Charles McDermott has written an absolute must read column for every citizen of Encinitas. His piece breaks down the numbers and reveals the true state of our city finances and our looming pension crisis. Pick up a copy of the Coast News and make sure your friends and neighbors read this. Forward the link to your friends. Share it on your Facebook walls. Tweet it. This is serious stuff. The establishment has been put on notice by citizen journalism.
Read McDermott's community commentary on the Coast News website: click here
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
BREAKING NEWS: Beach Town taking area blog waaaay too seriously
The Leucadia Blog is on hiatus until after the election because everyone is freaking out a little too hard. Take a chill pill baby boomers. My goodness.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Doug Long on Bilbray mailer
This Bilbray mailer I received yesterday is bizarre for several reasons. The cameo appearance of Doug Long (the local plumber who ran for Encinitas city council twice) is strange enough, but the most surreal part though is his conflicting quote with Brian Bilbray himself.
Doug does the typical talk radio/tea party thing and gives shout outs to those socialist/liberal/democrats Pelosi and Obama, citing they and "big government" can't help the economy. He then asks for job creation.
Bilbray then totally contradicts Long's quote by saying this is not a partisan issue.
Bilbray apparently has some kind of job creation plan, although the mailer doesn't say what it is. I'm sure it in no way involves the government thus making Bilbray and his job as our congressman completely irrelevant.
Current unemployment rate in San Diego is 10.6%. California's unemployment rate is 12.4%. I couldn't find any stats for our 50th District.
By the way , why is Bilbray even bothering to send out mailers? Does anyone really think perennial challenger Busby has a chance? Or is Bilbray nervous about the vote out the incumbents mood everybody is in? Will Bilbray's obsession with Arizona and completely ignoring the 50th District bite him on Nov 2?
Naw, Bilbray will win easily. He then will go back to chasing illegal aliens in Arizona and forget all about his jobs plan for the 50th (if there actually is one).
I'm glad the printers are keeping busy though. And the anti-big government Republicans should really stop sending out mailers via the US Postal Service and support the free market like they say they do and have UPS and Fed Ex deliver all their election propaganda to us.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Kristin and Dan to Voters: Baaah
From the In Box:
I would like to voice my objection to the use of deceptive slate mailers in the current city council race. Over the past month, we have received 5 separate mailers from the following groups:
The Voter Information Guide
The Coalition for Senior Citizen Security
The Council of Concerned Women Voters
The Democratic Election Education Guide, and
The Women's Election Education Guide
All five mailers appear to be from supporters of progressive candidates and state initiatives. All five endorse Jerry Brown for governor, Barbara Boxer for senator, and urge a no vote on Prop. 23, the roll back of California environmental law. Four of the five endorse Prop. 19, the marijuana legalization initiative. And, all five endorse Kristin Gaspar and Dan Dalager for Encinitas city council. Most importantly, and this is key, all five suggest you take the mailer with you to the polls, to assist you if you want a template to guide your vote.
Is this legal? I suppose so. Is it ethical? What do you think? To me, it is a blatant attempt to hijack this election on the backs of voter apathy and ignorance. It is the height of cynicism for Kristen and Dan to feign allegiance to candidates and positions in direct contradiction to their values, in the hope that voters will not be paying attention. It treats fair elections, the lifeblood of a democracy, as a process to be gamed and manipulated .The weakness in any democracy is voter apathy and ignorance. These mailers are a direct attempt to capitalize on this weakness, and that is cynicism in its highest form. We deserve better.
Let's not plead ignorance in this matter. Kristen and Dan, are you really Jerry Brown supporters? The implication is clearly that people who are should vote for you. Will you vote for Barbara Boxer and yes on legalizing marijuana? Perhaps this is the way elections are won in countries with no tradition of free elections or democracy, but this is not the way elections should be won in America, and not in our town. You may say this is just the way the world is. I say, it is a world you are fabricating, not the one I prefer to live in. You may say this is an exercise in free speech. I say, it is a perversion of free speech, and thankfully one in which your opponents have declined to participate. I ask you, is this what you want to teach our kids about how democracy works? That it's okay to portray yourself as something totally at odds with your core principles, as long as you win?
The only way to counter this perversion of free speech is to call attention to it, shine a light on it, and to exercise that same right by insisting - enough is enough.
Cyrus
I would like to voice my objection to the use of deceptive slate mailers in the current city council race. Over the past month, we have received 5 separate mailers from the following groups:
The Voter Information Guide
The Coalition for Senior Citizen Security
The Council of Concerned Women Voters
The Democratic Election Education Guide, and
The Women's Election Education Guide
All five mailers appear to be from supporters of progressive candidates and state initiatives. All five endorse Jerry Brown for governor, Barbara Boxer for senator, and urge a no vote on Prop. 23, the roll back of California environmental law. Four of the five endorse Prop. 19, the marijuana legalization initiative. And, all five endorse Kristin Gaspar and Dan Dalager for Encinitas city council. Most importantly, and this is key, all five suggest you take the mailer with you to the polls, to assist you if you want a template to guide your vote.
Is this legal? I suppose so. Is it ethical? What do you think? To me, it is a blatant attempt to hijack this election on the backs of voter apathy and ignorance. It is the height of cynicism for Kristen and Dan to feign allegiance to candidates and positions in direct contradiction to their values, in the hope that voters will not be paying attention. It treats fair elections, the lifeblood of a democracy, as a process to be gamed and manipulated .The weakness in any democracy is voter apathy and ignorance. These mailers are a direct attempt to capitalize on this weakness, and that is cynicism in its highest form. We deserve better.
Let's not plead ignorance in this matter. Kristen and Dan, are you really Jerry Brown supporters? The implication is clearly that people who are should vote for you. Will you vote for Barbara Boxer and yes on legalizing marijuana? Perhaps this is the way elections are won in countries with no tradition of free elections or democracy, but this is not the way elections should be won in America, and not in our town. You may say this is just the way the world is. I say, it is a world you are fabricating, not the one I prefer to live in. You may say this is an exercise in free speech. I say, it is a perversion of free speech, and thankfully one in which your opponents have declined to participate. I ask you, is this what you want to teach our kids about how democracy works? That it's okay to portray yourself as something totally at odds with your core principles, as long as you win?
The only way to counter this perversion of free speech is to call attention to it, shine a light on it, and to exercise that same right by insisting - enough is enough.
Cyrus
Groovy Music at Ducky Waddles Thurs evening Oct 28
IMPROVISED EXPERIMENTAL ELECTRONICA
Encinitas, CA
James Call, Joyce Rooks and Marcelo Radulovich, in concert
performing Improvised Experimental Electronica, with Cello, Organ,
Theremin, computers, various percussion and sound effect devices.
Thursday, October 28th, Ducky Waddlke's Emporium, 414 N. Coast Hwy. 101,
Encinitas. Admission $10.00, Seating is limited. Call for reservations,
760-632-0488
For additional information on Improvised Experimental Electronica , contact
Jerry 760-632-0488 or visit www.duckywaddles.com
Ducky Waddle's Emporium, North Coast San Diego Art Gallery, Book Store
and Center for Cultural Studies.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Leucadia Nights & Howl O' Ween this weekend: Sat Oct 30th
Don't stay home this Saturday night! Dress up the family dog in a silly costume and come on down to funky downtown Leucadia.How it works:
- Owners pay a $5 entrance fee.
- Entry fees are donated in total to Rancho Coastal Humane Society.
- People parade their pets between the participating businesses, which will be judges for the contest.
- Owners and their pets meet at 7:30 pm at Grateful Dog, the contest sponsor, to tally up and determine the winners. Grateful Dog is donating prizes for First, Second and Third Place winners!
Entry forms and pet "trick or treat" bags are available Oct. 16th through the night of the event at the following locations:
- Grateful Dog, 802 N. Coast Hwy 101, 760-943-WOOF
- Embellishments, 466 N. Coast Hwy 101, 760-633-1440
- Leucadia 101 Main Street, 386 N. Coast Hwy 101, 760-436-2320.
(Please call each business for their hours of operation.)
Monday, October 25, 2010
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Hall Park Construction Now Behind Schedule
Here are some screen grabs from the city's webpage on the Hall park.
NOTE: There are no deadlines in the park design contract. Who hires contractors without specifying deadlines, unless you might not want your project done on time? Was Dalager afraid he hadn't saved enough money for the park and that's why they've delayed taking the park out to bid? Is fear stalling park progress?
It sure looks like some city officials thought that the designs should have been done long ago (Spring/Summer 2010). Their website says Phase I construction begins Summer/Fall 2010!!!! We are nowhere close to awarding a contract.
NOTE: There are no deadlines in the park design contract. Who hires contractors without specifying deadlines, unless you might not want your project done on time? Was Dalager afraid he hadn't saved enough money for the park and that's why they've delayed taking the park out to bid? Is fear stalling park progress?
It sure looks like some city officials thought that the designs should have been done long ago (Spring/Summer 2010). Their website says Phase I construction begins Summer/Fall 2010!!!! We are nowhere close to awarding a contract.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
I Was Wrong
Originally posted over a year ago, I predicted the public would finally wake up to city's delays on the Hall park if the park didn't get started by now. Now, the city is not allowing the public access to its documents that would show us if the city has been purposely dragging its feet on getting the Hall park construction plans completed. Dalager is still getting the benefit of the doubt, even after his city management delayed the release of the Hall park EIR, the Roads Maintenance Report, the Cardiff Specific Plan, and the City-Wide Traffic Study.
The second Hall property park lawsuit is finally over [In the middle of September 2009!]. The City prevailed in this lawsuit (the city lost the first lawsuit).
Good News:
The city can now use their empty property, which it bought years ago and has been paying gobs of bond interest on.
Bad News:
The construction of the park is not fully funded.
About a month ago I had an email exchange with the Encinitas Soccer League. They seemed to be unaware of the evidence that the city was responsible for some of the substantial delays in the park construction process. They had been blaming all the delays on Citizens for Quality of Life. I was also asking about park funding issues. The Encinitas Soccer League (ESL) wrote this about funding for the park, "the money is already in the capital budget."
I thought that was funny because the budget document adopted this summer was clear that the city didn't have the money to start Phase I (even though lots of other things weren't so clear, that it was laughable). After pointing out the apparent discrepancy to the ESL, they wrote, "The park can be funded once it becomes a genuine option."
Opening the park is now a genuine option. [September 2009]
I would really like to move to a post park period where the public will consider other important issues. Unfortunately, I don't think its over. Either Dalager, Stocks, and Bond are going to be roasted for not quickly building the park, or we are going to see some intriguing financing schemes.
Updated note: Once we move past the Hall park, what are Jerome and Danny going to run on?
The second Hall property park lawsuit is finally over [In the middle of September 2009!]. The City prevailed in this lawsuit (the city lost the first lawsuit).
Good News:
The city can now use their empty property, which it bought years ago and has been paying gobs of bond interest on.
Bad News:
The construction of the park is not fully funded.
About a month ago I had an email exchange with the Encinitas Soccer League. They seemed to be unaware of the evidence that the city was responsible for some of the substantial delays in the park construction process. They had been blaming all the delays on Citizens for Quality of Life. I was also asking about park funding issues. The Encinitas Soccer League (ESL) wrote this about funding for the park, "the money is already in the capital budget."
I thought that was funny because the budget document adopted this summer was clear that the city didn't have the money to start Phase I (even though lots of other things weren't so clear, that it was laughable). After pointing out the apparent discrepancy to the ESL, they wrote, "The park can be funded once it becomes a genuine option."
Opening the park is now a genuine option. [September 2009]
I would really like to move to a post park period where the public will consider other important issues. Unfortunately, I don't think its over. Either Dalager, Stocks, and Bond are going to be roasted for not quickly building the park, or we are going to see some intriguing financing schemes.
Updated note: Once we move past the Hall park, what are Jerome and Danny going to run on?
Dalager No Longer Hanging Up on the Press
Dalager, who is running for re-election in the Nov. 2 election, said he thinks the complaints are politically motivated. He said he's hopeful the investigation will be completed before voters head to the polls.
Blogger's question: Why hasn't Dalager just been open with the public about all the facts and directly address the open questions with voters?
"These things, they're just used as a way of smearing a person," Dalager said, "and they can't be cleaned up until afterwards." From NCT Dalager says DA's office is investigating complaints.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Mighty Max Benefit Happening NOW!
Max is local kid fighting an extremely rare and aggressive cancer known as stage 4 Rhabdomyosarcoma. His insurance is quickly approaching the lifetime cap of $2M. You may have seen the banners around town for the Mighty Max Event this Friday, October 22nd from 5 to 10 PM (see attached flyer) at the Cardiff Town Center.
I am inviting all of you to please attend and would take your support as a personal favor. 100% of the revenue from the donated proceeds of this event will be used to cover the ongoing monthly medical cost that is not covered by his insurance. This is really hard, watching this little guy go through chemo and he is fighting soooo hard! We don't realize how fortunate we are to have healthy kids until something like this hits close to home. So please come out and have dinner, a drink, or just buy something. It all helps. Hope to see you there.
Election Propaganda: Always Follow the Money!
An interesting piece of journalism in the Union Tribune about the shadowy firm that is financing the propaganda behind Dalager and Gaspar's misleading election mailers.
Read: Firm involved in Encinitas mailers was fined in past
The above flyer is filled with shameless lies, like that Barth does not support building the Hall Park. She does support a community park, she just wants an actual financial plan for paying for it unlike Dalager and Gaspar who seem to think magical unicorns are going to ride down on rainbows and build the park for us for free.
The most shameless part of the flyer is Barth's city credit card bill. From the article,
It says Barth also spent more than $9,000 on a city credit card, whereas Dalager in his term spent $81. Barth’s supporters roundly criticized the mailer as highly misleading. Barth said the $9,000 was spent on council-authorized trips to meetings where she represented Encinitas. She also said she does not request city reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses or per diem.
image from SignOnSanDiego.com
Who in the world is Jane Blair?
The UT just ran this bizarre story about the Gaspar/Dalager mailer and a lady named Jane Blair. The UT couldn't contact her and the phone numbers on the records didn't work.
According to the UT, Gaspar said Blair is her former client. Blair gave $5k for the mailer. You'd guess she's more than a former client? Also, I thought that Gaspar's job was to sign the checks not interact with the clients... and by the way I think it is against the law for Gaspar to identify Blair as someone with a health issue, without her permission. She just happens to have her permission?
A lady wearing a Gaspar shirt who had been seen in the Gaspar booth came down and was hounding the ETA booth during Octoberfest. I'd say she was as disturbed as Tony with what she saw. She didn't like Gaspar getting a bad grade from the ETA. She had been there for a long enough period of time when I came back from lunch that ETA members were considering contacting security to help avoid a scene. I thought that would be a scene itself, so I went straight to her and asked her what we could do to make everyone happy (and avoid a scene).
She introduced herself as Jane Blair and gave me an email address for Jane Twining to contact her. At that point she seemed very reasonable and probably supports most ETA actions.
She said that Gaspar had not said no to the ETA's invitation to address policy questions and thought we were making it up. I told her that we had wanted to work with Gaspar and that it was not good for the ETA to not have her participate and have all the candidates treated fairly. I asked if I could send her the emails and if she decided that Gaspar had not brushed off the ETA that we should take action to reconcile any misunderstandings. The emails are below.
From: KMC
Date: October 1, 2010 2:25:08 PM PDT
To: Kristin and Paul Gaspar, kristin@kristinforcouncil.com
Cc: twiningblair@...net
Subject: Fwd: ETA Candidate Interviews
Kristin,
One of your (apparent) campaign workers came down to the ETA booth area at Octoberfest. I was happy that when I arrived that she was willing to work with me to avoid an incident. She also seemed very willing to help work to fix any misunderstandings and to get you on record for your positions.
I sent her the email below. She has not responded or acknowledged receiving it.
If you want your positions known or believe you have been represented unfairly now is a good time to have any outstanding issues reconciled.
K Cummins
Begin forwarded message:
From: KMC <>
Date: September 26, 2010 8:45:09 PM PDT
To: twiningblair@...net
Cc: eta@encinitastaxpayers.org
Subject: Fwd: ETA Candidate Interviews
Jane,
As we discussed, there seem to be two things to reconcile: 1. the root of the misunderstanding and 2. where to go from here.
Below is the last email between Kristin and ETA officers as far as I know. I can confirm that no response was sent back to me from Kristin. The last email I got from Kristin was July 14th.
I was stunned that you took issue with the statement that she refused because she wrote to ETA President Sheffo, "While I will not be participating in the interview process, I would very much appreciate the opportunity to review the listing of topics which are of importance to the ETA." [bold added] Both Joe and I took that as a "no I won't participate" and sent her emails to that effect (see below). I was even ready to put my ETA membership on the line if Kristin would work with us on her participation. At least I wanted to come up with a system that would make all participants comfortable. I was very unhappy that we went through all the effort to end up with a product that could become something about the ETA ratings rather than what the candidate's positions are, and I knew this risk would worsen because Kristin didn't participate.
Kristin did not respond to:
Speaking for myself, I really don't want to report that you refused to participate on any terms. What do you need from the ETA, us, or the process, to have you come out and speak to a panel of ETA members about your view on fiscal and management policies?
I hope giving you this information (see emails below) will help us find a way to clear up our (possible) misunderstanding. If a mistake has been made it is time to identify it, fix it, and make up for it.
Where do we go from here?
We could start by posting Kristin's response to the grades online and noting it in our literature? That is already built into the approved documents that we have. Whether or not she can be interviewed now will have to be decided by the ETA board, if that is what she wants to do. I'm for it, however an issue with fairness to the other candidates has already come up. It will probably need to be addressed and suggestions will be appreciated.
I don't actually know your connection to Kristin's campaign. I'm going to be asked. What is your role?
K Cummins
760.xxx.xxxx
Below was attached to the same email so Jane could see that we had let Kristin know that we took no to mean no.
From: KMC
Date: September 2, 2010 7:17:22 PM PDT
To: Kristin and Paul Gaspar
Cc: Kevin Cummins, J. Sheffo
Subject: Re: ETA Candidate Interviews
Kristin,
I hope you will reconsider. We have a diverse set of members who are ready to participate in the interview process. There is a consensus among them that we will end up with a product that will help the public know about the positions of the candidates on fiscal issues. At the very least, we want your position to be known so that people can use your stated position to make informed decisions.
We are not a disinterested organization. We do want fiscal and city management issues to be discussed.
Many, but not all, of the active members do have a history at city hall. The ETA will be fair to all participants and there are a number of approaches we can take to ensure that. I wouldn't be involved if the process wasn't going to be reasonable, fair, and useful.
Months ago you refused to give me your perspective on an important council vote. It was one that you had even said you researched (ERGA). At that time, you wrote as a candidate all questions would be "free game" and that you would be happy to answer questions as a candidate.
Speaking for myself, I really don't want to report that you refused to participate on any terms. What do you need from the ETA, us, or the process, to have you come out and speak to a panel of ETA members about your view on fiscal and management policies?
K Cummins
On Sep 2, 2010, at 1:54 PM, Joseph Sheffo wrote:
From: Kristin and Paul Gaspar
To: jsheffo@encinitastaxpayers.com
Sent: Thu, September 2, 2010 1:21:44 PM
Subject: RE: ETA Candidate Interviews
Joe-
Thank you for your email. While I will not be participating in the interview process, I would very much appreciate the opportunity to review the listing of topics which are of importance to the ETA. I am hopeful we will have a chance to discuss in the future.
Hope this email finds you well,
Kristin
According to the UT, Gaspar said Blair is her former client. Blair gave $5k for the mailer. You'd guess she's more than a former client? Also, I thought that Gaspar's job was to sign the checks not interact with the clients... and by the way I think it is against the law for Gaspar to identify Blair as someone with a health issue, without her permission. She just happens to have her permission?
A lady wearing a Gaspar shirt who had been seen in the Gaspar booth came down and was hounding the ETA booth during Octoberfest. I'd say she was as disturbed as Tony with what she saw. She didn't like Gaspar getting a bad grade from the ETA. She had been there for a long enough period of time when I came back from lunch that ETA members were considering contacting security to help avoid a scene. I thought that would be a scene itself, so I went straight to her and asked her what we could do to make everyone happy (and avoid a scene).
She introduced herself as Jane Blair and gave me an email address for Jane Twining to contact her. At that point she seemed very reasonable and probably supports most ETA actions.
She said that Gaspar had not said no to the ETA's invitation to address policy questions and thought we were making it up. I told her that we had wanted to work with Gaspar and that it was not good for the ETA to not have her participate and have all the candidates treated fairly. I asked if I could send her the emails and if she decided that Gaspar had not brushed off the ETA that we should take action to reconcile any misunderstandings. The emails are below.
This is a photo that of a lady an ETA member says was the Jane Blair (-Twining) that was hounding the ETA booth at Octoberfest.Here are the related emails [i've changed all the private email addresses].
From: KMC
Date: October 1, 2010 2:25:08 PM PDT
To: Kristin and Paul Gaspar
Cc: twiningblair@...net
Subject: Fwd: ETA Candidate Interviews
Kristin,
One of your (apparent) campaign workers came down to the ETA booth area at Octoberfest. I was happy that when I arrived that she was willing to work with me to avoid an incident. She also seemed very willing to help work to fix any misunderstandings and to get you on record for your positions.
I sent her the email below. She has not responded or acknowledged receiving it.
If you want your positions known or believe you have been represented unfairly now is a good time to have any outstanding issues reconciled.
K Cummins
Begin forwarded message:
From: KMC <>
Date: September 26, 2010 8:45:09 PM PDT
To: twiningblair@...net
Cc: eta@encinitastaxpayers.org
Subject: Fwd: ETA Candidate Interviews
Jane,
As we discussed, there seem to be two things to reconcile: 1. the root of the misunderstanding and 2. where to go from here.
Below is the last email between Kristin and ETA officers as far as I know. I can confirm that no response was sent back to me from Kristin. The last email I got from Kristin was July 14th.
I was stunned that you took issue with the statement that she refused because she wrote to ETA President Sheffo, "While I will not be participating in the interview process, I would very much appreciate the opportunity to review the listing of topics which are of importance to the ETA." [bold added] Both Joe and I took that as a "no I won't participate" and sent her emails to that effect (see below). I was even ready to put my ETA membership on the line if Kristin would work with us on her participation. At least I wanted to come up with a system that would make all participants comfortable. I was very unhappy that we went through all the effort to end up with a product that could become something about the ETA ratings rather than what the candidate's positions are, and I knew this risk would worsen because Kristin didn't participate.
Kristin did not respond to:
Speaking for myself, I really don't want to report that you refused to participate on any terms. What do you need from the ETA, us, or the process, to have you come out and speak to a panel of ETA members about your view on fiscal and management policies?
I hope giving you this information (see emails below) will help us find a way to clear up our (possible) misunderstanding. If a mistake has been made it is time to identify it, fix it, and make up for it.
Where do we go from here?
We could start by posting Kristin's response to the grades online and noting it in our literature? That is already built into the approved documents that we have. Whether or not she can be interviewed now will have to be decided by the ETA board, if that is what she wants to do. I'm for it, however an issue with fairness to the other candidates has already come up. It will probably need to be addressed and suggestions will be appreciated.
I don't actually know your connection to Kristin's campaign. I'm going to be asked. What is your role?
K Cummins
760.xxx.xxxx
Below was attached to the same email so Jane could see that we had let Kristin know that we took no to mean no.
From: KMC
Date: September 2, 2010 7:17:22 PM PDT
To: Kristin and Paul Gaspar
Cc: Kevin Cummins
Subject: Re: ETA Candidate Interviews
Kristin,
I hope you will reconsider. We have a diverse set of members who are ready to participate in the interview process. There is a consensus among them that we will end up with a product that will help the public know about the positions of the candidates on fiscal issues. At the very least, we want your position to be known so that people can use your stated position to make informed decisions.
We are not a disinterested organization. We do want fiscal and city management issues to be discussed.
Many, but not all, of the active members do have a history at city hall. The ETA will be fair to all participants and there are a number of approaches we can take to ensure that. I wouldn't be involved if the process wasn't going to be reasonable, fair, and useful.
Months ago you refused to give me your perspective on an important council vote. It was one that you had even said you researched (ERGA). At that time, you wrote as a candidate all questions would be "free game" and that you would be happy to answer questions as a candidate.
Speaking for myself, I really don't want to report that you refused to participate on any terms. What do you need from the ETA, us, or the process, to have you come out and speak to a panel of ETA members about your view on fiscal and management policies?
K Cummins
On Sep 2, 2010, at 1:54 PM, Joseph Sheffo wrote:
From: Kristin and Paul Gaspar
To: jsheffo@encinitastaxpayers.com
Sent: Thu, September 2, 2010 1:21:44 PM
Subject: RE: ETA Candidate Interviews
Joe-
Thank you for your email. While I will not be participating in the interview process, I would very much appreciate the opportunity to review the listing of topics which are of importance to the ETA. I am hopeful we will have a chance to discuss in the future.
Hope this email finds you well,
Kristin
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Balanced Deal
I will personally pay Teresa's legal bill if in return the City Employees, the Hall Park Developers, Dan, and Jerome cover the $10s of millions of dollars in unfunded pension liabilities and street maintenance that they have racked up.
Charlie McDermott
Charlie McDermott
Sign Gate Video
What happened to the video of the incident?
The above video cleverly edits out the sign in question which reads, DESTROY AMERICA
Would you want this man standing in front of your small business with a DESTROY AMERICA sign?
Good 'ol Boys to the Rescue
The fppc has suspended its investigation of Dalager.
“In this instance, we have suspended our efforts so the District Attorney’s Office can exercise its options,” said Roman Porter, the commission’s executive director. From the UT.
“In this instance, we have suspended our efforts so the District Attorney’s Office can exercise its options,” said Roman Porter, the commission’s executive director. From the UT.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Big Email Campaign Continues
There are only a few people who have the Encinitas voters' email list. Is Mel Glenn a real person?
-----Original Message-----
From: Mel Glenn [mailto:MelGlen@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2010 9:33 AM
To: joevoter@encinitas.com
Subject: Councilwoman owes Encinitas an apology
Councilwoman owes Encinitas an apology - and $15,249
There is an intense and personal quality to small-town politics that often
prompts petty behavior. But in Encinitas, such pettiness morphed into
something much more
serious: a
pathetic attempt to smear two council members.
Last December, Councilwoman Teresa Barth was irate when Councilman Jerome
Stocks didn't nominate her for vice mayor and then criticized Barth to
reporters. Instead of returning fire, however, Barth accused Stocks and
Mayor Dan Dalager of "verbal harassment"
in a formal complaint.
This required a formal city response. A report prepared by a Los Angeles
attorney with the help of a private investigator was released Wednesday at
the Encinitas City Council meeting.
It cleared Stocks and Dalager and pointed out that for an elected public
official, facing a "lack of civility ... in the workplace" is not a "legally
protected right."
Of course it isn't. Barth owes Encinitas taxpayers $15,249, the cost of the
investigation she made necessary. She should abjectly apologize to taxpayers
and to Stocks and Dalager, then pay for the probe.
Workplace harassment is a serious issue. To use such allegations to punish
political foes is outrageous.
But Barth not only won't repay taxpayers or apologize, she still thinks
she's the victim - and she's criticizing city officials for undertaking the
investigation.
What bilge. If officials didn't launch an investigation, they risked
allegations that they
covered up a formal harassment complaint against the mayor and a councilman.
The list of people Barth should apologize to keeps growing.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/may/15/americas-finest-blog-5-15-201
0/
-----Original Message-----
From: Mel Glenn [mailto:MelGlen@gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, October 20, 2010 9:33 AM
To: joevoter@encinitas.com
Subject: Councilwoman owes Encinitas an apology
Councilwoman owes Encinitas an apology - and $15,249
There is an intense and personal quality to small-town politics that often
prompts petty behavior. But in Encinitas, such pettiness morphed into
something much more
serious: a
pathetic attempt to smear two council members.
Last December, Councilwoman Teresa Barth was irate when Councilman Jerome
Stocks didn't nominate her for vice mayor and then criticized Barth to
reporters. Instead of returning fire, however, Barth accused Stocks and
Mayor Dan Dalager of "verbal harassment"
in a formal complaint.
This required a formal city response. A report prepared by a Los Angeles
attorney with the help of a private investigator was released Wednesday at
the Encinitas City Council meeting.
It cleared Stocks and Dalager and pointed out that for an elected public
official, facing a "lack of civility ... in the workplace" is not a "legally
protected right."
Of course it isn't. Barth owes Encinitas taxpayers $15,249, the cost of the
investigation she made necessary. She should abjectly apologize to taxpayers
and to Stocks and Dalager, then pay for the probe.
Workplace harassment is a serious issue. To use such allegations to punish
political foes is outrageous.
But Barth not only won't repay taxpayers or apologize, she still thinks
she's the victim - and she's criticizing city officials for undertaking the
investigation.
What bilge. If officials didn't launch an investigation, they risked
allegations that they
covered up a formal harassment complaint against the mayor and a councilman.
The list of people Barth should apologize to keeps growing.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/may/15/americas-finest-blog-5-15-201
0/
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Easily Bored Gaspar Supporter Identified
Encinitas Rotary President looks a lot like one of the two fellows who left early from the LTC candidate forum, after one of them was too classy for the Leucadia crowd.
If only Kranz had more Rotary experience.
(Edited for T.C.)
Classy rotary humor from their October 13 newsletter:
If only Kranz had more Rotary experience.
(Edited for T.C.)
Press Conference Clips Part I and II: Dalager Ethics Violations and Open Gov
Part III on pensions and finance can be seen on the ETA blog.
You can go through years of open government posts on the ETA website here.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Not So Nice Things To Say Tuesday
Danny is still saying things that aren't true and has not come clean on the scandals. No one has even tried to get the free $200.
Tony is still running a campaign that is for 5 fields but doesn't have pretty mailers with lots of sporty folks' names on it.
Barth is coming across as wishy-washy on what types of improvements should be made to I5.
Kristin still doesn't have positions, except for the ones that some political marking company in Burbank makes up for her.
Tony is still running a campaign that is for 5 fields but doesn't have pretty mailers with lots of sporty folks' names on it.
Barth is coming across as wishy-washy on what types of improvements should be made to I5.
Kristin still doesn't have positions, except for the ones that some political marking company in Burbank makes up for her.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Barth Responds
Send us stuff to publish. A Barth supported forwarded this:
A slate mailer (paid for by Dan Dalager, Kristin Gaspar and Yes on Proposition A, a San Diego County issue). It lists a number of issues Dalager & Gaspar support and implies that I do not. Of course each issue is more complicated than the simplistic manner it is presented.
Below is my response to each false or misleading statement:
Hall Community Park. I have from the very beginning supported a park on the Hall property that provides sports and recreational uses for all ages that also respects the quality of life of the surrounding neighborhoods. The source used in the mailer was a Union Tribune editorial that also misrepresented my position.
Scripps Hospital Expansion. I supported the expansion but voted against a city imposed condition that could require the surrounding property owners to PAY for future mitigation measures needed to deal with the traffic impacts created by the hospital.
Source: Minutes May 23, 2009
Desalination. The council never voted to support or oppose desalination. The council voted against committing the San Dieguito Water District to a contract to purchase desalinated water from Poseidon at an UNDETERMINED future price. Councilman Bond, the city's long time representative to the San Diego County Water Authority, noted that Poseidon did not have a good track record of delivering water at a competitive price. The vote was Bond, Barth & Houlihan to protect the SDWD ratepayers with Stocks & Dalager opposed. The mailer credits the source of information as the SDWD Minutes, August 22, 2010 which is a Sunday. The correct date of the meeting is August 22, 2007.
I-5 improvements. I support improvements to the I-5 corridor within CALTRANS current right of way rather than the large expansion currently proposed that will require the taking of private property.
Performing Arts Center at San Dieguito Academy. I support the Performing Arts Center and would have voted for a variance to allow that building to exceed the 30 foot height limit. I did not support the recommendation to spot zone the entire campus allowing all buildings to be up to 34 feet tall.
Sand Replenishment tax. I voted against a second ballot measure to place a 2% tax on vacation rentals for sand replenishment. The public had previously voted for an 8% TOT tax on vacation rentals, similar to the room tax for hotels but did not support a 2% tax specifically for sand. Councilmember Houlihan & I both felt that it was not a prudent use of tax dollars to hold another election within 6 months of the first measure. The public did approve the 2% the second time. I personally support the Sand Replenishment tax.
Fees for Encinitas youth sport teams exclusive use of fields. All groups wishing to have exclusive use of a city park, recreational facility, conference room, etc. must pay a fee EXCEPT youth sports teams. At the June 17, 2009 meeting, in light of declining revenue, a recent fee increase for all other recreational programs and the need to identify funds for the maintenance and operation of the future park at the Hall property I recommended a change in the city's current policy. I suggested a flat rate fee based on the amount of use and those fees be set aside in a special park development fund. The vote was 3-2 with councilwoman Houlihan supporting my recommendation.
Credit Card Usage since 2006. I do not know if that dollar amount is correct but I do attend meetings, workshops and the annual League of California Cities conference as a means of staying current with changing state laws, urban planning, transit, and environmental issues. Registration, transportation and lodging fees are paid by the city. I do not however request reimbursement for any out of pocket expenses or for per diem.
For the last two years the council voted unanimously to designate me as the city's official delegate at the League's annual conference. Dan Dalager has had two opportunities to question the expense of attending the conference but has not raised any objection.
There is a You Tube channel that has veto clips of the council meetings dealing with impacts of Scripps Hospital expansion on the Devonshire neighbors, the athletic field use fees, and public requests to discuss the I-5 widening. Watch for yourself.
A slate mailer (paid for by Dan Dalager, Kristin Gaspar and Yes on Proposition A, a San Diego County issue). It lists a number of issues Dalager & Gaspar support and implies that I do not. Of course each issue is more complicated than the simplistic manner it is presented.
Below is my response to each false or misleading statement:
Hall Community Park. I have from the very beginning supported a park on the Hall property that provides sports and recreational uses for all ages that also respects the quality of life of the surrounding neighborhoods. The source used in the mailer was a Union Tribune editorial that also misrepresented my position.
Scripps Hospital Expansion. I supported the expansion but voted against a city imposed condition that could require the surrounding property owners to PAY for future mitigation measures needed to deal with the traffic impacts created by the hospital.
Source: Minutes May 23, 2009
Desalination. The council never voted to support or oppose desalination. The council voted against committing the San Dieguito Water District to a contract to purchase desalinated water from Poseidon at an UNDETERMINED future price. Councilman Bond, the city's long time representative to the San Diego County Water Authority, noted that Poseidon did not have a good track record of delivering water at a competitive price. The vote was Bond, Barth & Houlihan to protect the SDWD ratepayers with Stocks & Dalager opposed. The mailer credits the source of information as the SDWD Minutes, August 22, 2010 which is a Sunday. The correct date of the meeting is August 22, 2007.
I-5 improvements. I support improvements to the I-5 corridor within CALTRANS current right of way rather than the large expansion currently proposed that will require the taking of private property.
Performing Arts Center at San Dieguito Academy. I support the Performing Arts Center and would have voted for a variance to allow that building to exceed the 30 foot height limit. I did not support the recommendation to spot zone the entire campus allowing all buildings to be up to 34 feet tall.
Sand Replenishment tax. I voted against a second ballot measure to place a 2% tax on vacation rentals for sand replenishment. The public had previously voted for an 8% TOT tax on vacation rentals, similar to the room tax for hotels but did not support a 2% tax specifically for sand. Councilmember Houlihan & I both felt that it was not a prudent use of tax dollars to hold another election within 6 months of the first measure. The public did approve the 2% the second time. I personally support the Sand Replenishment tax.
Fees for Encinitas youth sport teams exclusive use of fields. All groups wishing to have exclusive use of a city park, recreational facility, conference room, etc. must pay a fee EXCEPT youth sports teams. At the June 17, 2009 meeting, in light of declining revenue, a recent fee increase for all other recreational programs and the need to identify funds for the maintenance and operation of the future park at the Hall property I recommended a change in the city's current policy. I suggested a flat rate fee based on the amount of use and those fees be set aside in a special park development fund. The vote was 3-2 with councilwoman Houlihan supporting my recommendation.
Credit Card Usage since 2006. I do not know if that dollar amount is correct but I do attend meetings, workshops and the annual League of California Cities conference as a means of staying current with changing state laws, urban planning, transit, and environmental issues. Registration, transportation and lodging fees are paid by the city. I do not however request reimbursement for any out of pocket expenses or for per diem.
For the last two years the council voted unanimously to designate me as the city's official delegate at the League's annual conference. Dan Dalager has had two opportunities to question the expense of attending the conference but has not raised any objection.
There is a You Tube channel that has veto clips of the council meetings dealing with impacts of Scripps Hospital expansion on the Devonshire neighbors, the athletic field use fees, and public requests to discuss the I-5 widening. Watch for yourself.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Shameless Fearmongering Nonsense
Give me a F-ing break you two.
EDIT-Open question for Dalager and Gaspar: How much will the Hall Park cost AND HOW WILL WE PAY FOR IT?
Until you and your supporters answer these simple questions you seriously need to STFU.
Detailed Barth Video Proves She is Insane
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Dan encinitasdan1000@gmail.com
Date: Fri, Oct 15, 2010 at 7:10 AM
Subject: Encinitas City Council race -- Interstate 5 widening
To: leucadiablog@gmail.com
Hi Leucadia Blog,
Just came across this video of council candidate Teresa Barth saying why she is against the widening of Interstate 5.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c8Ub3wVdyA
I'M IN TRAFFIC RIGHT NOW!
Dan
From: Dan encinitasdan1000@gmail.com
Date: Fri, Oct 15, 2010 at 7:10 AM
Subject: Encinitas City Council race -- Interstate 5 widening
To: leucadiablog@gmail.com
Hi Leucadia Blog,
Just came across this video of council candidate Teresa Barth saying why she is against the widening of Interstate 5.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3c8Ub3wVdyA
I'M IN TRAFFIC RIGHT NOW!
Dan
Americans are too honest to tamper with democracy
...but the Russians and Chinese are really good at hacking.
In the District of Columbia, the Board of Elections and Ethics (DCBOEE) did something noteworthy: they permitted a public test of their experimental Internet voting system which was to be launched for overseas and military voters to use in the Midterm Election, and the results of the test were stunning. Researchers from the University of Michigan led by computer science professor J. Alex Halderman carried out a dramatically effective hack and were able to change voted ballots at will, control the server, and find top secret documents. They were even able to block out ntruders from China and Iran, as they had complete control over the system.Read more at verified voting.
Dalager Speaks Up
t has been my honor and privilege to have served the community as a member of the City Council and I would be honored to have your vote again.
The truth is, I’m very proud of our accomplishments during my time on our City Council. Through these difficult economic times:
— We maintain one of the largest financial reserves of any city, initiated pension reform, and our fiscal policies have earned us the highest possible credit rating.
— We’ve had zero layoffs, that has allowed us to continue with capital projects, and have no cutbacks in city services.
— We’ve made public safety a top budget priority, resulting in one of the lowest crime rates in the county.
— The EPA honored us as one of the nation’s most energy efficient city halls.
— We were also awarded best-restored beach for our work on Grandview Beach — using only transient occupancy taxes!
— We’ve won hard-fought approvals for the Hall Community Park, performing arts center at San Dieguito Academy and Scripps Hospital expansion.
I’ve been part of this community my whole life, but now my political opponents — the same individuals who opposed all of these approvals — are trying to tear me down right before the election. The nasty negative politics we all see at the national and state level has now unfortunately come to our wonderful small city. An honest debate of the issues that will impact the citizens of Encinitas is now buried in this storm of personal attacks.
Their last-minute attacks, however, can’t undo my five decades of commitment to Encinitas and I will not participate in this negative campaigning.
It’s an interesting coincidence that most of the dirt that has been tossed about comes from people opposed to our wonderful Hall Park and a necessary Scripps Hospital expansion. I strongly support both of these community improvements. If I have to be on the receiving end of this treatment for my support, so be it.
With your continued faith and support, we will finish the work we’ve started:
— Protect the Hall Community Park approval, and get it built.
— Assist Scripps Hospital in its expansion to better serve our needs.
— Initiate the northern Highway 101 and Cardiff specific plan.
— Replenish the sand to protect our beaches and bluffs.
Together, we will make Encinitas an even better place to live. Thank you.
Mayor Dan Dalager has been a member of Encinitas City Council for eight years.
Read more:Coast News Group - COMMUNITY COMMENTARY Highlighting the positive amidst negative campaigning
The truth is, I’m very proud of our accomplishments during my time on our City Council. Through these difficult economic times:
— We maintain one of the largest financial reserves of any city, initiated pension reform, and our fiscal policies have earned us the highest possible credit rating.
— We’ve had zero layoffs, that has allowed us to continue with capital projects, and have no cutbacks in city services.
— We’ve made public safety a top budget priority, resulting in one of the lowest crime rates in the county.
— The EPA honored us as one of the nation’s most energy efficient city halls.
— We were also awarded best-restored beach for our work on Grandview Beach — using only transient occupancy taxes!
— We’ve won hard-fought approvals for the Hall Community Park, performing arts center at San Dieguito Academy and Scripps Hospital expansion.
I’ve been part of this community my whole life, but now my political opponents — the same individuals who opposed all of these approvals — are trying to tear me down right before the election. The nasty negative politics we all see at the national and state level has now unfortunately come to our wonderful small city. An honest debate of the issues that will impact the citizens of Encinitas is now buried in this storm of personal attacks.
Their last-minute attacks, however, can’t undo my five decades of commitment to Encinitas and I will not participate in this negative campaigning.
It’s an interesting coincidence that most of the dirt that has been tossed about comes from people opposed to our wonderful Hall Park and a necessary Scripps Hospital expansion. I strongly support both of these community improvements. If I have to be on the receiving end of this treatment for my support, so be it.
With your continued faith and support, we will finish the work we’ve started:
— Protect the Hall Community Park approval, and get it built.
— Assist Scripps Hospital in its expansion to better serve our needs.
— Initiate the northern Highway 101 and Cardiff specific plan.
— Replenish the sand to protect our beaches and bluffs.
Together, we will make Encinitas an even better place to live. Thank you.
Mayor Dan Dalager has been a member of Encinitas City Council for eight years.
Read more:Coast News Group - COMMUNITY COMMENTARY Highlighting the positive amidst negative campaigning
Friday, October 15, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Mary's Opinion
The other comment that Gaspar made that I found very amusing was when the subject of the Streetscape workshops were addressed, she had to admit she hadn't attended any of them. Her excuse? "I was having a baby".
I've never had a kid, but doesn't it take less than two months to pop one out?
I hope whomever reads these posts realizes most of us are not picking on Gaspar with malicious intent. Hell, I don't know WHO she is, but actions speak louder than words, and her stage act is transparent,(if you'll pardon the expression). She just doesn't have the "delivery" to convince me she has what it takes to be an effective leader who cares about our community, and by that I mean she doesn't come across as SINCERE.
She comes across as a CAREERIST.
Now I realize that some people find theise traits admirable and even a little sexy, and as the late Jack Orr said, "Elections are war". He's right, unfortunately, and many people who get elected are well versed in The Art of Winning at Any Co$t.
You remember these kind of people in high school, don't you? You didn't like them very much. You should like them even less now that you are grown up. But like the Student Body Elections, they didn't interest because they didn't mean anything to you.
Well, these elections mean a great deal, and there's still gold in them thar Encinitas hills, and there are those who want to make maximum dollar on it, and the rest of us be dammned. Look at the Nantucket blight on Andrew Street, if you don't believe me.
send us your opposing opinions
Rotary Warriors
The only thing wrong with Encinitas City Hall is Teresa Barth's attitude. If we could just get rid of her the city would be in great financial shape, no more debt, no more pensions, the roads would pave themselves, and Dan, Jerome, Phil and Jim wouldn't need to hide public documents or make backroom decisions anymore.
If all you heard was stuff that Cotton, Stocks and Dalager were telling you then you might think Teresa was a whore, or at least a horrible council person. Stocks has the most difficult time with the dissent. The boys are very manipulative and have a hard time remembering to tell people all the important facts. So, if I were in the Encinitas Rotary Club with Jerome and Cotton I'm sure I would have heard a lot about how evil Barth is.
I doubt Jerome ever tells anyone that SANDAG's transnet is billions in the red under his watch, that the Sprinter was mismanaged (A LOT), the city had to borrow to avoid cutbacks (and that was right BEFORE the financial meltdown), and the Hall park is officially underfunded and there is no money for its operation (half a mill/year).
So, you can understand why these folks might have the wrong idea or maybe they know something we don't. They have positions that are so strong they would speak vulgarities during a public meeting. We'd like to know what their position is and whether or not it is the Barth or Gaspar supporters are the ones who haven't done their homework.
(this clip was sent to us this morning)
(clip has been updated to show the complete footage)
We were asked to post the raw footage. We've also heard from a Rotary member who reports that the men did not use any vulgarities.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Message Delivered
The press conference was very interesting. There were at least 100 people and the three papers were there and 10News.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
More Incoming
*************************************
Press Conference
to
Addressing Ethics Violations and Wasteful Practices at City Hall
Meeting at
Encinitas City Hall
505 S. Vulcan Ave, Encinitas CA 92024
at
WEDNESDAY
OCTOBER 13th, 2O1O
5:00 -6:00 PM
**************************************
DANNY DALAGER HAS NOT ADDRESSED HIS VIOLATIONS … Danny’s campaign sent a large campaign postcard to Encinitas households proclaiming “You deserve a full, impartial accounting of these matters.” Unfortunately he has not addressed his ethical lapses or disputed their validity. Furthermore he has failed to open his records, emails, kitchen, appliances or the terms of his $100,000 loans to public scrutiny.
Absentee ballots, which account for 40% of this year’s vote, were mailed to voters last week and are being cast. The timely accounting which we all deserve has not occurred and the voters need to understand this. We must act now!
HIS VIOLATIONS ARE WELL DOCUMENTED IN LOCAL NEWSPAPERS …
Encinitas mayor got appliance deal, Store owner had an issue before the council, but mayor says the transaction was unrelated. San Diego Union Tribune, August 24, 2010
Read the whole article at: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/aug/24/encinitas-mayor-got-kitchen-deal/
Encinitas mayor didn't report $100,000 loan, On developer fee issue, Dalager sided with the person who loaned him the money. San Diego Union Tribune, September 8, 2010
Three months after borrowing the money, Dalager cast the only vote to allow a builder to avoid $225,380 in development fees.
The council majority was unswayed; it rejected the fee-reduction plan 4-1, with Dalager opposed. …
…the mayor abruptly ended the interview when he was asked about his vote to reduce the fees following Shelley’s testimony.
Read the whole article at: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/sep/08/encinitas-mayor-took-undisclosed-loan/
Two question Encinitas mayor's bank role, One complaint to state says he strong-armed potential clients using city post. San Diego Union Tribune, September 11, 2010
In a follow-up story, The Watchdog reported on Thursday that Dalager failed to disclose a $100,000 personal loan from a longtime Encinitas resident who received Dalager’s support of a reduction in city fees on a proposed development.”
Read the whole article at: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/sep/11/encinitas-mayor-solicited-bank-business/
Do you know Mayor Dalager has not fulfilled his promise to explain his trading votes for gifts?
Do you know city officials delete their emails and label reports as “draft” to avoid public scrutiny?
Do you know citizens cannot put an issue on the City Council agenda without the agreement of at least three council members?
Do you know the City’s Director of Parks & Recreation makes $162,000 and will enjoy a pension worth millions?
Do you know city employees can spike their last year’s earning using vacation pay to raise their pension earnings?
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT in getting these issues addressed… Come learn more about these violations and abnormalities at City Hall. Show the city that you care.
See you there. It’ll be an hour well spent.
“We in America do not have government by the majority.
We have government by the majority who participate.”
. Thomas Jefferson
Bruce Ehlers
Press Conference
to
Addressing Ethics Violations and Wasteful Practices at City Hall
Meeting at
Encinitas City Hall
505 S. Vulcan Ave, Encinitas CA 92024
at
WEDNESDAY
OCTOBER 13th, 2O1O
5:00 -6:00 PM
**************************************
DANNY DALAGER HAS NOT ADDRESSED HIS VIOLATIONS … Danny’s campaign sent a large campaign postcard to Encinitas households proclaiming “You deserve a full, impartial accounting of these matters.” Unfortunately he has not addressed his ethical lapses or disputed their validity. Furthermore he has failed to open his records, emails, kitchen, appliances or the terms of his $100,000 loans to public scrutiny.
Absentee ballots, which account for 40% of this year’s vote, were mailed to voters last week and are being cast. The timely accounting which we all deserve has not occurred and the voters need to understand this. We must act now!
HIS VIOLATIONS ARE WELL DOCUMENTED IN LOCAL NEWSPAPERS …
Encinitas mayor got appliance deal, Store owner had an issue before the council, but mayor says the transaction was unrelated. San Diego Union Tribune, August 24, 2010
“Encinitas Mayor Dan Dalager accepted a set of kitchen appliances “darn close to free“ and then sided with the store owner in a dispute with the city, The Watchdog has learned.”
Read the whole article at: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/aug/24/encinitas-mayor-got-kitchen-deal/
Encinitas mayor didn't report $100,000 loan, On developer fee issue, Dalager sided with the person who loaned him the money. San Diego Union Tribune, September 8, 2010
“Encinitas Mayor Dan Dalager borrowed $100,000 from a resident (local developer Dan Shelley) in 2007 and then voted to cut fees for a housing project after (Shelley) testified in favor of lowering the payment, The Watchdog has learned. …
Three months after borrowing the money, Dalager cast the only vote to allow a builder to avoid $225,380 in development fees.
The council majority was unswayed; it rejected the fee-reduction plan 4-1, with Dalager opposed. …
…the mayor abruptly ended the interview when he was asked about his vote to reduce the fees following Shelley’s testimony.
“I don’t have too much of a memory of this. I’m going to have to go down and check on those records,” Dalager said just before hanging up a telephone. “I don’t want to talk anymore.””
Read the whole article at: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/sep/08/encinitas-mayor-took-undisclosed-loan/
Two question Encinitas mayor's bank role, One complaint to state says he strong-armed potential clients using city post. San Diego Union Tribune, September 11, 2010
“State officials confirmed this week that they opened an investigation into Dalager after The Watchdog reported that he purchased deeply discounted kitchen appliances from a constituent and later voted in the store owner’s favor in a long-running dispute that landed before the City Council in February. …
In a follow-up story, The Watchdog reported on Thursday that Dalager failed to disclose a $100,000 personal loan from a longtime Encinitas resident who received Dalager’s support of a reduction in city fees on a proposed development.”
… complaints (were) filed against Dalager under the California Public Records Act… (alleging) Dalager uses his elected office to solicit business for California Community Bank, an Escondido-based lender that retains the mayor as a consultant. Another alleges he failed to disclose his consulting work until last month.”
Read the whole article at: http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2010/sep/11/encinitas-mayor-solicited-bank-business/
DANNY’S ETHICS VIOLATIONS ARE THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG … Our Mayor, Dan Dalager, has shown us the tip of the iceberg of corruption at the “pay for play” City Hall.
Do you know Mayor Dalager has not fulfilled his promise to explain his trading votes for gifts?
Do you know city officials delete their emails and label reports as “draft” to avoid public scrutiny?
Do you know citizens cannot put an issue on the City Council agenda without the agreement of at least three council members?
Do you know the City’s Director of Parks & Recreation makes $162,000 and will enjoy a pension worth millions?
Do you know city employees can spike their last year’s earning using vacation pay to raise their pension earnings?
WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT in getting these issues addressed… Come learn more about these violations and abnormalities at City Hall. Show the city that you care.
See you there. It’ll be an hour well spent.
“We in America do not have government by the majority.
We have government by the majority who participate.”
. Thomas Jefferson
Bruce Ehlers
Even More
CORRUPTION AT CITY HALL COSTS TAXPAYERS MILLIONS
ENCINITAS CITIZENS REVOLT
ENCINITAS-After voting favorably for friends who have business before the city, our Mayor, Dan Dalager, has shown us the tip of the iceberg of corruption at the “pay for play” City Hall.
Encinitas citizens to hold elected officials accountable for fiscal mismanagement, ethics violations and questionable practices at City Hall.
Concerned Encinitas citizens to hold press conference at City Hall
505 S. Vulcan, Encinitas, CA 92024
Wed., October 13, at 5 p.m. just before the regular City Council meeting.
Several issues are paramount:
Corruption and questionable ethics at City Hall
· Mayor Dan Dalager exchanges favors for votes
· City insiders influence business and development votes through council and staff decisions
· Department heads falsify city reports to influence council votes
· City withholds or stalls citizens’ access to public documents, in violation of federal and state open records laws
· Non-competed contracts with city vendors, cronyism, and non-competitive appointments to city management and staff positions are business-as-usual at City Hall
Fiscal mismanagement to the tune of $25 million!
· Millions in mismanaged city funds
· Delayed projects causing infrastructure decay
· Unnecessary expenditures wasting taxpayer funds
· Overpriced land purchases as favors to council friends
· Double-dipping city employees
· Contracts allowing employees to spike their pensions
· Non-competitive contracts with consultants and vendors
Unsustainable pension obligations of hundreds of millions of dollars!
· Pension obligations to city workers who make over $100,000 in base salaries will cost over $200 million.
· Some employees “spike” their benefits by increasing overtime in the last year in order to receive a higher pension
· Taxpayers are stuck with the bills for the lifetime of pensioners!
Documents show inflated salaries, rampant fiscal mismanagement, unsustainable pensions, and violations of state laws.
Encinitas citizens rebel against the corruption at City Hall and will protest to let the City Council know that ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
Encinitas Citizens will hold a press conference at City Hall and will issue a formal demand that the Mayor step down and the city’s books be opened.
Monday, October 11, 2010
More
MISMANAGEMENT AT CITY HALL IS COSTING TAXPAYERS MILLIONS
ENCINITAS- Our Mayor, Dan Dalager, has shown us the tip of the iceberg of corruption at the “pay for play” City Hall.
LB COMMENT: Dalager bro-deals are an institution.
Documents show that salaries are inflated, fiscal mismanagement is rampant, pensions are unsustainable and state laws are being violated.
· Do you know Mayor Dalager has not fulfilled his promise to explain his trading votes for gifts?
· Do you know city officials delete their emails and label reports as “draft” to avoid public scrutiny?
LB Comment: Kevin C has been hounding this for years.
· Do you know citizens cannot put an issue on the City Council agenda without the agreement of at least three council members?
LB Comment: Its on the agenda Wednesday!
· Do you know the City’s Director of Parks & Recreation makes $162,000 and will enjoy a pension worth millions?
· Do you know city employees can spike their last year’s earning using vacation pay to raise their pension earnings?
Come learn the facts about these issues and other questionable actions and tactics, before you vote.
Encinitas residents will no longer tolerate corrupt practices and city officials must be held accountable.
Concerned community members to hold press conference at
City Hall
505 S. Vulcan,
Encinitas, CA 92024
Wednesday, October 13th at 5 p.m. just before the regular City Council meeting.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Encinitas Citizens Step Up
It's about time that the public stands up and tells the city council that they work for us. We have one chance to get the city council majority to tell us the truth and be accountable, and it won't take much from you to help.
From the Inbox:
On one hand this is occurring during an election so people are going to be overloaded. On the other hand the council will be worried the public is going to figure out what is really going on, so they just might do the right thing.
For what its worth, this is going to be a really interesting event and because Dalager is in trouble there is a chance for making a big impact.
Be there, bring your issues, and bring a friend.
From the Inbox:
Friends and neighbors,
I ask for your support by attending a press conference that at city hall. A watchdog group of Encinitas community members have been auditing the city's policies and business practices. They have uncovered wide spread corruption and mismanagement by city leaders. We, as taxpayers, are being fleeced by their misconduct.
A press conference to reveal the findings will be held Wednesday, October 13, 5pm on the steps of city hall prior to the City Council meeting.
We are marching city hall to hold our city leaders accountable for their actions. We anticipate a large turnout from the media and want to make sure our city leaders get the message. You will see that the people involved have varied backgrounds and party affiliations. We are just average citizens who have uncovered questionable business practices and misconduct that have lead to systemic corruption.
More information will be available Monday and at the press conference.
We ask that you help us in uncovering the truth and holding city hall accountable. You can do that by attending the press conference as an interested citizen.
On one hand this is occurring during an election so people are going to be overloaded. On the other hand the council will be worried the public is going to figure out what is really going on, so they just might do the right thing.
For what its worth, this is going to be a really interesting event and because Dalager is in trouble there is a chance for making a big impact.
Be there, bring your issues, and bring a friend.
Gaspar's Positions on Issues
Kristin Gaspar's campaign aroused my interest but I knew little about her. Before attending the first candidates forum a few weeks ago at Cardiff, I checked out her web site. When I met her there I pointed out that the the most important section, "positions on issues" was blank. She said that it was an oversite that she would fix shortly. Her fix was unusual, in that she removed the entire section from her web site...
Saturday, October 09, 2010
Follow the Money?
From the Wave Blog: According to the 9-30-2010 460 on file with the San Diego County Registrar of Voters; the proponents of the $150 million dollar facilities bond Proposition P, (that the Encinitas Union School District has placed on the November 2 ballot) the Committee for Encinitas Schools has raised $38,700 from only 8 donations; 6 out of 8 of these donations are from vendors of the district, legal firms, construction companies and consultants that will benefit most by passage of Prop P. The vendor’s investment $38,500 has a financial return of $150 million dollars over 30 years. The remaining $200 balance of donations is by two incumbents. Our we to understand that, out of the thousands of families with students currently enrolled in EUSD not one parent of one student donated even one dollar toward the passage of Prop P?
Don’t let six vendors and two incumbents mislead you into assuming $150 million dollars in debt for buildings. Defeat Prop P and ask the school district to return next spring [with a better measure].
Loren Nancarrow works for Sequoia Solar now. He signed to the Prop P ballot argument too.
Anybody know who the contributors are? Sequoia?
I wonder if the district is going to have an open and competitive process for the solar and farm contract, if P Passes? Anybody want to email the district directors to find out? ... Bill?
Friday, October 08, 2010
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