By Emerson Drake
9/14/11
After his Nolo Contendere plea back on March 6, 2009, Alfred Chip Huskey was sentenced to 365 days in jail and probation in exchange for one felony count of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor under the age of 16. Huskey in his statement to the Probation Department blamed alcohol and methamphetamine abuse for his actions.
Although the Probation report recommended a prison sentence, the Honorable John Whiteside indicated the substantial mitigation in this case, defendant’s lack of criminal history and his exemplary record as a deputy, outweighed the aggravating factors: his violation of trust, and the vulnerability of the victim.
Judge Whiteside placed Huskey on three years of formal probation, ordered drug and alcohol terms, including testing, for Huskey throughout his probationary period. This is according to the District Attorney’s press release.
What the press release failed to mention is Huskey wasn’t required to register as a sex offender. Various reasons have bneen suggested by the department since then, including sparing the victim the need to detail her experiences in court. But it needs to be mentioned that Huskey is presumed to be witness X, appearing prominently in documents regarding the death/killing of Craig Prescott while in Sheriff’s custody.
Neglecting to require this may be haunting the D.A.’sa department currently.
Huskey moved to San Joaquin County soon after his release from local jail. But without notifying the probation dept. as he was required to do, he moved back to Modesto. When the Probation department went looking for him they discovered he was living with a woman and her four children, three boys abd a five year old girl up in Groveland.
It has been reported in court documents he was watching the young girl while her mother was at work, sometimes in 24 hour or more stretches. According to court documents he was sleeping in the same bed as the young girl when they were left alone. When the girl’s mother was asked if she knew that Huskey was on probation for felony molestation of a minor under the age of 15, she said “someone” had mentioned it but when she asked Huskey he denied it.
If Huskey had been required to register as a sex offender the yound girl’s mother could have easily verified the truth.
Judge Whiteside, many people will believe YOU and the District Attorney should be held accountable for anything that may have happened to that little girl. According to court documents she has been seen “dirty dancing” and has begun to bully her playmates. One of the first signs of sexual abuse is a change in behavior of the victim, including disciplinary problems and acting out towards other children.
This case keeps dragging out and the D.A. doesn’t seem to be very concerned. The A.D.A prosecuting Huskey seems more concerned about keeping her name out of the public’s eye.
But the final injustice is that all Jerry Powers (head of the probation dept.) is asking is for is 10 days in jail and a modification of terms of Alfred Lowell “Chip” Huskey’s probation.
10 days, Just 10 days in jail.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
It’s Prime Time for County Election Reform
By Emerson Drake
9/10/11
Too long have special interest groups been allowed to have a step-up on County voters. It’s time to make effective changes which will help protect the ordinary citizen. Here in Stanislaus County we’re between county elections so the time is right to level the playing field and empower the people.
1.We need to up the limit to $99.99 a citizen can make to a candidate without having to have his or her name divulged to people who place their self interests above those of others. It provides protection from both politicians and bosses who might take umbrage at your political choices and seek retribution for your decision. This is the same level as the state and most cities allow.
2.We need a $1,000.00 limit on personal campaign contributions and a $2,000.00 combined limit before a Board member is required to recuse themselves from and votes or discussions which would have a financial impact on the donor. This has no impact on the amount of a donation one can make but does impact a Board of Supervisor member. This limit should be in play for the four years leading up to an election and or the four years after one. This would limit special interest groups or individuals with deep pockets from influencing Board decisions inappropriately.
3.We need to stop allowing large campaign donations of $1,000.00 or more to elected department heads who then utilize these same companies for county business. This would stop the perception, real or implied, contracts with Stanislaus County can be influenced or purchased illegally.
These requests for action have been brought before the Board of Supervisors several times in the past two years.
The time for action is now.
Call, write, email, or just stop and talk with them on the street and let them know how important and timely this is.
•
District 1 – Bill O'Brien
William O'Brien
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
1010 10th St, Suite 6500
Modesto, Ca 95354
(209) 525-4440
ObrienW@StanCounty.com
•
District 2 – Vito Chiesa
Vito Chiesa
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
1010 10th St, Suite 6500
Modesto, Ca 95354
(209) 525-6440
vito.chiesa@stancounty.com
•
District 3 – Terry Withrow
Terry Withrow
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
1010 10th St, Suite 6500
Modesto, Ca 95354
(209) 525-6560
WithrowT@StanCounty.com
•
District 4 – Dick Monteith
Dick Monteith
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
1010 10th St, Suite 6500
Modesto, Ca 95354
(209) 525-4445
MonteithD@StanCounty.com
•
District 5 – Jim DeMartini
Jim DeMartini
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
1010 10th St, Suite 6500
Modesto, Ca 95354
(209) 525-4470
DemartiniJ@StanCounty.com
9/10/11
Too long have special interest groups been allowed to have a step-up on County voters. It’s time to make effective changes which will help protect the ordinary citizen. Here in Stanislaus County we’re between county elections so the time is right to level the playing field and empower the people.
1.We need to up the limit to $99.99 a citizen can make to a candidate without having to have his or her name divulged to people who place their self interests above those of others. It provides protection from both politicians and bosses who might take umbrage at your political choices and seek retribution for your decision. This is the same level as the state and most cities allow.
2.We need a $1,000.00 limit on personal campaign contributions and a $2,000.00 combined limit before a Board member is required to recuse themselves from and votes or discussions which would have a financial impact on the donor. This has no impact on the amount of a donation one can make but does impact a Board of Supervisor member. This limit should be in play for the four years leading up to an election and or the four years after one. This would limit special interest groups or individuals with deep pockets from influencing Board decisions inappropriately.
3.We need to stop allowing large campaign donations of $1,000.00 or more to elected department heads who then utilize these same companies for county business. This would stop the perception, real or implied, contracts with Stanislaus County can be influenced or purchased illegally.
These requests for action have been brought before the Board of Supervisors several times in the past two years.
The time for action is now.
Call, write, email, or just stop and talk with them on the street and let them know how important and timely this is.
•
District 1 – Bill O'Brien
William O'Brien
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
1010 10th St, Suite 6500
Modesto, Ca 95354
(209) 525-4440
ObrienW@StanCounty.com
•
District 2 – Vito Chiesa
Vito Chiesa
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
1010 10th St, Suite 6500
Modesto, Ca 95354
(209) 525-6440
vito.chiesa@stancounty.com
•
District 3 – Terry Withrow
Terry Withrow
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
1010 10th St, Suite 6500
Modesto, Ca 95354
(209) 525-6560
WithrowT@StanCounty.com
•
District 4 – Dick Monteith
Dick Monteith
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
1010 10th St, Suite 6500
Modesto, Ca 95354
(209) 525-4445
MonteithD@StanCounty.com
•
District 5 – Jim DeMartini
Jim DeMartini
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
1010 10th St, Suite 6500
Modesto, Ca 95354
(209) 525-4470
DemartiniJ@StanCounty.com
BRCH’s Recommendations Open for Public Comment Until After the November Elections
By Emerson Drake
9/8/11
Muratore, Moradian, and Madison with Wright’s help, pushed through their twenty page diatribe against the homeless to the Council’s Safety and Community Committee Wednesday night. Couched in terms like “To improve the lives of all Modestoans by combating chronic, long-term homelessness through better utilization of city and community resources” their mission statement hardly describes the recommendations made by the BRCH (Blue Ribbon Commission on the Homeless.)
The presentation of the report was given by Steve Madison from the Building Industry Association, who is now rebranding himself by touting he’s also a member of the Salvation Army’s Board of Directors. His expertise according to his prior statements to the BRCH is that he bought hamburgers for two homeless people (hamburgers not big macs more cost effective) and talked with them for thirty minutes or so.
One concern David Wright Jr. had was the homeless in Modesto could be over fed. According to Mr. Wright if you’re homeless you can get fed 21 times a day just by walking a few blocks. When that was questioned, his response was “it’s in the report.” Then it must be true, Right? Kind of hard to believe, isn’t it? Twenty one times a day three hundred sixty five days a year all in just a few blocks walk.
The BRCH tried to suggest they were concerned about the quality of food the homeless were being given so they are recommending the City use County ordinances designed to protect the public from for profit vendors against the well meaning Christians who feel the call to feed those less fortunate than themselves. I really don’t understand how prepackaged food stuffs like top ramen falls into this category but they intend for Modesto to apply it that way.
Between their incredulous claims and their insistence at pushing stereotypes like homeless people make between one and two hundred dollars a day pan handling, you have to walk away shaking your head wondering just what their real agenda might be.
Another recommendation is to use a “park security force” (preferably armed) to control and subdue the homeless population and any other undesirables they find in the parks. They gave the example of Santa Maria which has non armed security that reports to the Park district. The BRCH proposes to capture the $500,000 dollars the Parks and Neighborhoods Dept. spends because of vandalism but are unable to delineate exactly how those monies could be quantified. Julie Hannon of Parks and Neighborhoods couldn’t say how much of the vandalism was caused by the homeless and MPD Chief Harden said the Department doesn’t capture those statistics. .
When the Chief was asked what he thought of a Park Security force, he replied “ I haven’t seen any numbers on how effective they would be.” He also seemed concerned by a certain amount of anecdotal fear mongering heard during the meeting regarding aggressive panhandling. A citizen pointed out the public can help themselves and everyone in Modesto by reporting the aggressive panhandlers. And overall these were just a few of the individuals involved in that practice and the MPD has been very responsive to calls for assistance on regarding aggressive individuals.
Darryl Fair, former SCAP director who was expected but didn’t attend the meeting has been blunt in the past about wanting a sugar daddy (Uncle Sam will do) to write him a grant check to fund his desire for a day center and low and behold there it is, recommendation number five.
While a drop in day center would be nice, the hoped for location meets some of the business community’s and member Mike Moradian’s concerns. The main concern for many members of the BRCH being, the further away the better, also known as NIMBY. But the 720 G St. location is nowhere near a park or many of the meal locations.
The Safety and Communities Council Committee made the final political maneuver, considering it contains one council and one Mayoral candidate up for election on November 8th. Tthey put off a review of citizens comments until November 12th, after the election.
It’s such a brave thing to do, bury it until accountability is minimized.
We not only invite, but suggest you read the report. We encourage you to make a comment to the Safety and Communities Committee. Let them know how you feel. Read the report word here. http://blog.voiceofmodesto.com/content/report-muratores-tainted-blue-ribbon-commission-homeless
9/8/11
Muratore, Moradian, and Madison with Wright’s help, pushed through their twenty page diatribe against the homeless to the Council’s Safety and Community Committee Wednesday night. Couched in terms like “To improve the lives of all Modestoans by combating chronic, long-term homelessness through better utilization of city and community resources” their mission statement hardly describes the recommendations made by the BRCH (Blue Ribbon Commission on the Homeless.)
The presentation of the report was given by Steve Madison from the Building Industry Association, who is now rebranding himself by touting he’s also a member of the Salvation Army’s Board of Directors. His expertise according to his prior statements to the BRCH is that he bought hamburgers for two homeless people (hamburgers not big macs more cost effective) and talked with them for thirty minutes or so.
One concern David Wright Jr. had was the homeless in Modesto could be over fed. According to Mr. Wright if you’re homeless you can get fed 21 times a day just by walking a few blocks. When that was questioned, his response was “it’s in the report.” Then it must be true, Right? Kind of hard to believe, isn’t it? Twenty one times a day three hundred sixty five days a year all in just a few blocks walk.
The BRCH tried to suggest they were concerned about the quality of food the homeless were being given so they are recommending the City use County ordinances designed to protect the public from for profit vendors against the well meaning Christians who feel the call to feed those less fortunate than themselves. I really don’t understand how prepackaged food stuffs like top ramen falls into this category but they intend for Modesto to apply it that way.
Between their incredulous claims and their insistence at pushing stereotypes like homeless people make between one and two hundred dollars a day pan handling, you have to walk away shaking your head wondering just what their real agenda might be.
Another recommendation is to use a “park security force” (preferably armed) to control and subdue the homeless population and any other undesirables they find in the parks. They gave the example of Santa Maria which has non armed security that reports to the Park district. The BRCH proposes to capture the $500,000 dollars the Parks and Neighborhoods Dept. spends because of vandalism but are unable to delineate exactly how those monies could be quantified. Julie Hannon of Parks and Neighborhoods couldn’t say how much of the vandalism was caused by the homeless and MPD Chief Harden said the Department doesn’t capture those statistics. .
When the Chief was asked what he thought of a Park Security force, he replied “ I haven’t seen any numbers on how effective they would be.” He also seemed concerned by a certain amount of anecdotal fear mongering heard during the meeting regarding aggressive panhandling. A citizen pointed out the public can help themselves and everyone in Modesto by reporting the aggressive panhandlers. And overall these were just a few of the individuals involved in that practice and the MPD has been very responsive to calls for assistance on regarding aggressive individuals.
Darryl Fair, former SCAP director who was expected but didn’t attend the meeting has been blunt in the past about wanting a sugar daddy (Uncle Sam will do) to write him a grant check to fund his desire for a day center and low and behold there it is, recommendation number five.
While a drop in day center would be nice, the hoped for location meets some of the business community’s and member Mike Moradian’s concerns. The main concern for many members of the BRCH being, the further away the better, also known as NIMBY. But the 720 G St. location is nowhere near a park or many of the meal locations.
The Safety and Communities Council Committee made the final political maneuver, considering it contains one council and one Mayoral candidate up for election on November 8th. Tthey put off a review of citizens comments until November 12th, after the election.
It’s such a brave thing to do, bury it until accountability is minimized.
We not only invite, but suggest you read the report. We encourage you to make a comment to the Safety and Communities Committee. Let them know how you feel. Read the report word here. http://blog.voiceofmodesto.com/content/report-muratores-tainted-blue-ribbon-commission-homeless
Muratore's Tainted Blue Ribbon Commission on the Homeless to Present its Manifesto
By Emerson Drake
9/6/11
Did anyone else notice they don't call it that anymore? Yet Muratore went to the Safety and Communities Committee and arranged (interesting how councilmen scratch each others backs) to head up the BRCH (Blue Ribbon Commission on the Homeless), he also managed to get people of similar thinking or agendas named to it.
Former SCAP Directors, who when they were exposed to the light of day, chose to abandon ship in the face of public knowledge and criticism. Yet they continued to accept SCAP funds to foster a mistaken belief in the Community they were a non-profit doing Gods work.
Also interesting is how Muratore appointed a friend and business partner "not in the official sense", but Joe did get his real partner Ryan Swehla's and Scott Monday's Trinity renovations to use him for all of their home inspections. And just because this same man helped Joe get elected to the City Council, well that had nothing to do with anything. But Moradian does have an intense dislike for the homeless which he blames for just about all of societies problems.
Now on Wednesday 9/7 they'll be parading before the Safety and Communities Committee their manifesto. But where did this document come from? They didn't meet in public to discuss its contents. They certainly haven't met in public and voted. So where did it come from?
Well much of it came from the same man who has overstepped his bounds and placed a heavy hand on this BRCH to direct their agenda and results. Now that Muratore has given back (read forced to) the $62,500 dollars and been banned from further NSP2 participation, (Trinity Renovations and Benchmark Reality are almost inseparable in the NSP2 conversation) his hands are clean and his desires are only for what's best for Modesto.
Yeah Right.
The BRCH has been attempting to paint the homeless "both temporary and permanent" with the same broad brush as second class citizens. If these commission members weren't so agenda driven, one is looking for someone to write a grant for money (ala SCAP style) and others attempting to funnel more funds into organizations they either represent or head, this could almost be believable.
Wednesday at 5:30 the Safety Committee will meet to hear the official version of the BRCH suggestions. No public discussion by its members and no public vote on its contents.
Why didn't Councilman Muratore just save us a lot of time and render his edict six months ago.
Heck, why is Joe Muratore still a Councilman?
9/6/11
Did anyone else notice they don't call it that anymore? Yet Muratore went to the Safety and Communities Committee and arranged (interesting how councilmen scratch each others backs) to head up the BRCH (Blue Ribbon Commission on the Homeless), he also managed to get people of similar thinking or agendas named to it.
Former SCAP Directors, who when they were exposed to the light of day, chose to abandon ship in the face of public knowledge and criticism. Yet they continued to accept SCAP funds to foster a mistaken belief in the Community they were a non-profit doing Gods work.
Also interesting is how Muratore appointed a friend and business partner "not in the official sense", but Joe did get his real partner Ryan Swehla's and Scott Monday's Trinity renovations to use him for all of their home inspections. And just because this same man helped Joe get elected to the City Council, well that had nothing to do with anything. But Moradian does have an intense dislike for the homeless which he blames for just about all of societies problems.
Now on Wednesday 9/7 they'll be parading before the Safety and Communities Committee their manifesto. But where did this document come from? They didn't meet in public to discuss its contents. They certainly haven't met in public and voted. So where did it come from?
Well much of it came from the same man who has overstepped his bounds and placed a heavy hand on this BRCH to direct their agenda and results. Now that Muratore has given back (read forced to) the $62,500 dollars and been banned from further NSP2 participation, (Trinity Renovations and Benchmark Reality are almost inseparable in the NSP2 conversation) his hands are clean and his desires are only for what's best for Modesto.
Yeah Right.
The BRCH has been attempting to paint the homeless "both temporary and permanent" with the same broad brush as second class citizens. If these commission members weren't so agenda driven, one is looking for someone to write a grant for money (ala SCAP style) and others attempting to funnel more funds into organizations they either represent or head, this could almost be believable.
Wednesday at 5:30 the Safety Committee will meet to hear the official version of the BRCH suggestions. No public discussion by its members and no public vote on its contents.
Why didn't Councilman Muratore just save us a lot of time and render his edict six months ago.
Heck, why is Joe Muratore still a Councilman?
Are those who "take a Stand" for the Truth Complaining?
9/6/11
By Patrony
Out of curiosity, I wanted to search for editorials from other newspapers in the state. Here are the titles of a few I read in today's editions. 1) San Francisco Gate: 'A drug shortage no one is answering'. 2) LA Times: 'Pricey Homeland Security.' 3) Sacramento Bee: 'Solar deal needs probe.'
After reading today's editorial, 'Make life better: Stop complaining', by Mark Vasche, in Sunday's Modesto Bee, I realized that according to Vasche's definition, the other editorials were all 'COMPLAINTS'. Vasche implied that bringing up negative issues are just idle complaints and are not justifiable.
C'mon Mark Vasche, why are you being passive aggressive? Why not state a direct message and just say who you're talking about instead of hiding behind a few authors' quotes just to take cheap shots at your targets?
To be honest, I thought your editorial reminded me of another article I read recently about a governor who ridiculed individuals whom he viewed as 'COMPLAINERS; his name was George C. Wallace. Wallace served as Alabama's governor in the sixties. Wallace accused civil rights workers of going against natural hierarchy for disrupting a time- honored social order which he referred to as the, "Southern way of life." Wallace lambasted their so called 'complaining' and began his own campaign to stop the tide of integration. While Wallace was a strong segregationist who had his own racist agenda, he appealed to fellow Alabamians by calling the civil rights workers, 'COMPLAINERS'.
I do not believe you are a racist nor a segregationist, but I do believe you have a personal agenda; doing all you can to lighten up the heavy ridicule from concerned citizens about the SCAP scandal in which your son-in-law, Scott Monday, is involved.
Mr. Vasche, people are not complaining, but we are needing answers. We are not 'COMPLAINERS', but we are devoted to standing up for truth and justice, and we have every right to demand both. You must understand there is as much difference between 'complaining' and taking a stand' as there is between 'arrogance and humility.'
By the way, I believe learning the truth would make me feel better and cause me to live my life more full.
By Patrony
Out of curiosity, I wanted to search for editorials from other newspapers in the state. Here are the titles of a few I read in today's editions. 1) San Francisco Gate: 'A drug shortage no one is answering'. 2) LA Times: 'Pricey Homeland Security.' 3) Sacramento Bee: 'Solar deal needs probe.'
After reading today's editorial, 'Make life better: Stop complaining', by Mark Vasche, in Sunday's Modesto Bee, I realized that according to Vasche's definition, the other editorials were all 'COMPLAINTS'. Vasche implied that bringing up negative issues are just idle complaints and are not justifiable.
C'mon Mark Vasche, why are you being passive aggressive? Why not state a direct message and just say who you're talking about instead of hiding behind a few authors' quotes just to take cheap shots at your targets?
To be honest, I thought your editorial reminded me of another article I read recently about a governor who ridiculed individuals whom he viewed as 'COMPLAINERS; his name was George C. Wallace. Wallace served as Alabama's governor in the sixties. Wallace accused civil rights workers of going against natural hierarchy for disrupting a time- honored social order which he referred to as the, "Southern way of life." Wallace lambasted their so called 'complaining' and began his own campaign to stop the tide of integration. While Wallace was a strong segregationist who had his own racist agenda, he appealed to fellow Alabamians by calling the civil rights workers, 'COMPLAINERS'.
I do not believe you are a racist nor a segregationist, but I do believe you have a personal agenda; doing all you can to lighten up the heavy ridicule from concerned citizens about the SCAP scandal in which your son-in-law, Scott Monday, is involved.
Mr. Vasche, people are not complaining, but we are needing answers. We are not 'COMPLAINERS', but we are devoted to standing up for truth and justice, and we have every right to demand both. You must understand there is as much difference between 'complaining' and taking a stand' as there is between 'arrogance and humility.'
By the way, I believe learning the truth would make me feel better and cause me to live my life more full.
West Palm Beach Forced to Repay HUD $1.67 Million Due to Mismanagement Will Modesto be Next?
By Emerson Drake
8/30/11
Friday, June 3rd 2011 when the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ordered West Palm Beach to pay back $1.67 million it received from 1998-2007. City documents show $1.19 million of the $1.67 million is owed as a result of the 2006 Blue Roof program, run by Paula Ryan, West Palm Beach's interim housing director at that time and a candidate for mayor this spring.
Sounds a lot like Modesto only in our case it was a Modesto City Councilman, Joe Muratore, who pocketed the funds.
Again from West Palm Beach, "We didn't play by the rules, and we got fined as a result. Hopefully that will never happen again," Mayor Jeri Muoio said. Lois Frankel, who left office in March and is running for U.S. Congress, was mayor when the Blue Roof program was created and carried out.
West Palm Beach was audited in 2008 because Miami's HUD office "ranked the city as high risk in its fiscal years 2006 and 2007 risk assessments," HUD said. It initially sought $3.39 million from the city but only required West Palm Beach to pay $1.67 million in its final determination.
The audit, done by HUD's Office of the Inspector General, found the city deficient in four areas: contract administration, monitoring, maintaining supporting documentation and reporting program income.
The deficiencies happened "because the city disregarded HUD requirements and had ineffective policies and procedures," the report stated.
This information is from the West Palm Beach News but the content strikes a resonate chord here in Modesto. Why is City Attorney Susan Acala Wood refusing to detail her involvement in Muratore's decision to vote back in 2010. After all she was quick enough to publicly weigh in when Garrad Marsh was preparing to vote on another matter around that same point in time. Is her decision to stay mum political?
Will Modesto be forced to repay HUD for the misuse of funds from both the SCAP fiasco and Councilman Muratore's greed?
Where would the money come from?
And lastly, why is Councilman Muratore still on the City Council?
8/30/11
Friday, June 3rd 2011 when the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ordered West Palm Beach to pay back $1.67 million it received from 1998-2007. City documents show $1.19 million of the $1.67 million is owed as a result of the 2006 Blue Roof program, run by Paula Ryan, West Palm Beach's interim housing director at that time and a candidate for mayor this spring.
Sounds a lot like Modesto only in our case it was a Modesto City Councilman, Joe Muratore, who pocketed the funds.
Again from West Palm Beach, "We didn't play by the rules, and we got fined as a result. Hopefully that will never happen again," Mayor Jeri Muoio said. Lois Frankel, who left office in March and is running for U.S. Congress, was mayor when the Blue Roof program was created and carried out.
West Palm Beach was audited in 2008 because Miami's HUD office "ranked the city as high risk in its fiscal years 2006 and 2007 risk assessments," HUD said. It initially sought $3.39 million from the city but only required West Palm Beach to pay $1.67 million in its final determination.
The audit, done by HUD's Office of the Inspector General, found the city deficient in four areas: contract administration, monitoring, maintaining supporting documentation and reporting program income.
The deficiencies happened "because the city disregarded HUD requirements and had ineffective policies and procedures," the report stated.
This information is from the West Palm Beach News but the content strikes a resonate chord here in Modesto. Why is City Attorney Susan Acala Wood refusing to detail her involvement in Muratore's decision to vote back in 2010. After all she was quick enough to publicly weigh in when Garrad Marsh was preparing to vote on another matter around that same point in time. Is her decision to stay mum political?
Will Modesto be forced to repay HUD for the misuse of funds from both the SCAP fiasco and Councilman Muratore's greed?
Where would the money come from?
And lastly, why is Councilman Muratore still on the City Council?
The People of Modesto Deserve a Fair Shake from City Government
By Emerson Drake
8/31/11
WE do deserve a fair and honest shake from our city government but we sure aren't getting one now. We have a Councilman who voted for NSP2 money and then ended up putting some of it ($62,500) in his own pocket. When the truth was about to come out he told on himself, BUT, he didn't mention how his company "Benchmark Realty" is managing the houses for Trinity Renovations and will be getting a slice of the pie monthly for the next 25 years.
We have a candidate for Mayor who a developer purchased and decided to run in the race for $14,000 dollars. Kind of like buying a horse to run at the track without having to buy feed or tack but who will go in any direction you pull his reins in.
We have local developers paying "rental" money to City Council candidates running for re-election. Chopra just loves those "rentals" . They're cheaper than owning with no maintenance costs, and a new crop coming every two years.
You don't have to ask what Escalon based Bavaro Farms is doing donating big money to Modesto candidates for, do you? OK, if you do, I'll help out. It's because they have land they want Modesto to annex and zone for homes. They did this same thing in the last election and will continue to do it until they motivate the council to ignore the "advisory votes" and do it anyway. The last annexation ( two years ago) the Bavaro's hoped for lost by over 70%.
And don't think it might not happen since we have a candidate for Mayor who says he'll ignore advisory votes and do what he thinks is best for the city. So much for representing the people.
We need a new amendment to our City Charter which would prohibit councilmen from accepting more than $1,000 dollars from any person or business without having to recuse themselves "step back and not vote or take part in the discussion" when that individual or business had something in front of the council for consideration, similar to what the County Board of Supervisors is considering.
Do we need honest government and a fair shake?
Do we deserve an honest government and a fair shake?
Damn straight we do. And until we get some changes in the same old, same old, it isn't going to happen.
8/31/11
WE do deserve a fair and honest shake from our city government but we sure aren't getting one now. We have a Councilman who voted for NSP2 money and then ended up putting some of it ($62,500) in his own pocket. When the truth was about to come out he told on himself, BUT, he didn't mention how his company "Benchmark Realty" is managing the houses for Trinity Renovations and will be getting a slice of the pie monthly for the next 25 years.
We have a candidate for Mayor who a developer purchased and decided to run in the race for $14,000 dollars. Kind of like buying a horse to run at the track without having to buy feed or tack but who will go in any direction you pull his reins in.
We have local developers paying "rental" money to City Council candidates running for re-election. Chopra just loves those "rentals" . They're cheaper than owning with no maintenance costs, and a new crop coming every two years.
You don't have to ask what Escalon based Bavaro Farms is doing donating big money to Modesto candidates for, do you? OK, if you do, I'll help out. It's because they have land they want Modesto to annex and zone for homes. They did this same thing in the last election and will continue to do it until they motivate the council to ignore the "advisory votes" and do it anyway. The last annexation ( two years ago) the Bavaro's hoped for lost by over 70%.
And don't think it might not happen since we have a candidate for Mayor who says he'll ignore advisory votes and do what he thinks is best for the city. So much for representing the people.
We need a new amendment to our City Charter which would prohibit councilmen from accepting more than $1,000 dollars from any person or business without having to recuse themselves "step back and not vote or take part in the discussion" when that individual or business had something in front of the council for consideration, similar to what the County Board of Supervisors is considering.
Do we need honest government and a fair shake?
Do we deserve an honest government and a fair shake?
Damn straight we do. And until we get some changes in the same old, same old, it isn't going to happen.
Cities Strangled by the Cost of Pensions or How to Save Modesto
8/30/11
From the Stanislaus Taxpayers Association
It does not matter what you negotiate for future cops or firefighters or other employees. It is the current employees cost of coverage that is going to destroy our City. See what the projected cost for Beverly Hills is, and contemplate what Modesto will face in 2 short years.
There are ways to survive this situation. They are
1.1. All employees must pay at least 50% of their individual Required Contribution to the pension fund.
2.2. The City Manager must terminate a large portion of the redundant middle managers and many of the rank and file employees.
3.3. ALL surviving City employees must take a substantial reduction in pay. No City employee should earn more than $100,000 annually, including the City Manager.
4.4. If the current average employee salary is $99,552 (as reported in the Modesto BEE), that median salary must be reduced to no more than $55,000.
The die is cast. Read this article and decide what you are going to do to stop the destruction of our City’s government.
By Leah Krakinowski
When Beverly Hills residents found out that many of their city’s 950 municipal and public safety employees were earning stunning salaries, 13 weeks of paid vacation, unlimited overtime and other tax-free retirement benefits, taxpayers were outraged and city officials rushed into closed-door sessions to figure out what to do.
These revelations, exposed through the efforts of the city’s hometown newspaper, The Beverly Hills Courier, unmasked an even deeper problem: many California cities, and likely other municipalities across the U.S., are being strangled by the cost of ballooning pension benefits they can no longer afford.
All this has taken place in the throes of a global recession that is clobbering federal, state and local tax revenues used to pay for public services and pensions, and against the backdrop of the nation’s private-sector workers, who are feeling the pain of reductions, or total losses of their pension funds. And, in many cases, their jobs.
“What we have now is a grab bag of incredible benefits for public employees that are totally detached from what’s been happening in the private sector, and it’s neither fair nor sustainable,” said John Mirisch, a first-term Beverly Hills council member elected in 2009. “When the city was rolling in dough, officials may have thought the salary and pension structure was sustainable, but certainly, it was not fair.”
A former statistician for the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS), the state’s pension fund, warned that by 2014, local governments could be paying 50 percent of a police officer’s salary, 40 percent of a firefighter’s salary and 25 percent of an employee’s salary for their pensions, according to a recent report by the California League of Cities, a statewide advocacy group.
Many cities will face 25 percent or more increases in pension contribution costs in the next three years and those rates are likely to remain high for the next 10 years or more, the report said.
“It was a perfect storm that spun out of control,” Mirisch said, referring to what he calls the “go-go years” of 15 percent returns on investments.
The current pension structure in the state took shape when stock market investments swelled in the early 2000s, and with it, the coffers of California’s public pension system.
In fact, the California League’s report cited that earnings were so high, employers were given a “rate holiday” for a number of years and did not have to make employer contributions into their respective pension systems.
Public employee organizations saw the huge returns on pension fund investments and figured that the bounty should be shared by all, the report indicated. So, they proposed – and were granted – a series of retirement benefit formula increases, including lowering the retirement age from 55 to 50 for police and fire.
In Beverly Hills, city employees do not contribute to their own retirement pensions; the city pays everything with half of that contribution being largely tax-free, according to the Beverly Hills Pension Task Force headed by City Treasurer Elliot Finkel, as reported in the Courier. The Task Force presented its findings at a recent city council meeting.
When a city employee retires, he or she is guaranteed a fixed amount that increases every year. If CalPERS funding falls short, taxpayers make up the difference.
“When taxpayers are paying the bill, it’s embarrassing institutionally, [especially when] they see the economy of the state, the news reports and plights of people,” says Thomas White, chairman of the Beverly Hills Municipal League, a citizens’ group. “Where is the cost-cutting, the effort to control expenses on a local level, and the control of how our city is managed?”
With revenue streams growing modestly or, in some cases, not at all, local taxpayers are crying foul and city officials are scrambling to figure out how they will continue to pay for a system that does not ask city employees to pitch in.
“Nobody expected this,” says Dan Carrigg, the California League of Cities’ legislative director. “Tough times in the last three to four years have forced cities to deal with the cost side of their ledgers, including employee costs and pensions.”
Carrigg said that many labor groups, now at the bargaining table with city agencies across the state, are agreeing to lower-tier pension benefits for new employees, wage cuts, and even layoffs among public safety employees – concessions they wouldn’t have agreed to several years ago.
After the city of Beverly Hills was forced to provide the “total cost to the city” for each employee as a result of three California Public Records Act demands and the threat of litigation by the Courier, the published reports kicked off a public firestorm. The salary and compensation information were prepared by the City of Beverly Hills and published by the Courier without editing or modification, said Clifton Smith Jr., the paper’s publisher.
“Until that point, the city published staff compensation exclusively by “salary,” which represents only about half what the City of Beverly Hills pays per employee,” he said. Added to that amount are: guaranteed overtime (city employment agreements with unionized workers includes “guaranteed” overtime), overtime, administrative leave, paid vacation, sick time off (paid if not used), 100 percent retirement contributions (the employee pays nothing), full health care, “9/80” days (every other Monday or Friday off), and legal holidays, he said. Exempt employees get the same amount of sick leave and vacation time, but receive administrative leave instead of overtime pay.
With a population of 34,000, Beverly Hills has one employee for every 34 residents, the highest ratio in California.
Earlier this year, citing a budget deficit, the city council sought to make a number of cuts, including eliminating a quarter of its business marketing budget, instituting fee increases for the use of city parks by organized sports, removing special police coverage from local schools, and reducing or eliminating the city's longstanding two-hour free parking.
“Relative to Los Angeles and Culver City, our tax base is three to four times greater, but the city government has spent money carelessly, said the Municipal League’s chairman, Thomas White. “It’s now time to be looking at the excessive cost of government.”
In a recent closed session, the council began discussing sustainable compensation and pension benefit options with the Beverly Hills Fire Department Association, Police Officers Association and Police Management Association, all of which are in the process of bargaining with the city. Their contracts are up in October. Contracts for the rest of the city’s unions will expire in October 2013.
“The ultimate responsibility rests with the city council to make necessary changes,” Mirisch said. “Who retires at 50 today? Isn’t 70 the new 50? That rhetorical question is indicative of what is wrong with our [pension] system today.”
From the Stanislaus Taxpayers Association
It does not matter what you negotiate for future cops or firefighters or other employees. It is the current employees cost of coverage that is going to destroy our City. See what the projected cost for Beverly Hills is, and contemplate what Modesto will face in 2 short years.
There are ways to survive this situation. They are
1.1. All employees must pay at least 50% of their individual Required Contribution to the pension fund.
2.2. The City Manager must terminate a large portion of the redundant middle managers and many of the rank and file employees.
3.3. ALL surviving City employees must take a substantial reduction in pay. No City employee should earn more than $100,000 annually, including the City Manager.
4.4. If the current average employee salary is $99,552 (as reported in the Modesto BEE), that median salary must be reduced to no more than $55,000.
The die is cast. Read this article and decide what you are going to do to stop the destruction of our City’s government.
By Leah Krakinowski
When Beverly Hills residents found out that many of their city’s 950 municipal and public safety employees were earning stunning salaries, 13 weeks of paid vacation, unlimited overtime and other tax-free retirement benefits, taxpayers were outraged and city officials rushed into closed-door sessions to figure out what to do.
These revelations, exposed through the efforts of the city’s hometown newspaper, The Beverly Hills Courier, unmasked an even deeper problem: many California cities, and likely other municipalities across the U.S., are being strangled by the cost of ballooning pension benefits they can no longer afford.
All this has taken place in the throes of a global recession that is clobbering federal, state and local tax revenues used to pay for public services and pensions, and against the backdrop of the nation’s private-sector workers, who are feeling the pain of reductions, or total losses of their pension funds. And, in many cases, their jobs.
“What we have now is a grab bag of incredible benefits for public employees that are totally detached from what’s been happening in the private sector, and it’s neither fair nor sustainable,” said John Mirisch, a first-term Beverly Hills council member elected in 2009. “When the city was rolling in dough, officials may have thought the salary and pension structure was sustainable, but certainly, it was not fair.”
A former statistician for the California Public Employee Retirement System (CalPERS), the state’s pension fund, warned that by 2014, local governments could be paying 50 percent of a police officer’s salary, 40 percent of a firefighter’s salary and 25 percent of an employee’s salary for their pensions, according to a recent report by the California League of Cities, a statewide advocacy group.
Many cities will face 25 percent or more increases in pension contribution costs in the next three years and those rates are likely to remain high for the next 10 years or more, the report said.
“It was a perfect storm that spun out of control,” Mirisch said, referring to what he calls the “go-go years” of 15 percent returns on investments.
The current pension structure in the state took shape when stock market investments swelled in the early 2000s, and with it, the coffers of California’s public pension system.
In fact, the California League’s report cited that earnings were so high, employers were given a “rate holiday” for a number of years and did not have to make employer contributions into their respective pension systems.
Public employee organizations saw the huge returns on pension fund investments and figured that the bounty should be shared by all, the report indicated. So, they proposed – and were granted – a series of retirement benefit formula increases, including lowering the retirement age from 55 to 50 for police and fire.
In Beverly Hills, city employees do not contribute to their own retirement pensions; the city pays everything with half of that contribution being largely tax-free, according to the Beverly Hills Pension Task Force headed by City Treasurer Elliot Finkel, as reported in the Courier. The Task Force presented its findings at a recent city council meeting.
When a city employee retires, he or she is guaranteed a fixed amount that increases every year. If CalPERS funding falls short, taxpayers make up the difference.
“When taxpayers are paying the bill, it’s embarrassing institutionally, [especially when] they see the economy of the state, the news reports and plights of people,” says Thomas White, chairman of the Beverly Hills Municipal League, a citizens’ group. “Where is the cost-cutting, the effort to control expenses on a local level, and the control of how our city is managed?”
With revenue streams growing modestly or, in some cases, not at all, local taxpayers are crying foul and city officials are scrambling to figure out how they will continue to pay for a system that does not ask city employees to pitch in.
“Nobody expected this,” says Dan Carrigg, the California League of Cities’ legislative director. “Tough times in the last three to four years have forced cities to deal with the cost side of their ledgers, including employee costs and pensions.”
Carrigg said that many labor groups, now at the bargaining table with city agencies across the state, are agreeing to lower-tier pension benefits for new employees, wage cuts, and even layoffs among public safety employees – concessions they wouldn’t have agreed to several years ago.
After the city of Beverly Hills was forced to provide the “total cost to the city” for each employee as a result of three California Public Records Act demands and the threat of litigation by the Courier, the published reports kicked off a public firestorm. The salary and compensation information were prepared by the City of Beverly Hills and published by the Courier without editing or modification, said Clifton Smith Jr., the paper’s publisher.
“Until that point, the city published staff compensation exclusively by “salary,” which represents only about half what the City of Beverly Hills pays per employee,” he said. Added to that amount are: guaranteed overtime (city employment agreements with unionized workers includes “guaranteed” overtime), overtime, administrative leave, paid vacation, sick time off (paid if not used), 100 percent retirement contributions (the employee pays nothing), full health care, “9/80” days (every other Monday or Friday off), and legal holidays, he said. Exempt employees get the same amount of sick leave and vacation time, but receive administrative leave instead of overtime pay.
With a population of 34,000, Beverly Hills has one employee for every 34 residents, the highest ratio in California.
Earlier this year, citing a budget deficit, the city council sought to make a number of cuts, including eliminating a quarter of its business marketing budget, instituting fee increases for the use of city parks by organized sports, removing special police coverage from local schools, and reducing or eliminating the city's longstanding two-hour free parking.
“Relative to Los Angeles and Culver City, our tax base is three to four times greater, but the city government has spent money carelessly, said the Municipal League’s chairman, Thomas White. “It’s now time to be looking at the excessive cost of government.”
In a recent closed session, the council began discussing sustainable compensation and pension benefit options with the Beverly Hills Fire Department Association, Police Officers Association and Police Management Association, all of which are in the process of bargaining with the city. Their contracts are up in October. Contracts for the rest of the city’s unions will expire in October 2013.
“The ultimate responsibility rests with the city council to make necessary changes,” Mirisch said. “Who retires at 50 today? Isn’t 70 the new 50? That rhetorical question is indicative of what is wrong with our [pension] system today.”
What the Heck is Going on at the Court House?
By Emerson Drake
8/25/11
Tuesday morning at convicted child molester Alfred "Chip" Huskey's probation violation hearing, a normal yet unusual exchange took place. Judge McFadden said "let’s go to the Huskey case." Then Judge McFadden asked "is he here" Huskey's attorney replied "he's in custody." Judge McFadden's response was, "he's in custody, excused. "We'll see him on the 29th."
This exchange could have been heard in court rooms around the court house several times daily. But what made this different is, according to Assistant District Attorney Carol Shipley, Huskey wasn't in custody. Now ADA Shipley is a supervisor and wasn't at the Huskey hearing that day but at our request had checked the official "in Custody" list and Alfred Huskey wasn't on it. She had no comment on what the ADA prosecuting Huskey probation violation might or might not have said.
A knowledgeable court house insider pointed out that Tuesday's hearing was a "records subpoena only" hearing and the defendant wasn't required to attend. So why was McFadden expecting Huskey to put in an appearance?
When a probationer is "violated by their probation officer" they are often picked up and placed into custody immediately awaiting the outcome of their hearing. At that point the P.O. wants the offender to “cool their heels” and spend some time in jail.
Chip Huskey has been given “special treatment” by the District Attorney’s office since his plea bargain. The special deal he received was Huskey wasn’t required to register as a sex offender after he was released from jail despite his having molested a young girl for several years. He was “named” as witness X in the Craig Prescott killing that took place in the County Jail.
If Judge McFadden expected Huskey to be in custody why wasn't he?
Why did the two attorneys intentionally mislead Judge McFadden?
Huskey’s next court hearing is August 29th and you better believe we’ll be there asking questions to ensure justice is served or you will know about it.
And maybe between now and then Judge McFadden will start asking questions herself.
Maybe you should too.
8/25/11
Tuesday morning at convicted child molester Alfred "Chip" Huskey's probation violation hearing, a normal yet unusual exchange took place. Judge McFadden said "let’s go to the Huskey case." Then Judge McFadden asked "is he here" Huskey's attorney replied "he's in custody." Judge McFadden's response was, "he's in custody, excused. "We'll see him on the 29th."
This exchange could have been heard in court rooms around the court house several times daily. But what made this different is, according to Assistant District Attorney Carol Shipley, Huskey wasn't in custody. Now ADA Shipley is a supervisor and wasn't at the Huskey hearing that day but at our request had checked the official "in Custody" list and Alfred Huskey wasn't on it. She had no comment on what the ADA prosecuting Huskey probation violation might or might not have said.
A knowledgeable court house insider pointed out that Tuesday's hearing was a "records subpoena only" hearing and the defendant wasn't required to attend. So why was McFadden expecting Huskey to put in an appearance?
When a probationer is "violated by their probation officer" they are often picked up and placed into custody immediately awaiting the outcome of their hearing. At that point the P.O. wants the offender to “cool their heels” and spend some time in jail.
Chip Huskey has been given “special treatment” by the District Attorney’s office since his plea bargain. The special deal he received was Huskey wasn’t required to register as a sex offender after he was released from jail despite his having molested a young girl for several years. He was “named” as witness X in the Craig Prescott killing that took place in the County Jail.
If Judge McFadden expected Huskey to be in custody why wasn't he?
Why did the two attorneys intentionally mislead Judge McFadden?
Huskey’s next court hearing is August 29th and you better believe we’ll be there asking questions to ensure justice is served or you will know about it.
And maybe between now and then Judge McFadden will start asking questions herself.
Maybe you should too.
Judge Linda McFadden They Lied To You, Alfred "Chip" Huskey Is Not in Custody
By Emerson Drake
8/23/11
A member of our investigative reporting team was sitting in the courtroom Tuesday morning when Judge Linda McFadden said, "lets go onto the Huskey case." She was referring to Alfred "Chip" Huskey, a convicted child molester who was supposed to be present for his probation violation hearing Tuesday morning. Then Judge Linda McFadden said " is he here?" Chip Huskey's defense attorney said "he's in custody."
Judge McFadden then said "He's in custody, excused. " We'll see him on the 29th."
But the facts don't support this statement. The shameful truth is Chip Huskey wasn't and isn't in custody. There is no documentation anywhere saying Huskey is in the downtown jail, the safety center or at the Honor Farm. "In custody" for an individual who has violated his probation does not include an ankle bracelet at his home.
Judge, you should be asking yourself the same question every single Stanislaus County resident is asking:
Why did the defense attorney lie to you, and why did the Assistant District Attorney go along with it?
Chip Huskey, a former member of law enforcement, received a lenient sentence previously unheard of in Stanislaus County. He was sentenced to less than a year in jail and NOT required to register as a sex offender on his release. While no "official" reason has ever been given, he has been named as "witness X" in the Craig Prescott case. In the Prescott case his statements are necessary to support dubious testimony that Sheriff's Deputies have given as to the manner in which Craig Prescott was brutally killed.
Judge McFadden, you should summon the attorneys involved in Tuesday's performance and get to the truth of what you were told.
Do we or don't we have equal justice in Stanislaus County? The public is waiting for your answer.
8/23/11
A member of our investigative reporting team was sitting in the courtroom Tuesday morning when Judge Linda McFadden said, "lets go onto the Huskey case." She was referring to Alfred "Chip" Huskey, a convicted child molester who was supposed to be present for his probation violation hearing Tuesday morning. Then Judge Linda McFadden said " is he here?" Chip Huskey's defense attorney said "he's in custody."
Judge McFadden then said "He's in custody, excused. " We'll see him on the 29th."
But the facts don't support this statement. The shameful truth is Chip Huskey wasn't and isn't in custody. There is no documentation anywhere saying Huskey is in the downtown jail, the safety center or at the Honor Farm. "In custody" for an individual who has violated his probation does not include an ankle bracelet at his home.
Judge, you should be asking yourself the same question every single Stanislaus County resident is asking:
Why did the defense attorney lie to you, and why did the Assistant District Attorney go along with it?
Chip Huskey, a former member of law enforcement, received a lenient sentence previously unheard of in Stanislaus County. He was sentenced to less than a year in jail and NOT required to register as a sex offender on his release. While no "official" reason has ever been given, he has been named as "witness X" in the Craig Prescott case. In the Prescott case his statements are necessary to support dubious testimony that Sheriff's Deputies have given as to the manner in which Craig Prescott was brutally killed.
Judge McFadden, you should summon the attorneys involved in Tuesday's performance and get to the truth of what you were told.
Do we or don't we have equal justice in Stanislaus County? The public is waiting for your answer.
Why Are Your Electric Rates Going Up? Here is One of the Reasons
By Emerson Drake
8/22/11
At a recent meeting the MID Board gave unanimous approval to the SunPower solar project. After the vote, MID Board Members Cecil Hendsley and Tom Van Groningen made the claim the cost of power would average .17 kwh,yet just one day before this meeting PG&E, a for profit company, announced a similar 20 year deal for .10 kwh. This constitutes a 70% difference in negotiated solar power rates.
Previously the MID has refused to make public the contract figures saying the information was contractually proprietary and could not be made public. Yet PG&E makes their contract details public.
So in an attempt to shed some light on the issue we did the following:
Last week before the start of the Modesto Irrigation District meeting, MID General Manager Allen Short was asked for a copy of the contract rate language regarding the agreement between the MID and SunPower Company which is attempting to build a solar power facility on North McHenry.
He asked if I knew that the Stanislaus Taxpayers Association (STA) had made similar inquires. I said yes and that I would like the pages directly related to the contract rate language.
He replied he had supplied them with the information but the STA was unhappy because it didn’t contain the prices MID agreed to pay Sunpower. I explained that I wasn’t interested in pages of redacted (blacked out) information.
The following is the information which we received from a source familiar with the negotiation. What we are hearing is much different than the MID’s publicly released information.
First, let us be clear that this solar power is base energy, not peak energy. That is, MID has to buy ALL the production from this plant. Even on a 35 degree sunny winter day, MID must buy the most expensive energy in their portfolio.
Second, the cost to MID is NOT .17 cents. That is the marketing lie that needs to be exposed. A PRA request for the contract language of the agreement between MID and whichever SolarPower LLC is actually doing the work will show this disparity. MID has agreed to pay market price, plus a surcharge of 7.46 cents per KWh. In January, that may be 20 cents or less. But on a hot summer day, that could be 45 cents or 75 cents, depending on the grid requirements.
Third, MID’s goal for a retail price to customers is 32 cents per KWh, the current cost is 18.08 cents. Figure it out.
WE challenge the MID to come forward and enlighten the public with the actual contract figures. The difference between the contracted PG&E rate of .10kwh and the alleged contract rate by MID of .17kwh is enough for everyone to have major concerns. And if the information we’ve been given regarding negotiated SunPower rates is accurate, the agreement borders on a total lack of responsibility and fiduciary negligence.
8/22/11
At a recent meeting the MID Board gave unanimous approval to the SunPower solar project. After the vote, MID Board Members Cecil Hendsley and Tom Van Groningen made the claim the cost of power would average .17 kwh,yet just one day before this meeting PG&E, a for profit company, announced a similar 20 year deal for .10 kwh. This constitutes a 70% difference in negotiated solar power rates.
Previously the MID has refused to make public the contract figures saying the information was contractually proprietary and could not be made public. Yet PG&E makes their contract details public.
So in an attempt to shed some light on the issue we did the following:
Last week before the start of the Modesto Irrigation District meeting, MID General Manager Allen Short was asked for a copy of the contract rate language regarding the agreement between the MID and SunPower Company which is attempting to build a solar power facility on North McHenry.
He asked if I knew that the Stanislaus Taxpayers Association (STA) had made similar inquires. I said yes and that I would like the pages directly related to the contract rate language.
He replied he had supplied them with the information but the STA was unhappy because it didn’t contain the prices MID agreed to pay Sunpower. I explained that I wasn’t interested in pages of redacted (blacked out) information.
The following is the information which we received from a source familiar with the negotiation. What we are hearing is much different than the MID’s publicly released information.
First, let us be clear that this solar power is base energy, not peak energy. That is, MID has to buy ALL the production from this plant. Even on a 35 degree sunny winter day, MID must buy the most expensive energy in their portfolio.
Second, the cost to MID is NOT .17 cents. That is the marketing lie that needs to be exposed. A PRA request for the contract language of the agreement between MID and whichever SolarPower LLC is actually doing the work will show this disparity. MID has agreed to pay market price, plus a surcharge of 7.46 cents per KWh. In January, that may be 20 cents or less. But on a hot summer day, that could be 45 cents or 75 cents, depending on the grid requirements.
Third, MID’s goal for a retail price to customers is 32 cents per KWh, the current cost is 18.08 cents. Figure it out.
WE challenge the MID to come forward and enlighten the public with the actual contract figures. The difference between the contracted PG&E rate of .10kwh and the alleged contract rate by MID of .17kwh is enough for everyone to have major concerns. And if the information we’ve been given regarding negotiated SunPower rates is accurate, the agreement borders on a total lack of responsibility and fiduciary negligence.
The West Memphis Three are Finally Free!
By Eric Seres
8/19/11
Congratulations, Jesse, Jason, and Damien! They have been released today as free men.
For the last eighteen years, the three men known as the West Memphis Three have been imprisoned for the murders of Stevie Branch, Christopher Beyer, and Michael Moore, even though they did not commit the murders.
“This morning, in a courtroom in Jonesboro, Arkansas, all parties involved in the ongoing legal cases of the West Memphis Three have agreed to a plea agreement, which has resulted in the immediate release of all three men.” (http://wm3org.typepad.com/blog/2011/08/the-west-memphis-three-are-free.html )
The plea deal basically says they admit that the state has enough evidence to convict them, but they have not admitted any guilt. Actually, they have specifically said they are innocent, but are taking the deal to be free for the first time in almost two decades.
Once again, congratulations to the Free Three!
8/19/11
Congratulations, Jesse, Jason, and Damien! They have been released today as free men.
For the last eighteen years, the three men known as the West Memphis Three have been imprisoned for the murders of Stevie Branch, Christopher Beyer, and Michael Moore, even though they did not commit the murders.
“This morning, in a courtroom in Jonesboro, Arkansas, all parties involved in the ongoing legal cases of the West Memphis Three have agreed to a plea agreement, which has resulted in the immediate release of all three men.” (http://wm3org.typepad.com/blog/2011/08/the-west-memphis-three-are-free.html )
The plea deal basically says they admit that the state has enough evidence to convict them, but they have not admitted any guilt. Actually, they have specifically said they are innocent, but are taking the deal to be free for the first time in almost two decades.
Once again, congratulations to the Free Three!
Renaissance Community Services The Non-Profit that Isn’t
By Emerson Drake
8/18/11
To provide a little background, Renaissance Community Services (RCS) filed their articles of incorporation in June of 2009. Justin Fair was named as the President of the RCS and Darryl Fair is their registered agent. According to records they are not classified as a non-profit. Yet their website http://www.rencsa.org/statistics.htm says that they are. Frank Ploof is named as the Case Manager for the company. They refreshed their incorporation in March of this year using the same players.
When I walked into the Renaissance Community Service Center located at 1417 D St. here in Modesto, I found former SCAP Directors Darryl Fair and Frank Ploof sitting at a table.
The three of us discussed the Blue Ribbon Commission’s reference points given by Steve Madison to Garrad Marsh’s Safety and Community Committee. They said I didn’t know what I was talking about since I had only been to one meeting. I reminded them I, my wife or a friend had been to all of their meetings and that no votes were taken. Fair pointedly said what I already knew, he had sat next to my wife at the last meeting. Fair and Ploof both made the claim that if you aren’t on the committee you couldn’t possibly know what was going on. I reminded them that the meetings were held in the public and unless they had met privately I was aware of all that had transpired.
I tried to untangle the web of interconnected companies and non-profits that Fair has woven together when he speaks in public, but his unwillingness to respond to specific questions or to clarify his broad statements make understanding impossible.
At times Mr.Fair claimed that the RCS was a church, but when asked to provide the financial records he said they only discuss their financial statements on the third Sunday in January and only to church members. He didn’t respond to the question regarding a loss of non-profit status to one of the ministries he’s affiliated with or if this was the one in question.
He did acknowledge the “Home of the Brave Compound” or to use his term “The Compound”. This property is owned by the Gallos and SCAP is paying his rent. This facility is supposed to be used for returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, hence the name ,but none were present to my knowledge that day. He suggested SCAP was using their private money to pay the rent. But since the only money SCAP really has is money collected from rental housing purchased by Federal funds this claim is as dubious as Joe Gibbs claim the $465,000 he was to be paid didn’t come from federal funds.
Fair makes the claim he passes out $300,000 worth of food each year. But that would approximate $5,769 each and every week. I saw about two thirds of a bag of groceries and this was the day the food was to be passed out. But then maybe I missed the rush. After all it opened at 11:00 and here it was 11:30. But maybe he combines the totals with all of the cities Non-Profits/agencies.
When asked where these large donations come from he said they don’t apply for grants so as not to dilute the total amount available by having even more overhead. But he refused to provide any names of agencies or specific amounts of the contributions.
Mr. Ploof removed himself from the conversation early on and stayed in the rear of the facility and remained there for the remainder of our conversation.
Then the conversation switched to the day drop-in facility for the homeless he wants to start. He has previously said this was his prime reason for joining Muratore’s Blue Ribbon Commission on the homeless. During this part of our conversation he became agitated. He has repeatedly described this as a home by a park for the homeless to stay during the day. He has been hoping someone would write a grant application for him or give him the necessary money.
He proclaimed 720 G St. to be the building he has been referring to. Unfortunately for Fairs’ credibility there isn’t a park anywhere near there and it isn’t a home. When this was pointed out he quickly said “they” could make one. That it wouldn’t be as big as Cesar E. Chavez Park but it would still be a park. Again unfortunately this address is in a business district and there isn’t any land available for a park.
Interestingly enough. the 720 address is being sold by Centerra Properties. Centerra Properties is Councilman Muratore’s former business before he started Benchmark Reality with Ryan Swehla. Centerra Properties is the company used to purchase the land for EAH and Swehla’s North Gate Complex slated for North Ninth St as soon as the financing come through from, you guessed it! Federal grants.
The normally affable Darryl Fair, when pressed for accurate answers to these questions became belligerent. He stood up, puffed up like a toad, and started jabbing his finger excitedly.
I explained that much larger men than himself had attempted to intimidate me and it didn’t work for them and it wouldn’t work for him either.
He then suggested pointedly I needed to leave. I asked if he was ordering me to leave and he just repeated himself. I remained seated. So he turned in a huff and said “then I’m leaving”. Mr. Fair then strode quickly out a side door.
It’s unfortunate the meeting ended so abruptly when so many questions remain unanswered.
To comment on this and other articles go to Modesto’s Premier website the SWARM
http://blog.voiceofmodesto.com/
720 G St. Modesto Ca
8/18/11
To provide a little background, Renaissance Community Services (RCS) filed their articles of incorporation in June of 2009. Justin Fair was named as the President of the RCS and Darryl Fair is their registered agent. According to records they are not classified as a non-profit. Yet their website http://www.rencsa.org/statistics.htm says that they are. Frank Ploof is named as the Case Manager for the company. They refreshed their incorporation in March of this year using the same players.
When I walked into the Renaissance Community Service Center located at 1417 D St. here in Modesto, I found former SCAP Directors Darryl Fair and Frank Ploof sitting at a table.
The three of us discussed the Blue Ribbon Commission’s reference points given by Steve Madison to Garrad Marsh’s Safety and Community Committee. They said I didn’t know what I was talking about since I had only been to one meeting. I reminded them I, my wife or a friend had been to all of their meetings and that no votes were taken. Fair pointedly said what I already knew, he had sat next to my wife at the last meeting. Fair and Ploof both made the claim that if you aren’t on the committee you couldn’t possibly know what was going on. I reminded them that the meetings were held in the public and unless they had met privately I was aware of all that had transpired.
I tried to untangle the web of interconnected companies and non-profits that Fair has woven together when he speaks in public, but his unwillingness to respond to specific questions or to clarify his broad statements make understanding impossible.
At times Mr.Fair claimed that the RCS was a church, but when asked to provide the financial records he said they only discuss their financial statements on the third Sunday in January and only to church members. He didn’t respond to the question regarding a loss of non-profit status to one of the ministries he’s affiliated with or if this was the one in question.
He did acknowledge the “Home of the Brave Compound” or to use his term “The Compound”. This property is owned by the Gallos and SCAP is paying his rent. This facility is supposed to be used for returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan, hence the name ,but none were present to my knowledge that day. He suggested SCAP was using their private money to pay the rent. But since the only money SCAP really has is money collected from rental housing purchased by Federal funds this claim is as dubious as Joe Gibbs claim the $465,000 he was to be paid didn’t come from federal funds.
Fair makes the claim he passes out $300,000 worth of food each year. But that would approximate $5,769 each and every week. I saw about two thirds of a bag of groceries and this was the day the food was to be passed out. But then maybe I missed the rush. After all it opened at 11:00 and here it was 11:30. But maybe he combines the totals with all of the cities Non-Profits/agencies.
When asked where these large donations come from he said they don’t apply for grants so as not to dilute the total amount available by having even more overhead. But he refused to provide any names of agencies or specific amounts of the contributions.
Mr. Ploof removed himself from the conversation early on and stayed in the rear of the facility and remained there for the remainder of our conversation.
Then the conversation switched to the day drop-in facility for the homeless he wants to start. He has previously said this was his prime reason for joining Muratore’s Blue Ribbon Commission on the homeless. During this part of our conversation he became agitated. He has repeatedly described this as a home by a park for the homeless to stay during the day. He has been hoping someone would write a grant application for him or give him the necessary money.
He proclaimed 720 G St. to be the building he has been referring to. Unfortunately for Fairs’ credibility there isn’t a park anywhere near there and it isn’t a home. When this was pointed out he quickly said “they” could make one. That it wouldn’t be as big as Cesar E. Chavez Park but it would still be a park. Again unfortunately this address is in a business district and there isn’t any land available for a park.
Interestingly enough. the 720 address is being sold by Centerra Properties. Centerra Properties is Councilman Muratore’s former business before he started Benchmark Reality with Ryan Swehla. Centerra Properties is the company used to purchase the land for EAH and Swehla’s North Gate Complex slated for North Ninth St as soon as the financing come through from, you guessed it! Federal grants.
The normally affable Darryl Fair, when pressed for accurate answers to these questions became belligerent. He stood up, puffed up like a toad, and started jabbing his finger excitedly.
I explained that much larger men than himself had attempted to intimidate me and it didn’t work for them and it wouldn’t work for him either.
He then suggested pointedly I needed to leave. I asked if he was ordering me to leave and he just repeated himself. I remained seated. So he turned in a huff and said “then I’m leaving”. Mr. Fair then strode quickly out a side door.
It’s unfortunate the meeting ended so abruptly when so many questions remain unanswered.
To comment on this and other articles go to Modesto’s Premier website the SWARM
http://blog.voiceofmodesto.com/
720 G St. Modesto Ca
Following Chopra Development's Tentacles
By Emerson Drake
8/17/11
It's always interesting to me to see just how easy developers purchase politicians. If they invest heavily usually it's because they believe the are easily manipulated. Of course the big players make sure they don't leave anyone out just in case the elections don't go the way the developer hopes.
In the Mayoral race, Brad Hawn was apparently considered the easy mark. Or it could be that Stephen Endsley blazed the trail with his $14,000 contribution. Councilman and Mayoral hopeful took $2,900 on May fifth of this year from Chopra Development Enterprises. Was this thanking him for past efforts on Chopra's part? Or is it a down payment on a get out of jail free card after the sizzle fizzled on their "Life Style" development up by the mall?
Just to ensure not offending anyone, Aruna Chopra tossed $1,000 Councilman and Mayoral hopeful Garrad Marsh's way. One third the amount wouldn't seem to purchase much of anything but maybe it avoids creating an enemy.
Just so they didn't leave anyone out of consideration, Chopra Development donated $2,000 to Councilman Dave Lopez who's running for re-election. And interesting bid for services to be rendered or perhaps a thank you for past performances with a promise of more to keep him in line.
Maybe it's a little like Texas Hold 'em, to the experienced, the "bids" tell the story.
While it's acknowledged that politicians need to raise money to get elected, consideration should be given to the source and the expectations raised by large campaign contributions.
Special favors for special people? In Modesto, often it's all about the money.
8/17/11
It's always interesting to me to see just how easy developers purchase politicians. If they invest heavily usually it's because they believe the are easily manipulated. Of course the big players make sure they don't leave anyone out just in case the elections don't go the way the developer hopes.
In the Mayoral race, Brad Hawn was apparently considered the easy mark. Or it could be that Stephen Endsley blazed the trail with his $14,000 contribution. Councilman and Mayoral hopeful took $2,900 on May fifth of this year from Chopra Development Enterprises. Was this thanking him for past efforts on Chopra's part? Or is it a down payment on a get out of jail free card after the sizzle fizzled on their "Life Style" development up by the mall?
Just to ensure not offending anyone, Aruna Chopra tossed $1,000 Councilman and Mayoral hopeful Garrad Marsh's way. One third the amount wouldn't seem to purchase much of anything but maybe it avoids creating an enemy.
Just so they didn't leave anyone out of consideration, Chopra Development donated $2,000 to Councilman Dave Lopez who's running for re-election. And interesting bid for services to be rendered or perhaps a thank you for past performances with a promise of more to keep him in line.
Maybe it's a little like Texas Hold 'em, to the experienced, the "bids" tell the story.
While it's acknowledged that politicians need to raise money to get elected, consideration should be given to the source and the expectations raised by large campaign contributions.
Special favors for special people? In Modesto, often it's all about the money.
Local Politicos Paid for Performance? Kristin Olsen set the Gold Standard
By Emerson Drake
8/15/11
Should politicians reward campaign contributors with special favors? Many don't, but Twenty Fifth Assembly District Representative Kristin Olsen paved the way while on Modesto's City Council.
We all recall a couple of years ago when a few mobile home parks in Modesto were raising rates to the tune of $100 per month, A certain park owned by Western Manufactured Housing was hoping the economic boom would last long enough for their property in the North McHenry area to become so valuable they could develop it for businesses,
After Olsen arranged for a sizable contribution she voted against senior citizens on fixed incomes and supported the Manteca business with her influence and vote in the City Council.
Chopra Enterprises made another contribution to Olsen's campaign and when a complaint came to the city council that Chopra was getting favorable treatment from the city, Olsen sprung to their defense. She thought it only reasonable that a well connected firm like Chopra shouldn't have to use any of their property for a water retention pond. However, it didn't bother her that a small family owned farm just trying to find a way to make a little money from the property they were being forced to sell, should be required to have two thirds of their land under water. Of course, that family hadn't made a sizable donation to her campaign.
Then, of course there was the business park located right across from the new Kaiser Hospital. Chopra managed to have a segment re-zoned for multi family housing at the last minute. Who paved the way in the city council? None other than Kristin Olsen.
Olsen's connections to the Chopra Plaza and the city's fast tracking of the attempted development are being explored.
Just as interesting are the number of current Mayoral and Council candidates being tied to Chopra through Campaign donations.
Tomorrow we'll talk about the specific candidates and the amounts they have taken from the Chopra family members and companies
8/15/11
Should politicians reward campaign contributors with special favors? Many don't, but Twenty Fifth Assembly District Representative Kristin Olsen paved the way while on Modesto's City Council.
We all recall a couple of years ago when a few mobile home parks in Modesto were raising rates to the tune of $100 per month, A certain park owned by Western Manufactured Housing was hoping the economic boom would last long enough for their property in the North McHenry area to become so valuable they could develop it for businesses,
After Olsen arranged for a sizable contribution she voted against senior citizens on fixed incomes and supported the Manteca business with her influence and vote in the City Council.
Chopra Enterprises made another contribution to Olsen's campaign and when a complaint came to the city council that Chopra was getting favorable treatment from the city, Olsen sprung to their defense. She thought it only reasonable that a well connected firm like Chopra shouldn't have to use any of their property for a water retention pond. However, it didn't bother her that a small family owned farm just trying to find a way to make a little money from the property they were being forced to sell, should be required to have two thirds of their land under water. Of course, that family hadn't made a sizable donation to her campaign.
Then, of course there was the business park located right across from the new Kaiser Hospital. Chopra managed to have a segment re-zoned for multi family housing at the last minute. Who paved the way in the city council? None other than Kristin Olsen.
Olsen's connections to the Chopra Plaza and the city's fast tracking of the attempted development are being explored.
Just as interesting are the number of current Mayoral and Council candidates being tied to Chopra through Campaign donations.
Tomorrow we'll talk about the specific candidates and the amounts they have taken from the Chopra family members and companies
What do the Blue Ribbon Homeless Commission, SCAP, and the Renaissance Community Services have in Common?
BY Emerson Drake
8/14/11
What do the Blue Ribbon Commission on the Homeless (BRCH), SCAP, and the Renaissance Community Services have in common? That's easy two former SCAP directors. Both Darryl Fair and Frank Ploof work for this non-profit. Darryl Fair is the Executive Director and Frank Ploof is the Case Manager for this organization.
One thing that makes this especially interesting is the location of their head quarters which is located at 1417 D Street Modesto. Basically just around the corner from where the BRCH is located is Beardbrook Park where the BRCH wants to relocate the homeless feeding to.
Can you say "more donations " for these people with a lot of self interest?
We've said before the members of the BRCH are agenda driven. This just goes to show they are more interested in the money than they are the homeless.
Council Muratore's scandal ridden tenure, tainted by accepting money from the ( NSP2 )Neighborhood Stabilization and Preservation fund seems to be continuing with his hand picked members of the BRCH.
Isn't it time we scrapped the BRCH and their questionable members and start over with a group less politically concerned with making campaign contributions to their buddies to help them get re-elected and bring in people legitimately concerned about solving the problems of the homeless here in Modesto.
Or maybe what we need is a new slogan. That would solve everything.
8/14/11
What do the Blue Ribbon Commission on the Homeless (BRCH), SCAP, and the Renaissance Community Services have in common? That's easy two former SCAP directors. Both Darryl Fair and Frank Ploof work for this non-profit. Darryl Fair is the Executive Director and Frank Ploof is the Case Manager for this organization.
One thing that makes this especially interesting is the location of their head quarters which is located at 1417 D Street Modesto. Basically just around the corner from where the BRCH is located is Beardbrook Park where the BRCH wants to relocate the homeless feeding to.
Can you say "more donations " for these people with a lot of self interest?
We've said before the members of the BRCH are agenda driven. This just goes to show they are more interested in the money than they are the homeless.
Council Muratore's scandal ridden tenure, tainted by accepting money from the ( NSP2 )Neighborhood Stabilization and Preservation fund seems to be continuing with his hand picked members of the BRCH.
Isn't it time we scrapped the BRCH and their questionable members and start over with a group less politically concerned with making campaign contributions to their buddies to help them get re-elected and bring in people legitimately concerned about solving the problems of the homeless here in Modesto.
Or maybe what we need is a new slogan. That would solve everything.
Buying a City Council? Family Owned and Operated? Endsley, Hawn, Muratore, Aaronson, It's all the Same
By Emerson Drake
8/13/11
By Emerson Drake
The Stephen Endsley and the Endsley Family Trust jump started Mayorial Candidate Braw Hawn's campaign with a $14,000 dollar contribution. It's the largest single family donation for Mayor in the History of Modesto.
According to Modesto Councilman Joe Muratore's financial disclosure form, he has made, through his company Sentinal Rock Reality, between $100,000 and $1 Million dollars from Endsley Mariposa Plant L.P and Endsley Mariposa Warehouse L.P.
http://www.fppc.ca.gov/form700/2010/City/F-M/R_Muratore_Joseph.pdf#search="Muratore Joe"
Sentinel Rock Realty Trust
Name
1031 15th Street, SteA, Modesto, CA 95354
Address
Check one
(Business Address Acceptable)D
Trust, go
to 2 I8l Business Entity, complete the box, then go to 2GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS ACTIVITY
Commercial Real Estate Sales, Leasing, Asset Mgmt.
FAIR MARKET VALUE
IF APPLICABLE. LIST DATE:
D
$2.000 - $10.000
D
$10,001 - $100,000 __L ....1~ .........../.........../~
181
DOver $1,000,000
NATURE OF INVESTMENT
YOUR BUSINESS POSITION
$100,001 - $1.000,000 ACQUIRED DISPOSED[g] S-Corporation D Sole Proprietorship D PartnershipPrincipal
Zions Bank N.A., Endsley Mariposa Plant L.P.,
Endsley Mariposa Warehouse L.P.
Councilman Joe Muratore jump started candidate for District 3 Todd Aaronson's campaign with one of Aaronson's first donations back in December of last year. Councilman Muratore voted to use city funds to help collect emails and polls of the citizens of the College neighborhood district. The very district Todd Aaronson is now running for
Family owned and operated? Just ask Stephen Endsley.
1121 K St Modesto, CA 95354
Companies at this address:
■Endsley Insurance Services, Inc.
■Endsley Capital Group, Inc.
■Four Seasons Farms, Inc.
■Endsley Property Management, Inc.
■Endsley Family Foundation, Inc.
■Eight Mile Road Partners LLC
■L. Stephen Endsley/ Endsley Capital Group Inc.
■1335-1385 East Shaw Avenue, LLC
■Endsley Kiernan, L.P.
■Endsley Properties, L.P.
■Endsley Folsom, L.P.
■Endsley Qwest, L.P.
■Mariposa Warehouse, L.P.
■Endsley Mariposa Plant, L.P.
■Endsley Fresno Properties, L.P.
■Valley Bio-Energy, LLC
■Grinding Equipment, LLC
People at this address:
■Ann Blair Endsley
■L Stephen Endsley
■Stephen Endsley
■Denise Martin
■Denise Rowe
8/13/11
By Emerson Drake
The Stephen Endsley and the Endsley Family Trust jump started Mayorial Candidate Braw Hawn's campaign with a $14,000 dollar contribution. It's the largest single family donation for Mayor in the History of Modesto.
According to Modesto Councilman Joe Muratore's financial disclosure form, he has made, through his company Sentinal Rock Reality, between $100,000 and $1 Million dollars from Endsley Mariposa Plant L.P and Endsley Mariposa Warehouse L.P.
http://www.fppc.ca.gov/form700/2010/City/F-M/R_Muratore_Joseph.pdf#search="Muratore Joe"
Sentinel Rock Realty Trust
Name
1031 15th Street, SteA, Modesto, CA 95354
Address
Check one
(Business Address Acceptable)D
Trust, go
to 2 I8l Business Entity, complete the box, then go to 2GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS ACTIVITY
Commercial Real Estate Sales, Leasing, Asset Mgmt.
FAIR MARKET VALUE
IF APPLICABLE. LIST DATE:
D
$2.000 - $10.000
D
$10,001 - $100,000 __L ....1~ .........../.........../~
181
DOver $1,000,000
NATURE OF INVESTMENT
YOUR BUSINESS POSITION
$100,001 - $1.000,000 ACQUIRED DISPOSED[g] S-Corporation D Sole Proprietorship D PartnershipPrincipal
Zions Bank N.A., Endsley Mariposa Plant L.P.,
Endsley Mariposa Warehouse L.P.
Councilman Joe Muratore jump started candidate for District 3 Todd Aaronson's campaign with one of Aaronson's first donations back in December of last year. Councilman Muratore voted to use city funds to help collect emails and polls of the citizens of the College neighborhood district. The very district Todd Aaronson is now running for
Family owned and operated? Just ask Stephen Endsley.
1121 K St Modesto, CA 95354
Companies at this address:
■Endsley Insurance Services, Inc.
■Endsley Capital Group, Inc.
■Four Seasons Farms, Inc.
■Endsley Property Management, Inc.
■Endsley Family Foundation, Inc.
■Eight Mile Road Partners LLC
■L. Stephen Endsley/ Endsley Capital Group Inc.
■1335-1385 East Shaw Avenue, LLC
■Endsley Kiernan, L.P.
■Endsley Properties, L.P.
■Endsley Folsom, L.P.
■Endsley Qwest, L.P.
■Mariposa Warehouse, L.P.
■Endsley Mariposa Plant, L.P.
■Endsley Fresno Properties, L.P.
■Valley Bio-Energy, LLC
■Grinding Equipment, LLC
People at this address:
■Ann Blair Endsley
■L Stephen Endsley
■Stephen Endsley
■Denise Martin
■Denise Rowe
The Commonwealth Called the Tune, City Officials Danced, But the Citizens said NO!
By Emerson Drake
8/13/11
The group who calls themselves Commonwealth Modesto has been creeping into political power for several years and are determined to rule Modesto by hook or by crook. In public they act so benign but behind the scenes they are heavy handed and devious. Taking a page from "Movers and Shakers" they ensconced their members into important areas of government to implement the policies that benefit their members financially.
A prime examples of this are Trinity Renovations and Benchmark Reality. The former owned by Ryan Swehla and Scott Monday, the latter by Joe Muratore and Ryan Swehla. Their involvement in the Neighborhood Stabilization and Preservation funds part2 (NSP2) fiasco has finally started to come out. How many more companies owned by Commonwealth Modesto members will be exposed as having wallowed in the public trough before the investigation is through?
For these would be (if we let them) power brokers and developers an important city board to be on is the Board of Zoning Adjustments. Who does Commonwealth Modesto have there? Ryan Swehla. On the City's Economic Development Committee? Joe Muratore. We can't forget the Entertainment Commission that sets the rules regarding what businesses get the approval and how much they have to pay to provide entertainment for their customers. Who is their chairman? None other than Chris Ricci. The same man is in charge of the Commonwealth downtown Pod. Starting to get the drift?
The first time I heard someone say to a ruling body, at least in public, "the Commonwealth wouldn't be happy if you make that decision" or words to that effect was Ryan Swehla to the Modesto Irrigation District when they turned down Valley Energy Partners in their attempt to sneak a proposal after the deadline during a MID meeting and this was back in October of 2009. Valley Energy Partners was/is owned and operated by Joe Muratore, Ryan Swehla, Stephen Endsley. Despite his recent protests, according to Swehla's claims to the MID Board that day, so is/was Brad Hawn. Valley Energy Partners were frustrated that day in their attempts to curry special exemptions from the rules everyone else had to follow when applying for contracts from the MID board.
Were you aware that now City Manager Greg Nyhoff was interviewed by Commonwealth Modesto before they gave their approval to the City Council for them to hire him? Starting to understand their behind the scenes power?
Had anyone heard before Friday about the coming motto change? No? What council committee did it come from? What, you say it didn't come from a public committee? It was dreamed up behind closed doors?
The members of the Commonwealth use their membership like a secret handshake when doing business. Their public face is, "we're only trying to make Modesto a better place to do business" but the unspoken tone of the message, at least in private is, "mess with us and you won't be doing business with our members, not in Modesto."
We don't need chameleon like societies in Modesto pretending to be for Modesto's greater good, but actually bent profiting financially from ruling us.
8/13/11
The group who calls themselves Commonwealth Modesto has been creeping into political power for several years and are determined to rule Modesto by hook or by crook. In public they act so benign but behind the scenes they are heavy handed and devious. Taking a page from "Movers and Shakers" they ensconced their members into important areas of government to implement the policies that benefit their members financially.
A prime examples of this are Trinity Renovations and Benchmark Reality. The former owned by Ryan Swehla and Scott Monday, the latter by Joe Muratore and Ryan Swehla. Their involvement in the Neighborhood Stabilization and Preservation funds part2 (NSP2) fiasco has finally started to come out. How many more companies owned by Commonwealth Modesto members will be exposed as having wallowed in the public trough before the investigation is through?
For these would be (if we let them) power brokers and developers an important city board to be on is the Board of Zoning Adjustments. Who does Commonwealth Modesto have there? Ryan Swehla. On the City's Economic Development Committee? Joe Muratore. We can't forget the Entertainment Commission that sets the rules regarding what businesses get the approval and how much they have to pay to provide entertainment for their customers. Who is their chairman? None other than Chris Ricci. The same man is in charge of the Commonwealth downtown Pod. Starting to get the drift?
The first time I heard someone say to a ruling body, at least in public, "the Commonwealth wouldn't be happy if you make that decision" or words to that effect was Ryan Swehla to the Modesto Irrigation District when they turned down Valley Energy Partners in their attempt to sneak a proposal after the deadline during a MID meeting and this was back in October of 2009. Valley Energy Partners was/is owned and operated by Joe Muratore, Ryan Swehla, Stephen Endsley. Despite his recent protests, according to Swehla's claims to the MID Board that day, so is/was Brad Hawn. Valley Energy Partners were frustrated that day in their attempts to curry special exemptions from the rules everyone else had to follow when applying for contracts from the MID board.
Were you aware that now City Manager Greg Nyhoff was interviewed by Commonwealth Modesto before they gave their approval to the City Council for them to hire him? Starting to understand their behind the scenes power?
Had anyone heard before Friday about the coming motto change? No? What council committee did it come from? What, you say it didn't come from a public committee? It was dreamed up behind closed doors?
The members of the Commonwealth use their membership like a secret handshake when doing business. Their public face is, "we're only trying to make Modesto a better place to do business" but the unspoken tone of the message, at least in private is, "mess with us and you won't be doing business with our members, not in Modesto."
We don't need chameleon like societies in Modesto pretending to be for Modesto's greater good, but actually bent profiting financially from ruling us.
The Cone of Silence Descends on City Hall here in Modesto
By Emerson Drake
8/7/11
Calls and emails are going unanswered at 1010 10th Street on the sixth floor Office of Modesto City Manager Greg Nyhoff. Despite pledges to remain open and transparent the Modesto manager has battened down the hatches and has seemingly cut the lines of communications to the outside to prevent citizens from asking questions. And it's not just about SCAP or Joe Muratore. They aren't answering phones in executive offices of the Parks and Neighborhoods Department where Julie Hannon resides.
Why are they covering up and curling up into a ball? Did Cecil Russell of the Chamber of Commerce or George Petrulakis advise this course of action? If not them, who?
Joe Muratore's SCAP problems continue to spread like an oil slick on still waters. Spreading slime on everything it comes in contact with and no end in sight.
And what is the city's current response? SILENCE
Will we let them get away with it NO.
Just like boils, when political infections like this get covered up they build up pressure until they explode. And when they do everyone involved gets covered with Accessory after the fact responsibility in the court of public opinion otherwise known as the voters.
So no matter how deep they try to bury it, we'll work shoulder to shoulder with everyone and anyone trying to digging it back up.
8/7/11
Calls and emails are going unanswered at 1010 10th Street on the sixth floor Office of Modesto City Manager Greg Nyhoff. Despite pledges to remain open and transparent the Modesto manager has battened down the hatches and has seemingly cut the lines of communications to the outside to prevent citizens from asking questions. And it's not just about SCAP or Joe Muratore. They aren't answering phones in executive offices of the Parks and Neighborhoods Department where Julie Hannon resides.
Why are they covering up and curling up into a ball? Did Cecil Russell of the Chamber of Commerce or George Petrulakis advise this course of action? If not them, who?
Joe Muratore's SCAP problems continue to spread like an oil slick on still waters. Spreading slime on everything it comes in contact with and no end in sight.
And what is the city's current response? SILENCE
Will we let them get away with it NO.
Just like boils, when political infections like this get covered up they build up pressure until they explode. And when they do everyone involved gets covered with Accessory after the fact responsibility in the court of public opinion otherwise known as the voters.
So no matter how deep they try to bury it, we'll work shoulder to shoulder with everyone and anyone trying to digging it back up.
Stephanie Burnside Received Campaign Donations from Trinity Renovations
By Emerson Drake
8/5/11
Stephanie Burnside received a campaign donation from the same Trinity Renovations that has been barred from further participation in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program Part 2 (NSP2). Could this be the explanation behind Councilwoman and candidate Stephanie Burnside's late and minimal comments during Wednesday's Modesto City Council meeting regarding the still evolving scandal with her city council and political guru Joe Muratore and his company Benchmark. Is it necessary to remind everyone that Muratore's business partner in Benchmark is Ryan Swehla who is also a partner in Trinity Renovations with Scott Monday?
Remember the comments from the public during the council meeting as to how the Business community had "purchased" political cover for the activities of these gold digging companies looking to line their pockets with taxpayer money? Now we are starting to see these same players from Cecil Russell from the Chamber of Commerce, who had a front row seat at the meeting and despite the fact some of his buddies were under fire, had a smile on his face. Could that be because he knew of the council members/candidates who were beholding to Benchmark and Trinity?
When it comes to getting yourself nominated to committees and commissions another person of note is David Wright Jr., a member of Joe Muratore's Blue Ribbon Commission on the Homeless who also donated to Stephanie Burnside's campaign.
Unfortunately the bag man for developers, Chamber of Commerce and the Republican party George Petrulakis has a very prominent place among Burnside's donors.
Sometimes it's very hard to see whose hands are in whose pockets. But the one pocket they all seem to be reaching for is the taxpayers. Your pockets and mine
This information was taken from Burnside's most recent campaign disclosure statement covering 1/1/11 through 6/30/11.
Very soon the newest of the donation lists for all of the candidates will be made public and you can count on the Voice of Modesto to bring them to you.
8/5/11
Stephanie Burnside received a campaign donation from the same Trinity Renovations that has been barred from further participation in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program Part 2 (NSP2). Could this be the explanation behind Councilwoman and candidate Stephanie Burnside's late and minimal comments during Wednesday's Modesto City Council meeting regarding the still evolving scandal with her city council and political guru Joe Muratore and his company Benchmark. Is it necessary to remind everyone that Muratore's business partner in Benchmark is Ryan Swehla who is also a partner in Trinity Renovations with Scott Monday?
Remember the comments from the public during the council meeting as to how the Business community had "purchased" political cover for the activities of these gold digging companies looking to line their pockets with taxpayer money? Now we are starting to see these same players from Cecil Russell from the Chamber of Commerce, who had a front row seat at the meeting and despite the fact some of his buddies were under fire, had a smile on his face. Could that be because he knew of the council members/candidates who were beholding to Benchmark and Trinity?
When it comes to getting yourself nominated to committees and commissions another person of note is David Wright Jr., a member of Joe Muratore's Blue Ribbon Commission on the Homeless who also donated to Stephanie Burnside's campaign.
Unfortunately the bag man for developers, Chamber of Commerce and the Republican party George Petrulakis has a very prominent place among Burnside's donors.
Sometimes it's very hard to see whose hands are in whose pockets. But the one pocket they all seem to be reaching for is the taxpayers. Your pockets and mine
This information was taken from Burnside's most recent campaign disclosure statement covering 1/1/11 through 6/30/11.
Very soon the newest of the donation lists for all of the candidates will be made public and you can count on the Voice of Modesto to bring them to you.
What the City has Been Hiding from Taxpayers Muratore's Fingers caught in the Till
By Emerson Drake
8/4/11
At the sparsely attended City Council meeting last night the City was forced to let the public know what they have known since last week. This is verbatim from Ridenour's formal statement regarding the NSP Program.
"Late last week, the OIG and City staff discovered another Conflict of Interest concern. As a result, a “Notice of Conflict of Interest Violation” was issued to Trinity Ventures RE II (Trinity Ventures). Trinity Ventures purchased property on Tully Road with a loan from the City of Modesto of NSP2 funds. It was discovered that a real estate sales commission was paid by the seller to Benchmark Commercial Real Estate Services (Benchmark). Benchmark is a company that is co-owned by Ryan Swehla and Joe Muratore. Mr. Swehla is a principal in Trinity Ventures along with Scott Monday, and Mr. Muratore is a member of the Modesto City Council. OIG, in conjunction with City staff, determined that Benchmark’s receipt of the sales commission likely constituted a violation of conflict of interest regulations governing the NSP2 grant program."
We've said before, Modesto business are using the NSP Program as a cash cow. It's time for all citizens to wake up and smell the roses.
People need to be more involved and attend City Council meetings, and they need to keep the heat on City officials to get results from the investigation BEFORE the November elections.
Ridenour claims he wants to inspire trust in city government, but withholding information until after you can figure how to spin it isn't the way.
8/4/11
At the sparsely attended City Council meeting last night the City was forced to let the public know what they have known since last week. This is verbatim from Ridenour's formal statement regarding the NSP Program.
"Late last week, the OIG and City staff discovered another Conflict of Interest concern. As a result, a “Notice of Conflict of Interest Violation” was issued to Trinity Ventures RE II (Trinity Ventures). Trinity Ventures purchased property on Tully Road with a loan from the City of Modesto of NSP2 funds. It was discovered that a real estate sales commission was paid by the seller to Benchmark Commercial Real Estate Services (Benchmark). Benchmark is a company that is co-owned by Ryan Swehla and Joe Muratore. Mr. Swehla is a principal in Trinity Ventures along with Scott Monday, and Mr. Muratore is a member of the Modesto City Council. OIG, in conjunction with City staff, determined that Benchmark’s receipt of the sales commission likely constituted a violation of conflict of interest regulations governing the NSP2 grant program."
We've said before, Modesto business are using the NSP Program as a cash cow. It's time for all citizens to wake up and smell the roses.
People need to be more involved and attend City Council meetings, and they need to keep the heat on City officials to get results from the investigation BEFORE the November elections.
Ridenour claims he wants to inspire trust in city government, but withholding information until after you can figure how to spin it isn't the way.
Board of Supervisors Leaves onlookers Shaking Their Heads
By Emerson Drake
8/3/11
Tuesday 8/3/11 at their regular meeting the Board of Supervisors responded to the Civil Grand Jury report which stated:
Civil G r a n d J u r v 2010-11 Case # l l - 1 0 C - Stanislaus Countv Sheriff The Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury finds the following: Finding 1: The Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury finds the Stanislaus County Sheriff violated Government Code section 3206.
Background
Sheriff Adam Christianson was involved in a series of staged public debates with his opponent Rob Jackson where questions were asked of both participants and their responses were expected to effect the votes of those listening.
During at least two of these debates Sheriff Christianson wore his uniform in direct violation of the laws he had sworn to enforce. In one debate staged and VIDEO TAPED at the Bee for future public viewing he again wore his uniform.
The Board of Supervisors made this official response to the Grand Jury findings:
Neither agrees or disagrees. The Board of Supervisors is not knowledgeable
about the events that supports the Grand Jury's finding and, therefore can neither agree,
nor disagree with the findings. The Board of Supervisors acknowledges that these types
of meetings could be viewed as political activities. On the other hand, many actions of an
elected Sheriff can be viewed as a political activity and Section 3206 does not define or
clarify what is or is not a political activity. A clear line identifying what is a prohibited
political activity could and should be defined by the State Legislature to ensure
compliance with the law.
The Board of Supervisors in not knowledgeable of these events?
The Supervisors had more than two months to respond to the report yet they still couldn't figure out if two candidates running for the same elected position, answering relevant questions regarding the Sheriff's position and his duties is political activity? In one instance, the candidates were in front of a hall full of union voters which were trying to decide who to endorse for Sheriff. In the second, both candidates sat down with the Bee Editorial Board which was trying to decide who to endorse, and was recording the event for future viewing by members of the public who couldn't attend.
The Board of Supervisors couldn't decide if this was political activity?
The Civil Grand Jury could tell the difference but a board of elected officials can't?
How ludicrous does that sound?
8/3/11
Tuesday 8/3/11 at their regular meeting the Board of Supervisors responded to the Civil Grand Jury report which stated:
Civil G r a n d J u r v 2010-11 Case # l l - 1 0 C - Stanislaus Countv Sheriff The Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury finds the following: Finding 1: The Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury finds the Stanislaus County Sheriff violated Government Code section 3206.
Background
Sheriff Adam Christianson was involved in a series of staged public debates with his opponent Rob Jackson where questions were asked of both participants and their responses were expected to effect the votes of those listening.
During at least two of these debates Sheriff Christianson wore his uniform in direct violation of the laws he had sworn to enforce. In one debate staged and VIDEO TAPED at the Bee for future public viewing he again wore his uniform.
The Board of Supervisors made this official response to the Grand Jury findings:
Neither agrees or disagrees. The Board of Supervisors is not knowledgeable
about the events that supports the Grand Jury's finding and, therefore can neither agree,
nor disagree with the findings. The Board of Supervisors acknowledges that these types
of meetings could be viewed as political activities. On the other hand, many actions of an
elected Sheriff can be viewed as a political activity and Section 3206 does not define or
clarify what is or is not a political activity. A clear line identifying what is a prohibited
political activity could and should be defined by the State Legislature to ensure
compliance with the law.
The Board of Supervisors in not knowledgeable of these events?
The Supervisors had more than two months to respond to the report yet they still couldn't figure out if two candidates running for the same elected position, answering relevant questions regarding the Sheriff's position and his duties is political activity? In one instance, the candidates were in front of a hall full of union voters which were trying to decide who to endorse for Sheriff. In the second, both candidates sat down with the Bee Editorial Board which was trying to decide who to endorse, and was recording the event for future viewing by members of the public who couldn't attend.
The Board of Supervisors couldn't decide if this was political activity?
The Civil Grand Jury could tell the difference but a board of elected officials can't?
How ludicrous does that sound?
Extremists Win when Citizens Don’t Get Involved
By Emerson Drake
8/1/11
An involved citizenry is the key to democracy. Without an informed electorate, misguided politicians can get pull the wool over our eyes. The Blue Ribbon Committee on the Homeless is a great example of politicians and their hand picked flunkies run amuck.
What was supposed to be a gathering of ideas to assist the homeless in Modesto is quickly becoming a forced relocation project that will only place more hurdles in front of these same people. Without a doubt, everyone is tired of seeing the same few people standing at intersections with their signs asking for money. But they represent just a small yet highly visible percentage of the homeless population.
The federal government and local officials define homeless as not having your name on a rental agreement or owning a home. This includes people who have been foreclosed on or lost their jobs and have been taken in by relatives. Many times they are taken in by people whose budgets are already stretched to the breaking point.
Now self serving politicians like Councilman Joe Muratore are exploiting the situation by selecting allegedly well meaning people to sit on the Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) and help resolve the problem. But unfortunately it appears he recruited people with personal agendas.
First the City Council closed some park restrooms and now the BRC is saying "No Feeding the Homeless" in parks without restrooms. But that isn’t enough for them. They focus in on only allowing acts of Christian Charity in out of the way parks. After all, out of sight out of mind.
Then they suggest only the two recognized non-profits be allowed to feed the homeless and that all donations be funneled to these two groups. Would it surprise you to learn that these two groups have members on the BRC? One is Steve Madison, of the Building Industry Association, who is on the Salvation Army’s Board of Directors (first time appointee because money can buy almost anything in Modesto) regaled the committee of a tale where he met a homeless man and bought him a hamburger.
Wow, who would have thought one McDonalds hamburger and a ten minute conversation would count as in depth investigation.
They also want to create a “private security force” to be supervised by Julie Hannon of parks and recreation. Her supervision of SCAP hasn’t gone so well now has it?
We also have two former directors of this same (SCAP) Stanislaus Communities Assistance Project on the BRC. Darryl Fair (head of the SCAP Board of Directors until recently) has openly said he is looking for someone to write him a grant, SCAP style to open up a homeless daycare facility by a local Modesto park. After all, it only takes money and where better to get it than by appeasing a politician like Joe Muratore?
Tonight (5:30 at 1010 10th St. Room 2005) we’ll be writing another dark chapter in Modesto’s history when recommendations are made to Garrad Marsh’s Safety and Communities Committee meeting. Councilmen Dave Lopez and Dave Geer are the other two council members sitting on the committee.
Let all three of them know we don’t need forced relocation and the branding of citizens as second class, those Joe Muratore and cohorts contemptuously refer to as the homeless.
8/1/11
An involved citizenry is the key to democracy. Without an informed electorate, misguided politicians can get pull the wool over our eyes. The Blue Ribbon Committee on the Homeless is a great example of politicians and their hand picked flunkies run amuck.
What was supposed to be a gathering of ideas to assist the homeless in Modesto is quickly becoming a forced relocation project that will only place more hurdles in front of these same people. Without a doubt, everyone is tired of seeing the same few people standing at intersections with their signs asking for money. But they represent just a small yet highly visible percentage of the homeless population.
The federal government and local officials define homeless as not having your name on a rental agreement or owning a home. This includes people who have been foreclosed on or lost their jobs and have been taken in by relatives. Many times they are taken in by people whose budgets are already stretched to the breaking point.
Now self serving politicians like Councilman Joe Muratore are exploiting the situation by selecting allegedly well meaning people to sit on the Blue Ribbon Committee (BRC) and help resolve the problem. But unfortunately it appears he recruited people with personal agendas.
First the City Council closed some park restrooms and now the BRC is saying "No Feeding the Homeless" in parks without restrooms. But that isn’t enough for them. They focus in on only allowing acts of Christian Charity in out of the way parks. After all, out of sight out of mind.
Then they suggest only the two recognized non-profits be allowed to feed the homeless and that all donations be funneled to these two groups. Would it surprise you to learn that these two groups have members on the BRC? One is Steve Madison, of the Building Industry Association, who is on the Salvation Army’s Board of Directors (first time appointee because money can buy almost anything in Modesto) regaled the committee of a tale where he met a homeless man and bought him a hamburger.
Wow, who would have thought one McDonalds hamburger and a ten minute conversation would count as in depth investigation.
They also want to create a “private security force” to be supervised by Julie Hannon of parks and recreation. Her supervision of SCAP hasn’t gone so well now has it?
We also have two former directors of this same (SCAP) Stanislaus Communities Assistance Project on the BRC. Darryl Fair (head of the SCAP Board of Directors until recently) has openly said he is looking for someone to write him a grant, SCAP style to open up a homeless daycare facility by a local Modesto park. After all, it only takes money and where better to get it than by appeasing a politician like Joe Muratore?
Tonight (5:30 at 1010 10th St. Room 2005) we’ll be writing another dark chapter in Modesto’s history when recommendations are made to Garrad Marsh’s Safety and Communities Committee meeting. Councilmen Dave Lopez and Dave Geer are the other two council members sitting on the committee.
Let all three of them know we don’t need forced relocation and the branding of citizens as second class, those Joe Muratore and cohorts contemptuously refer to as the homeless.
Muratore's Tainted Homeless Commission to Present its Manifesto to Council Committee Monday
By Emerson Drake
7/29/11
Yes, Joe Muratore’s tainted so-called Blue Ribbon Commission on the Homeless is going to present their recommendations to the Safety and Community Committee Monday night at 5:30, Room 2005, 1010 10th Street.
The committee includes two former Directors of SCAP, the now notorious non-profit known more for bestowing favors to family members and squandering money. It also includes builders and developers and those who would like to profit from becoming Muratore sycophants.
It truly seems that just a few of the committee members are its driving force. Little, if any, public discussion was made regarding what these final recommendations should be, and no vote was taken for members to weigh in or contribute to the final list. Now don’t get us wrong, the committee members were led by the nose in an attempt to portray an involved and cohesive decision-making process, but that just wasn’t how it actually went down.
The committee’s driving members seem determined to push the homeless out of Modesto. They showed examples of how a “private security force” would be utilized to ensure the homeless in Modesto could only spend a short time in public parks. After all, why would we want the public to be in public parks? The security force would not be supervised by the Modesto Police Department, but by Julie Hannon, Parks and Neighborhoods Director who has also been responsible for the city’s SCAP oversight. We’ve seen how well that has gone, haven’t we?
Councilman Joe Muratore was the driving force behind the closure of McClatchy Park (by the county library) to the public, except for two hours a day. Joe and Mayor Jim Ridenour plotted to help balance the parks budgets by closing bathrooms to children and everyone else who needed them. Due to the public outcry about that, the decision was reversed.
When the Blue Ribbon Committee was formed, Councilman Muratore didn’t want the public to be allowed input at the meetings. We had to bring it up at a City Council meeting for the public to even be allowed to make comments. At a recent meeting Mike Moradian said the committee shouldn’t have allowed the public to have a say because the committee members were “chosen” to make the homeless policy for Modesto.
We all remember it was Mike Moradian who used his formerly non-profit LaLoma Neighborhood Association to help Muratore get elected to the City Council in the first place. So letting Mr. Moradian have his way on the committee was a little political payoff between Joe and Mike.
This committee was composed of hack political paybacks, non-profit profiteers, and builders and developers. It also included businessmen cloaked in alleged well-meaning, but who would find doing more business with the Commonwealth desirable. There were also a few misguided do-gooders who have remained silent during the committee meetings and who have had little input to what Muratore and Moradian would like to think of as the “final solution” to Modesto’s homeless problem.
Wouldn’t it have been better if they had concentrated on the problems the homeless face3 and how we, as a city, could improve the quality of life for ALL citizens of Modesto?
This sham of a committee and it’s coming report (which was perpetrated by Joe Muratore on the people of Modesto and the City Council and propped up by the local print media) should be thrown out with the garbage.
7/29/11
Yes, Joe Muratore’s tainted so-called Blue Ribbon Commission on the Homeless is going to present their recommendations to the Safety and Community Committee Monday night at 5:30, Room 2005, 1010 10th Street.
The committee includes two former Directors of SCAP, the now notorious non-profit known more for bestowing favors to family members and squandering money. It also includes builders and developers and those who would like to profit from becoming Muratore sycophants.
It truly seems that just a few of the committee members are its driving force. Little, if any, public discussion was made regarding what these final recommendations should be, and no vote was taken for members to weigh in or contribute to the final list. Now don’t get us wrong, the committee members were led by the nose in an attempt to portray an involved and cohesive decision-making process, but that just wasn’t how it actually went down.
The committee’s driving members seem determined to push the homeless out of Modesto. They showed examples of how a “private security force” would be utilized to ensure the homeless in Modesto could only spend a short time in public parks. After all, why would we want the public to be in public parks? The security force would not be supervised by the Modesto Police Department, but by Julie Hannon, Parks and Neighborhoods Director who has also been responsible for the city’s SCAP oversight. We’ve seen how well that has gone, haven’t we?
Councilman Joe Muratore was the driving force behind the closure of McClatchy Park (by the county library) to the public, except for two hours a day. Joe and Mayor Jim Ridenour plotted to help balance the parks budgets by closing bathrooms to children and everyone else who needed them. Due to the public outcry about that, the decision was reversed.
When the Blue Ribbon Committee was formed, Councilman Muratore didn’t want the public to be allowed input at the meetings. We had to bring it up at a City Council meeting for the public to even be allowed to make comments. At a recent meeting Mike Moradian said the committee shouldn’t have allowed the public to have a say because the committee members were “chosen” to make the homeless policy for Modesto.
We all remember it was Mike Moradian who used his formerly non-profit LaLoma Neighborhood Association to help Muratore get elected to the City Council in the first place. So letting Mr. Moradian have his way on the committee was a little political payoff between Joe and Mike.
This committee was composed of hack political paybacks, non-profit profiteers, and builders and developers. It also included businessmen cloaked in alleged well-meaning, but who would find doing more business with the Commonwealth desirable. There were also a few misguided do-gooders who have remained silent during the committee meetings and who have had little input to what Muratore and Moradian would like to think of as the “final solution” to Modesto’s homeless problem.
Wouldn’t it have been better if they had concentrated on the problems the homeless face3 and how we, as a city, could improve the quality of life for ALL citizens of Modesto?
This sham of a committee and it’s coming report (which was perpetrated by Joe Muratore on the people of Modesto and the City Council and propped up by the local print media) should be thrown out with the garbage.
Sheriff supplies Special favors for SCAP Employee - Breaks own Rules
By Emerson Drake
7/28/11
Questions regarding Sheriff Adam Christianson's "special treatment" of Joe Gibbs started to surface last week but the Sheriff has been difficult to pin down. Yes he did allow Joe Gibbs to receive special dispensation, a man guilty of vehicular manslaughter and felony hit and run, by receiving home detention instead of jail time. This occurred after receiving a series of calls from people who have been described to us as political donors to the Sheriff's campaign. This was counter to the sheriff's policy against home detention for those who kill.
Tuesday morning at the Board of Supervisors meeting we attempted to allow the sheriff to supply us with the names of the "businessmen and Rotary members" who actively sought Gibb's release. The sheriff refused to speak with us at the BoS meeting apparently preferring to get the maximum spin possible from the Bee. Besides, his donors might not be so quick to open their wallets to keep Christianson's job as sheriff the next time if he co-operated with an investigation he couldn't control.
We've written before about the special treatment "connected people" receive in Stanislaus Count. Child molester and former police officer Chip Huskey was not required to sign up as a sex offender. Former Detective Kari Abbey had been taken under his wing to promote as an example of just how good his decision making is. She has been receiving special favors from the District Attorney's office by being the only one of over two hundred people who, when charged with murder with a weapon, didn't receive a weapons enhancement charge.
The sheriff who likes to use the phrase, "I know things you don't know" claims to have been in the dark about this.
Another name for it "politicians" like to use is plausible deniability, but in this scenario it reeks to high heaven of cronyism and favoritism.
7/28/11
Questions regarding Sheriff Adam Christianson's "special treatment" of Joe Gibbs started to surface last week but the Sheriff has been difficult to pin down. Yes he did allow Joe Gibbs to receive special dispensation, a man guilty of vehicular manslaughter and felony hit and run, by receiving home detention instead of jail time. This occurred after receiving a series of calls from people who have been described to us as political donors to the Sheriff's campaign. This was counter to the sheriff's policy against home detention for those who kill.
Tuesday morning at the Board of Supervisors meeting we attempted to allow the sheriff to supply us with the names of the "businessmen and Rotary members" who actively sought Gibb's release. The sheriff refused to speak with us at the BoS meeting apparently preferring to get the maximum spin possible from the Bee. Besides, his donors might not be so quick to open their wallets to keep Christianson's job as sheriff the next time if he co-operated with an investigation he couldn't control.
We've written before about the special treatment "connected people" receive in Stanislaus Count. Child molester and former police officer Chip Huskey was not required to sign up as a sex offender. Former Detective Kari Abbey had been taken under his wing to promote as an example of just how good his decision making is. She has been receiving special favors from the District Attorney's office by being the only one of over two hundred people who, when charged with murder with a weapon, didn't receive a weapons enhancement charge.
The sheriff who likes to use the phrase, "I know things you don't know" claims to have been in the dark about this.
Another name for it "politicians" like to use is plausible deniability, but in this scenario it reeks to high heaven of cronyism and favoritism.
"As good as We can Expect" Sadly it's the MID Story
BY Emerson Drake
7/26/11
Grab your wallets because the Modesto Irrigation District is setting the ground work to raise our rates yet again. Today the MID Board voted to accept the North McHenry Solar Project EIR (Environmental Impact Report) which is one of the main hurdles SunPower, the company hand chosen by the MID to run the project had to overcome.
Those in attendance (one of the largest crowds in months) were treated to a litany of politically chosen project supporters and a few concerned citizens. The residents of Del Rio flexed their respective muscles and were by far the most represented group in MID's service area. Imagine a couple your neighbors having enough money to hire a consulting firm (Horizon) to represent them at this meeting,
But local attorneys hired to ensure the projects success including the land use attorney George Petrulakis who provided everyone from rented candidates Balvino Izzary to a series of Del Rio businessmen he calls upon when he needs spontaneous support. Modesto mayoral candidate, Bill Zoslocki made a campaign appearance but didn't speak to the Board.
Of course most of these people seldom if ever have been to a MID meeting before but a few regular attendees were.
Among these was Larry Byrd who spoke out against the best farm land in the world being used for this solar farm while poor quality ag land was available for use but ignored by both SunPower and the MID Board. He pointed out that while the Irrigation District had created an agricultural paradise they were now being party to its desecration.
Larry Byrd a candidate for the MID Board also reminded everyone the extremely high cost .17 per kw that MID had negotiated for. He recommended to the Board if they were determined to make this highly questionable decision they should at least re-negotiate with SunPower for a lower more market reflective rate. The current going rate for solar is around .11 per kw or less.
Candidate John Duarte seemed happy with this vote saying "it's as good as we can expect." He also noted the price could have been cheaper but this higher rate was ok with him.
Another Modesto resident spoke up to say, "Why not try for as good as we can possibly get instead of settling for as good as we can expect from this board." He went on to say this was not the time to reminding everyone of the litany of expensive bad decisions this board has made which are still effecting us by being a partial cause of our high rates.
Unfortunately Cecil Hensley and Tom Van Groningen actually tried to make the claim these rates might be a bargain in the future. But the audience was reflecting on what they had heard earlier as to how the rates had dropped precipitously for the past three years and were expected to continue to drop. That was one of the reasons the Board used to cut the payment rebates to homeowners.
So they cut the home rebates because the price of solar is going down, and 45 minutes later Board members were saying what a bargain the SunPower rates might be if the price rose.
I know that statement by Cecil and Tom doesn't make much sense, but neither does this decision by the MID Board.
7/26/11
Grab your wallets because the Modesto Irrigation District is setting the ground work to raise our rates yet again. Today the MID Board voted to accept the North McHenry Solar Project EIR (Environmental Impact Report) which is one of the main hurdles SunPower, the company hand chosen by the MID to run the project had to overcome.
Those in attendance (one of the largest crowds in months) were treated to a litany of politically chosen project supporters and a few concerned citizens. The residents of Del Rio flexed their respective muscles and were by far the most represented group in MID's service area. Imagine a couple your neighbors having enough money to hire a consulting firm (Horizon) to represent them at this meeting,
But local attorneys hired to ensure the projects success including the land use attorney George Petrulakis who provided everyone from rented candidates Balvino Izzary to a series of Del Rio businessmen he calls upon when he needs spontaneous support. Modesto mayoral candidate, Bill Zoslocki made a campaign appearance but didn't speak to the Board.
Of course most of these people seldom if ever have been to a MID meeting before but a few regular attendees were.
Among these was Larry Byrd who spoke out against the best farm land in the world being used for this solar farm while poor quality ag land was available for use but ignored by both SunPower and the MID Board. He pointed out that while the Irrigation District had created an agricultural paradise they were now being party to its desecration.
Larry Byrd a candidate for the MID Board also reminded everyone the extremely high cost .17 per kw that MID had negotiated for. He recommended to the Board if they were determined to make this highly questionable decision they should at least re-negotiate with SunPower for a lower more market reflective rate. The current going rate for solar is around .11 per kw or less.
Candidate John Duarte seemed happy with this vote saying "it's as good as we can expect." He also noted the price could have been cheaper but this higher rate was ok with him.
Another Modesto resident spoke up to say, "Why not try for as good as we can possibly get instead of settling for as good as we can expect from this board." He went on to say this was not the time to reminding everyone of the litany of expensive bad decisions this board has made which are still effecting us by being a partial cause of our high rates.
Unfortunately Cecil Hensley and Tom Van Groningen actually tried to make the claim these rates might be a bargain in the future. But the audience was reflecting on what they had heard earlier as to how the rates had dropped precipitously for the past three years and were expected to continue to drop. That was one of the reasons the Board used to cut the payment rebates to homeowners.
So they cut the home rebates because the price of solar is going down, and 45 minutes later Board members were saying what a bargain the SunPower rates might be if the price rose.
I know that statement by Cecil and Tom doesn't make much sense, but neither does this decision by the MID Board.
Councilwoman Stephanie Burnside, Muratore’s Muppet and Petrulakis’ Puppet
By Emerson Drake
7/23/11
Stephanie Burnside, Kristin Olsen’s hand picked successor to take her place on the Modesto City Council has fulfilled her mission of becoming the puppet for the local developers, the very same developers who almost destroyed Modesto with their greed. What did she do at the last city council that everyone at home missed and the local print media failed to disclose? She went down during the break (when the cameras were off) and received her marching orders from moneyman to the developers, land use attorney George Petrulakis. Yes the same George Petrulakis who passes out largess from the Republican party and landowners from all over Modesto, Patterson, Westpark and even up to Escalon.
Its been bad enough to watch her consult with Councilman Muratore before almost every single vote since she became councilwoman appointed by the council not elected, but to watch her stoop so low and become a doormat for the developers is just too much to take.
We had high hopes for the Councilwoman, but to watch her scurry around to do George Petrulakis’ bidding is too much for many veteran council watchers and concerned citizens to take. The developer’s evil cabal of Muratore, Hawn, and Burnside threaten to sell Modesto voters down the river for a few campaign donations.
Muratore who has been working behind the scenes to run sewer and water and annex the very land that voters across Modesto said NO annexations to by 60-70%.
As usual the carrot being dangled is jobs. But we have many more shovel ready acres than most of the candidates are telling us about. Remember that “shovel ready” is the mantra they repeat over and over to convince us it’s in our best interests to pave over the best farmland in the world. And what always happens to annexed land? According to Modesto City planners, “when land is brought into the city’s sphere on influence development is inevitable.”
And despite the protestations and denials of the Cabal, the land eventually gets zoned for housing. County Board Supervisor Terry Withrow, who’s been consulting with Councilman Muratore regarding land use up in Salida, suggests there’s nothing that can be done about the 25 year vested maps the Board gave the developers for homes before the voters could weigh in on the Salida Now Measure. But is that really true or is it just more developer propaganda?
To borrow a phrase, What the Board of Supervisors can giveth the Board can taketh away.
It’s time for voters to educate themselves about what the candidates really stand for.
If you want developers to line their pockets with your money like the $498,000 give away to Florsheim Homes then by all means listen to the likes of Joe Muratore who seems to be placing his and Ryan Swelha’s company Benchmark Development’s interests before that of the average citizens.
Joe Muratore is the same councilman who’s taken Stephanie Burnside by the hand and delivered to the likes of George Petrulakis and his developer buddies.
But why shouldn’t he, after all they’re his and Brad Hawn’s buddies too.
And when it comes to politics, you might as well be beholden to someone who can help you line your pockets.
7/23/11
Stephanie Burnside, Kristin Olsen’s hand picked successor to take her place on the Modesto City Council has fulfilled her mission of becoming the puppet for the local developers, the very same developers who almost destroyed Modesto with their greed. What did she do at the last city council that everyone at home missed and the local print media failed to disclose? She went down during the break (when the cameras were off) and received her marching orders from moneyman to the developers, land use attorney George Petrulakis. Yes the same George Petrulakis who passes out largess from the Republican party and landowners from all over Modesto, Patterson, Westpark and even up to Escalon.
Its been bad enough to watch her consult with Councilman Muratore before almost every single vote since she became councilwoman appointed by the council not elected, but to watch her stoop so low and become a doormat for the developers is just too much to take.
We had high hopes for the Councilwoman, but to watch her scurry around to do George Petrulakis’ bidding is too much for many veteran council watchers and concerned citizens to take. The developer’s evil cabal of Muratore, Hawn, and Burnside threaten to sell Modesto voters down the river for a few campaign donations.
Muratore who has been working behind the scenes to run sewer and water and annex the very land that voters across Modesto said NO annexations to by 60-70%.
As usual the carrot being dangled is jobs. But we have many more shovel ready acres than most of the candidates are telling us about. Remember that “shovel ready” is the mantra they repeat over and over to convince us it’s in our best interests to pave over the best farmland in the world. And what always happens to annexed land? According to Modesto City planners, “when land is brought into the city’s sphere on influence development is inevitable.”
And despite the protestations and denials of the Cabal, the land eventually gets zoned for housing. County Board Supervisor Terry Withrow, who’s been consulting with Councilman Muratore regarding land use up in Salida, suggests there’s nothing that can be done about the 25 year vested maps the Board gave the developers for homes before the voters could weigh in on the Salida Now Measure. But is that really true or is it just more developer propaganda?
To borrow a phrase, What the Board of Supervisors can giveth the Board can taketh away.
It’s time for voters to educate themselves about what the candidates really stand for.
If you want developers to line their pockets with your money like the $498,000 give away to Florsheim Homes then by all means listen to the likes of Joe Muratore who seems to be placing his and Ryan Swelha’s company Benchmark Development’s interests before that of the average citizens.
Joe Muratore is the same councilman who’s taken Stephanie Burnside by the hand and delivered to the likes of George Petrulakis and his developer buddies.
But why shouldn’t he, after all they’re his and Brad Hawn’s buddies too.
And when it comes to politics, you might as well be beholden to someone who can help you line your pockets.
Co-Defendants Kari Abbey and Adam Christianson Scheduled back in Court
By Emerson Drake
7/21/11
A demurrer hearing for the Elias Case is scheduled for August 2, 2011. Demurrer hearings are where the defendants (Abbey, Christianson, and others) make a motion which says even if the alleged complaints are true the Plaintiff has no right to compensation.
The lawyers for Rita Elias' children are contending that Kari, James and Denise Abbey, and Jose Flores conspired to forcibly enter, enter unauthorized, remain illegally and forcibly, 1708 Donald St., Modesto Ca. While acting under the color of the Sheriff's Office, they engaged in criminal activity without utilizing the lawful eviction process and committed acts of terror, helped with the assault and battered Elias, leading to Rita Elias being shot at least five times. Three of those shots, according to witnesses, came after Elias was down on the ground ostensibly pleading for her life. The suit also claims Rita Elias was shot on a pretextual basis by Kari Abbey
Abbey is accused of using Stanislaus County facilities and equipment while engaging in property management while on duty for her own enrichment and for the enrichment of her parents, Denise and James Abbey and Jose Flores.
It alleges Adam Christianson did not perform due diligence in his supervision of Detective Abbey.
The lawsuit asks for monetary and punitive damage awards exceeding $25,000.
The obvious question quickly becomes will D.A. Dave Harris plead Abbey out on lesser charges to help sandbag the lawsuit by the guardian of Rita's children?
The suit also alleges that Sheriff Adam Christianson was negligent in all of the above matters.
Fist Adam absolves Abbey of all responsibility in the Elias death. Then he belatedly fires her in a face saving move and now is part of the lawsuit.
Remember the quote Sheriff Christianson gave us during a County Board meeting. "I know things you don't know"
Our question is "Why didn't you do something then instead of waiting until a mother of three was killed by a moonlighting Detective under your supervision?
I'll ask you that question at the next Board of Supervisors meeting, Sheriff.
7/21/11
A demurrer hearing for the Elias Case is scheduled for August 2, 2011. Demurrer hearings are where the defendants (Abbey, Christianson, and others) make a motion which says even if the alleged complaints are true the Plaintiff has no right to compensation.
The lawyers for Rita Elias' children are contending that Kari, James and Denise Abbey, and Jose Flores conspired to forcibly enter, enter unauthorized, remain illegally and forcibly, 1708 Donald St., Modesto Ca. While acting under the color of the Sheriff's Office, they engaged in criminal activity without utilizing the lawful eviction process and committed acts of terror, helped with the assault and battered Elias, leading to Rita Elias being shot at least five times. Three of those shots, according to witnesses, came after Elias was down on the ground ostensibly pleading for her life. The suit also claims Rita Elias was shot on a pretextual basis by Kari Abbey
Abbey is accused of using Stanislaus County facilities and equipment while engaging in property management while on duty for her own enrichment and for the enrichment of her parents, Denise and James Abbey and Jose Flores.
It alleges Adam Christianson did not perform due diligence in his supervision of Detective Abbey.
The lawsuit asks for monetary and punitive damage awards exceeding $25,000.
The obvious question quickly becomes will D.A. Dave Harris plead Abbey out on lesser charges to help sandbag the lawsuit by the guardian of Rita's children?
The suit also alleges that Sheriff Adam Christianson was negligent in all of the above matters.
Fist Adam absolves Abbey of all responsibility in the Elias death. Then he belatedly fires her in a face saving move and now is part of the lawsuit.
Remember the quote Sheriff Christianson gave us during a County Board meeting. "I know things you don't know"
Our question is "Why didn't you do something then instead of waiting until a mother of three was killed by a moonlighting Detective under your supervision?
I'll ask you that question at the next Board of Supervisors meeting, Sheriff.
Sheriff Derails Initial Kari Abbey Investigation
By Emerson Drake
7/21/11
Sheriff Adam Christianson just can't help himself. He either trips over his own feet or places his foot directly in his own mouth. The Stanislaus County Sheriff's office has always been political but never more than after Adam Christianson took over.
Just days after winning the election he gave subordinates a list of people he could no longer work with. And after the completion of his first year made a recorded speech tell his deputies, if you don't like working for me and don't want to do things my way the get the heck out of Dodge, or words to that effect.
So naturally if you want to be placed on the "fast track" as Kari Abbey was, you better get with the program or go on down the road. After all Abbey made detective in just two years so it helps to have "special friends" in high places.
When just six days after the killing of Rita Elias the Sheriff stood up at a press conference and declared Kari Abbey innocent of wrong doing, he was sending a message not only to the public but to his officers. To the public and apparently to the Board of Supervisors it was, "I stand behind my people", as Supervisor Terry Withrow recently suggested on the Morning Mayor Show.
But to his officers it was, pay attention this is how I want the investigation to come out. And for over six long months it worked. Kari Abbey and her father blatantly lied to investigators about the details of the shooting and with Christiansons heavy handed assistance stymied the investigation. After all if the boss doesn't want to know, don't tell him.
If it hadn't been for a D.A.'s investigator, one not tied to Christianson's re-election campaign, the truth would never have come out and Sheriff Adam Christianson's wish would have been fulfilled and the cover-up would have worked. The D.A. investigator who got to the bottom of this sordid mess reportedly has been catching grief from other investigators closely tied to Christianson.
Unfortunately we have Dave "lets make a deal" Harris prosecuting Abbey. D.A.Harris who's known for his affinity for cutting deals with former law enforcement officers like Molester Chip Huskey and "the Modesto twenty four" in Modesto's gun-gate fiasco. Huskey who molested his stepdaughter for many years was given a lolly-pop of a deal, and the public were considered to be the suckers, when he was given only local jail time and wasn't required to register as a sex offender.
Now Christianson through intermediaries behind the scenes (remember those members of his re-election campaign and public supporters we mentioned) is suggesting a slap on the wrist for Abbey and her family.
We have witnessed good old "lets make a deal" under charge Abbey (where is the gun enhancement charge always added to the list of charges and the lying to investigators charge and obstruction of justice charge), push bail adjustment hearing off for months, and is as we speak has been advised to make this one go away despite the controversy it will generate.
After all, Fladager who just recently said her department was too busy didn't have time for justice, ran unopposed in the last election so she has no worries and the local print media have consistently bent over backward, Rupert Murdoch style to absolve the Sheriff of wrongdoing.
We have good people in the Sheriff's Department and the District Attorney's office, if only the leadership was of the same caliber.
7/21/11
Sheriff Adam Christianson just can't help himself. He either trips over his own feet or places his foot directly in his own mouth. The Stanislaus County Sheriff's office has always been political but never more than after Adam Christianson took over.
Just days after winning the election he gave subordinates a list of people he could no longer work with. And after the completion of his first year made a recorded speech tell his deputies, if you don't like working for me and don't want to do things my way the get the heck out of Dodge, or words to that effect.
So naturally if you want to be placed on the "fast track" as Kari Abbey was, you better get with the program or go on down the road. After all Abbey made detective in just two years so it helps to have "special friends" in high places.
When just six days after the killing of Rita Elias the Sheriff stood up at a press conference and declared Kari Abbey innocent of wrong doing, he was sending a message not only to the public but to his officers. To the public and apparently to the Board of Supervisors it was, "I stand behind my people", as Supervisor Terry Withrow recently suggested on the Morning Mayor Show.
But to his officers it was, pay attention this is how I want the investigation to come out. And for over six long months it worked. Kari Abbey and her father blatantly lied to investigators about the details of the shooting and with Christiansons heavy handed assistance stymied the investigation. After all if the boss doesn't want to know, don't tell him.
If it hadn't been for a D.A.'s investigator, one not tied to Christianson's re-election campaign, the truth would never have come out and Sheriff Adam Christianson's wish would have been fulfilled and the cover-up would have worked. The D.A. investigator who got to the bottom of this sordid mess reportedly has been catching grief from other investigators closely tied to Christianson.
Unfortunately we have Dave "lets make a deal" Harris prosecuting Abbey. D.A.Harris who's known for his affinity for cutting deals with former law enforcement officers like Molester Chip Huskey and "the Modesto twenty four" in Modesto's gun-gate fiasco. Huskey who molested his stepdaughter for many years was given a lolly-pop of a deal, and the public were considered to be the suckers, when he was given only local jail time and wasn't required to register as a sex offender.
Now Christianson through intermediaries behind the scenes (remember those members of his re-election campaign and public supporters we mentioned) is suggesting a slap on the wrist for Abbey and her family.
We have witnessed good old "lets make a deal" under charge Abbey (where is the gun enhancement charge always added to the list of charges and the lying to investigators charge and obstruction of justice charge), push bail adjustment hearing off for months, and is as we speak has been advised to make this one go away despite the controversy it will generate.
After all, Fladager who just recently said her department was too busy didn't have time for justice, ran unopposed in the last election so she has no worries and the local print media have consistently bent over backward, Rupert Murdoch style to absolve the Sheriff of wrongdoing.
We have good people in the Sheriff's Department and the District Attorney's office, if only the leadership was of the same caliber.
Mike "Let me wet my Beak" Zagaris is at it Again
By Emerson Drake
7/17/11
As Puzo’s fictional character Don Fanucci points out "all I want to do is wet my beak” and you won't get into trouble. The money makers who are movers and shakers here in Modesto don't like to get directly involved so they have their minions do it. Joseph Bondi who was SCAP's designated real estate agent was and is also working for Mike Zagaris' very own PMZ. And if Joseph Bondi was a member of the SCAP Board of Directors, his appointment as official agent couldn't have been easier.
Now when we find out that the same companies who have been performing the appraisals for the rest of the houses SCAP purchased and the title companies processing the purchases are tied together with a common thread then the picture will become much clearer.
Shades of the real estate boom prior to 2008, once again appraisals are just a matter of getting a willing company to go along to get along. Who needs building inspections prior to purchase when Federal money is involved and local companies will get the work? After all, the new city charter makes it much easier to put pressure on city workers if they desire to keep their jobs. And of course, what's a blind eye among friends.
But we can't forget that much of the local money went to line the pockets of the same people who are now being hit up for campaign contributions.
SCAP's claim that Gibb's exorbitant payout wasn't coming from federal monies was probably true. But only because Gibbs had agreed to a series of $75,000 a year in lieu of a one time payout. And this money could come from home and apartment rental payments.
From the Godfather to All in the Family, SCAP’s entire existence has been one long almost fictional story. Except as a work of fiction no one could possibly believe it.
Only in Modesto could the media have kept the public so completely in the dark. Well maybe after Rupert Murdochs London adventures that might not be completely true.
7/17/11
As Puzo’s fictional character Don Fanucci points out "all I want to do is wet my beak” and you won't get into trouble. The money makers who are movers and shakers here in Modesto don't like to get directly involved so they have their minions do it. Joseph Bondi who was SCAP's designated real estate agent was and is also working for Mike Zagaris' very own PMZ. And if Joseph Bondi was a member of the SCAP Board of Directors, his appointment as official agent couldn't have been easier.
Now when we find out that the same companies who have been performing the appraisals for the rest of the houses SCAP purchased and the title companies processing the purchases are tied together with a common thread then the picture will become much clearer.
Shades of the real estate boom prior to 2008, once again appraisals are just a matter of getting a willing company to go along to get along. Who needs building inspections prior to purchase when Federal money is involved and local companies will get the work? After all, the new city charter makes it much easier to put pressure on city workers if they desire to keep their jobs. And of course, what's a blind eye among friends.
But we can't forget that much of the local money went to line the pockets of the same people who are now being hit up for campaign contributions.
SCAP's claim that Gibb's exorbitant payout wasn't coming from federal monies was probably true. But only because Gibbs had agreed to a series of $75,000 a year in lieu of a one time payout. And this money could come from home and apartment rental payments.
From the Godfather to All in the Family, SCAP’s entire existence has been one long almost fictional story. Except as a work of fiction no one could possibly believe it.
Only in Modesto could the media have kept the public so completely in the dark. Well maybe after Rupert Murdochs London adventures that might not be completely true.
The Political Landscape - It's a Changing
By Emerson Drake
7/16/11
Mayor Ridenour's political handlers, the real estate/developers, have abandon him for greener pastures. After all, Ridenour is yesterdays news. The most poignant example was watching him in the Fourth of July parade being hauled around in the back of a pick-up truck in a old lawn chair being taken out for the last time like a bag of garbage going to the dump.
Now his handlers will let the Bee go after him to take responsibility for the SCAP fiasco. After all what has Mayor Ridenour actually done besides giving millions of dollars to a private company to enhance the wealth of his former friends.
Listening to him whine at a recent city council meeting that people don't come to committee meeting and then get mad when things come up for a vote. He was specifically referring to the council, at his behest, voted to close the bathrooms of city parks forcing hundreds of children to lose the opportunity to use the parks to play in or else the would have to use bushes as bathrooms.
Now, finally an outpouring of emotion from Modesto citizens, outraged over the squandering of money by SCAP and their short sighted decisions to place relatives in "over renovated" homes where the money invested will never be recouped.
After turning a blind eye for seven and a half years to incompetence and waste in Modesto's government the Bee is finally taking off the blinders their advertisers (the aforementioned Real Estate/Developers) had placed on them by withholding their advertising and are starting to point fingers.
But shouldn't those fingers be pointed right back at the Bee and their Editors? They've provided media cover for every hack politician in the county. But now, now millions of dollar later, they have to blame someone and it looks like it's going to be Mayor Ridenour. Don't misunderstand, he deserves the disdain, but its been way to long in coming.
We've only seen the edge of the coming scandal know as SCAP. Who played bird dog and pointed out the particular properties for SCAP officials to purchase? Which companies have prospered by the "excessive rehab" of these properties? Who was the real estate company and agent who made their 6% every time one of these properties was sold? Who provided the inspections and appraisals?
How many of the answers to these questions will lead right back to the same people who financed the Mayor and Council's elections ?
If we only had a bigger truck to back up to 1010 10th Street to haul them all away in.
7/16/11
Mayor Ridenour's political handlers, the real estate/developers, have abandon him for greener pastures. After all, Ridenour is yesterdays news. The most poignant example was watching him in the Fourth of July parade being hauled around in the back of a pick-up truck in a old lawn chair being taken out for the last time like a bag of garbage going to the dump.
Now his handlers will let the Bee go after him to take responsibility for the SCAP fiasco. After all what has Mayor Ridenour actually done besides giving millions of dollars to a private company to enhance the wealth of his former friends.
Listening to him whine at a recent city council meeting that people don't come to committee meeting and then get mad when things come up for a vote. He was specifically referring to the council, at his behest, voted to close the bathrooms of city parks forcing hundreds of children to lose the opportunity to use the parks to play in or else the would have to use bushes as bathrooms.
Now, finally an outpouring of emotion from Modesto citizens, outraged over the squandering of money by SCAP and their short sighted decisions to place relatives in "over renovated" homes where the money invested will never be recouped.
After turning a blind eye for seven and a half years to incompetence and waste in Modesto's government the Bee is finally taking off the blinders their advertisers (the aforementioned Real Estate/Developers) had placed on them by withholding their advertising and are starting to point fingers.
But shouldn't those fingers be pointed right back at the Bee and their Editors? They've provided media cover for every hack politician in the county. But now, now millions of dollar later, they have to blame someone and it looks like it's going to be Mayor Ridenour. Don't misunderstand, he deserves the disdain, but its been way to long in coming.
We've only seen the edge of the coming scandal know as SCAP. Who played bird dog and pointed out the particular properties for SCAP officials to purchase? Which companies have prospered by the "excessive rehab" of these properties? Who was the real estate company and agent who made their 6% every time one of these properties was sold? Who provided the inspections and appraisals?
How many of the answers to these questions will lead right back to the same people who financed the Mayor and Council's elections ?
If we only had a bigger truck to back up to 1010 10th Street to haul them all away in.
When will MID give Home Electricity Users the same Break they Give Businesses
By Emerson Drake
7/12/11
Since the installation of the smart meters in Modesto, MID has been giving businesses rate breaks for off peak power use. So far they have yet to adept this concept for home electric users. Apparently in the Board of Directors has the attitude " why bother?"
Director Tom Van Groningen and his puppy dog follower Glen Wild have been adamant that home users must pay the same rates as businesses. But in reality home users are subsidizing the large commercial users. The heavy duty users who refuse to cut back during peak loads are driving electric costs up for the rest of us.
Not only should homes be given the same off peak load discount rates but changes need to be made to add an extra tier to the top 5% peak users.
Electric users should be charged for the costs to MID of expensive power purchased during peak load times.
Now our spring like June electric bills were lower than usual but wait until your bill for use during the recent heat wave is received.
Make sure the candidates running for the MID board in your area understand the plight of the average ratepayer and don't just sympathize with the large business users like in the past.
Call your MID Director and tell him to stop the subsidy for big users.
7/12/11
Since the installation of the smart meters in Modesto, MID has been giving businesses rate breaks for off peak power use. So far they have yet to adept this concept for home electric users. Apparently in the Board of Directors has the attitude " why bother?"
Director Tom Van Groningen and his puppy dog follower Glen Wild have been adamant that home users must pay the same rates as businesses. But in reality home users are subsidizing the large commercial users. The heavy duty users who refuse to cut back during peak loads are driving electric costs up for the rest of us.
Not only should homes be given the same off peak load discount rates but changes need to be made to add an extra tier to the top 5% peak users.
Electric users should be charged for the costs to MID of expensive power purchased during peak load times.
Now our spring like June electric bills were lower than usual but wait until your bill for use during the recent heat wave is received.
Make sure the candidates running for the MID board in your area understand the plight of the average ratepayer and don't just sympathize with the large business users like in the past.
Call your MID Director and tell him to stop the subsidy for big users.
The Second Mayoral Candidates Forum
By Emerson Drake
7/11/11
The five candidates spoke to a packed house of 70-80 ( standing room only with a few still out in the hall) in the small room provided by the hotel and the air conditioning on this hot night was fighting a losing battle.
While the hosts the Northern Tea Party Patriots asked 17 questions mostly about the candidates mayoral aspirations the assembled crowd tentatively awaited their answers.
The obvious loser was Armando Arreola who by actual count had three prepared answers which he read to respond to all of the questions. He went so far as to claim he had been endorsed by the police union while waving an unopened envelope which appeared to contain his MPOA questionnaire that all of the potential candidates received.
The surprise newcomer (this was the first time most of us had heard his name)was Kenneth Zanolini an accountant who works "over the hill" for a building contracting firm. He repeatedly reminded the audience he had returned to California after living in Texas.
We have two city councilmen running for Mayor, Brad Hawn and Garrad Marsh who had a previous engagement. So it was left to Hawn to defend his voting record and the Council's performance. Despite attacks from two of the other candidates Hawn didn't fluster. But Hawn did seem to have flip flopped on the solar power question which he now says is too expensive. A turn around since he had worked with his leading donor Stephen Endsley (of the attempted garbage burner fame in Beard Industrial Park)attempting to sell the solar power concept to Yosemite Ave. businesses.
Under the format (each candidate was given 45 seconds to respond to each question) it was obviously difficult to give meaningful responses. Eventually they went to a 60 second format which helped a little but was still exceedingly brief.
When Bill Zoslocki recited his resume it was both lengthy and impressive. We couldn't help but notice with the various boards hes been on he had tailored his response to his audience by omitting his having been the head of the local Building Industry Association and having sued Stanislaus County and lost, costing the county over $200,000 in legal fees while claiming the county didn't have the authority to insist on ag mitigation for developers. He was named builder of the year in 2008 which was the year of the great collapse of our housing markets.
Robert Stanford self professed Airport area Activist caught the crowds attention placing his passion for the under privileged front and center, by advocating the open carry of fire arms and displaying a copy of the U.S.Constitution which he said he caries with him all of the time. Stanford attacked the Council past Kristin Olsen and her close donor relationship with developer Chopra Enterprises to the current members singling out Brad Hawn calling him a developer's whore. Stanford was definitely the evenings entertainment getting the loudest laughs. After telling the crowd several examples of how he had changed his mind in recent months several in the audience were heard to wonder when, not if, he would change his mind again. Will these attention getting laughs turn into votes?
They questions ranged from micro loans for businesses to the Modesto Mayor/Council hierarchy. The need for annexations and how to bring new business to Modesto.
The official candidate filing doesn't start until later this month but look for the race for Mayor to keep heating up.
7/11/11
The five candidates spoke to a packed house of 70-80 ( standing room only with a few still out in the hall) in the small room provided by the hotel and the air conditioning on this hot night was fighting a losing battle.
While the hosts the Northern Tea Party Patriots asked 17 questions mostly about the candidates mayoral aspirations the assembled crowd tentatively awaited their answers.
The obvious loser was Armando Arreola who by actual count had three prepared answers which he read to respond to all of the questions. He went so far as to claim he had been endorsed by the police union while waving an unopened envelope which appeared to contain his MPOA questionnaire that all of the potential candidates received.
The surprise newcomer (this was the first time most of us had heard his name)was Kenneth Zanolini an accountant who works "over the hill" for a building contracting firm. He repeatedly reminded the audience he had returned to California after living in Texas.
We have two city councilmen running for Mayor, Brad Hawn and Garrad Marsh who had a previous engagement. So it was left to Hawn to defend his voting record and the Council's performance. Despite attacks from two of the other candidates Hawn didn't fluster. But Hawn did seem to have flip flopped on the solar power question which he now says is too expensive. A turn around since he had worked with his leading donor Stephen Endsley (of the attempted garbage burner fame in Beard Industrial Park)attempting to sell the solar power concept to Yosemite Ave. businesses.
Under the format (each candidate was given 45 seconds to respond to each question) it was obviously difficult to give meaningful responses. Eventually they went to a 60 second format which helped a little but was still exceedingly brief.
When Bill Zoslocki recited his resume it was both lengthy and impressive. We couldn't help but notice with the various boards hes been on he had tailored his response to his audience by omitting his having been the head of the local Building Industry Association and having sued Stanislaus County and lost, costing the county over $200,000 in legal fees while claiming the county didn't have the authority to insist on ag mitigation for developers. He was named builder of the year in 2008 which was the year of the great collapse of our housing markets.
Robert Stanford self professed Airport area Activist caught the crowds attention placing his passion for the under privileged front and center, by advocating the open carry of fire arms and displaying a copy of the U.S.Constitution which he said he caries with him all of the time. Stanford attacked the Council past Kristin Olsen and her close donor relationship with developer Chopra Enterprises to the current members singling out Brad Hawn calling him a developer's whore. Stanford was definitely the evenings entertainment getting the loudest laughs. After telling the crowd several examples of how he had changed his mind in recent months several in the audience were heard to wonder when, not if, he would change his mind again. Will these attention getting laughs turn into votes?
They questions ranged from micro loans for businesses to the Modesto Mayor/Council hierarchy. The need for annexations and how to bring new business to Modesto.
The official candidate filing doesn't start until later this month but look for the race for Mayor to keep heating up.
Are Modesto Politicians, Police and Print Media in Bed Together
BY Emerson Drake
7/9/11
Recently we've watched the London police fail to enforce their laws while the media and politicians provided cover by hiding the truth. Here in Modesto we're witnessing the same kind of obfuscation. We saw the Sheriff absolve his detective from all guilt and his internal investigators lamely pretend to be digging into the killing of Rita Elias.
We watched the MPD, the local print media and the Modesto's politicians farm out an investigation of the MPD to a private attorney who specializes in representing police chiefs around the state at the expense to taxpayers of $75,000.
The announcement by Bob Aaronson was so poorly received that in a recent trial, Chief Mike Harden was forced to take the stand and attempted to rebuild the integrity of the MPD after the Craig Plante emails because lawyers on both sides knew the jury wasn't buying the party line. Did the jury believe Chief Harden? Under questioning from Carson, Chief Harden had to say that Plante was stretching the truth when he wrote the notorious emails which opened the door for the jury wonder if Plante might have done the same thing in his reports and his testimony. Court watchers suggest he was only partially able to repair the believability of the MPD.
Too many unarmed people have died in Modesto both in and out of jail for anyone to be comfortable with their safety when an armed officer is around. Spatulas exist in the real world as do cell phones and either can be used as a cause of death by the MPD.
The local print media bends over backwards in an attempt to hide the defects of our Politicians, Sheriff and Police Chief.
But like the SCAP scandal, the public isn't buying the excuses anymore.
We all want Modesto's image to improve but a coat of paint and pretending everything is hunky dory isn't the answer. We need to scrape off the rust and repair the foundation so we don't have to pretend any longer that everything is alright, but can usher in a new day.
Mayor Ridenour's inattentiveness to what is happening can't be tolerated any longer. The council's pretense of our having a quality government isn't working and all the cheer leading in the world can't make a bad team good.
Whose son, daughter, mother, father, sister or brother will be next to die on the alter of law enforcement?
Hopefully it won't be yours.
7/9/11
Recently we've watched the London police fail to enforce their laws while the media and politicians provided cover by hiding the truth. Here in Modesto we're witnessing the same kind of obfuscation. We saw the Sheriff absolve his detective from all guilt and his internal investigators lamely pretend to be digging into the killing of Rita Elias.
We watched the MPD, the local print media and the Modesto's politicians farm out an investigation of the MPD to a private attorney who specializes in representing police chiefs around the state at the expense to taxpayers of $75,000.
The announcement by Bob Aaronson was so poorly received that in a recent trial, Chief Mike Harden was forced to take the stand and attempted to rebuild the integrity of the MPD after the Craig Plante emails because lawyers on both sides knew the jury wasn't buying the party line. Did the jury believe Chief Harden? Under questioning from Carson, Chief Harden had to say that Plante was stretching the truth when he wrote the notorious emails which opened the door for the jury wonder if Plante might have done the same thing in his reports and his testimony. Court watchers suggest he was only partially able to repair the believability of the MPD.
Too many unarmed people have died in Modesto both in and out of jail for anyone to be comfortable with their safety when an armed officer is around. Spatulas exist in the real world as do cell phones and either can be used as a cause of death by the MPD.
The local print media bends over backwards in an attempt to hide the defects of our Politicians, Sheriff and Police Chief.
But like the SCAP scandal, the public isn't buying the excuses anymore.
We all want Modesto's image to improve but a coat of paint and pretending everything is hunky dory isn't the answer. We need to scrape off the rust and repair the foundation so we don't have to pretend any longer that everything is alright, but can usher in a new day.
Mayor Ridenour's inattentiveness to what is happening can't be tolerated any longer. The council's pretense of our having a quality government isn't working and all the cheer leading in the world can't make a bad team good.
Whose son, daughter, mother, father, sister or brother will be next to die on the alter of law enforcement?
Hopefully it won't be yours.
Judge Ricardo Cordova Displays Favoritism Towards Former Associate Kari Abbey in Bail Hearing
By Emerson Drake
7/6/11
Today in a bail reduction hearing Superior Court Judge Ricardo Cordova exposed his blatant favoritism for a former underling. Former Sheriff's Detective Kari Abbey, who has been charged with eight felonies including second degree murder and manslaughter.
In a bail reduction hearing for Micheal Hoyt, charged with road rage, the apparently biased judge refused to further reduce the bail from the $1 Million dollar bail he set last month. Originally Hoyt's bail was set at $2 Million but Cordova then granted the request to reduce it.
Kari Abbey has remained free on a comparatively lower bail of $300,000 and Abbey used a gun in the commission of the killing.
In a pretrial hearing Cordova acknowledged he had been Kari Abbeys supervisor in the past.
Frank Carson, Michael Hoyt's attorney said "I'm only seeking equity for my client."
From what we see, Judge Cordova apparently thinks his former associate should receive more favorable bail amounts despite her similar if not higher charges.
Judge Cordova, we request you recuse yourself as you should have done when the Kari Abbey case was first assigned to you.
D.A Dave Harris cut a deal an extremely favorable deal with child molester former officer, Chip Huskey and with the help of Judge Cordova appears to be heading in that same direction with former detective Kari Abbey.
As James Abbey said to Rita Elias, just before his daughter Kari Abbey went to her car to get her gun, "bring it on"!
It appears that Judge Cordova believes that "roid rage" killing is a lesser crime than a "road rage" killing.
7/6/11
Today in a bail reduction hearing Superior Court Judge Ricardo Cordova exposed his blatant favoritism for a former underling. Former Sheriff's Detective Kari Abbey, who has been charged with eight felonies including second degree murder and manslaughter.
In a bail reduction hearing for Micheal Hoyt, charged with road rage, the apparently biased judge refused to further reduce the bail from the $1 Million dollar bail he set last month. Originally Hoyt's bail was set at $2 Million but Cordova then granted the request to reduce it.
Kari Abbey has remained free on a comparatively lower bail of $300,000 and Abbey used a gun in the commission of the killing.
In a pretrial hearing Cordova acknowledged he had been Kari Abbeys supervisor in the past.
Frank Carson, Michael Hoyt's attorney said "I'm only seeking equity for my client."
From what we see, Judge Cordova apparently thinks his former associate should receive more favorable bail amounts despite her similar if not higher charges.
Judge Cordova, we request you recuse yourself as you should have done when the Kari Abbey case was first assigned to you.
D.A Dave Harris cut a deal an extremely favorable deal with child molester former officer, Chip Huskey and with the help of Judge Cordova appears to be heading in that same direction with former detective Kari Abbey.
As James Abbey said to Rita Elias, just before his daughter Kari Abbey went to her car to get her gun, "bring it on"!
It appears that Judge Cordova believes that "roid rage" killing is a lesser crime than a "road rage" killing.
An Update on the Suspicious Device Found at Elias Home
By Emerson Drake
7/5/11
Sheriff's Office Watch Commander Jim Gordon acknowledged the Stanislaus County Bomb Squad was sent to the home of Rita Elias' daughter June 29th at 3:29pm, at the request of the Modesto Police Department officer on the scene, after responding to a suspicious device call.
According to the MPD's Sergeant Finland, the report states the bomb squad believed the device to be real and then removed it from the yard. After using "render safe methods" it was discovered the object wasn't a live explosive. It was acknowledged that due to the concerns of the bomb squad, the family was probably told it was a live device.
7/5/11
Sheriff's Office Watch Commander Jim Gordon acknowledged the Stanislaus County Bomb Squad was sent to the home of Rita Elias' daughter June 29th at 3:29pm, at the request of the Modesto Police Department officer on the scene, after responding to a suspicious device call.
According to the MPD's Sergeant Finland, the report states the bomb squad believed the device to be real and then removed it from the yard. After using "render safe methods" it was discovered the object wasn't a live explosive. It was acknowledged that due to the concerns of the bomb squad, the family was probably told it was a live device.
D.A. Dave Harris Gets a Subpoena as He Leaves Kari Abbey's Bail Hearing
by Emerson Drake
6/30/11
This morning in Judge Richardo Cordova's courtroom defense attorney Micheal Rains for Kari Abbey and D.A.Dave Harris for the people, delayed justice once again. What was supposed to be a bail adjustment hearing today, was postpones until August 10th at 8:30 to hear pretrial motions and again review the bail adjustment request by the prosecution.
It was also agreed to that the sealed search warrants would be unsealed and given to the defense. Most of this was worked out behind closed doors in the judges chamber prior to the hearing. The hearing was over quickly without any extemporaneous discussion.
When Dave Harris was asked before the hearing started about the pipe bomb found at the home of Rita Elias' oldest daughter his reply was "no report has crossed my desk."
Interestingly enough this is the same judge hearing the Joseph Hoyt case that Frank Carson is defending in. As D.A. Harris was leaving the courtroom with the defense attorney he noticed Frank Carson waiting in the hallway just outside. He reached out his hand to Carson and Carson placed the subpoena in it requiring Harris to testify in the Micheal Hoyt case. The undercharging of Kari Abbey and the bail set below the normal bail schedule has rippled through the legal world of defense attorneys. The extremely low $300,000 bail has already caused at least one mult-imillion dollar bail to be substantially reduced, with further reductions being imminent.
Later on his way to the District Attorney's office to discuss the case further with Rains, Harris was asked why he had undercharged Kari Abbey since no firearm enhancement has been added as is standard in Stanislaus County when a gun is used in a murder. He refused to provide a meaningful response.
Why the Sheriff's Department failed to notify D.A.Harris on a timely basis of the live bomb is anyone's guess as is the reason for the special treatment(favorable) Kari Abbey seems to be receiving.
6/30/11
This morning in Judge Richardo Cordova's courtroom defense attorney Micheal Rains for Kari Abbey and D.A.Dave Harris for the people, delayed justice once again. What was supposed to be a bail adjustment hearing today, was postpones until August 10th at 8:30 to hear pretrial motions and again review the bail adjustment request by the prosecution.
It was also agreed to that the sealed search warrants would be unsealed and given to the defense. Most of this was worked out behind closed doors in the judges chamber prior to the hearing. The hearing was over quickly without any extemporaneous discussion.
When Dave Harris was asked before the hearing started about the pipe bomb found at the home of Rita Elias' oldest daughter his reply was "no report has crossed my desk."
Interestingly enough this is the same judge hearing the Joseph Hoyt case that Frank Carson is defending in. As D.A. Harris was leaving the courtroom with the defense attorney he noticed Frank Carson waiting in the hallway just outside. He reached out his hand to Carson and Carson placed the subpoena in it requiring Harris to testify in the Micheal Hoyt case. The undercharging of Kari Abbey and the bail set below the normal bail schedule has rippled through the legal world of defense attorneys. The extremely low $300,000 bail has already caused at least one mult-imillion dollar bail to be substantially reduced, with further reductions being imminent.
Later on his way to the District Attorney's office to discuss the case further with Rains, Harris was asked why he had undercharged Kari Abbey since no firearm enhancement has been added as is standard in Stanislaus County when a gun is used in a murder. He refused to provide a meaningful response.
Why the Sheriff's Department failed to notify D.A.Harris on a timely basis of the live bomb is anyone's guess as is the reason for the special treatment(favorable) Kari Abbey seems to be receiving.
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