San Jose’s City Hall was the scene of another protest by Vietnamese-Americans, civil liberties, and civil rights groups calling for an open grand jury and release of 911 tapes following the beating and arrest of SJSU math student Phuong Ho. Joining the growing chorus was City Councilmember Sam Liccardo and Vietnamese-American elected officials from across the state. The Merc’s Editorial Board says Police Chief Rob Davis is wrong if he thinks people in minority communities would report problems with the Police and that the incident with Phuong Ho highlights the need for Sunshine. Obviously, the Editorial Board doesn't realize that Chief Davis is never wrong... well, maybe not never. Remember when he got the drunk arrest statistics wrong?
Ooops, someone at the City of San Jose's Planning Department is blushing after a screw-up was found in the Environmental Impact Report regarding traffic related to the proposed new MLB stadium in San Jose. It turns out traffic won’t be as bad as predicted... or maybe it will be worse?
And we move to Santa Clara for two other big stories of the day...
Santa Clara’s City Council said of course the 49ers could pick their builder without using a competitive bid process. Councilmember Kevin Moore said it’s about “doing something for Santa Clara.” A relieved 49ers spokesperson Lisa Lang called the vote a “significant step” in moving the coin toss to Santa Clara.
Wilcox High is back in the news… In August, we learned that a teacher was arrested for (allegedly) sleeping with female students. Last week, we learned that the same teacher may have been sending creepy emails to female students for years with the (alleged) knowledge of the school's Principal. Today we learn that a janitor in the same school, Joe Miller, is being bounced for taking “sexually suggestive photos” of students for his modeling agency -- Rockabilly Models. Maybe a better name would have been "Homeroom Modeling"... If you are interested in seeing the fine, artistic, and creepy work of Mr. Miller, check out this video... then ask yourself, should a guy working in a school be hiring teenage models?:
(Related Note: If you are a Santa Clara Councilmember and you are a "friend" of Rockabilly Models on Facebook, perhaps you should log-in this morning and remove yourself...)
Continuing to scrounge for pennies lost in the sofa cushions, San Jose is going after pet owners who didn’t license Fluffy or Spot. The Merc notes that San Jose Councilmember Pete Constant missed the critter talk, along with City Manager Debra Figone’s grim proposal to cut employee costs and spending $2 million to purchase a (soon to be former) drug rehabilitation center.
Los Altos Hills’ Jim and Becky Morgan have set their sites on saving 100,000 acres near Lake Tahoe. Former County Supervisor/ State Senator Becky Morgan says the goal is to “get ahead of the building wave.”
New poppa Sal Pizarro uses his Merc space to share the words of wisdom given to him from Silicon Valley Dads. Pizarro and wife Amy are taking a few weeks off to get to know Mia Elizabeth Pizarro… Congratulations, Sal and Amy! We guess Silicon Valley will shut down during Sal's leave...
Showing posts with label Sal Pizarro. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sal Pizarro. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Morning News Round-Up – 10.14.09: Dirty magazines in a fire station? Watch Dog is shocked...
San Jose City Attorney Rick Doyle told the City Council they should settle (outside a courtroom) the sexual harassment lawsuit filed by fire engineer Julie LeBlanc. Doyle said the $200,000 settlement was “…a good settlement...” and sent props to LeBlanc for her courage in ferreting out the hard-core porn, including the “illest men’s magazine ever.”
San Jose walked off with California’s “highest and most prestigious environmental award” when they took the GEELA home from Los Angeles. Mayor Chuck Reed was “delighted” San Jose received recognition for keeping (recyclable) garbage out of the landfill.
Between depressed home values and fewer kids in school the Alum Rock School District talks school closure. Superintendent Jose Manzo looks at the shutdown of 2 elementary schools and a middle school due to the “financial dilemma.” Perhaps this is a fall-out from their previous "Superintendent dilemma..."
Mountain View’s City Attorney gig will soon be open as 16 year veteran Michael Martello heads into the sunset (possibly) to write a tome on conflict-of-interest. A subject Martello is familiar with having faced the music for possible conflicts during his affair with Foothill Disposal General Manager/Chamber of Commerce Board President Pamela Read.
A 2 year Mayor? Mountain View is thinking up ways to make the ceremonial rotation seat more inviting. Last years (1 year) Mayor Tom Means said the influential position means “you do get invited to things… oversee functions… set the agenda on a lot of things.”
Assemblymember Joe Coto did a happy dance Sunday night when the Governator put Santa Clara Valley Water District board reforms into state law. Reforms endorsed by the board allowed Coto to (seemingly) join forces with San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed as a Sunshine distributor.
Morgan Hill Unified School District Board of Trustees President Don Moody feels “pretty darn good” about their choice for a replacement Superintendent but isn’t dishing on the name.
Medical marijuana for Gilroy and Los Gatos has to wait until lawsuits meander through the courts or another 90 days. Deputy District Attorney Steve Lowney told the Gilroy City Council to avoid the same over-the-counter problems seen in Los Angeles. Los Gatos Councilmembers are waiting for the League of California cities to provide direction. Dude...
Gilroy survived the first storm of the season with fewer power outages and lots of flooding. Morgan Hill residents headed to church to avoid flooded roads. The biggest storm in nearly 50 years took its toll dumping over 2 inches of rain in San Jose while water district Chairman Sig Sanchez said “this is a great start!”San Jose walked off with California’s “highest and most prestigious environmental award” when they took the GEELA home from Los Angeles. Mayor Chuck Reed was “delighted” San Jose received recognition for keeping (recyclable) garbage out of the landfill.
Between depressed home values and fewer kids in school the Alum Rock School District talks school closure. Superintendent Jose Manzo looks at the shutdown of 2 elementary schools and a middle school due to the “financial dilemma.” Perhaps this is a fall-out from their previous "Superintendent dilemma..."
Mountain View’s City Attorney gig will soon be open as 16 year veteran Michael Martello heads into the sunset (possibly) to write a tome on conflict-of-interest. A subject Martello is familiar with having faced the music for possible conflicts during his affair with Foothill Disposal General Manager/Chamber of Commerce Board President Pamela Read.
A 2 year Mayor? Mountain View is thinking up ways to make the ceremonial rotation seat more inviting. Last years (1 year) Mayor Tom Means said the influential position means “you do get invited to things… oversee functions… set the agenda on a lot of things.”
Assemblymember Joe Coto did a happy dance Sunday night when the Governator put Santa Clara Valley Water District board reforms into state law. Reforms endorsed by the board allowed Coto to (seemingly) join forces with San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed as a Sunshine distributor.
Morgan Hill Unified School District Board of Trustees President Don Moody feels “pretty darn good” about their choice for a replacement Superintendent but isn’t dishing on the name.
Medical marijuana for Gilroy and Los Gatos has to wait until lawsuits meander through the courts or another 90 days. Deputy District Attorney Steve Lowney told the Gilroy City Council to avoid the same over-the-counter problems seen in Los Angeles. Los Gatos Councilmembers are waiting for the League of California cities to provide direction. Dude...
According to the Merc’s Sal Pizarro there’s a lotta life in the annual Day of the Dead celebrations. “Five Minutes of Heaven” is on tap with San Jose’s Irish Sister city and kids get good dish with Seedfolks.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Morning News Round-Up – 9.15.09: What do plastic, bail bonds and Wet have in common...
Good News – Silicon Valley schools rank high in California. Bad News – Silicon Valley Latino and African American students do worse than state averages.
Vincent Cardinalli, Sr. thought he’d found the ideal way to scam money until the law caught up and handed him 157 felony counts. Always thinking creatively, Cardinalli instead sued one of the witnesses for $4.5 million, and won judgment. If only the Godfather thought of it first...
Candidates for Palo Alto City Council are unhappy interviews to take over the Police Chief gig happened behind closed doors.
San Jose’s Coyote Creek has the dubious distinction of landing on Save the Bay’s Top 10 “Bay Trash Hot Spots.” Plastic bags floating down Coyote Creek to join the 1 Million that land in the Bay each year garnered the creek this (depressing) honorific.
Gubernatorial hopefuls come calling in Silicon Valley looking for some love.
The Merc’s Sal Pizarro shares the news that San Jose Downtown Associations Scott Knies is getting canned by the city. Don’t worry about Knies, it just means the city won’t be paying Knies $160,000 (on top of the $69,000 from the association). Instead, the San Jose Redevelopment Agency will add $100,000 to the Downtown Association coffers.
Sunnyvale Mayor Anthony Spitaleri is pissed he (and Sunnyvale) have landed in a payment dispute between the Sunnyvale Mixed Use LLC and the folks (formerly) doing the build.
San Jose celebrates going solar at 6 city facilities, a $500,000 lands in the form of solar panels.
Oops, the Morgan Hill Unified School District discriminated against special education student Jessica Perez forcing her to stay in school longer and miss graduating with friends. At least, that’s what the State and Perez say.
Those fun loving folks on the Gilroy City Council may have goofed when they voted behind closed doors on raises for the city manager and clerk. Secrecy be damned, numbers for your review in the Gilroy Dispatch. You gotta wonder, who advises these guys…
Sports, sherry and dark chocolate sustained Wimbledon player/wild woman Dorothy Crichton who passed away at the age of 104 in Palo Alto.
PoliticonValley sends kudos to County Supervisor Ken Yeager for landing the State Senate confirmation to the California Air Resources Board.
Protect San Jose’s Ed Rast is one pissed off number cruncher. Rast is (apparently) mad that some non-profits receive city funds.
(also pissed off) San Jose Insider/Councilmember Pierluigi Oliverio is mad affordable housing projects don’t pay into the city’s park fees. Oliverio and Rast should get together for a mad fest. Also Inside, Santa Clara County Board of Education Trustee Joseph DiSalvo wants kids to have the same teacher for more than one year.
Vincent Cardinalli, Sr. thought he’d found the ideal way to scam money until the law caught up and handed him 157 felony counts. Always thinking creatively, Cardinalli instead sued one of the witnesses for $4.5 million, and won judgment. If only the Godfather thought of it first...
Candidates for Palo Alto City Council are unhappy interviews to take over the Police Chief gig happened behind closed doors.
San Jose’s Coyote Creek has the dubious distinction of landing on Save the Bay’s Top 10 “Bay Trash Hot Spots.” Plastic bags floating down Coyote Creek to join the 1 Million that land in the Bay each year garnered the creek this (depressing) honorific.
Gubernatorial hopefuls come calling in Silicon Valley looking for some love.
The Merc’s Sal Pizarro shares the news that San Jose Downtown Associations Scott Knies is getting canned by the city. Don’t worry about Knies, it just means the city won’t be paying Knies $160,000 (on top of the $69,000 from the association). Instead, the San Jose Redevelopment Agency will add $100,000 to the Downtown Association coffers.
Sunnyvale Mayor Anthony Spitaleri is pissed he (and Sunnyvale) have landed in a payment dispute between the Sunnyvale Mixed Use LLC and the folks (formerly) doing the build.
San Jose celebrates going solar at 6 city facilities, a $500,000 lands in the form of solar panels.
Oops, the Morgan Hill Unified School District discriminated against special education student Jessica Perez forcing her to stay in school longer and miss graduating with friends. At least, that’s what the State and Perez say.
Those fun loving folks on the Gilroy City Council may have goofed when they voted behind closed doors on raises for the city manager and clerk. Secrecy be damned, numbers for your review in the Gilroy Dispatch. You gotta wonder, who advises these guys…
Sports, sherry and dark chocolate sustained Wimbledon player/wild woman Dorothy Crichton who passed away at the age of 104 in Palo Alto.
PoliticonValley sends kudos to County Supervisor Ken Yeager for landing the State Senate confirmation to the California Air Resources Board.
Protect San Jose’s Ed Rast is one pissed off number cruncher. Rast is (apparently) mad that some non-profits receive city funds.
(also pissed off) San Jose Insider/Councilmember Pierluigi Oliverio is mad affordable housing projects don’t pay into the city’s park fees. Oliverio and Rast should get together for a mad fest. Also Inside, Santa Clara County Board of Education Trustee Joseph DiSalvo wants kids to have the same teacher for more than one year.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Morning News Round-Up -- 8.12.09: Ditch Twitter and cell-phones...
It's National Vinyl Record day...
San Jose’s City Council seems to have wrapped up the 2006 election, at least the finances part. In spite of dire warnings from their beloved City Attorney Rick Doyle and Mayor Chuck Reed who said “…we’ll be giving a gift to lawyers… and we’ll lose,” the Council retains its “soft money” cap…
Foothill-De Anza Trustee/Incumbents Pearl Cheng and Bruce Swenson got a walk on the election this year. You have till Monday if you want to duke it out to replace Hal Plotkin.
3 Meetings + Pilgrims Haven + 104,503 square feet = 37 new retirees in Los Altos Hills
San Jose’s Biblioteca Latinoamericana replaced the alleyway where Lavonna McLaughlin was murdered 15 years ago. Yesterday Deputy District Attorney Jeff Rosen painted a picture of the era as the trial for her accused killer started quietly in a Santa Clara County courtroom.
Firefighters halted a wildfire that started at Recology Pacheco Pass before it hit the methane pipes. Parent company, Norcal Waste Systems, breathed a sigh of relief but now worries over how the fire started.
Gary “Mr. Roadshow” Richards received an inbox full of email from grumpy backseat drivers. Easy people, the police asked for the warning about Cell-Phone Tuesday. You may now return to dangerous driving.
The Merc’s Sal Pizarro dishes… the yummy stuff is on order from local restaurateurs for Sunnyvale’s Saturday Jazz (green and line free, nice), Second Harvest Food Bank welcomes new CEO Kathryn Jackson, Spamalot lovers can whet their appetites at the Starlight presentation of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” last, but not least Happy Birthday Jack Aberle of San Jose State University’s Biz Admin.
Speaking of big birthdays… Los Gatos’ Betsy and David Fullagar’s 2007 birthday safari and growing friendship with Alweet Hlungwani set them on a journey that resulted this year in a library for the Makuleke tribe of South Africa.
Tweet this… That painful roller coaster ride is shut down for 2 months while engineers scratch their heads and the Twitverse keeps yakking. Stuck upside down for hours, Dominic Angel told his friends “gravity is not our friend right now.”
The Philip Bump/Revealed saga is a source of never ending fun for Mission City Lantern. An advisor to New York Public Advocate candidate Eric Gioia, Bump is getting a little West Coast love on the East Coast blogs.
Fan of students/San Jose Insider/Santa Clara County Board of Education’s Joseph DiSalvo has a few suggestions for parents checking out the neighborhood school.
Protect San Jose has joined the ranks of the anonymous blogger for a mildly comprehensible rundown on why San Jose should ditch CQ Press rankings, as the FBI did in 2004. According to CQ, they’re patiently waiting for the FBI to figure out what to use.
San Jose’s City Council seems to have wrapped up the 2006 election, at least the finances part. In spite of dire warnings from their beloved City Attorney Rick Doyle and Mayor Chuck Reed who said “…we’ll be giving a gift to lawyers… and we’ll lose,” the Council retains its “soft money” cap…
Foothill-De Anza Trustee/Incumbents Pearl Cheng and Bruce Swenson got a walk on the election this year. You have till Monday if you want to duke it out to replace Hal Plotkin.
3 Meetings + Pilgrims Haven + 104,503 square feet = 37 new retirees in Los Altos Hills
San Jose’s Biblioteca Latinoamericana replaced the alleyway where Lavonna McLaughlin was murdered 15 years ago. Yesterday Deputy District Attorney Jeff Rosen painted a picture of the era as the trial for her accused killer started quietly in a Santa Clara County courtroom.
Firefighters halted a wildfire that started at Recology Pacheco Pass before it hit the methane pipes. Parent company, Norcal Waste Systems, breathed a sigh of relief but now worries over how the fire started.
Gary “Mr. Roadshow” Richards received an inbox full of email from grumpy backseat drivers. Easy people, the police asked for the warning about Cell-Phone Tuesday. You may now return to dangerous driving.
The Merc’s Sal Pizarro dishes… the yummy stuff is on order from local restaurateurs for Sunnyvale’s Saturday Jazz (green and line free, nice), Second Harvest Food Bank welcomes new CEO Kathryn Jackson, Spamalot lovers can whet their appetites at the Starlight presentation of “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” last, but not least Happy Birthday Jack Aberle of San Jose State University’s Biz Admin.
Speaking of big birthdays… Los Gatos’ Betsy and David Fullagar’s 2007 birthday safari and growing friendship with Alweet Hlungwani set them on a journey that resulted this year in a library for the Makuleke tribe of South Africa.
Tweet this… That painful roller coaster ride is shut down for 2 months while engineers scratch their heads and the Twitverse keeps yakking. Stuck upside down for hours, Dominic Angel told his friends “gravity is not our friend right now.”
The Philip Bump/Revealed saga is a source of never ending fun for Mission City Lantern. An advisor to New York Public Advocate candidate Eric Gioia, Bump is getting a little West Coast love on the East Coast blogs.
Fan of students/San Jose Insider/Santa Clara County Board of Education’s Joseph DiSalvo has a few suggestions for parents checking out the neighborhood school.
Protect San Jose has joined the ranks of the anonymous blogger for a mildly comprehensible rundown on why San Jose should ditch CQ Press rankings, as the FBI did in 2004. According to CQ, they’re patiently waiting for the FBI to figure out what to use.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Morning News Round-Up – 8.6.09: Get the lint off those breath mints…
No kidding, today is National (Minty) Fresh Breath Day…
Congressmember Anna Eshoo put her foot down letting Hangar One keep its toxic siding a little longer. Mountain View City Manager, Kevin Duggan, is hopeful but not holding his (minty) breath, yet.
Guadalupe Cabrera Miranda was busted on his way to a grievance hearing after his son told the cops he was worried about Dad’s mental stability... oh, and the gun Pops was packing. Anticipated crimes, must be the preponderance of psychic cops that allows San Jose Police to clear the streets with “attitude” arrests.
The 49ers team offices have resided quietly in Santa Clara, now their sweetheart deal is dragging them into discussions on the teams (anticipated) southbound move. Vice Mayor Jamie Matthews says it’s not fair to say the 49ers pay roughly your mortgage annually – after all you suck up city services while they generate money.
Gilroy’s mischievous tow-truck family is heading to court with over 150 charges against them for a range of nastiness. Vincent Cardinalli Sr. represented himself during the preliminary hearing with a little coaching from Judge Gilbert Brown – including the advice to get an attorney…
California’s Superintendent of Public Education, Jack O’Connell landed in San Jose just in time for a union march on the Alfred E. Alquist State Building protesting $18 billion in education cuts. Local labor maven Cindy Chavez was (apparently) not on the scene as “penny” postcards were delivered to Assemblymembers Jim Beall and Joe Coto along with State Senators Abel Maldonado and Elaine Alquist.
It’s official, (former) Los Altos Councilmembers and Planning Commissioners won’t be volunteering at City Hall. Former Mayor Jim Thurber called the official ban an insult and illogical. No doubt these guys agreed...
Oops, that was a Past Due notice… Comcast is coughing up $100,000 in overdue fees to Los Altos…
San Jose has stayed largely unfluoridated, until that darned Tooth Mobile started promoting kids health. “We can never drill our way out…” of crummy teeth according to Health Trust CEO Fred Ferrer.
Just for fun, the Merc’s Sal Pizarro points out Friday in San Jose will be hopping. The Jazz Festival kicks off (complete with the CEO Jam showing off), South First Fridays has artist Jose Arenas unveiling a new work, and San Pedro Farmers Market gives you the chance to embarrass yourself in a pie eating contest.
San Jose Inside surfed the net to share the news that Santa Clara County will need to cough up a whopping huge check to bail the State out.
Mission City Lantern pokes at Philip “Revealed?” Bump and shares a ditty featuring San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed. On an (un)related note… The web wizards helping Working Partnerships haven’t bothered with updates since former leader Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins announced her departure…
Congressmember Anna Eshoo put her foot down letting Hangar One keep its toxic siding a little longer. Mountain View City Manager, Kevin Duggan, is hopeful but not holding his (minty) breath, yet.
Guadalupe Cabrera Miranda was busted on his way to a grievance hearing after his son told the cops he was worried about Dad’s mental stability... oh, and the gun Pops was packing. Anticipated crimes, must be the preponderance of psychic cops that allows San Jose Police to clear the streets with “attitude” arrests.
The 49ers team offices have resided quietly in Santa Clara, now their sweetheart deal is dragging them into discussions on the teams (anticipated) southbound move. Vice Mayor Jamie Matthews says it’s not fair to say the 49ers pay roughly your mortgage annually – after all you suck up city services while they generate money.
Gilroy’s mischievous tow-truck family is heading to court with over 150 charges against them for a range of nastiness. Vincent Cardinalli Sr. represented himself during the preliminary hearing with a little coaching from Judge Gilbert Brown – including the advice to get an attorney…
California’s Superintendent of Public Education, Jack O’Connell landed in San Jose just in time for a union march on the Alfred E. Alquist State Building protesting $18 billion in education cuts. Local labor maven Cindy Chavez was (apparently) not on the scene as “penny” postcards were delivered to Assemblymembers Jim Beall and Joe Coto along with State Senators Abel Maldonado and Elaine Alquist.
It’s official, (former) Los Altos Councilmembers and Planning Commissioners won’t be volunteering at City Hall. Former Mayor Jim Thurber called the official ban an insult and illogical. No doubt these guys agreed...
Oops, that was a Past Due notice… Comcast is coughing up $100,000 in overdue fees to Los Altos…
San Jose has stayed largely unfluoridated, until that darned Tooth Mobile started promoting kids health. “We can never drill our way out…” of crummy teeth according to Health Trust CEO Fred Ferrer.
Just for fun, the Merc’s Sal Pizarro points out Friday in San Jose will be hopping. The Jazz Festival kicks off (complete with the CEO Jam showing off), South First Fridays has artist Jose Arenas unveiling a new work, and San Pedro Farmers Market gives you the chance to embarrass yourself in a pie eating contest.
San Jose Inside surfed the net to share the news that Santa Clara County will need to cough up a whopping huge check to bail the State out.
Mission City Lantern pokes at Philip “Revealed?” Bump and shares a ditty featuring San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed. On an (un)related note… The web wizards helping Working Partnerships haven’t bothered with updates since former leader Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins announced her departure…
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Morning News Round-Up -- 8.5.09: Really, no pressure but...
Paris in Palo Alto courtesy of developers “…getting up there” is the goal for a revamped Lytton Plaza. Goodby “flying saucer” benches, hello game tables. Donor/Developer Le Levy used his two minute council time to sing a happy tune.
No singing here on day one of post vacation meetings...
Accusations of fraud and deceit erupted while emotions ran high during San Jose’s City Council do-over discussion of the Education Park Library quagmire. Former Public Defender/Councilmember Ash Kalra espoused expertise on steel subcontractors while declaring he had not been pressured by any group. For your reading pleasure, a steel subcontractor expert/lobbyist report from folks not pressuring Kalra. San Jose Inside has a take on the do-over, this time not relying solely on the Merc’s rendition.
Speaking of San Jose’s City Council…
Former Independent Police Auditor Barbara Attard received a little more than the coffee & chocolate parting gift when San Jose’s City Council swapped her $250,000 loan for the condo deed yesterday. No word if they’re renting to the next IPA…
Liquid gold won’t be oil in the future, it’s water. Well under way to reusing wastewater is a $55 million pilot project with the Santa Clara Valley Water District, San Jose and Santa Clara hoping following in the footsteps of Orange County… Still, pretty high on the ick factor…
Really, Saratoga does want those Federal stimulus dollars… A documentation screw-up had Councilmember Howard Miller saying “Oops, we caused an ambiguity, let's throw this thing back out there,” talking about getting those shovel ready projects underway.
Gilroy’s City Council will be holding on to binding arbitration, for now. A contentious meeting ended with an unhappy Gilroy Chamber of Commerce CEO Susan Valenta sitting in the audience. Police Officer Association President Mitch Madruga previously accused the Chamber of “irrelevant flame-fanning.” Doubtful this battle is over…
Palo Alto’s homeless Council candidate had his (first) day in court fighting the city’s sit-lie ordinance. Victor Frost is hoping free speech and a heart condition let him keep his campaign on track.
Go green, save money and spend your travel bucks at home. HP and Cisco systems hope the crashing economy will help push video conferencing over the top.
The Merc’s Sal Pizarro bids a fond farewell to retiring Superior Court Judge Catherine Gallagher who’s now headed for a post-retirement mediation career at JAMS. Pizarro also dishes the Democratic glitterati were in full force at a fundraiser for Georgia Congressmember John Lewis hosted by his buddy Congressman Mike Honda.
A Silicon Valley staple since 1954, Lupretta’s Deli will be closing the doors in Saratoga’s Village. Daryle Lupretta is looking for new digs with a kitchen… and, lot’s of foot traffic. Watch Dog has paws crossed the ravioli’s reappear soon.
Around the blogosphere…
No singing here on day one of post vacation meetings...
Accusations of fraud and deceit erupted while emotions ran high during San Jose’s City Council do-over discussion of the Education Park Library quagmire. Former Public Defender/Councilmember Ash Kalra espoused expertise on steel subcontractors while declaring he had not been pressured by any group. For your reading pleasure, a steel subcontractor expert/lobbyist report from folks not pressuring Kalra. San Jose Inside has a take on the do-over, this time not relying solely on the Merc’s rendition.
Speaking of San Jose’s City Council…
Former Independent Police Auditor Barbara Attard received a little more than the coffee & chocolate parting gift when San Jose’s City Council swapped her $250,000 loan for the condo deed yesterday. No word if they’re renting to the next IPA…
Liquid gold won’t be oil in the future, it’s water. Well under way to reusing wastewater is a $55 million pilot project with the Santa Clara Valley Water District, San Jose and Santa Clara hoping following in the footsteps of Orange County… Still, pretty high on the ick factor…
Really, Saratoga does want those Federal stimulus dollars… A documentation screw-up had Councilmember Howard Miller saying “Oops, we caused an ambiguity, let's throw this thing back out there,” talking about getting those shovel ready projects underway.
Gilroy’s City Council will be holding on to binding arbitration, for now. A contentious meeting ended with an unhappy Gilroy Chamber of Commerce CEO Susan Valenta sitting in the audience. Police Officer Association President Mitch Madruga previously accused the Chamber of “irrelevant flame-fanning.” Doubtful this battle is over…
Palo Alto’s homeless Council candidate had his (first) day in court fighting the city’s sit-lie ordinance. Victor Frost is hoping free speech and a heart condition let him keep his campaign on track.
Go green, save money and spend your travel bucks at home. HP and Cisco systems hope the crashing economy will help push video conferencing over the top.
The Merc’s Sal Pizarro bids a fond farewell to retiring Superior Court Judge Catherine Gallagher who’s now headed for a post-retirement mediation career at JAMS. Pizarro also dishes the Democratic glitterati were in full force at a fundraiser for Georgia Congressmember John Lewis hosted by his buddy Congressman Mike Honda.
A Silicon Valley staple since 1954, Lupretta’s Deli will be closing the doors in Saratoga’s Village. Daryle Lupretta is looking for new digs with a kitchen… and, lot’s of foot traffic. Watch Dog has paws crossed the ravioli’s reappear soon.
Around the blogosphere…
- Mission City Lantern lashes out against ‘Letters from Silicon Valley’
- San Jose Revealed remains incommunicado (complete with broken site – again), in spite of yesterday’s tempting San Jose City Council meeting…
- Kathleen Flynn issues a throwdown to advocates of open police records declaring on Protect San Jose “…read about the woman who murdered her child, ate her brain, tore her face off, and then tried to kill herself. I rest my case.” Watch Dog invites advocates on all sides to talk.
- San Jose Metblogger Matt Bruensteiner shares photos from his neighborhood National Night Out including cops as kiddy rockstars and tightrope walking Northsiders.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Morning News Round-Up -- 7.21.09: A Garbage Saga in Cupertino?
Cupertino Public Works Director Ralph Qualls asked his City Council to hold off on a deciding whether to stick with garbage collectors Los Altos Garbage. Perhaps nervous about Qualls, LAGCo sent a letter directly to Councilmembers, bypassing staff, with their new proposal. This story would seem to be of limited interest to most folks, except... Los Altos Garbage's parent company (Norcal) is prominently featured in Watch Dog San Mateo's Garbage Saga. But even more intriguing, the same company was also involved in Gonzales/Garbage Gate in San Jose.
Speaking of Mayor's being roughed up... Gilroy Mayor Al Pinheiro faces a recall effort from conservative activist Mark Zappa and the Police Officers Association. Zappa said recalling the Mayor would “...send a strong message to the other starry eyed members of council who the real boss is...” Watch Dog wonders if San Jose's Bobby Lopez is getting any ideas...
The Merc’s Editorial Board joins the growing chorus of those unhappy with finances in local school districts. The Editorial Board goes so far as to say Luther Burbank School District, with one school and 575 students, shouldn’t be a District. East Side Union’s questionable spending is called out and a lack of documentation questioned.
Those Federal bucks stimulating the economy have found their way to San Jose. Early beneficiaries are roads and trails. (Not this place, which a recent emailer suggested was a good place for stimulus dollars to be spent.)
San Jose Police have (again) opted not to release 911 tapes from the murder/suicide by Jian Ming Liang. In a letter to the Mercury News, Chief Rob Davis (with City Attorney Rick Doyle) said “...it is not the department’s intent to deny every request for 911 information...” Though, (apparently) it is the result…
Joining the band of cities pissed at the Guvernator, Cupertino is part of a lawsuit from the League of California Cities fighting the jurisdictional dollar theft.
The unique gang murder case underway in Morgan Hill has a new Judge and new charges for Christian Jimenez. The trial restarts Wednesday after the new Judge has had time to catch up.
Hank Nijmeh’s family owns San Jose’s iconic Falafel’s Drive-In. He’s lived in Silicon Valley for over 40 years, graduated from Campbell’s Del Mar High School, and is now being deported by U.S. immigration to Israel. His crime appears to be mental illness and smoking pot.
For decades the fact she flew military planes during WWII was a State secret. San Jose’s Marcella Tucker was one of 25,000 American women trained to fly military aircraft. Soon she’ll receive the Congressional Gold Medal recognizing her efforts.
Local restaurateur, Tom Muller of Lou’s Village fame, shared memories of Walter Cronkite’s visit with the Merc’s Sal Pizarro. "And that's the way it is..."
The Merc’s Scott Herhold tossed his curmudgeonly attitude overboard for his first Bike Party with 2,500 cycling revelers.
And to the local blogosphere...
Speaking of Mayor's being roughed up... Gilroy Mayor Al Pinheiro faces a recall effort from conservative activist Mark Zappa and the Police Officers Association. Zappa said recalling the Mayor would “...send a strong message to the other starry eyed members of council who the real boss is...” Watch Dog wonders if San Jose's Bobby Lopez is getting any ideas...
The Merc’s Editorial Board joins the growing chorus of those unhappy with finances in local school districts. The Editorial Board goes so far as to say Luther Burbank School District, with one school and 575 students, shouldn’t be a District. East Side Union’s questionable spending is called out and a lack of documentation questioned.
Those Federal bucks stimulating the economy have found their way to San Jose. Early beneficiaries are roads and trails. (Not this place, which a recent emailer suggested was a good place for stimulus dollars to be spent.)
San Jose Police have (again) opted not to release 911 tapes from the murder/suicide by Jian Ming Liang. In a letter to the Mercury News, Chief Rob Davis (with City Attorney Rick Doyle) said “...it is not the department’s intent to deny every request for 911 information...” Though, (apparently) it is the result…
Joining the band of cities pissed at the Guvernator, Cupertino is part of a lawsuit from the League of California Cities fighting the jurisdictional dollar theft.
The unique gang murder case underway in Morgan Hill has a new Judge and new charges for Christian Jimenez. The trial restarts Wednesday after the new Judge has had time to catch up.
Hank Nijmeh’s family owns San Jose’s iconic Falafel’s Drive-In. He’s lived in Silicon Valley for over 40 years, graduated from Campbell’s Del Mar High School, and is now being deported by U.S. immigration to Israel. His crime appears to be mental illness and smoking pot.
For decades the fact she flew military planes during WWII was a State secret. San Jose’s Marcella Tucker was one of 25,000 American women trained to fly military aircraft. Soon she’ll receive the Congressional Gold Medal recognizing her efforts.
Local restaurateur, Tom Muller of Lou’s Village fame, shared memories of Walter Cronkite’s visit with the Merc’s Sal Pizarro. "And that's the way it is..."
The Merc’s Scott Herhold tossed his curmudgeonly attitude overboard for his first Bike Party with 2,500 cycling revelers.
And to the local blogosphere...
- Mission City Lantern is hosting a new poll on the identity of San Jose Revealed.
- Speaking of Revealed... you know what's not fun? Your blog these days...
Monday, July 13, 2009
Morning News Round-Up – 7.13.09: A Wet Sword of Damocles...
San Jose Assemblymember Joe Coto managed to land himself in the Chronicle’s editorial pages. This time Coto is seeking to take away California’s “district of choice” program from parents hoping to send their kids to targeted schools.
San Jose’s Luther Burbank School District found itself the subject of a Civil Grand Jury investigation. School Board President Antonio Perez gets the special love that only a Grand Jury can give with accusations of creating a hostile workplace, questionable business practices, breaking state law, and financial mismanagement. Of the schools high rating by the California Department of Education, Perez said “academic excellence – the word makes me sick.”
The Merc’s Sal Pizarro bid a fond farewell to A.P. Stump’s with a crowd big enough to have revelers suggesting Stump’s should have had weekly closing parties.
San Jose’s pension fund scandal is the gift that keeps on giving. Calling it “heads I win, tails you lose” Councilmember Sam Liccardo questions the wisdom of $2.9 million in bonus benefits when the fund is underfunded for future retirees…
Club Wet in San Jose was ordered stop the dance after their 5th stabbing in 6 months. According to the club’s consultant, Dustin DeRollo, the latest stabbing was “unpreventable.” Which begs the question, were the other 4 stabbings avoidable? For the answer, check out the spin on Wet’s website where you’ll learn that stabbings are a part of a “premiere entertainment experience.”
It’s Summer and teens are hitting the roadways with creative stories designed to flummox parents. The Merc’s Mr. Roadshow (aka Gary Richards) clears up the fiction, much to the dismay of teens around the Bay.
San Jose’s Mineta International Airport opens a few gates in its sparkly new terminal while trying to confuse passengers with “counterintuitive” gates according to spokesperson David Vossbrink.
A San Jose teen was stabbed to death in a (possibly) gang related attack at a Sunnyvale brawl. Police hope you’ll share info at 408-730-7120.
Former San Jose Planning Commissioner Bhupindar “Bob” Dhillon dismissed accusations of financial mismanagement and shoddy workmanship at the growing Sikh temple. Dhillon is confident his 25 year old construction management student will be successful with the $40 million (first) project calling naysayers lying nitpickers.
San Jose's Redevelopment Agency managed to land $24 million from the State to straighten the unfriendly Julian Street. Transportation consultant Gary Black said undoing the curvy street would help make San Jose’s downtown nice. Mayor Chuck Reed is hopeful the State’s check isn’t an IOU.
The sound of the other shoe dropping would be State threats to remove San Jose Redevelopment money targeted for expansion of the Convention Center. Calling it a “totally sword-of-Damocles situation” the Agency’s Bill Ekern waits on pins and needles for word of State theft.
The Merc’s on-again/off-again Government Watch is back up with the following news…
San Jose’s Luther Burbank School District found itself the subject of a Civil Grand Jury investigation. School Board President Antonio Perez gets the special love that only a Grand Jury can give with accusations of creating a hostile workplace, questionable business practices, breaking state law, and financial mismanagement. Of the schools high rating by the California Department of Education, Perez said “academic excellence – the word makes me sick.”
The Merc’s Sal Pizarro bid a fond farewell to A.P. Stump’s with a crowd big enough to have revelers suggesting Stump’s should have had weekly closing parties.
San Jose’s pension fund scandal is the gift that keeps on giving. Calling it “heads I win, tails you lose” Councilmember Sam Liccardo questions the wisdom of $2.9 million in bonus benefits when the fund is underfunded for future retirees…
Club Wet in San Jose was ordered stop the dance after their 5th stabbing in 6 months. According to the club’s consultant, Dustin DeRollo, the latest stabbing was “unpreventable.” Which begs the question, were the other 4 stabbings avoidable? For the answer, check out the spin on Wet’s website where you’ll learn that stabbings are a part of a “premiere entertainment experience.”
It’s Summer and teens are hitting the roadways with creative stories designed to flummox parents. The Merc’s Mr. Roadshow (aka Gary Richards) clears up the fiction, much to the dismay of teens around the Bay.
San Jose’s Mineta International Airport opens a few gates in its sparkly new terminal while trying to confuse passengers with “counterintuitive” gates according to spokesperson David Vossbrink.
A San Jose teen was stabbed to death in a (possibly) gang related attack at a Sunnyvale brawl. Police hope you’ll share info at 408-730-7120.
Former San Jose Planning Commissioner Bhupindar “Bob” Dhillon dismissed accusations of financial mismanagement and shoddy workmanship at the growing Sikh temple. Dhillon is confident his 25 year old construction management student will be successful with the $40 million (first) project calling naysayers lying nitpickers.
San Jose's Redevelopment Agency managed to land $24 million from the State to straighten the unfriendly Julian Street. Transportation consultant Gary Black said undoing the curvy street would help make San Jose’s downtown nice. Mayor Chuck Reed is hopeful the State’s check isn’t an IOU.
The sound of the other shoe dropping would be State threats to remove San Jose Redevelopment money targeted for expansion of the Convention Center. Calling it a “totally sword-of-Damocles situation” the Agency’s Bill Ekern waits on pins and needles for word of State theft.
The Merc’s on-again/off-again Government Watch is back up with the following news…
- San Jose’s Mexican Heritage Plaza Steering Committee hopes a noon time meeting will deliver creative ideas on “sustainable” business models and cost reduction.
- Sunnyvale’s City Council goes after a homeland security grant for bomb sniffing pooches.
- The 49ers proposed stadium is on tap at Santa Clara’s City Council.
- Yummy cafeteria food fills the plate for the Los Gatos Union School District.
- A scathing Civil Grand Jury report has the Luther Burbank (1 school) School District considering responses to “Board of Trustees of Luther Burbank School District (LBSD) Gets an ‘F’.” Also up for discussion, extending the interim Superintend while the search continues.
Mission City Lantern let loose with an attack on the Merc’s Barbara Marshman and the Chronicle and a (possible) accusation of Santa Clara City Councilmember Jamie McLeod as a former Gavin Newsom girlfriend (really?).
Monday, July 6, 2009
Morning News Round-Up – 7.6.09:
District Attorney Dolores Carr was not happy to hear Superior Court commissioner Gregory Saldivar would not take the stand in the mysterious case of the (fraudulent) tow operator. The DA’s office is pinning hopes on seeing Saldivar on the stand if/when the tow operating family finds itself in court.
San Francisco blogger Joe Eskenazi, aka “The Snitch,” follows up on the growing interest in San Jose Assemblymember Joe Coto’s bill for Da Mayor. Eskenazi wonders if media attention gave legislators the chutzpah to challenge Coto in the Senate.
The Merc’s Editorial Board takes a jab at San Jose’s planning department for proposing hotels in North San Jose while celebrating a proposed influx of big box retail – think Target on steroids.
Willow Glenites are forming their own latte toting vigilante group in response to a rash of (wannabe) ganglike graffiti on cars.
Clocking in as the Nation’s oldest 4th of July parade the Morgan Hill stream of red, white and blue saw more than 45,000 bystanders. The Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation center shared the road with the National Rifle Association while Water District Director/Supervisorial wannabe Rosemary Kamei became Rosie the Riveter.
Mercury News columnists were on a roll…
And, finally, in the post celebratory round-up… San Jose Inside’s Rants & Raves began on a high note “Happy Birthday, USA!” before quickly deteriorating into accusations of Grinchy fireworks thievery before concluding Silicon Valley lawmakers must not be working because SteveO didn’t see them.
San Francisco blogger Joe Eskenazi, aka “The Snitch,” follows up on the growing interest in San Jose Assemblymember Joe Coto’s bill for Da Mayor. Eskenazi wonders if media attention gave legislators the chutzpah to challenge Coto in the Senate.
The Merc’s Editorial Board takes a jab at San Jose’s planning department for proposing hotels in North San Jose while celebrating a proposed influx of big box retail – think Target on steroids.
Willow Glenites are forming their own latte toting vigilante group in response to a rash of (wannabe) ganglike graffiti on cars.
Clocking in as the Nation’s oldest 4th of July parade the Morgan Hill stream of red, white and blue saw more than 45,000 bystanders. The Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation center shared the road with the National Rifle Association while Water District Director/Supervisorial wannabe Rosemary Kamei became Rosie the Riveter.
Mercury News columnists were on a roll…
- Curmudgeonly Scott Herhold uses his column to lay claim to a marshmallow interior when it comes to San Jose.
- The Merc’s Sal Pizarro was all about the fundraisers. Leah Toeniskoetter, of construction fame, heads out on a “Death Ride,” a happy Bob Hammer, oat eating Gwen Peters and San Jose chroreographer Tawnya Kuzia who needs your help to head to New York.
- Internal Affairs, the Merc’s political snoop column, chastised Saratoga/Santa Maria/San Luis Obispo Senator Abel Maldonado for sitting firmly on his hands. Maldonado, who previously accused State Insurance Commissioner/fellow Republican Steve Poizner of grandstanding, refused to take a stand on education dollars.
- The job switch of sheriff’s Lt. Jose Salcido caught the eye of the Merc’s Internal Affairs crew. Winner Salcido, becoming a double dipper with a healthy pension and 6 figure salary as Mayor Chuck Reed’s police right hand. IA noticed San Jose Revealed’s MIA status, calls Watch Dog a widow in mourning (seriously?), and wonders if labor doyenne Cindy Chavez is involved.
- Geeky workers heading to Palo Alto along Page Mill may want to trade in that car for a bicycle. Gary “Mr. Roadshow” Richards shares the news that the County budget disaster has road crews working during rush hour.
And, finally, in the post celebratory round-up… San Jose Inside’s Rants & Raves began on a high note “Happy Birthday, USA!” before quickly deteriorating into accusations of Grinchy fireworks thievery before concluding Silicon Valley lawmakers must not be working because SteveO didn’t see them.
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