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Articles from
April 2008
BCS -- you have got to be kidding.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008 ::
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What planet are these people on? See this article on ESPN.com
The BCS is in a state of health? Stupid.
I favor a 10 game max season (including conference championships) and an 8 team playoff to determine the National Champion. The teams in the National Championship would play 13 games.
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Abbie turns 4
Monday, April 28, 2008 ::
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Yesterday was Abbie's 4th birthday. It was quite a day.
For my first "day off" in quite a while -- I am exhausted. After church I fed Adam and Abbie and put them down for a nap. After the got up in bad moods we met Jenn af the party. It was a complete zoo.
After the party for the kids my family all went to our house for presents, food, and more madness.
It is like one of those "vacations" that you need to rest when you come home.
While it was a long day -- I do love that little girl. She is a huge part of my life.
I used to be tough. Now I ...... have a wife, two kids, go to fairy birthday parties and enjoy it, own two Volvos, couldn't WALK ten miles without a break, push-ups involve yogurt, pull-ups are a diaper during potty training, am older than probably every player in NFL, wouldn't scare a girl scout troop, have not slept outside in years, and probably would max out on the bench press 225 pounds instead of warming up with it. I need to look for the AARP website.
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Letter to the Editor Today
Sunday, April 27, 2008 ::
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Rainy Bewley has a letter to the editor in the Daily Democrat today on the mapping vote taken by the Board of Supervisors.
I appreciate the kind words. I did vote against it but not for the reasons mentioned in Rainy's letter.
We are going to spend $70,000 or more dollars on this study. Like Rainy, I read the study that was prepared in Solano County and still do not think it is worth the time or money to prepare for Yolo County.
We have huge demands on our finances in Yolo County. We need to decide what it worth spending money on. This is not worth the opportunity cost of $70,000 plus.
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This is a cool picture
Saturday, April 26, 2008 ::
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Deo is a photographer at the Daily Democrat.
I don't know much about photography but this picture on the front of the newspaper is awesome. That little girl reaching for the bubble is a great shot.
That is why I take so many pictures. Every once in a while you get lucky.
Cool shot Deo.
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Take your daughter to WAR day
Saturday, April 26, 2008 ::
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For some reason I don't think Mimi Rose will be the staff person that leads this effort. I don't know that for sure -- it is just a guess on my part.
This is one of the funniest Onion things I have ever seen.
Click here to watch.
Olivia and Abbie would be MOTIVATED.
Thank you to YoloVoter for the tip.
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Candidate Forums by the League
Saturday, April 26, 2008 ::
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Just got this e-mail from the League of Woman Voters. Frank probably won't show up at these either.
Candidate Forums Scheduled
May 8, 2008 7 pm: Woodland City Council candidates – 6 candidates vying for 3 seats. Location: Woodland City Council Chambers, 300 First Street, Woodland
May 14, 2008 7 pm: 5th District Yolo County Supervisor and Superior Court Judge (Department 2) - each race has two candidates vying for 1 seat. Location: Woodland Community & Senior Center, 2001 East Street, Woodland
May 15, 2008 7 pm: 8th Assembly District Primary – 2 Democrats and 1 Republican. Location: Woodland Community & Senior Center, 2001 East Street, Woodland
Questions about the forums should be directed to Pat Butler, Voters Service Chair, tahoebutler@sbcglobal.net
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Ok. Duane is right.
Saturday, April 26, 2008 ::
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In the last 18 months I have heard Duane Chamberlain talk about illegal dumping 4,000 times. It really gets him going. I joke with him that I like to throw stuff out of my car when I drive by his ranch.
As many of you may know -- I hate litter.
As a property owner it is something that you just have to live with. Sometimes people leave stuff in the parking lot or next to the garbage can instead of in it.
The last couple days I have come to my business office to find all kinds of random trash all over our parking lot. I am usually all fired up to get to work but I have to stop what I am doing and pick up the trash of someone else.
It is really frustrating. So I will say this -- Duane is right. I might have to stop teasing him about the trash.
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Nelson Ranch Scandal -- This stuff is just amazing
Saturday, April 26, 2008 ::
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So I admit that I check out the Nelson Ranch Scandal site a couple times a day. Each time they have a post there I am amazed.
This last one really has me scratching my head. Why would I have given Brenda Cedarblade a campaign contribution in her race for Supervisor against me?
According to this latest entry I would have given her campaign $900? That is nuts.
I think that the first two listed are checks from Nancy Lea and Duane Chamberlain that I sent back to them after learning that they were supporting Brenda. I figured that it was not right of me to keep their money if they really did no support me. I also did not feel right about keeping Nancy Lea's money at all.
So I guess Brenda got Duane and Nancy to sign over the check to her campaign. OK. Whatever.
Here is the problem. I think the source would not be me on the FPPC reports. I think the source would be the people that signe over the check. Listing me was just her way of trying to shove it in my face. I didn't work since I didn't know about it until now and really don't care.
The FPPC will be surely interested in this. The handwritten note on the document is also a classy touch.
As for some people that think I need defend Brenda against these attacks....that is not my job. She has terrorized this community for more than six years now. It appears that someone finally is going to step up and call her bluff. So far everything presented on this site by the author seems to in the bounds of reasonableness. It is all public records so far. The people commenting on the site are ones writing it.
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Constitutional Amendment on Marriage
Friday, April 25, 2008 ::
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This article from the San Francisco Chronicle reports on the people gathering signatures to have a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.
This is a measure that reflects exactly what I believe on the issue. Marriage is one man and one woman. Anything else is not really marriage.
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Frank Sieferman Jr. - Insulting to Woodland
Friday, April 25, 2008 ::
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I am not thrilled that Frank Sieferman, Jr. is running for City Council. I will not vote for him because I do not think he adds anything to the discussion of policy issues impacting Woodland.
Since I beat him 18 months ago he has largely been invisible in the community. Fair enough. I am sure the loss hurt. I feel for him on that.
When I look at people running for office one of the things I look at seriously is what they would do if they did not hold public office. For example, Martie Dote lost a seat on the Woodland City Council. She stepped right back in and took a seat on the Planning Commission. If Art Pimentel was not on the City Council he would be doing something to help Woodland. Jeff Monroe, even though I don't support him I do think he would be involved in the community in some way if not on the Council.
Frank Sieferman is not only not active -- he is not even showing up for debates. That is a complete insult to the voters of Woodland to not even show up at the debates and still have a chance to get elected to the Woodland City Council.
Last night he skipped the debate -- and went to another meeting. For the first time in ages he showed up at a meeting. He showed up at the School Board meeting and babbled some nonsense instead of engaging in the City Council debate at the Community Center.
He should not be rewarded for this behavior. The candidate forums may not influence the outcome of an election. They may not be dynamic. They may even be painful. All that may be true but they are required if you are seeking the vote of our community.
That is just wrong.
He should not be rewarded with our votes.
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The Governor on Prop 98
Friday, April 25, 2008 ::
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I just got this from the Governor. This funny because today I am leaning toward supporting it. Partly because I learned that PG&E is supporting Prop 99.
Prop 99 is a sham. The only question is if I will support Prop 98.
Governor Schwarzenegger Statement Opposing Proposition 98
Today, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that he is opposed to Proposition 98, which will appear on the June ballot. The Governor's statement is below:
"Eminent domain is an issue worth addressing, however Proposition 98 would undermine California's ability to improve our infrastructure, including our water delivery and storage. California voters strongly support rebuilding our transportation, housing, education and water infrastructure, so it would be irresponsible to support a measure that would prevent the state from accomplishing our goals."
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AB 900 Funding for the Jail
Friday, April 25, 2008 ::
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On Wednesday several people from Yolo County were over in Sacramento for a presentation to a board that determines how AB 900 money is going to get divided up across California.
Yolo County made a presentation to the Board. Since Sheriff Ed Prieto serves on the board (he had to leave during the Yolo presentation) the county was represented by Undersheriff Tom Lopez.
We were set to start at 2pm so I got there at like 1:50pm. My role was just to show that the Supervisors support the application for the $30 million. When I walked in the door Lopez was actually wrapping up. Oh well.
From all indications Lopez did a great job. He set out our key points -- we are ready to go, we have a great project manager, they needs success and we are ready to to give it to them, we have the demonstrated need, and we have proven to be a team player on this stuff.
Here is the key to this -- Yolo County had Sheriff Prieto on the committee yet we still had Tom Lopez there to make a great presentation. We were all well served on Wednesday.
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Thank you for all the calls
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 ::
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I had a number of nice calls today from people about the meeting yesterday. They were all very kind. I appreciate the support and the kind words.
Four or five were from Woodland but probably ten were from people out in rural Yolo County. These people were very nice. Just keepin' on.
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I guess they are coming after me....oh well.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 ::
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So I have now gottten several e-mails today from anonymous people or names that are clearly pseudonyms. They all tell me that I am responsible for the Historic Nelson Ranch Scandal.
Oh well.
If people want to come after me I guess I am fine with that. What is the worst thing that is going to happen to me? I have dealt with numerous attacks over my five plus years in public office. I have had things written about me that have been terribly wrong. I am an elected official and realize that comes with the territory.
In the end -- I think some justice is due.
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Water article in the Davis Enterprise
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 ::
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Beth Curda has a good article in the Davis Enterprise about the water debate yesterday. So far today I have had probably seven calls on the issue.
One person claimed that our County Agriculture Commissioner did not know about the issue until Tuesday morning. If that is the case, clearly our outreach could have been much better coordinated.
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Ag Study
Wednesday, April 23, 2008 ::
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Robin Hindery has a well written article today in the Democrat about the agriculture mapping. Pretty much sums up my position. The money could be used for anything other than this and be more valuable to Yolo County taxpayers.
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Brenda Cedarblade Complaint
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 ::
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So today in public comment the lady that operates the horse facility on 113 between Woodland and Davis made an official complaint about a long list of things wrong with the horse facility operated by Brenda Cedarblade and her husband.
Robyn Drivon, County Counsel, said the matter would be looked at.
I have been hearing about these things for a long time. The rumors were similar to those on this blog but they were not even close to being as detailed as Shaw sets out.
This is going to be interesting.
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Today was just a bad board meeting
Tuesday, April 22, 2008 ::
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I did not feel great about the Board meeting at all today. We started with take your kids to work day and ended with giving a family up in Dunnigan the chance to operate a gas station with a profit. Everything in between was bad.
We got bad budget news.
We are spending more than $70,000 on a study I don't think we need.
The County handled the water ordinance/water agency thing badly.
We passed an agriculture mitigation ordinance that is nowhere near as bold as it needed to be.
I am going to work hard tonight and just try to move on.
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Spam
Monday, April 21, 2008 ::
2 Comments
In the past 36 hours I have gotten thousands of spam e-mails. Thousands - possibly hundreds of thousands.
My rexroad.com account is having problems. If you need to reach me please call me on my cell phone at 916-539-0455 or at my home office at 530-662-5184.
Someone is not happy with me.
Matt
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Charles Shaw Knows His Stuff
Sunday, April 20, 2008 ::
2 Comments
I took a look at Charles Shaw's website this morning and read the campaign stuff. Then I just checked it again and he has all the stuff from the original transfer of the property. This guy is serious.
See post here.
More stuff keeps popping up on the right hand column too.
Who took those pictures?
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Board Meeting on Tuesday
Sunday, April 20, 2008 ::
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I read most of my agenda on Friday but wrapped up a couple things after church today.
When I have an item highlighted on the agenda then I need to do something on that when it comes up at the meeting. This week I have more yellow on my paper than ever before.
Not only will Abbie be joining me at the Board meeting for "Take Your Child to Work Day" but I have two resolutions to present -- Week of the Young Child and National Volunteer Week.
Then we have a presentation on the budget -- that is always good. Pat Leary always does a great job on this stuff.
I asked for the item on criminal defense services to be placed on the regular agenda because we need to talk about this. The report from a couple years ago on this item is the one thing I still need to read in detail.
Then we have a contract with the UC Davis Ag Issues Center. I am not sure this is going to be worth it.
In the afternoon we will talk about ag mitigation. I am still a No vote. We are not going far enough here.
Then we have a presentation on the Delta. Seems like we just did that.
Finally, we have an alcohol permit in Dunnigan to consider. My views on this are very different than others. If it is a lawful activity then I don't see why we don't allow these people to do business.
Then we get into ground water and the water agency. This will be a real kick....nothing like kicking yourself in the head.
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Disco Signs
Saturday, April 19, 2008 ::
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I got my Pimentel for City Councilman sign today. It glows.
No kidding. I think I might need to get a permit from the City to be able to have that lighted sign in my front yard.
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Hot Water
Saturday, April 19, 2008 ::
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So my phone has been burning up on this water agenda item for the meeting on Tuesday.
Yolo County is not getting the benefit of the doubt on this issue with people involved in water within the county right now.
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Jail and Court Issues
Friday, April 18, 2008 ::
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The San Francisco Chronicle has an article today about some comments the Sheriff made to the Board of Supervisors on inmates being in the jail too long. This is a big deal in Yolo County too.
The courts are operated by the state. The state corrections system in operated by the state. When the courts take a long time to come to the conclusion on a trial the defendant sits in County Jail. Sometimes they sit there for years.
This article describes the issue well.
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Water in Yolo County
Friday, April 18, 2008 ::
1 Comments
This issue has been just under the surface for several years now. Yesterday it started to emerge and by next week it will be a big deal.
This is a really big deal.
Yolo County needs to have a detailed conversation about water. All things water. This is needed for a number of reasons.
1) We have multiple agencies and organizations that deal with the issue from many different angles
2) We have ground water and surface water issues that are very real
3) Yolo County (geographically) is a big part of the state and regional water equation
4) The basic fabric of Yolo County is at risk as a result of some of the conversations occurring at the state and federal level
On Tuesday the discussion starts at the Board of Supervisors meeting. There is going to be some pain for everyone in this discussion but it needs to happen to make sure that we are best positioned as a county on water.
I don't like the way that the issue is being presented but we need to get beyond that and get into the meat of the issue. On Tuesday we probably will have lots of people at the meeting that will feel emotional on the issue. We need to get beyond the emotion and get to the policy points and how we position ourselves.
This blog post is not going to do justice to how important this issue will be in the coming year to Yolo County government and politics. It has the potential to define both.
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Charles Shaw is a serious man
Thursday, April 17, 2008 ::
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I just took a closer look at the blog by "Charles Shaw".
This guy looks serious. The part I find most interesting is the right column of the blog. He has links to this site and a number of others that don't quite make sense unless they are linked to the Nelson Ranch in some way.
This is something that is now a must read.
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Sac Bee: Clark Pacific is right for Woodland
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 ::
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This has been quite a day for information on the Clark Pacific front. Take a look at the editorial section of the Sacramento Bee. They actually call out Brenda Cedarblade by name.
Woodland should be making the news for the good things we are doing -- not the NIMBY approach to issues by Cedarblade and her small band of detractors.
Way to go Sacramento Bee.
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Signs, signs everywhere signs
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 ::
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Please read this article in the Davis Enterprise from last night. Here.
This concept was proposed for the Gateway Center and we shot it down in about 30 seconds. We did not want Woodland looking like Las Vegas to thousands of drivers headed down I-5 each day.
This is what kills me about Davis. Somehow Woodland is full of money hungry elected officials because we provide shopping opportunities like Costco. I will take the Costco over flashing lights on the freeway any day of the week.
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Rexroad on the Radio
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 ::
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Tonight should be interesting.
Doug Paul Davis and I will be talking about all kinds of issues tonight on KDRT -- 101.5 tonight from 6-7pm.
The call-in number is 792-1648.
It doesn't look like I will be going to Fresno so I plan to be in studio.
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Event for Art Pimentel at La Finca
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 ::
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There is no secret that I am supporting Art Pimentel for re-election to the City Council. I was happy to co-sponsor this event for him at La Finca.
Making fun of Art is one of the best parts of my day. However, I think he does a great job for Woodland.
BTW -- where are my lawn signs? I need one for Art and Martie.
I hope you can join us at La Finca. Click here for complete details and sponsor form.
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Dueling Websites on Clark Pacific
Wednesday, April 16, 2008 ::
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I had never been to the Historic Nelson Ranch website until about 10 minutes ago. This was not up during the campaign two years ago. The people there even have a link to some information about Clark Pacific. You can see the website -- here.
Brenda Cedarblade has a great deal of information about her complaints and the problems she had with pigeon feces being cleaned out of an old barn. It is kind of scary to read actually.
So then I find this site --- on blogspot. I don't know Charles Shaw but this guy going to a ton of trouble to make his point. This is now a must read for me daily.
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Republican Club -- Council Forum Tonight
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 ::
3 Comments
Well I have gotten a few reports from the Republican Club forum tonight.
It appears that Fred Lopez, Art Pimentel, and Martie Dote were the only ones to show up.
Jeff Monroe was not able to make the City Council meeting or the forum due to a family emergency. Frank Sieferman was a no show and Bobby Harris did not attend.
I think it is great the the Republican Club put this on and invited everyone.
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Labor Responds to Cedarblade
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 ::
1 Comments
I did not see the newspaper yet but I am told this appears in the Democrat today.
An open letter to Brenda Cedarblade (pdf)
This is great.
Doyle Radford is an honorable guy. He is standing up for the jobs part of this project. Awesome.
Brenda Cedarblade files a lawsuit and the people that lose? Not the Farm Bureau. They support it. Not the City of Woodland. They support it. Not the Chamber of Commerce. They support it.
The people that lose -- Clark Pacific and hundreds of people that would be gainfully employed there.
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Remember this? Rexroad for Davis City Council logo
Tuesday, April 15, 2008 ::
1 Comments
Webmaster Bob was able to find this start to the Rexroad for Davis City Council television commercial we worked on several months ago.
I thought I would post it here again.
Having trouble viewing video? Download latest flashplayer.
My general thought is that it is not Green enough for Davis. Thoughts? Less dagger/blood and more trees is what I am thinking. Maybe a cloth grocery bag and me on my bike. That is the ticket.
General comment prior to letters to the editor and other madness -- don't take yourself to seriously.
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just a bad day
Monday, April 14, 2008 ::
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What a rough day for the Cabaldon campaign. It is always amazing to me that little things like the boot on a car can do to a political campaign. Everything is rolling along and then WHAM! -- some stupid story in the newspaper.
Here is what I think is funny about this.
This is exactly the kind of thing that drives the hatred that can come after a campaign. It won't be toward Yamada either. It is the crowing by Brian Micek in this article that will really string the Cabaldon camp. I would imagine that he will be on a list somewhere.
See article in the Bee.
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Wind Power -- Yolo
Monday, April 14, 2008 ::
1 Comments
I had a couple of interesting appointments on Friday. Probably the most mind bending was one with some wind power advocates that are interested in Yolo County.
One of my questions was what other local government had gone down the road of trying to operate wind energy with a system owned by a governmental entity. I would be hard pressed to think Yolo County could operate something like this -- but take look at Hull, MA.
It would be great to be able to use hydro, wind, and solar to completely take Yolo County off PG&E's grid.
Being free of PG&E would be a good day for Yolo County.
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Woodland Businesses Need Votes
Monday, April 14, 2008 ::
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This morning around 0600 I cruised into Bagel City to grab something to eat on my way to work.
My bagel shop is all wrapped up over the KCRA Channel 3 A-List competition. I actually did not know much about it until just now.
They have many local businesses in the competition.
Bagel City even has business cards made up to encourage people to vote for them. This is only really important to me because it is important to them.
Take a moment to register here and then vote for Woodland businesses. I think I just voted for all the Woodland businesses on the site. I put Woodland as the search and just went back and forth until I hit them all. In a couple places I had to make a choice between two Woodland places but that was ok.
Vote for Bagel City and the other Woodland businesses. If you look at the site it is clear that some people take this seriously.
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This I-5 Thing
Monday, April 14, 2008 ::
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Lots of Woodlanders are going to be impacted by this. I-5 is going to be a complete disaster.
What I can't understand is if they are going to actually close the freeway at some point. I read this article and conclude yes but a Sacramento Police officer I know says no. Either way I will be trying everything to work from home as much as possible during June.
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Rexroad on the Davis Airwaves..........Wednesday
Monday, April 14, 2008 ::
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Davis has been treating me quite well lately. Not only do I go to church there but I was part of a LAFCO meeting at the City Council Chambers. I actually got to sit in the chairs that real Davis City Council members do. It is just a matter of time before I realize my life goal of serving on the Davis City Council.
My write in campaign for the Council has not been going very well this cycle. I have not been walking precincts. No one has contacted me for an editorial board interview. The slate vendors don't send me mail. I was starting to see the writing on the wall. This was going to be a multi-election cycle effort -- kind of like Rob Roy.
Then - like a phoenix from the ashes I got an e-mail from fellow blogger Doug Paul Davis to be on his radio show on Wednesday night. I can feel it. This is my break. It is just what my campaign needed.
Residency should not be an issue. Doug Ose and Tom McClintock are not living in the Congressional District they are running in. Why should I actually have to live in Davis to serve on the City Council?
This is my calling. The big break through in Wednesday night from 6-7 pm. That is right when the people in Davis will be eating tofu for dinner.
The ticket of Rexroad, Saylor, and Escamilla Greenwald will rule. We will make history together.
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This old house
Sunday, April 13, 2008 ::
0 Comments
When Jenn and I bought this house on College Street about four years ago we were thrilled. It had been just fixed up enough to be livable but not so much that we could not make our mark. Well, this is an old house. We find little gems all the time.
A few weeks ago I tore out a deck in the backyard. It had to go. Splinters in the kids feet were not something I was going to deal with this summer. No matter what was underneath it --- it would be better than splinters. Now that I think about it -- the jury is out.
We put some gravel where it was in order to prevent little feet from tracking mud everywhere.
Jenn called my attention to a concrete piece yesterday that "has to come out". Being the dutiful Dad I got the shovel and started digging today after church. I dug for a a long time. A long time. This thing just kept going forever. I think I made it to China -- but I got it out. Finally.
This old house still has many more little gems in store for me. I am sure.
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Candidate Forums
Sunday, April 13, 2008 ::
0 Comments
This week we have a couple forums for city council candidates. I think this is a great way to learn more about the candidates and what they are made of.
Here are some questions I would suggest get asked of these folks ---
Pimentel and Monroe -- We have noticed a silent hostility between the two of you for the last two years. Please explain what led to this and if there is any way to resolve it.
Monroe -- You have run for Sheriff before and have ambitions for another shot at the top spot. Will you commit that you will finish this term on the City Council even if Prieto retires in 2010? In your eight years on the City Council please name one major initiative that you have been the genesis. In the next four years what major changes to city policy will you be the leader of?
Martie Dote -- What have you learned in the four years since you have left the City Council? What has the Council done in the past four years where you would have made a difference in the outcome?
Pinmentel -- What have you been able to accomplish during your first term on the City Council? What do you have planned for the next term? What was your role in the Los Caporales issue and what would you have done differently?
Sieferman Jr. -- Where have you been for the past eighteen months? Since you left the Board of Supervisors we have not seen you be active in community affairs at all. Shouldn't we be electing people that have a natural affinity for public service -- not just at election time?
Bobby Harris -- If you were elected how would Woodland deal with continued headlines in the news about your medicinal marijuana policy? Shouldn't we elect people to office that have been gainfully employed over the past six years or so?
Fred Lopez -- What civic activities have you been involved with in the past? What do you know about the City Council?
I also like questions similar to ---
Assuming that you will use your first vote for yourself -- what will you be doing with the other two votes?
What is your view of [whatever the front page article in the newspaper was that morning]?
Please explain the pass through agreement with the county?
Please tell us the two biggest revenue sources for the City of Woodland?
Please explain how the PERS equation works for public employee retirement?
What is your view of the situation on Westucky?
Should the City of Woodland have any kind of campaign finance reform? What would it be?
Please explain how you would deal with the local government obligation toward retiree health care?
How should we determine the salary for our City Manager and other city employees?
How much should City Councilmembers get paid?
What should Woodland city government do about global warming?
Green waste toters -- good or bad?
What would you do to address the flooding situation? Is the current process working?
What is your view of the Wayfarer Center?
What position will you take on the two eminent domain initiatives on the ballot in June?
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Senator Ernie Chambers -- Nebraska
Sunday, April 13, 2008 ::
0 Comments
I have shared Senator Ernie Chambers with many of you before. He is just about to retire.
The Omaha World Herald had this editorial about him below. I could not find a way to link to it. My apologies to them.
For those that would like to watch videos of the guy -- watch here. I think this guy is classic.
Just the fact that he is standing on the floor on the Nebraska unicameral Legislature in a t-shirt (every day) is amazing.
I actually think we need some more people like this in politics.
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City Council Endorsements
Sunday, April 13, 2008 ::
0 Comments
The article in the newspaper last weekend made it pretty clear that Art Pimentel was comfortably ahead in the fund raising department. With at least one more event on the books I don't see that changing any time soon. Monroe will probably get a contribution for PG&E in a few weeks or maybe even after the election. Sieferman can move money over from his Supervisor account but I am not sure that he knows it. I don't see Martie, Fred, or Bobby being able to raise the kind of money needed to get to the level of Sieferman, Pimentel or Monroe.
Money is one part of the campaign but endorsements are another.
Jeff Monroe
Monroe has the endorsement of three members of the City Council (Art will never support him) and the firefighters. Surely he has the Deputy Sheriffs and would imagine the Woodland POA will be with him too.
He is being supported by the Leslie Marcus crowd and is highly likely to be re-elected in June. Several people in this camp view the race as one between Pimentel and Monroe more than just for Jeff. They want Jeff to be Mayor.
Note: Jeff has his website listed in his ballot statement but it still is not live. You can see it here.
Art Pimentel
Art has the support of every member of the City Council except Monroe and a unanimous endorsement from the individual members of the Board of Supervisors. He also has a great deal of support from the Latino community. Several people that are backing Art are refusing to support Jeff over the incident of Jeff turning over Art to the DA for a false charge that was made.
Art has a strong list of supporters on the school board and throughout the community. His list of supporters is superior to anyone else in this race.
Note -- Art does not have his endorsement list up yet on is website. I love the fact that when you Google "Art Pimentel" this blog is the first thing that comes up. That kills me.
Martie Dote
Martie has the support of Dave Flory, Skip Davies, Bill Marble, Duane Chamberlain, and Helen Thomson. She has established herself in the minds of community leaders as the clear third choice for Council. Now she has to get her message out to the voter. I just found her website here. Check it out.
Frank Sieferman, Jr.
I actually think people are kind of afraid of the former Supervisor. Afraid he might win.
I am not sure of anyone supporting him. He does not have the support from community leaders but he has lots of name ID with the voters. I still think if the election is held today he will win.
Fred Lopez
No idea what is going on here. I owe him a call back.
Bobby Harris
I would have bet he would have done a myspace page or something. No idea who is supporting him.
All in all it is still a race for top vote getter between Jeff and Art. The next race is between Martie and Frank or third. We will see.
I still don't know where I will cast my third vote. Maya Walker, Dudley Holman, Dotty Huber, Adam Rexroad, and Laura Moon are getting serious consideration today as write-ins.
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Positions on Ballot Measures
Saturday, April 12, 2008 ::
0 Comments
The first time this issue is going to come up while I have been serving on the Board of Supervisors is upon us. We are going to have Propositions 98 and 99 considered in the coming weeks.
I will be voting against taking a positions on either of these measures. I have never voted for a government body to take a position on a measure being considered on the ballot and I probably never will.
It is appropriate for government bodies to take positions on matters being considered in the Legislative process. Those issues are being considered in the governmental arena. I am fine with that. The Board can and should take positions on those bills that impact county government.
When a matter makes the ballot it is in the political arena. That is not a place for a governmental body to operate.
If individual elected officials want to take positions on ballot measures -- go ahead. That is fine.
I completely object to Yolo County government taking a position on a ballot measure. That will be decided by the people. Get out of the way.
For those of you that are saying -- "But Yolo County needs to speak on matters that are important to county government." My response to that is that even if I could prove to you that Art Pimentel is better for county government than Frank Sieferman most everyone would agree that the county as a whole should not take a position in a candidate race.
Why then is it appropriate for government to take an official position in a political matter involving a ballot measure.
I will choose to support or oppose ballot measures as an individual but I will not use county government to tell people how to vote. That is up to them.
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Flashback
Saturday, April 12, 2008 ::
0 Comments
"I would also like to see better business policies to attract and retain quality business here."
Brenda Cedarblade
The Woodlander
Spring, 2006, pg. 26
Remainder of quote: "It took us 3 years to get our permit to board horses and as a business women I can offer some simple changes to make the county more business friendly."
Grammatical mistakes in the quote are her own.
Clark Pacific probably considers Yolo County government to be business friendly. I think only a few select people would stand out to them as being "anti-business".
Code Words Explained
"better business policies" = great effort by county planning staff
"retain quality business here" = Clark Pacific
"here" = right here in Yolo County
"simple changes" = a Supervisor representing Woodland
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Fight the Bite! in Woodland on Monday
Friday, April 11, 2008 ::
0 Comments
The Mosquito District is holding Fight the Bite! forums all over Yolo County over the coming weeks.
Woodland has one on Monday night at the Community Center. The evening starts at 6:30.
This district is a perfect example of where a public health effort can save a ton of money and hardship.
Please turn out and learn more about what this special district is doing to help all of us.
Download Flyer
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My real birthday
Thursday, April 10, 2008 ::
2 Comments
The "birth date" on my birth certificate says April 4th. That day just put my future in flux because my birth mother chose to put me up for adoption. Ok.
What was a big day for me was 40 years ago today. April 10th (when I was 6 days old) a young doctor and his wife adopted me from an orphanage in Evanston, Illinois. Six months later they moved me and my dog Rusty to Woodland, CA.
I am a lucky man for many reasons. I have a wife and two children that I love. My family is healthy. My health is good. I am a Christian. My living is made being involved in issues that I find thrilling each and every day. I also get to live in a community that I truly enjoy.
So today is the day that I like to be thankful for my life and what has been given to me. For all of you that have been part o my life here in Woodland (even Yolovoter) thank you. Semper Fidelis.
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Legal Terrorism
Wednesday, April 09, 2008 ::
3 Comments
So the lime piles on the Clark Pacific property have been there for years. Many years.
The previous owners have been under an order to remove the lime for several years at least.
Clark Pacific tries to come in and suddenly the claim is made about endangered species on the property. Burrowing owls was the cry. So far no one on official business has been able to document owls on that property.
As a result of finding some stupid bush on the property the lime pile removal was halted for part of the pile. So as a result the lime has now not being removed as quickly from the site.
I had posted previously the letter preparing for Brenda Cedarblade and her husband to file suit. Well now we have this one.
This letter basically says "remove the lime piles now -- but do it without removing the lime piles." Lime piles that were placed there as part of the agriculture related process. I would actually argue that the neighbor needs to deal with this under the right to farm ordinance.
This is a shake down by the owners of the "Historic" Nelson Ranch. It is wrong for Clark Pacific and it is wrong for Woodland.
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This is when we need to back up our officers
Tuesday, April 08, 2008 ::
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This article in the Sacramento Bee really caught my attention today. This is the kind of situation where we need to back up our law enforcement officers.
The exact same thing happened to one of my platoons in Iraq. People are trying to "get away" in a vehicle and are trying to drive right next to a person/oficer/deputy/Marine. They are completely justified to shoot.
I applaud Sacramento County Sheriff McGinnis for coming out firmly in support of his Deputy. The Deputy is certainly hurting right now. No one likes to take a life -- but what is described here is completely justified.
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Death Penalty -- why bother Yolo County edition.
Sunday, April 06, 2008 ::
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Congratulations to Yolo County District Attorney Jeff Reisig and his office for getting a a guilty verdict of the guys responsible for killing CHP Officer Andy Stevens. I am sure it was a ton of work.
Brent Volarvich has special circumstances involved with killing a police officer. I will bet big money he gets the death penalty.
For the crime Volarvich committed I am perfectly fine with the guy losing his life. It is not something we should be happy about. It is just an appropriate punishment for someone that is never going to be a productive member of society.
Once again I want to ask the question --- at what cost? Volarvich is going to appeal again and again. His legal bills will be in the millions yet his life is not worth much at all. Will Andy Steven's widow benefit? Will society be any safer? Will it prevent another murder? The answer to all of these is no.
I am in favor of the death penalty. I just don't think the current system works.
Volarvich will still be alive when Abbie graduates from high school 16 years from now. Further, if you add up all the money we will spend on his worthless life we could have paid for drug treatment for 500 kids.
Please don't forget that Meth had a big part of this whole case. It is a real problem in Yolo County.
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Back off on the Democrat
Sunday, April 06, 2008 ::
3 Comments
I continually read comments from a small group of people that rip our local newspaper. Get over it.
Everyone wants all of their stuff covered. Would I like different things covered sometimes in the newspaper? Sure.
Here is the reality. If you want to enter the newspaper market either in print or electronically -- do it. The barriers to entry now are so low it is crazy.
Start a blog. Get a printer. Sell advertising. Take the plunge. If it is so freaking easy -- put your money and time where your mouth is.
Every community about our size has a group of people that don't like the newspaper. Davis, Elk Grove, Lodi, Vacaville, they all have a group of haters.
The internet age is changing the way we get and process information. By the time my kids are in high school we probably won't even think about blogs any more. We will have moved on to something else.
The Daily Democrat is a newspaper that has been in this community for years. They are adjusting to the changes in society while trying to keep their doors open and their people employed.
Guess what happens when you go to their website? They make money.
Guess what happens when you buy their newspaper at home? They make money.
Guess what happens when you buy their newspaper at the machine. They make money.
Good for them.
When people say that they are going to cancel their newspaper they probably just laugh. If people actually did cancel their newspaper every time they claimed to do it -- the paper probably would actually go under. In the end people just keep buying it.
The ones that really crack me up are those that "cancel" their subscription at home and then pay 50 cents each day at the machine -- and they buy it each and every day. I think the newspaper makes more money that way. The Democrat probably loves those people.
Don't like what you are reading....stop reading it and write something worth reading.
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Woodland City Council Race
Saturday, April 05, 2008 ::
0 Comments
The race for Woodland City Council is on.....kind of.
Here is the deal. I think Art Pimentel and Jeff Monroe get re-elected for sure. After that it is a race for third place between Martie Dote and Frank Sieferman.
This is what I know.
Art Pimentel
Art will work harder than all the other candidates. He has raised more than $20,000 and will have a good ground organization. He will have the support of the Latino leadership in the community. He has the support of all five members of the Board of Supervisors and the entire City Council except for Monroe.
His kick-off was huge. At this point I actually think Art will be the top vote getter. Enough people are going to bullet vote for Art that it will make a difference.
Art wrote a ballot statement in English and Spanish.
There will be people that refuse to support Art because of his stand on issues. He has lost some fight over the past four years and this will cost him with some people.
Jeff Monroe
Jeff has the support of the Woodland Firefighters and the rest of the City Council except for Pimentel. He will raise the second most amount of money but will not use it as effectively as Art.
Jeff probably has better name ID than anyone else in this race because he goes out of the way to make sure that he makes people happy. That is good at election time.
A large number of Latino leaders in the community are refusing to support Jeff for the way he has treated Pimental over the past four years.
It is amazing to me that Jeff has served on the City Council for eight years but is still running as an outsider. He does not even list any major accomplishments or been the catalyst for any initiatives. Everything he does in reactionary.
Jeff has a ballot statement in English and Spanish. He lists a website in his statement but I have not seen it yet. Who knows?
Frank Sieferman, Jr.
Frank has quite a bit of name ID from his three campaigns for Supervisor plus one by his dad.
Until just a short time ago he was a mess. My understanding is that he has cleaned himself up and is out walking door to door. Sieferman will work hard.
I understand he refused to provide a ballot statement.
Something else that is goofy is that he is serving as his own Treasurer. Oh well.
He also has some money sitting in his Supervisor account that I guess he is not going to use for this race. Oh well.
He was the incumbent in 2006 when we ran against each other. He does not have that advantage this time.
Martie Dote
She could win but will have to work for it. Most reasonable people in Woodland probably vote for Art, Jeff, and Martie if they have met all the candidates.
Martie is a good City Councilwoman that is going to have a tough time as a candidate. The ball is in her court.
I am told that she has a ballot statement in English but not Spanish.
Bobby Harris
He is running but has little chance to win in Woodland. We knew this a long time ago.
Fred Lopez
Who knows? He signed up on the last day of filing. We have traded calls but I have not seen signs of life here.
At this point I am voting for Art and Martie. I may be writing in Dave Flory, Lucinda Talkington, Ronald Reagan, Abbie Rexroad, Ann Del Castillo, Maya Walker, Dudley Holman, Dave Sanders, or Seth Wurzel for my third vote.
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Ok -- now I think it is over for sure
Friday, April 04, 2008 ::
0 Comments
I knew that it was coming last week. Now that it is official that Assemblywoman Wolk has endorsed Cabaldon for Assembly I think it is over.
For weeks I have been telling people that Cabaldon is favored but they should not underestimate what Yamada can do on the ballot. This district wants to elect a woman. That ended yesterday.
With a huge endorsement advantage including support of the incumbent, a fund raising advantage that is going to approach a ratio of infinity:1, and the party endorsement, Cabaldon is the next Assemblyman for Woodland.
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Jim Smith is right
Thursday, April 03, 2008 ::
0 Comments
The Daily Democrat editorial is right. Clark Pacific was a win-win for Woodland and Yolo County.
Those that were fighting it at the end were really isolated when everyone had a chance to consider the project.
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Yolo County 101 -- Air District
Wednesday, April 02, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Tonight we started Yolo County 101 version 2. We met in the atrium room in the basement of the County Administration building.
Tonight we had about 30 people show up. Mat Earhardt from the Yolo Solano Air Quality Management District was the speaker. He was excellent. The people attending fired some good questions and some off the wall questions at Mat.
He really did a great job.
We are rolling.
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Clark Pacific -- Press Coverage
Wednesday, April 02, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Luke has a great article in the Democrat about the Clark Pacific item from yesterday.
Please note that Brenda Cedarblade and "opponents" walked out of the meeting prior to the vote. That is just the icing on the cake.
Think about it this way -- Brenda shows up at Council meetings, Chamber meetings, Board meetings, reports the people from Clark Pacific to authorities for visiting their own properties, writes letters to the editor, videotapes people in West Sacramento when she knocks on their doors to ask about Clark Pacific, and even has people picketing the Supervisors meeting a few weeks ago -- then she walks out in protest.
That act as well as the comment from last meeting when the woman said "not in my back yard" pretty much makes my case.
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Child Abuse Prevention
Wednesday, April 02, 2008 ::
0 Comments
I see that I was on the front page of both the Davis Enterprise and the Daily Democrat today. The amazing thing is that it wasn't because I was being recalled from office or saying something stupid.
Yesterday at lunch the entire board appeared at a press conference to make the case that child abuse is a big issue.
Both of these stories present some really painful facts about our society and the way we treat kids. It is just wrong.
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