had several drives by shootings that have resulted in Homicides. The City of Oakland (bless the new chiefs heart who says crime is down) has had so many shooting related deaths recently, I cant even keep up the count. Richmond, well need I say more... What is the point of my broadcast of crime in the Bay Area? Only the crime in Vallejo is being exploited by the media who are fed the information directly from thier source in Vallejo. CRIME IS EVERYWHERE, but only Vallejo is in a battle for solvency, other cities will soon follow suit... Via Valleo

Captain   |April.01.2010 Vallejo Goes for Brole, by Steven Greenhut. This looks like an expanded version of the article that appeared in the WSJ. Worth reading. http://www.city-journal.org/2010/eon0331sg

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