Morning News Round-Up -- 4.15.10: Tea Party Day...

Sharks lost...

Even though Scott Herhold at the Merc thinks LaDoris Cordell was an "odd choice" for the San Jose Independent Police Auditor job... he didn't convince the Editorial Board who called the choice "daring" and "great for the time"... as for the San Jose Police Officers' Association, they have a different opinion:

"...I have serious concerns about Ms. Cordell’s ability to be independent and objective. While she has a right to be associated with community groups that have historically been critical and antagonistic to our officers, this should raise questions about her ability to be objective, just as Chris Constantin was considered biased because of his relationships. I consider this a double standard..."

As we said yesterday, really? Cordell has a brother or sister that works at the ACLU, the NAACP, or DeBug?

Speaking of public safety unions in San Jose, the firefighters looked through last year's budget and found $7 million worth of things that could have been cut from the City Manager's budget, saying that such frivolous spending creates a credibility gap for the City when it says they are broke. The story on San Jose Inside does provide this jab back at the firefighters about their plans to close the budget gap: "...All told, the union’s proposals would come to a little over a million dollars. The total of the contracts outlined in “City Spending Gone Wild” only adds up to a little over $7 million—loose change compared to the $116.2 million quagmire that the city is still trudging through..."

Another nugget in the San Jose Inside story: lobbyists Dustin DeRollo and Tom Saggau are on the case for the firefighters... perhaps the firefighters forget the great work these two did for bail bonds shops and Club Wet...

Zoe Lofgren on the Supreme Court? Someone in Washington thinks it is a good idea: the Computer & Communications Industry Association. Watch Dog loves the Congresswoman, but we aren't sure about this particular job opening for her...

San Jose City Council races are still heating up. Magdalena Carrasco beat out Xavier Campos for the Chamber of Commerce endorsement yesterday, as reported by San Jose Inside. Perhaps Labor's threatening Carrasco's supporters helped push the Chamber towards Carrasco?

In a nod to NIMBYs, some folks on the Peninsula are considering whether or not to join the (Tea Party?) effort to repeal the High-Speed Rail bond... have fun with that...

Speaking of the Tea Party, there will be a "Tax Day Protest" in downtown San Jose today. That should be a fun, gun-toting shin-dig... In case you forgot, last year San Jose Councilmember Pete Constant joined the (anti-immigrant, pro-Palin) fun... (Thank you tipster for the picture...)

In an (un?)related story... LA may shut down a white supremacist meeting permitted for this weekend...

Morning News Round-Up -- 10.1.09: Wet Goes to Court...

The other Club Wet shoe dropped when Club owners filed a federal lawsuit asking a Judge to block closure claiming San Jose’s regulations on nightclubs are "completely lacking in constitutionally required procedural safeguards." San Jose Police shrugged saying the Club had at least 49 chances to fix problems during the 5 months when customers were being stabbed or mauled in brawls. We wish Club Wet would let their lobbyists speak. Mr. DeRollo and Mr. Saggau were always so eloquent in Wet's defense.

Santa Clara District Attorney Dolores Carr is back in the news following (preliminary) reports that the DA’s office withheld at least 5 videotapes in child sexual assault cases. In addition to screwing up child predator convictions, Santa Clara County could be on the hook for expensive lawsuits from pissed off, imprisoned predators.

Speaking of DA Office screw ups... Protect San Jose’s Kathleen Flynn put her foot down declaring “enough is enough.” While Flynn never mentioned Vahid Hosseini it’s clear she’s pissed District Attorney Dolores Carr’s (un-ethical) handling of the case and tossing it to the Attorney General’s office gets more air time than the case itself.

Beverly Head was distressed enough about dogs racing (on leash) alongside their owners on trails that she commented to her husband about possible animal cruelty. Two days later, a leashed Siberian Husky tripped her during a walk causing her death. San Jose Parks spokesperson Mona Favorite-Hill said “there was no way to anticipate this.”

ACORN is cutting classes in San Jose following an East Coast conservative sting operation. In San Jose, ACORN is credited with raising the red flag on predatory lending practices in East San Jose where hundreds of homeowners face foreclosure. East Side Supervisor George Shirakawa, Jr., said “we probably should have listened a lot closer.”

(As an aside, Supervisor Shirakawa probably could apply that quote to Bob Nunez's former employers...)

The California High-Speed Rail Authority opened the doors to public comment after handing out the “alternative analysis” on moving people between San Francisco and San Jose. NIMBY neighbors in fancy Peninsula cities and towns will be happy to hear tunnels are under discussion. The Merc’s Editorial Board was also talking HSR, sending a message to the Fed’s in support of $4.5 billion for High-Speed Rail.

Disagreeing with the Merc's Editorial board... San Jose Insider Pete Campbell argues San Jose shouldn’t keep federal stimulus dollars and should instead send the $15 million targeted for street repair to impoverished Mississippi.

Mountain Views NASA/Ames Research Center is the place to land today as “a panel of Silicon Valley heavyweights” talks economic recovery in the South Bay – and using Silicon Valley recovery as a model for California. State Senator Elaine Alquist leads the charge with San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, Carl Guardino from the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, Santa Clara County Office of Education’s Chuck Weis and a host of “heavyweights.” Begging the question, the South Bay has recovered?

Los Altos retirement home Pilgrim Haven missed the added joys of a lawsuit when the North Los Altos Concerned Neighbors dropped plans “…to pursue litigation…”

Los Altos City Councilmembers approved a Retiree Health Savings Plan for Police Officers. Los Altos acts as trustee but is not financially responsible for investments and the “plan will incur no cost to the city” according to city human resources manager Patrick Alvarez.

Swine Flu stays in the news… Santa Clara County has declared a swine-ish emergency to open community vaccination clinics.

The Merc’s Scott Herhold wants to know why Santa Clara County Tax Assessor Larry Stone is “so weird,” according to Stone he simply has a love for campaigning and the democratic process. Stone’s deputy, David Ginsborg was in the midst of collecting endorsements when Stone announced the desire to kick off his 70th birthday with a new term in office. Ginsborg dropped his plans.

Looking to get a little college experience without the pain of homework or tests? This is your chance, according to the Merc’s Sal Pizarro. San Jose State University kicks off Classes Without Quizzes.

Morning News Round-Up -- 9.24.09: Change of plans this weekend, no Club Wet...

The City of San Jose is cracking down on Club Wet. Club Wet’s self imposed shutdown could become permanent. San Jose Assistant Police Chief Dan Katz pulled the plug saying “We’re dealing with somebody here who’s had a succession of violations, and we’re saying enough is enough.” Wet’s lobbyists Saggau and DeRollo have 10 days to spin the Club back into existence. The San Jose PD did not say, "we believed shutting Wet down was not preventable..."

The Merc digs deep into San Jose’s transition to a de-plasticized shopping experience to find it was San Jose Councilmember Kansen Chu’s personal experience that led the way. David Lewis with Save the Bay shrugged over cries from the American Chemistry Council to point out following bans from San Francisco and Palo Alto “the world did not end.”

San Jose’s Redevelopment Agency heard the flutter of pink slips as nearly a quarter of the Agency’s team was shown the door after the State snagged $75 million from their cookie jar. One pissed off Mayor Chuck Reed said “Redevelopment provides critical tools to rebuild our economy… exactly the kinds of investments we should be making in this recession.”

The debt collectors are the only ones making a killing these days, even your neighborhood librarian is asking for their help to get books back from scofflaws. Perhaps Larry Pegram's Library Watchers could help in the cause...

Palo Alto’s homeless Council wannabe, Victor Frost, is back in hot water and it isn’t the hot tubs at Watercourse Way. Frost, pissed off when a wheelchair bound/homeless/amputee took his spot while he was away for an interview, unleashed a stream of “racial epithets.” With a possible 6 months in jail, perhaps Palo Alto’s crowded field just opened up a little.

NIMBYism is alive and well in San Jose according to the Merc’s Scott Herhold who tells the tale of the demise of an affordable housing project at the hands of politically savvy neighbors.

The Merc’s Editorial Board offers their support to this weekend's Mariachi and Mexican Heritage Festival this weekend.

Morning News Round-Up – 9.17.09: This website is too busy to show the webpage…

The Merc’s site is very popular today. Before the site got hit (an attack or just really popular?) we pulled a few tidbits from the Merc’s headlines. Hope this is not a sign of things to come...

Most of the gubernatorial hopefuls hit Silicon Valley for an (un)cheery discussion of California’s gloomy state of affairs along with their pitch to be the next leader.

“Our job here is not to go on strike,” according to Service Employees International Union representative Brian Ward as negotiations with the city of Palo Alto stretched long into the night. Councilmember Pat Burt called allegations of “hiding” money “silly” and said they were “red herrings” that were distracting negotiations.

Plastic bags are on their way out the door in Palo Alto. While most of the environmentally conscious town’s markets gave up the bits of flotsam before being asked a few will end use tomorrow. The American Chemistry Council could be heard grumbling as they toted off with their reusable bag filled with goodies from Piazza’s.

Gilroy’s City Council is sending police and planning staff to investigate the joys of medical marijuana.

Gilroy schools received an uneven report card. All but two schools were inside the 700 range. Mount Madonna and (former) charter school El Portal Leadership Academy stumbled along in the 500’s. El Portal is best remembered as the site of stolen teacher funds as the Mexican American Community Services Agency (MACSA) “borrowed” money…

Here’s some (un)cheerful news to read at breakfast – if you’re stuck on the railroad tracks with a train hurtling towards you, jump out and run in the direction of the train at an angle. This after Santa Clara County employee Chuck Issacson was killed when his car was pinned between cars.

Mission City Lantern offers up a new name for the lobbyist firm of Saggau and DeRollo, bada bing… And, pokes fun at Watch Dog for a tardy post, thanks for the kind words in spite of the late posting, James.

Protect San Jose’s Beat Cop offers that annoying helicopter hovering over your home should be heard as the swooping of the hawk looking for prey, while keeping you safe from rodents.

Morning News Round-Up -- 9.14.09: Welcome to Club Wet, here's a card for Bad Boys

If you were online and reading Watch Dog this weekend, you probably saw a post from Friday evening about Club Wet's latest and greatest. It includes a YouTube video, so you should probably check it out if you are trying to ease into your Monday morning without doing any real work -- but turn down the volume. (We thank San Jose Inside for being on top of all things Wet.) The Merc followed up with a story on Saturday about the Club. We are especially fond of the quotes of Club Wet's lobbyists/ spokesmen Tom Saggau:

"...No one was hurt, no one was arrested..."
"...every once in a while, people act inappropriately..."

Flashback: Remember, these quotes below that followed a stabbing at Club Wet made by Saggau's partner, Dustin DeRollo, not so long ago

"...It was one individual bad apple that spoiled the barrel..."
"...We don't think this was preventable..."

We bring this up because the firm of Saggau and DeRollo is in the paper again today... but not about Club Wet, about bail bonds. We wonder if Saggau and DeRollo hand out Bad Boys Bail Bonds cards inside the Club...

Speaking of bail bonds, the issue is back and it looks like a 22-month moratorium for new bail bonds will be voted on. The Merc's Editorial Board chimed in supporting the moratorium and called it a "gift" to bail bonds operations. (They also call out the aforementioned lobbyists...)

(Former) Mayor Tom McEnery is moving forward with plans for his Urban Market hoping San Jose’s (already struggling) restaurateurs will help with mini-eateries. The Merc’s Sal Pizarro reports more than a little eye-rolling at the thought of expansion during the economic crisis.

and, speaking of (receiving) anonymous complaints… San Jose’s Elections Commission isn’t interested in hearing from anonymous whistleblowers unless they use the phone. (Former) Mayor Tom McEnery’s 20 “unintentional” paperwork screwups pissed off Commissioners and McEnery neighbors.

Proving nepotism runs strong in San Jose, Councilmember Nora Campos hopes to hand the keys to her office to brother Xavier in San Jose’s 2010 council race. The Merc’s Internal Affairs checked with Campos about the little problem of embezzlement charges facing former employer MACSA to learn the former Chief Operations Officer didn’t get involved in day-to-day operations. (If that is true, we love the ironic job title Campos had...) IA also dishes local judges are refusing furlough days. No doubt the folks making a lot less than the judicial $170,000 would like to do the same. Also in the news, the Boots (Del Biaggio) heading to prison pulled out all the stops with everyone from Catholic Bishops to San Jose Redevelopment Agency staff writing “he’s a nice guy who made a boo-boo” letters to lessen the sentence. Finally, the Van Jones leaves D.C. story won’t end with a return of former labor leader Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins.

The economic crunch continues to pound public libraries. The Santa Clara County Library shut down a third of their computers leaving (unemployed) web-surfing wannabe’s in the lurch when the demand for high intensity data shot up.

For government Watch Dogs, this week is full of fireworks… thank you Merc.

• The County Board of Supervisors discusses passing the State’s cutbacks on to foster care and AIDS prevention.
• San Jose’s City Council hears a debate between experts about San Jose A’s bringing a pretty penny and (finally) concludes the long discussion about bail bonds moratoriums.
• Figuring out whether there are enough textbooks is on tap at the Fremont Union High School District.
• County pockets could become part of the City of Monte Sereno and the Monte Sereno City Council reviews a hazard mitigation plan.
• The Franklin-McKinley School District talks test results.
• During the economic disaster, and with schools losing State money hand over fist, the Santa Clara County Office of Education reviews policies on Board compensation, benefits, and travel.
• The Campbell Union High School District gets an update on the strategic plan. Wonder if this economic crisis was predicted 3 years ago.
• Superintendent Bob Nunez is the discussion at the East Side Union High School District... again.
  
• Hearing about test results and studying student enrollment, attendance areas and transportation is in the works for the Mountain View-Whisman School District.

A (YouTube) brawl at Club Wet... who could have predicted it?

Guess what? Club Wet is in the news again. This time with a YouTube video of a 4 minute brawl and (another) seemingly weak crackdown by the Police Department.

Here is the key line from our blog-friends at San Jose Inside about the "punishment" the Club received:

Wet was served late Friday. Club officials say the timing gave them no opportunity to challenge the action in court. The club will be open and be able to serve alcohol and play music, just won’t have live entertainment.

Here is the video. A Watch Dog warning, you'll be pretty disturbed by the video.



Where to even begin with this story...

The History: It is important to remember the history of Club Wet... There have been multiple stabbings there over the past six months. As a result, they got slapped with a penalty (?) in July whereby they had cut their capacity by 15 people (that's not a typo) and close 15 minutes early (also not a typo). Based on the video, we don't think those cautionary measures worked.

The Lobbyist/Apologist: Let's remember what Wet's lobbyist said the last time (but certainly not the first time) there was a stabbing at Club Wet:

"...It was one individual bad apple that spoiled the barrel..." and
"...We don't think this was preventable...

From the video is looks like it may have been a barrel-full of bad apples and not all of those bad apples were necessarily patrons... Was this brawl preventable Mr. DeRollo?

The Incredibly Weak Punishment/Accountability: It is amazing enough that Club Wet is allowed to stay open after all this history and the newest brawl. Not only that, but Club Wet is sill being allowed to sell alcohol and play music. Where is the accountability to the owners, promoters, and security in Club Wet? How long before someone is killed at Club Wet?

The Most Shameless: "...Club officials say the timing gave them no opportunity to challenge the action in court..." Really? Club officials want to challenge the City's action in court? Really? Instead of taking the City to court, they should kiss Chief Davis on the lips for the kid gloves with which they are being treated...

We are absolutely positive that this story is not over. If history is any guide, Club Wet will continue to operate, relatively free from punishment, until someone dies in the Club. It is sad, but seemingly true.

Obviously the Club has influence at City Hall and that seems to be the only thing that matters these days. In the meantime, stay safe club-goers...

Club Wet - 15 Patrons/15 Minutes = No Stabbings?

We learned earlier this week that (thankfully?) Club Wet will be opened this weekend after a couple of days off. They were forced to take a short hiatus because of a series of stabbings that occurred at Club Wet over the past couple of months.

Club Wet's lobbyist (Dustin DeRollo) should get paid extra for getting the City of San Jose to allow for a quick re-opening...

The City did insist on some punishment for Club Wet, but the punishment seems like barely a slap on the wrist. The "punishment" includes limiting the occupancy of Club Wet by 15 people (not a typo) and closing 15 minutes early (not a typo)...

To give you an idea of the difference that 15 people make in a Club the size of Club Web, check out this photo (from Wet's website) and you tell me if removing 15 folks from this shot makes a difference.

Check out Club Wet for yourself, visit their website. Don't' miss the galleries and the videos.

And, we look forward to seeing you this Friday and Saturday night at Club Wet.

I'll get us on the VIP list for DJ Fashen if you sign us up for House of Wax/ DJ Sid Vicious...

Club Wet Goes to City Hall...

You will all be happy to know that Club Wet is back... (bad grammar and all...) We recommend taking some extra safety precautions if you plan to go dancing there, however.

What the hell are we talking about? Well, you may remember a story from last week about a series of stabbings at downtown San Jose's Club Wet. We thought we'd share some info that came to us thanks to some non-Club Wet-going 18th Floor workers...

Last weekend, Club Wet's representative (a.k.a. lobbyist) Dustin DeRollo said, with regards to the latest stabbing, that:

"...It was one individual bad apple that spoiled the barrel..." and
"...We don't think this was preventable..."

Between all the stabbings and increased attention their (weak) security has been receiving, Club Wet has known for some time that it was in trouble. So much trouble, in fact, they hired a lobbyist two months ago. (See lobbyist filing below.)

Just to recap:

• Club Wet had problems with security and stabbings for at least six months.
  
• Instead of doing something about their security, they decide to do something about their image at City Hall.
  
• Club Wet hires a "high-priced" lobbyist to spin away the Club's problems rather than improving security to actually address the problem.

Why does all this matter?

Well, for all you astute observers, this is the same lobbyist (and lobbying firm) that works for the bail bonds shops in town. Remember, these guys have big clout with some folks on the City Council, as pointed out by Merc. columnist Scott Herhold: "...The lobbying firm of Saggau-DeRollo and their clients have given generously to councilmembers: As a group, they gave $10,000 to helping Madison Nguyen beat recall, $3,400 to help elect Rose Herrera..."

So, is Club Wet going to get as warm a reception at City Hall as the Bail Bonds seem to get? Or, will Club Wet be seen as the bad apple spoiling the downtown nightlife barrel...

Club Wet's Lobbyist Filing

Morning News Round-Up -- 7.16.09: More Wet News...

Barely halfway through 2009, San Jose is on track for a record number of murders. A man was shot to death in the Santee area. Sgt. Ronnie Lopez said it probably wasn’t a drive-by.

The Blue Ribbon Compost Task Force in Palo Alto has made a recommendation to keep composting. Seriously. We can't make this stuff up. (In fairness, it is a little more complicated than that...)

In other "News of the Weird" from Palo Alto... A homeless City Council candidate is being asked by Palo Alto Police not to take up residence outside Whole Foods. (Watch Dog guesses it might lead to some serious liberal guilt if he was living outside of Whole Foods...)

The Merc’s Joe Rodriguez didn’t get asked his opinion on un-doing the problems of the “monumental flop” called the Mexican Heritage Plaza, but that didn’t stop him from posting ideas from readers. Ideas for re-tooling the 1987 vision by then-Councilmember Blanca Alvarado include a Seattle-style Space Needle with a rotating Mexican restaurant.

Other opinions from Merc columnists... The unveiling of a piece of the Mineta San Jose International Airport drew kudos from the Merc’s Sal Pizarro who toured with “dozens of dignitaries.” Begging the question, San Jose has "dozens" of dignitaries?

Mountain View Police will soon take advantage of Google’s free WiFi. The WiFi system will also be used to enhance the water meters at the Pulte Homes' development.

Lots of Los Altos/Los Altos Hills news today...

• New (rotating) Los Altos Hills Mayor Dean Warshawsky takes the helm for a second time. His big goal, annex Hidden Villa, keep the rural atmosphere, and upgrade recreation for residents. (Translation: Better access to the Fremont Hills Country Club.)
• Neighbors in Los Altos (NIMBYs) are still pissed off about a proposed Senior housing proposal approved by the Planning Commission in May. After a contentious meeting this week where NIMBY’s grumped about the noise and dust of construction, the City Council voted to have another meeting to delay their decision.
  
• It seems inaction is contagious in Los Altos. A lawsuit is brewing between the Los Altos School District and the Bullis Charter because Bullis administrators are pissed following 5 years of talk but no action on “...equitably shared facilities...” by the Los Altos School District.

(Apparently) Worried the Los Gatos City Council might not know where they were, the Los Gatos Arts Commission has remade the Council Chambers with an exhibit called “You Are Here.” No word if City Manager Greg Larson has Facebooked about the exhibit yet... (Watch Dog spies are constantly updating us on Larson's status...)

San Jose Inside’s Fly reports Police Chief Rob Davis forced the closure of Club Wet. Apparently, the weapon used during the most-recent stabbing was the size of a pinkie finger and really, no serious wounds were left behind. Club owners dismissed the multiple stabbing as a little dance floor fight with revelers back in action after security guards swooped in. Aside from the fact SJPD didn’t close the club (club owners did), it’s nice to know that if you’re stabbed with a little knife it’s not really a "stabbing." Remember, this "stabbing" was unpreventable according to Wet's lobbyist. (A nightclub needs a lobbyist?)

San Jose Inside’s Silicon Valley Newsroom has resorted to using Watch Dog as their news source of choice having given up on reporters. The latest homage to Watch Dog is reposting the (old) news that Assemblymember Joe Coto and State Senator Gilbert Cedillo were dropped from the Minuteman lawsuit.

Inside isn't the only blog joining the news aggregating business, so is Protect San Jose...

Sadly, Revealed remains silent... pneumonia... vacation... new job?

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 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?).