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Articles from
September 2008
Books -- Bravo Two Zero collection
Monday, September 29, 2008 ::
1 Comments
I just finished reading the book Soldier Five by Mike Colburn. This is the third book I have read about SAS patrol Bravo Two Zero from the Gulf War.
The other two books are Bravo Two Zero and The One That Got Away.
The story is generally the same. An eight man British SAS patrol is helo inserted into Iraq in 1991. They were compromised early in the process and attempted to Escape and Evade (E & E) all the way to Syria. Four members of the patrol were captured, three died, and one made it into Syria (he authored the One that Got Away).
All three of these books tell the same story from a slighlty different angle. The story from the collectiion of books is that support of front line troops in absolutely critical. In this case, this patrol was abandoned by their command in a way that would be found unacceptable by any means.
Bravo Two Zero is probably the better written book of the three but the other two directly respond to some of the claims made about the patrol.
After the eleciton, I am going to have to sit down and write out the story of my unit in Iraq. When I got back I had eight offers to consider publishing. I just need to stop being lazy.
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Honor Roll for Trivia (2)
Monday, September 29, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Dotty has declared herself the Trivia Queen for getting a perfect score on the trivia this week. Katie Barker has also gotten them all right.
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Mike Thompson - my Congressman
Monday, September 29, 2008 ::
0 Comments
I really don't know Congressman Mike Thompson. We were both staff members in the Capitol years ago. He later became a State Senator while I worked as a Chief of Staff.
Since I have been in elected office we have talked a few times. I really like this staff here in Woodland and some of the people I have met in Washington.
So today Congressman Thompson voted against the $700 Billion bailout -- and I say --- "Right On!". The Republican Congressman from Yolo County, Wally Herger voted for the thing.
Today I also got my sample ballot and learned that the Republican nominess is some guy named Zane Starkewolf. You can learn more about him here.
After today I am seriously considering voting for Congressman Thompson in November.
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The Game
Monday, September 29, 2008 ::
2 Comments
Several of you have asked about the USC debacle on Thursday night. Yes. It was bad. Actually, it was worse than you could imagine.
I get home early to get set up. We eat as a family. Clean up and then I sit down to turn on the television. Abbie sits in my lap and starts asking about the uniform colors. Life is good.
Jenn is getting ready to go to a meeting at church. I have the kids fed. They will watch the game with me for a while -- and then...
Adam is standing on the rug looking at this truck. He looks right at me and projectile vomits more than his body weight all over the floor. Then he just looks at me and smiles. Lovely.
Abbie is screaming "Adam Puked. Adam Puked."
Game goes on hold right before OSU scores the first touchdown.
Adam gets stripped, Jenn sticks him in bathtub, and I lift up the entire rug and hang it over the back fence to spray off all the nastiness.
After I finish cleaning the rug I head upstairs to help with Adam. Abbie is still telling the world that Adam Puked.
Here is the bad part. Adam can't have water after he throws up because he will just throw up more. No water. Try telling a 2 year old they can't have water. Not good.
Jenn heads off to church and I decide to watch the game and listen to the kids on the monitor. Abbie falls to sleep right away. Not Adam. He continues to say "Daddy Water." He said it probably 500 - 1,000 times over the next three hours while I watched/endured/suffered through the game.
One of my biggest things in the Marine Corps was to keep people hydrated. If you were drinking water you were going to be ok. Hearing my son say "Daddy water" was probably worse than watching USC lose....but USC deserved to lose that game.
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Trivia Masters -- where are you?
Monday, September 29, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Some of you e-mail me after taking the trivia questions to say that you don't want your name published......but not this time.
Not one person has claimed to get them all correct this time. Not even Diamond Maker.
Katie Barker is added to the honor roll for the second week in a row. We have one.
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More on Prop 12
Monday, September 29, 2008 ::
0 Comments
So I heard some fascinating debate recently about Prop 12 -- The Veterans Housing Bond.
Some of the points that were made were that it does not impact the general fund because all the money is paid back by the veterans. Ok great.
So then why do we need government to do that? The private sector can do it just fine.
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SF Chron -- Trash is a big deal
Monday, September 29, 2008 ::
0 Comments
This article was sent to me by a friend at the county.
It is from the San Francisco Chronicle about an artist that was trying to make a point about the amount of stuff we throw away each day.
Here is the article.
The point this guy makes is one that I use as part of my justification for encouraging a national sales tax. We need to tax consumption not productivity. Taxation does change behavior -- yet many think it only applies to "sin taxes".
This is also part of the reason that I opposed the producer liability policy proposed by the county earlier this year. The choices come down to the consumer. Let them make their choice on what to consume but include the consequences in the cost.
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Cirenio Holds Event
Sunday, September 28, 2008 ::
1 Comments
Join Friends of Dr. Cirenio Rodriguez
For A Campaign Mexican Dinner!
A candidate for
Yuba Community College District #3 Trustee
(Representing Woodland, Esparto, & Colusa County)
La Finca Restaurant
534 Bush St. ,Woodland
Wednesday, October 8
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Endorsed by Elected & Former Elected Officials
Dr. Jorge Ayala, Yolo County Superintendent of Schools
Duane Chamberlin, Yolo County Supervisor, 5th District
Carol Souza-Cole, President, Woodland School Board Trustees
Dr. Marlin “Skip” Davies, Mayor, City of Woodland
Martie Dote, Woodland City Council Member
David Flory, former Mayor, City of Woodland
Julissa Silva-Garcia, Colusa County Board of Education
Abel Gomez, Pierce School Board Trustee
Frank Glover, Woodland School Board Trustee
Elaine Lytle, Woodland School Board Trustee
Dr. Bill Marble, Woodland City Council Member
Dr. Jesse Ortiz, former President, Woodland School Board Trustees
Jeff Reisig, Yolo County District Attorney
Matt Rexroad, Yolo County Supervisor, 3rd District
Ernie Rodriguez, former Esparto School Board Trustee
Janet Rivera, San Joaquin Delta Community College Trustee
David Scroggins, Colusa County Board of Education
Adrianna Simmons, former Yolo County Board of Education Member
Mariko Yamada, Yolo County Supervisor, 4th District
Rogelio Villagrana, Woodland School Board Trustee
Donation: $20.00 per person or $10.00 students RSVP: 530-669-7792 or email: cnevar57@hotmail.com
Checks payable to: “Friends to Elect Dr. Cirenio Rodriguez
Friends to Elect Dr. Cirenio Rodriguez, 114 Cross St., Woodland 95695 ID#1309842
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Elections Challenge
Sunday, September 28, 2008 ::
0 Comments
It is time to get ready for the elections challenge. We have a couple local things in addition to the Presidential race.
Don't send me your picks yet --but this is what I am thinking...
State Senate - SD 5 (1 point)
State Assembly - AD 8 (1 point)
President in Woodland (2 points)
Mayor of West Sacramento (1 point)
Community College Trustee (4 points)
Measure W in Davis (1 point)
President in the following states
Nevada (2 points)
New Mexico (1 point)
Colorado ( 1 point)
Ohio (1 point)
New Hampshire (2 points)
Florida (2 points)
Tie breaker #1 - Obama percentage nationally
Tie breaker #2 - McCain percentage in Davis
Thoughts?
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Yolo County Trivia
Sunday, September 28, 2008 ::
2 Comments
This week, in honor of my wife's crazy desire to have another child, the trivia questions are about birth statistics in Yolo County.
The numbers for our county and for Woodland are shocking.
You can find the information on the Health Department website --- but take a shot and see what you get.
Honor roll is available.
Note: Jenn is not over 45. That stat just caught my eye. So before you start sending me nasty grams or sending e-mails to Jenn telling her how mean I am --- just chill out.
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Dunnigan Up!
Friday, September 26, 2008 ::
2 Comments
I just got sent this e-mail about a proposal in Colusa County. It makes Dunnigan that much more viable.
Dear Farm Board Members:
The purpose of this email is to inform you that approximately one hour ago I received an emailed Letter of Withdrawal from the Pacific Cascade Group/Colusa Heritage Partners, regarding their application for a General Plan Amendment for a new community at County Line Road. This means the proposal, at this time, is now dead. I will ask the Board on Tuesday morning to remove the timed item from the afternoon session as their no longer exists any application to consider.
If you have any questions regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to call or contact me.
Thank you.
Stephen Hackney, AICP
Director of Planning & Building
County of Colusa
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Food Stamp Challenge
Friday, September 26, 2008 ::
16 Comments
Last Tuesday the Board of Supervisors started the day at the Yolo County Food Bank. We were given some information on the Food Stamp Challenge. It is a challenge to live on $3 a day for five days. I actually think I can do it. It is intended to show how difficult it would be to live off the food stamp allowance.
Here is a story I found on the issue.
So here is my plan. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas I will try it for five days. $15 for five days. I need to do some research but I think I can make it happen.
Here is my general breakdown of what I will do with the $15.
Chicken Livers -- $4
Frozen OJ -- $3
Rice --$2
Beans -- $2
Fruit -- $2
Bread - $2
The plan would be to see if I can make a stew with some of the stuff above and then see how it goes.
Then I will see if i can catch a couple fish to be able to add to the above. I could also try and get a duck or pheasant.
I will need to get off Diet Coke prior to that and drink lots of water.
We will see -- but I think I can do this and not be hungry. If I was planning on it and could get a garden going I am sure that I could do it well and probably eat healthier than I am now.
Anyone want to join me on this?
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Trees on East Street
Friday, September 26, 2008 ::
1 Comments
This morning I was driving down East Street and was noticing the landscaping near the railroad tracks. It is my understanding that all of the trees along there were pretty much planted at the same time.
What really struck me was that some of those trees are doing much better than others....and they seem to be in certain areas.
As is true in many areas near railroads in our country I am worried that the ground there is contaminated. The policy many years ago was that when you had a fuel leak or a spill at an airport, at the rail yard, or on the road -- that spraying it down with a bunch of water to dilute it was the answer.
Anyone else notice this same thing or am I imagining things?
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Board Agenda for Tuesday - September 30th
Friday, September 26, 2008 ::
0 Comments
I just read the agenda for Tuesday. Couple important items ---
Item 4.03 is a proposal to take positions on the upcoming state ballot measures.
Item 4.04 is important for Woodland regarding economic development.
The really important item is 4.06 regarding indigent health care. This is going to be tough and involves the services provided in Woodland. No easy choice here at all.
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Cortina Landfill
Friday, September 26, 2008 ::
0 Comments
At our last Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday we had a couple people from Davis, including Vice-Mayor Don Saylor, ask the Board to adopt a resolution opposing a landfill in Colusa County.
The Davis City Council has adopted a resolution opposing this landfill. The Colusa County Board of Supervisors have done the same.
It is a landfill proposed by the Cortina Band of Wintun Indians.
Here is the website of the group that is opposed to the landfill in Colusa County.
My issues are two ---
1) How does this really impact Yolo County?
2) What about the issue of tribal governments sovereignty?
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Wild Wings
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Robin has an article in the Daily Democrat today about the Wild Wings golf course issue.
They were meeting today so I will be interested in seeing what Duane brings back to the Board next week. However, I am not inclined to buy a golf course.
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E-mail of the day -- classic
Sunday, September 21, 2008 ::
1 Comments
I am not going to cut and paste that latest award recipient. It had quite a bit of personal information about the author.
My favorite part was that the person was going to go door to door in Davis collecting signatures to recall me from office. Excellent. I encourage them to work really hard going door to door in Davis. It just makes me smile.
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Re-entry facilty is a front loader
Sunday, September 21, 2008 ::
6 Comments
We have had two recent editorials in the Daily Democrat on the re-entry facility.
Here is the first one where we were told to say no to the $30 million. The second one appeared today.
When the Sacramento Bee published an editorial regarding the choice being made by the Yolo County Board of Supervisors we met with them the next day to explain the situation in great detail.
The Sacramento Bee and the Woodland Daily Democrat in their editorial opinions have a foundation that is consistent with my values. In the case of the Daily Democrat, we have just come to different conclusions.
The debate regarding the location of these facilities has been and will be debated all over this state. Much like landfills and homeless shelters people generally recognize the need for prisons they just don't want to be near one. I get that.
What the Democrat editorial questioned today was the rehabilitation nature of these facilities. The main reason that I am supporting the re-entry concept is that I believe that it is front loading. In fact, re-entry facilities are currently probably the most front-loaded part of the corrections system.
When we have just under 70% of the people that leave state prison re-offending within two years we have a problem. Reducing this rate with the re-entry concept is exactly what this whole concept is about. These facilities are about the counseling and education that the Daily Democrat desires to be provided.
The Yolo County Board of Supervisors has limited scope to change state policy. In this case, I think we have taken a bold step to reduce recidivism in our community. It is my hope that this will cause others to follow our lead here.
The expansion of the jail is consistent with the population growth in Yolo County. I can comfortable defend that even though it is accurately classified by the Daily Democrat as back loading the system.
Note: This is not a post about the location of the facility. It is about the programs being provided in AB 900 and the entire "re-entry" concept.
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LAFCO Meeting Tomorrow
Sunday, September 21, 2008 ::
0 Comments
We have a LAFCO meeting tomorrow in Woodland.
The thing I like best about LAFCO is that my agenda is on line. I don't even get a printed packet. That is true for the YSAQMD and LAFCO. The county may be that way too some day.
LAFCO agenda is here.
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Historic?
Sunday, September 21, 2008 ::
8 Comments
I like to learn about history but am far from a history nut. Woodland has a ton of history. We even have some people locally that claim that the property they own is historic. Whatever.
So tell me this. Yankee Stadium is about as close to baseball heaven as you can get. I would say that is more important that Cooperstown in many ways.
So locally I get grief for wanting to tear down the Hoblit dealership because it is really just an old barn but I don't hear a thing about tearing down Yankee Stadium. Eh?
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Calls back
Sunday, September 21, 2008 ::
0 Comments
I have been getting quite a few calls lately on my home, work, and cell numbers. I try to return every call. However, if you just yell into the phone without giving me your name and phone number and then DEMAND a call back -- I can't help you.
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Tuesday Meeting -- Just read the stuff
Sunday, September 21, 2008 ::
0 Comments
The meeting of the Board of Supervisors this week should be a quick one. We start at the Food Bank for a tour. Most of the stuff should be done by 2pm.
Several items are important.
2.02, 2.03, and 4.03 all kind of tie together for me. Emergency communication is supposed to be our top priority but actions speak louder than words. I am very disappointed in the recommendation from our subcommittee on 4.03. This is a huge mistake. Process has won out over the desired result. This is just wrong. Every single Deputy Sheriff in Yolo County should be hacked off about this.
2.04 is a great one. We are going to do what any family and business does this winter. We are going to lower the temperature by a few degrees to save money and be better on the environment. This is a no-brainer.
2.11 is a road abandonment. We need to be doing more of this. The county has property that we are not taking care of --- like roads. Let's get it out of the way and put it back into private hands.
4.04 is the Wild Wings Golf Course issue. I hope the land owners out there are ready to step up. They can operate it and run it a whole lot cheaper and more efficiently than county government can.
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Sac Business Journal
Saturday, September 20, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Every Saturday I love to read the Sacramento Business Journal at work. They always have some good Woodland stuff.
Today I noticed the bright shiny face of Morgan Childers in there. His company, the Civic Group was also among the fastest growing companies.
Nugget Market and Clark Pacific were also on the list of fastest growing companies.
Go Woodland. Congrats to Morgan.
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Firefox is a struggle
Saturday, September 20, 2008 ::
0 Comments
This new Firefox is a pain. Please forgive some of the spelling errors lately. Some of them are mine but some of them are ones that I recognize but have trouble changing with this new system.
The links also are a huge pain.
Please be patient. Last week I had "public safety" without an "l" up for a little while. Good grief.
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Prop 12 -- I don't know
Saturday, September 20, 2008 ::
8 Comments
I just finished reading over the information on Prop 12. It is the Veteran's Bond Act of 2008.
Here is some more information.
You know -- I am really torn on this one. I think people that serve do deserve some benefits but I am not sure this home ownership thing is part of the deal. After what I have been learning from my buddies that are hurt -- I guess I would rather put the money into better health care for them.
Here is my other concern. Why is it that this benefit only applies to people in California? If it is something that is owed to veterans then it should be a federal program available to every one in the country that served. Different levels of benefit in different states for those that serve does not make sense to me.
Government would work far better if programs remained at one level. Education should be a state responsibility and the federal government should get out of the way. Military and Vet Affairs should be a federal responsibility.
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Trivia for the Week - Higher Education Edition
Saturday, September 20, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Webmaster Bob will soon be posting the trivia for the week. We are focusing on higher education this week.
Please let me know who gets these four questions right the first time -- we will do an honor roll. It is on the honor system. Send me your name and we will post it. This one is right up Dotty's alley.
One of them is a little tricky.
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Free Market Good and Bad
Friday, September 19, 2008 ::
2 Comments
The actions taken by our federal government over the past few days makes me sick.
This country would be better with smaller and more efficient government at every level. That can mean some tough consequences for some.
This week we are witnessing an enormous effort to have government gumming up the free market when corrections are in order. The market can deal with mistakes. The market can deal with errors. It all comes out in the end.
Some of you will say, "Yes, but I am about to retire and need to keep the size of my nest egg large." My response is that you have not moved enough of your portfolio away from risky investments if the last few days made a difference in your retirement plans.
Some of you will say, "A stable market is good for everyone in this country. The government was just stabilizing it for everyone." My response is that is a bunch of nonsense. People will have a more accurate read on the value of their portfolios if the market is allowed to work freely.
Some of you will say, "What about the housing problems in California right now? We need some help." My response is that the market needed a correction and we are getting it.
Government has no business supporting Sallie, Freddie, or AIG. We need to get out of the picture and let the market work.
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This blog
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 ::
7 Comments
This blog has been an amazing experiment. I would guess that it is probably as well read as any blog in the region. For that I am very blessed. Thank you for reading.
The good parts are that I can get my message out on issues. People read this and get information that is not covered in newspapers and may not be available in other places.
Many of you are my supporters. Some (or maybe many) are opposed to me and everything I do. That is fine. This site is available to everyone.
The thing about this blog is that it also puts me out front on many issues and allows people to know what I think about issues that they don't get from other elected officials. I have no problems with that. It helps me think about what I believe and why I believe it too.
Someone suggested to me recently that I needed to stop blogging because it was costing me too much politically. That is not going to happen. I have decided that this blog is part of the way I serve as a Supervisor. It is what it is. if you don't like what you see here.....go some place else. There are other options available to you for news and information about Woodland and Yolo County.
Many people read emotion into some of these things that just isn't there. Some people also take themselves way too seriously.
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Short or long term view?
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Let's say the Board of Supervisors had considered and decided yesterday to place the re-entry facility right outside the city limits of Woodland over my objection. Seeing the issue coming my way I would have started to work.
First, I would have talked with community leaders to get a wish list together.
Second, I would have gone to one other member of the Board of Supervisors that I thought could make a difference and given the list of things that I wanted. I would have said something along the lines of "I can't vote for this under any circumstances but these are the things that I want if it happens."
The list of things that I would have asked for would include language in the MOU, infrastructure improvements, various stuff, and safety standards. I would also be in regular communication with the Department of Corrections to make my positions known. They would have known all my concerns and issues prior to ever walking into the board room on Tuesday.
Third, I would be regularly communicating with the community leaders in my district to make sure that knew all of my actions along the way. In the case of four members of the Woodland City Council this would not be odd because we communicate regularly. They would have been there and we would have coordinated exactly the points we would have covered.
Finally, I would have been engaged in the board hearing so that every single point came through me. Every line of that MOU that was prepared by someone other than me would be scrutinized. I may not have had the gavel but I would have taken over the hearing and controlled each point because it was in my community.
When people want something that involves the community that I represent then I have a responsibility to be very active in that issue.
but that is just me.........maximizing leverage is what I think I was elected to do.
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E-mail of the day -- the ultimate threat #2
Wednesday, September 17, 2008 ::
6 Comments
It is always nice to get e-mails from the people of Yolo County....
God's been around for a long time if you haven't heard and you will answer for bad and evil choices you made here on earth. Like the old saying goes "Money is the root of all evil". I wonder which of your shoulders the devil was sitting on yesterday.....but not to worry your already friends-you'll sit right in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Davis?
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 ::
0 Comments
So I have been getting organized after a long meeting today.
I just went over to check out the Davis Vanguard. DPD had a piece on the re-entry facility. Cool. He makes some good points.
What I found fascinating was that it only had one comment yet has been posted for twelve hours. Here is the post. One comment.
Last week when the Yolo County airport proposal was considered right outside the Davis City Limits we had people climbing the walls. Check out this post.
This is proof of NIMBYism in my mind. When it was there -- all kinds of comments. When it is in Madison --- silence.
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Phone Call of the Day
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Few people call me on my phone at the county office. They either call Dotty or reach me on my cell phone or at my home office.
Today I checked the messages after about 48 hours. One of the opponents to the re-entry facility called three times between 0130 and 0530. She wanted to make sure that if she couldn't sleep over this issue then I couldn't either.
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Re-entry facility - today it was approved
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 ::
16 Comments
With a 3-1-1 vote the re-entry facility siting agreement and MOU was approved today by the Board of Supervisors.
Each time I think we can't possibly have a worse meeting ....we top it.
Yamada abstained. Chamberlain voted no.
I kept hearing people say that they were going to go to the cities to get the facility placed in Woodland, Davis, or West Sacramento. Good luck. You get a city to agree to it and I would bet that the Board of Supervisors would place it there.
This facility makes Woodland and all of Yolo County safer in my mind.
At the end of the meeting people were talking about a recall. Fine with me. I am not even sure I would fight it. Heck, my wife will probably sing the papers.
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Bonus Yolo Trivia
Tuesday, September 16, 2008 ::
3 Comments
Which one of these Fire Protection Districts does not exist in Yolo County?
Elkhorn Fire Protection District
Capay Valley Fire Protection District
No Mans Land Fire Protection District
Guinda Fire Protection District
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E-mail of the day -- the ultimate threat
Monday, September 15, 2008 ::
1 Comments
Supervisors:
When you make your decision regarding the re-entry today, do so knowing that God has special places for those who make the wrong choices in life. Knowing all you know about this so called "re-entry", how you can knowingly let down the very people that elected you for the almighty dollar is truely beyond me.
I have land holdings near Madison but choose to live in Woodland and selecting that site will not only affect my children, but their children and even their children. If you choose to vote for that site, you will devastate my entire family along with thousands of others. Hope you can sleep at night, cause in the end "what goes around comes around".
The best of luck to all of you, cause you will need it!!!
XXXX XXXX
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WCC 2008 Elections Canididate Forum
Monday, September 15, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Hear the candidates respond to formatted questions. Question candidates individually about matters that
concern you.
Wednesday, October 1st @ 7:00PM
- Republican Senate Candidate, Greg Aghazarian
- Democrat Senate Candidate, Lois Wolk
- Republican Assembly Candidate, Manny Cosme
- Democrat Assembly Candidate, Mariko Yamada
See flyer for more information
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Brown Act Violation
Monday, September 15, 2008 ::
5 Comments
The latest strings of e-mails I am getting on the re-entry facility are rather mind boggling.
One line of reasoning is that I violated the Brown Act last Tuesday. When I ask for proof none is offered. So it is ok to accuse me of a crime without any proof. Nice. I appreciate that. This has happened at least five times now.
The other line of reasoning is that since I am planning a political career I should support the re-entry facility to make future constituents happy. The people of Yolo County will stand up and fight for me in future political battles. Sounds like a quid pro quo to me. If it were one person I would dismiss it as just a poor choice of words. It is now getting to the point of being a coordinated effort by a larger group. This is not something that I take lightly.
I am not going to be threated or bribed by anyone in casting a vote.
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Playing the race card
Monday, September 15, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Today I have gotten calls from two different attorney friends that have been contacted to sue the county or state regarding the re-entry facility.
The following letter has been e-mailed to me from two different people.
You can read it here.
The race card thing is just amazing to me. That is simply not true.
The point about the Brown Act does not even contain any evidence -- it just states that the Board of Supervisors broke the law.
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Yolo County 101 v.2
Monday, September 15, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Yolo County 101 goes countywide. The county is running it now as opposed to just my office. I am going to try to attend as many of the forums as possible.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Beth Gabor, Public Information Officer
September 15, 2008 (530) 666-8042 [w] ▪ (530) 219-8464 [c]
New Yolo County 101 Series Offered October-February
(Woodland, CA) – Another series of Yolo County 101 seminars is being offered to provide residents insight into the form and function of Yolo County government, programs and services. This informative series of 12 seminars will begin October 15, 2008, with closing ceremonies in late February 2009. The first seminar will be held at 5:30 p.m. in the Erwin W. Meier Administration at 625 Court Street in Woodland. All county residents are welcome to participate.
During Yolo County 101 sessions, participants will learn more about their county representatives, what they do, and how the various government processes work. Subject areas that will be included in the program include: the Board of Supervisors, county administration, elections, land use, agriculture, public safety, the legal system, fiscal responsibilities, social service, water and flood issues, tribal relations, public health, emergency services, and special districts and boards.
“I’m pleased to see this informational series, that my office started two years ago, continue on as a county-sponsored program,” said Yolo County Supervisor Matt Rexroad. “Continuation of Yolo County 101 is a priority of the Board of Supervisors and it’s a great way for community members to learn about county government, the services and programs we offer and the issues we face.”
All sessions are free, but registration is required to reserve a seat in these sessions. To register visit www.yolocounty.org > (Go to: Hot Topics > Yolo County 101) or call Yolo County Human Resources (530) 666-8042 to request a registration form be sent to you by mail. Registration forms are due by October 13, 2008.
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Facts are facts
Monday, September 15, 2008 ::
3 Comments
People can disagree. That is not a bad thing.
What really has been killing me lately is when people yell at me about facts. Yelling at me about my opinions is one thing -- and possibly something deserved. Facts are not something I can change.
Over the past couple weeks I have noticed that when people start yelling at me about facts I can't control --- I just mentally turn them off. At that point they just need to yell so I let them go. Reason and rational thought just aren't going to do anything for them.
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September 11th -- looking back
Sunday, September 14, 2008 ::
1 Comments
This past week saw the seven year anniversary of September 11th. We all remember where we were that day. Jenn and I were newly married and getting ready for work.
It certainly changed our lives as well as most everyone around us. But did it?
A couple points on this ---
1) My Libertarian nature thinks that government went too far with the Patriot Act and a few others things that still bother me. The loss of liberty for Americans is not something that I give up lightly. The pendulum swung too far for me.
2) I have been out of the military now for about 4 years. Has the war really impacted my life since I left the military? Not really. Does it change the way Jenn and I have really lived. Not really.
If a war is not impacting the everyday lives of Americans then something is very wrong. Insulating the American people from the impacts of war is not a good thing. I want people to think each and every day about how thousands of people are fighting right now. There needs to be some discomfort with that.
3) The thing I am most critical of is that our country did not use September 11th as a turning point to change much. We heightened our security watch but that is about it. In my opinion we need to be moving more quickly toward different forms of energy.
4) The people that did this to our country were radical extremists. I am disappointed that the Islamic religion has not done more to distance itself from these extremists.
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Pac-10 Carnage
Sunday, September 14, 2008 ::
2 Comments
Unless they are playing USC I root for every Pac-10 team to win. Even UCLA.
What happened this weekend?
UCLA 0, BYU 59
Washington State 17, Baylor 45
Cal 27, Maryland 35
Stanford 14, Texas Christian 31
Washington 14, Oklahoma 55
Arizona State 20, UNLV 23
Arizona 28, New Mexico 36
Oregon barely got out of Purdue alive and Oregon State crushed Hawaii. USC took apart Ohio State.
The Pac-10 got killed. Prior to this weekend we had a chance at being the strongest conference in the country. Not any more.
Woodland and Pioneer could have done better against BYU on Saturday.
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Rural Dumping
Sunday, September 14, 2008 ::
3 Comments
On our way to church this morning we were on East Street turning left on Road 25A. Jenn was looking in the mirror, Abbie was singing some Little People song, and Adam was probably beating himself in the head for fun. My job is to just shut up and drive.
Then I saw it -- and knew I needed a camera phone.
Some complete moron dumped a HUGE television on the corner of East and Road 25A. I hate litter. They just dropped it on the side of the road.
After I finish a couple things I am headed back there to pick that thing up and dump it.
How in the world do people think it is OK just to dump big items that are trash along the side of the road? How do they think dumping anything on the side of the road is a good idea.
Good grief. I will take a picture of it before I throw it away.
Note: I could not lift the stupid thing by myself last night.
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Violence in Woodland
Sunday, September 14, 2008 ::
2 Comments
Just about 22 years ago this week I was a freshman at USC. The floor of my College-University dorm came together very quickly. I still keep in contact with several people that I met that week. Our floor was called "The Swamp" because of an unfortunate flooding incident that first week.
Our Resident Advisor talked us into forming a flag football team. After we had played a couple games we decided we were pretty good and decided to actually start practicing.
Not knowing much about the area around USC we headed over to Manual Arts High School to play some flag football. For an 18 year old kid that had lived virtually his whole life in Woodland this seemed like a good idea. They had a field. We would practice on it.
So we head out there with about ten guys from the floor. We needed a couple more to have 6 on 6 so we asked a couple high school kids hanging out if they would like to play. They agree but reluctantly. They were more interested in the flags than anything else.
So we divide up teams and get ready to play. I am 18 years old, have a bunch of long blonde hair, and start to introduce myself to one of the local guys we picked up. I don't remember his name but I remember exactly what he told me.
After names were exchanged he told me he lived a couple blocks away and was going to be a junior at Manual Arts High in a few weeks. I then asked him how he liked it.
At that point he shrugged his shoulders and said,"It is fine but everyone thinks it is violent here just because someone shot the lunch lady in the head."
I was in shock. All I could think about was the lady that used to work the cashier at the Woodland High School cafeteria. If someone shot her in the head Woodland would go completely insane. The town would shut down. Woodland High would probably be destroyed. We would probably cancel the Fair.
After what happened in Woodland this week I worry that we are starting to consider this kind of behavior acceptable.
People don't get shot in Woodland. They aren't supposed to anyway. Sacramento maybe. Los Angeles definately. New York nightly. Woodland never.
To put it mildly, I am little stressed out over this violent trend in our community.
When Adam and Abbie are playing pick up basketball at Douglass Middle School I hope they never say anything like that kis from Manual Arts told me twenty years ago.
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Best article of the day
Sunday, September 14, 2008 ::
2 Comments
I don' know Andy Furillo at the Sacramento Bee but he hit a home run with this article today in the Sacramento Bee about the Pittman family from Red Bluff.
This is one of the things I fear about being a parent. I may fear it irrationally but what do you do if you try as hard as you can to raise your child and this is the result. I guess you just be the best parent possible and see what happens.
This also fits in well with another hot topic in Yolo County.
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Come together, right now
Sunday, September 14, 2008 ::
0 Comments
My family woke up this morning and went for a run. Jenn and I run while Adam and Abbie sit in the jogger and sing, play games, and eat breakfast.
As we were headed down the front walk I grabbed my Democrat and Enterprise and tossed them toward the front door. As soon as I saw the word "re-entry" on the front of the Democrat I stopped. I peaked in the paper, saw the headline and decided I would deal with it when I got back from church later in the day.
So I just read the article. Classic. Classic. Classic.
The best part of it is the quote from Babs Beckwith of Cache Creek. You can read the article for yourself here. It is by Crystal Lee.
The quote makes it perfectly clear. We want it near them not near us but we won't tell them that. Nice. Really nice.
I agree with this group that this facility would be better in one of the three larger cities. I would put it in Woodland if I could. I can't. Further, I am the only one that has actually done anything to put it in a city. The opponents talk about how it should go there but don't actually do anything about it.
So the question comes down to "If it can't be in a city, should we put it in one of the unincorporated areas slated for growth or not take it at all?" I am convinced that we should take it and attempt to lower our recidivism rate. Others can disagree but that is where I am.
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Good Trivia
Saturday, September 13, 2008 ::
0 Comments
I don't even think the Diamondmaker is going to get them all right this week.
Once webmaster Bob gets to it -- we have some good trivia questions this week.
If you get them all right the first time send me an e-mail. We need to do an honor roll.
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Meeting on Tuesday
Saturday, September 13, 2008 ::
1 Comments
After the USC trouncing of Ohio State (35-3) I headed down to the county to pick up my stuff for Tuesday.
We have three items on the agenda for Tuesday.
1) General Plan Review. This is important. We will see how many people show up.
2) Cancellation of Supervisor Chamberlain's lease with the county. This is on consent. Should be a no brainer.
3) Re-entry facility. The MOU is attached to the siting agreement. My main concerns about release points is taken care of. Unless someone lives in Madison everyone will be transported to where they live. That was key to me.
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It was for the YMCA -- burn the tape
Saturday, September 13, 2008 ::
2 Comments
Yesterday at the YMCA I was part of a music video. Many of you will be shocked that this was my first.
Woodland Fire Chief Tod Reddish, School Board President Carol Souza Cole, Former Mayor Dave Flory, School Trustee Rosario Ruiz-Dark and I were all in it. Kelly Hutchison from the Y was leading the charge.
Super Emily's Mom was also there rockin' out.
So we are out on College Street dancing like the Village People when Santiago Lucero from Channel 19 drives up to do an interview with me.
With a huge concern that Santiago would think this is what we did every Friday morning in Woodland we grabbed him and the camera man and got them to do it too. Y _ M _ C _ A !!!
It was fun but surely will be used against all of us at a later time.
The Fire Chief rocks.
You should have see Flory dressed up as the Indian Chief.
YOUNG MAN>>>>>
This is all for a "Stand up for Kids" event at the Woodland Opera House on September 27th. Doors open at 7:30pm. This is a benefit for the YMCA. For more information please call (530) 662-1086.
We needed Yolo Cowboy.
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Sad day in Woodland
Saturday, September 13, 2008 ::
1 Comments
Yesterday was a very bad day in Woodland.
It is wrong when gang activity leads to almost every resident of Woodland feeling unsafe.
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This is the e-mail of the day
Friday, September 12, 2008 ::
14 Comments
I think I will go ahead and post one of these per day to let you know what sort of e-mail traffic is coming. This will give you an idea of what the meeting was like last week.
Dear MR Idiot
You must be getting paid a lot of money to be ignorant and so unwilling to here the cries of the esparto and madison people not wanting this re-entry facilite put there in there town not yours if you want it put out there why dont you build your house right next to it when it is done and see how safe you feel with you and your famliy next to it, as far as this goes you are doing a terrible job of keeping peoples best interest at heart instead yours are in your pockets lined with dirty money probably but that is just my suggestion I just spend my time way from my famliy in IRAQ and have done so for the last twelve years fighting for this great country and ass backwards peploe like you. have a great day sir
Sincerley
XXXXX XXXXX
a proud spartan graduate
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Wild Wings -- not for me
Wednesday, September 10, 2008 ::
2 Comments
Government does not know how to run a golf course. Not a chance.
If the people of Wild Wings moved out there to be by a golf course then let them buy it.
Yolo County has no business operating a golf course.
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McCain-Palin Stuff
Wednesday, September 10, 2008 ::
1 Comments
The bumper stickers for anyone in Yolo County that will put them on their car are my treat. The more of those we see around the better this county will be.
In Davis we should probably offer some kind of a reward system. I do know that I gave my only yard sign away this weekend to someone that lives over by the University. He really wanted one.
If you want to order signs and other stuff go to www.shopmccain.com.
Disclosure: I do have a stake in this company.
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Yolo County General Plan
Wednesday, September 10, 2008 ::
6 Comments
Note: I am looking forward to these hearings.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Beth Gabor, Public Information Officer
September 10, 2008 (530) 666-8042 [w] ▪ (530) 219-8464 [c]
Draft General Plan Document Released
(Woodland, CA) – Today, the Yolo County Draft General Plan was released to the public. On September 16, a joint meeting of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors and the Planning Commission will be held to receive a presentation on the Draft General Plan. The General Plan is the basic document used by local government in land use planning. It provides the comprehensive long-term plan for the physical development of the county, and is often referred to as “the constitution” of the county. All cities and counties are required, under state law, to have one.
The last update was in 1983, based on the county’s original General Plan from 1958. In May 2003, the Board of Supervisors gave direction to begin the current General Plan update process. This is only the third time in the county’s history that the General Plan has been comprehensively updated. While the fundamental land use goals of promoting agriculture and directing urban growth to the cities have not changed, circumstances facing the county have changed. Agriculture requires flexibility to allow it to branch out into processing and tourism related businesses. Similarly, several of the county’s small towns require new infrastructure, investment, and services that can accompany well-designed growth. There is also a greater need for economic development to provide growth and stability to the county revenues that pay for local services. This General Plan update allows the county to examine these issues and chart a course for the future that meets these challenges.
Yolo County is 653,549 acres in size, of which 32,325 acres (just under 5%) lies within the four incorporated cities. Currently, approximately 23,265 residents live in 7,263 homes within the remaining 95% of the county, along side 430 acres of job-producing commercial and industrial land. Under the existing 1983 General Plan, another 11,240 residents, 4,014 homes, and 1,440 acres of commercial and industrial land could be added. The Preferred Land Use Alternative, adopted by the Board of Supervisors on September 18, 2007, is the basis for creating the General Plan update. In addition to the 1983 General Plan, it would allow for another 26,600 residents, 9,500 homes, and 901 acres of economic development through the year 2030.
The four primary proposed land use changes that account for these increases include:
§ Dunnigan community expansion (21,000 residents, 7,500 units, and 430 job-producing acres)
§ Madison community expansion (3,655 residents, 1,305 units, and 116 job-producing acres)
§ New commercial and industrial development in Elkhorn (320 job-producing acres)
§ Conversion to industrial at Spreckels site (69 job-producing acres)
The growth in Dunnigan and Madison is reflective of a desire by the Board of Supervisors to ensure the future sustainability of these communities, including a minimum population to support basic community services as well as carefully structured land uses to ensure that the number and price of homes roughly match the number and wages of local jobs. The growth in Elkhorn and Spreckels is supportive of the Board of Supervisors’ economic development priorities and both highlight site-specific resource opportunities of the county. It should be noted that development in Knights Landing and Esparto is already planned under the 1983 General Plan.
New policy directions in the proposed Draft General Plan focus on the following primary themes:
§ The continuing primacy of agriculture and related endeavors throughout the county, by allowing for more economic innovation and aggressively protecting the water and soil resources upon which farming depends.
§ Modest managed growth within existing towns, accompanied by improvements to infrastructure and services to ensure community sustainability.
§ Expanded protection of a network of connected open space and recreational areas, integrated with the Yolo Natural Heritage Program.
§ Opportunities for revenue-producing and job-producing agricultural, industrial, and commercial growth in designated locations and along key transportation corridors.
§ Manage the existing road network to make the most of existing capacity, while accommodating a diversity of users and alternative modes of transportation.
§ Service levels that allow for the effective and efficient provision of services, consistent with rural values and expectations.
§ A comprehensive approach to both reduce greenhouse gas emissions and plan for the potential impacts of global climate change.
§ New emphasis on community and neighborhood requirements that reflect “smart growth” and “healthy design” principles, which complement the unique character of existing developed areas.
All Yolo County residents are urged to follow this important process which will shape the future of Yolo County. Comments on the document will be accepted by the Planning and Public Works Department through November 20, 2008. To view the Draft General Plan, the schedule of upcoming public meetings, or to find additional general information on the General Plan update, visit: www.yolocountygeneralplan.org <http://www.yolocountygeneralplan.org/> .
Hard copies of the Draft General Plan are available for viewing and check-out at all Yolo County library branches (visit: www.yolocountylibrary.org <http://www.yolocountylibrary.org/> for branch locations) and the Yolo County Planning & Public Works (PPW) Department (292 West Beamer Street in Woodland). Hard copies of the Draft General Plan are available for purchase at PPW for $50.00 or on CD for $4.50.
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Ok. I did it. How about you?
Wednesday, September 10, 2008 ::
2 Comments
In the last eight hours or so I have gotten multiple e-mails suggesting that I have the obligation to negotiate with the City of Woodland or some other city a deal to put the re-entry facility there.
Let me just say that I agree that the re-entry facility does belong in an industrial/commercial area. That is where it should be placed.
I have actually placed the item on a 2x2 agenda with Woodland. We discussed it. Further, I was at Mayor Davies house on Sunday afternoon talking about the issue.
To my knowledge not one other person has gone to a City Council meeting to ask Woodland, Winters, Davis, or West Sacramento to do anything.
Since it can't go in a city then we have to go to Plan B.
No one showed up in Davis last night to demand that it be placed there. No one has been in Woodland.
Looking forward to watching public comment where I see all the people turning out.
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Why bother to have an editorial board meeting?
Tuesday, September 09, 2008 ::
0 Comments
I just kind of shook my head when I read the editorial in the Daily Democrat today. Read it hear.
Good golly. We took over the entire team to ask and answer any questions the Democrat had. Clearly those did not get passed on.
The exact things that the editorial stresses as the desired objectives are exactly what is provided by a re-entry facility --- counseling and job training. The thought of providing these services without places for people to sleep and without security is not realistic.
The current situation is not acceptable.
A re-entry facility for Yolo County is a good thing even without the $30 million.
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Stickers Available to McLovin'
Tuesday, September 09, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Dear McLovin'
I have a McCain/Palin bumper sticker available to you too. I will put a couple on my front porch for you -- 711 College Street.
Come by and pick them up any time you want.
Matt
P.S. My hotel reservations for the inauguration have been confirmed.
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McCain-Palin Stickers: I got 'em
Tuesday, September 09, 2008 ::
4 Comments
I have a good supply of McCain-Palin bumper stickers but I am only going to send them to people that are willing to put them on their cars. I am not going to be giving these to people to put on their tool box or their freezer.
We need to see bumpers all over Woodland with them.
Send me an e-mail and I will mail you one. matt@rexroad.com
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Tia Sharp at Library
Tuesday, September 09, 2008 ::
1 Comments
Woodland Public Library to Host Local Author
The Woodland Public Library is pleased to host local author Tia Elliott Sharp for a reading and book signing of her newly published novel, A Change of State. The reading will be held at the Woodland Public Library’s Leake Community Room on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 7 pm. The event is free, and the public is encouraged to attend and support one of Woodland’s own.
A graduate of Woodland High School, Tia is a long time resident of Woodland where she lives with her husband and two daughters. In addition to the publication of this first novel, Tia Elliott Sharp is a lyricist, the recipient of several Music City Music Festival awards for both country and rock.
According to reviews, the two-part novel, A Change of State, is as much a five-generational family saga as it is a compelling and dramatic history of how our country emerged, and the grit of those individuals who dug out a life for future generations. Beginning with the story of Maude and Clem Roberts in 1850, the reader is immediately drawn into the story of our country’s westward movement, and one woman’s instincts to survive, no matter what the cost. We learn early on that grim determination was never enough; the will to survive also required the ability to love...and to hope. In this novel written entirely in the present tense, we are carried along on a journey of old dreams and new beginnings
Maude Roberts is determined to make a new life, whether husband Clem accompanies her or not. Heeding the cry of manifest destiny, they soon join the stalwart souls willing to leave everything behind and made a new life...in a new frontier. When Maude finds herself a young widow, she arrives at yet another crossroad in her life. Does she give up...or does she forge ahead? The decisions made affect not only her future, but that of all the generations yet to come. In Book II, four generations later, the fruit of Maude’s labors are revealed. In this mesmerizing saga, Sharp reminds us that our country was built on the courage and dreams of those who came long before us.
The newly published novel will be available for sale to interested individuals following the reading, and Ms. Sharp will sign copies of her book.
Note: I have a great picture with this but the new FireFox will not allow me to post it.
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The latest threat from Davis
Monday, September 08, 2008 ::
3 Comments
Here is the latest threat that came in an e-mail from Davis.......
We have owned a house in north Davis since 1991. We are both attorneys. We always vote.
If you vote in favor of locating a re-entry prison facility near the county airport, we will do what we can to ensure that you lose in any future elections in this county.
After this e-mail I now feel better about the airport than I ever have before. Threats are not the best way to convince me of anything.
I love Davis.
Here was my response ----
Great. I don’t take threats well.
Please do work to oppose me in any future elections. I will sleep fine.
Matt
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The Re-entry Facility Comments
Monday, September 08, 2008 ::
0 Comments
This is really getting crazy now. Check out these claims from a Davis resident ---
When the prisoners are released, we don't want them wandering the streets of our cities because they have no where else to go.
I can't imagine a parent wanting to send a child to U.C. Davis with a prison nearby.
It is one thing to locate a prison near a county jail. Everybody that chose to live near that jail knew what was in their neighborhood, and for whatever reason were willing to locate their anyway.
Yolo county is too small to contain anything so heinous. No matter where you look, families are too close by.
I have to tell you that I have just about had it with these people from Davis. They are five miles from the proposed site. They think it is beneath them to live in such a place that would have people locked in cages five miles away.
EVERY SINGLE PERSON IN WOODLAND LIVES WITHIN FIVE MILES OF THE MONROE DETENTION FACILITY. WE MUST BE THE LESSER CLASS.
Stand by.
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Agenda for Tuesday -- Sept 9
Sunday, September 07, 2008 ::
0 Comments
I just read over my agenda packet for Tuesday.
Other than having a couple questions on consent items it did not take too long. The re-entry facility is on there for 0930 but I will bet it will start closer to 1000.
We have a vote on a PERS contract and the Re-entry facility. Those are the key items.
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Re-entry facilty -- Point #7 Unincorporated Areas
Sunday, September 07, 2008 ::
2 Comments
The issues of the way the county deals with unincorporated areas comes up all the time.
In my opinion there are a couple issues here. The first is the way in which the districts are drawn. Right now I have part of Woodland and less than 200 people that live in the country. Helen has part of Davis and the University. Mariko has Davis, El Macero, and some other small areas. McGowan has all of West Sac and Clarksburg.
Chamberlain meanwhile has this vast expanse of area that is unincorporated and a chuck of Woodland.
Years ago Tom Stallard put me on the redistricting commission for Yolo County. I argued then and would argue now that the Board should split up the unincorporated area. Helen should take Winters, Matt should take Knights Landing..or something like that.
Then the unincorated areas would have more impact in my opinon.
Some in the area would argue that then we woudl not have a "farmer" seat on the Board. I have news for you. Most of the people Duane represents are in Woodland right now. If Mel Smith would have been replaced by Bill Marble he would have had a real race.
The other major factor is land use. We don't grow much outside of the cities in Yolo County. More than 80% of the people in Yolo County live in the cities. So, on an issue like the re-entry facility you end up with a smaller unincorporated areas being the only option.
Then the charge comes -- you are picking on [fill in the blank].
Land use is shaping many of the decisions we make in Yolo County. Decisions that are not usually considered land use decisions.
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Bill Shea: Aviation Memoir
Sunday, September 07, 2008 ::
0 Comments
I don't know Bill Shea that well but we have met on several occasions. The other day while I was walking down the street I ran into his son Kevin and we had a short chat.
Kevin was nice enough to send me a copy of Bill's "Aviation Memoir".
I took it along with me on a Southwest Airlines trip and finished reading it before the wheels touched down on the other end. It seemed appropriate to read this book on a plane.
Bill has had an amazing life that has largely centered around aviation but has involved lots of other things too. The chapter breaks made things a little difficult to really get into the story.
I am happy to share my copy if anyone would like to have a quick read. Let me know.
Thank you to Kevin.
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Re-entry facilty -- Point #6 safety
Sunday, September 07, 2008 ::
2 Comments
Safety is the one issue that really hacks me off because Woodland has the Monroe detention facility right next to thousands of residents/kids/schools.
When I get e-mails opposed to the re-entry facility that start off by saying that their main concern is that X number of the people live close by and that their children's lives are being risked by the possible placement of this facility I just kind of roll my eyes.
In fact, several parents from Davis are upset with the airport site that is more than five miles from their home.
If this is a real risk then every single parent in Woodland would be posing an unacceptable risk to their children by living within 5 miles of the Monroe Detention Center. Everyone in Woodland lives within 5 miles of the Monroe Detention Center.
Let me just point out that about 10 people on average walk out of the Monroe Detention Center every DAY. Every day. The re-entry facility will have probably one leave per day and almost none will just walk out the door. At Monroe they just walk out the door.
On Tuesday I am going to be ready to really go after this argument. I am not going to sit there and let some parent from Davis tell me that it is unacceptable for their kids to love within 5 miles of a detention facility while everyone in Woodland lives within one every day. That is insulting to me (as a parent) and every single one of the parents I represent.
People that head down this line of reasoning are not going to get out cleanly. They will need to tell everyone why their children are more valuable than any other child in Yolo County and why parents in Woodland are so terrible.
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Re-entry facility #5 -- notice
Sunday, September 07, 2008 ::
1 Comments
Note: I could keep going on this for days so I am not sure how many I am going to do on this but it is likely to keep coming.
Communications could always improve and notice could always be done more promptly. Both are true.
My point is -- at what point do people want to be noticed?
I know one thing. When the folks in general services considered 100 sites we could have help community forums all over Yolo County. You know how many people would have showed up? Almost none.
My experience is that people will not and do not show up until it impacts them directly and the decision is at hand. Then, if they think the decision is going to go against them they will ask for a delay and claim that not enough information is available.
For example, we have been talking about Dunnigan growing by 7,500 homes for quite a while now. It will involve lots of traffic and water use. We might have more people when the General Plan gets closer to completion but we have had very few people involved. I will bet that all changes when the General Plan gets closer to completion.
Same thing happened with Clark Pacific. Multiple meetings where the Board voted 5-0 to zone the land out there industrial. Industrial. Not a peep from anyone. It was in the newspaper. It was on this blog. Nothing. Then Clark Pacific proposes to actually build something that fits with that proposed zoning and we start having 4-1 votes and people start screaming.
I don't expect people to pay much attention to local politics. The reality is that they are focused on their families and jobs. I understand.
In this case I don't think much more notice would have really provided much more quality or quantity of debate.
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Everyman can be President
Sunday, September 07, 2008 ::
0 Comments
I would like to accept the nomination of the Daily Democrat's editor Jim Smith for President of the United States of America.
See article here.
but I will never get hair plugs so I will lose. Bummer.
A couple corrections. I was in Iraq/Kuwait for only about seven months. Palin has been Governor for a little under two years.
She also spent two terms on the City Council. I have only been in elected office for six years.
My favorite food is pizza but I would like to try moose burger.
Our world is flattening in a whole host of ways. Politics is starting to behave like the world economy.
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Washington got ripped off
Saturday, September 06, 2008 ::
0 Comments
The University of Washington got ripped off by the officials today. When Washington QB Jake Locker crossed the goal line in the fourth quarter after a long drive he tossed the ball in the air.
He was penalized 15 yards for excessive celebration. The penalty changed the whole game. It probably changed the outcome of the game.
The call was questionable at best but with less than a minute left in the game it should not have been called.
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My own movie
Friday, September 05, 2008 ::
0 Comments
I apologize for the language in the video clip below -- but it is one of my favorite all time movie scenes. McLovin' is a bad influence on me.
McLovin' has a great post over at Politiclast about my new movie.
See his/her/it's post here.
I think Sean Penn will be great in this movie. He had me won over ever since he uttered the line "My Old Man's a Television Repair man, he's got the Ultimate set of tools"
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Here comes Hillary
Friday, September 05, 2008 ::
0 Comments
A friend pointed out for my today that the one biggest problem with Governor Palin is that we will probably be seeing a lot more of Senator Clinton.
When Senator Obama can't attack her -- Senator Clinton can. I can see this coming.
Prediction -- Palin and Clinton will mix it up before November 3rd.
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Re-entry facility -- Point #4 (The meetings)
Friday, September 05, 2008 ::
7 Comments
I have been in elected office for six years now. I have faced some angry audiences. That is fine. I am totally cool with that. It is part of the job.
The meetings we had in Zamora were good ones actually. People asked questions and they listened to the presentation from CDCR because they wanted to learn more and understand. People were mad -- I get that.
The meeting in Esparto was not called by the county. It was one of the worst run meetings I have ever attended. I can tell you with certainty that if that meeting was being run in Woodland it would have been far more orderly. Many community "leaders" sat there and did nothing as people just yelled things out from the audience at random.
The people answering the questions could not even get short answers out. People would interupt - after the person speaking demanded that the question be answered.
The meeting in West Plainfield last night was good and bad. It was good because the gentleman that started the meeting actually did an excellent and fair job of presenting the facts of the situation. He did a really good job. The point that said it all was when people were asked to raise their hands if they wanted to see the presentation of information from CDCR. I think only a few hands went up. In a room with 300 people only a few wanted to see the presentation and get more information. That was disappointing.
There were some very bright and articulate people at the meeting last night in West Plainfield. They asked great questions. Yet when I was standing by the door talking to a group of people some lady just came up and rudely interupted the conversation. I would have gladly stayed there as long as necessary to answer questions yet this lady she should just hump write in the middle and go first.
Finally, people don't seem to like my answers on the questions they ask about the re-entry facilty. I am fine with that but if you don't like me or don't trust me -- then don't ask. The only comment I regret saying in this whole process was when a speaker last night started going off about Davis having the lowest unemployment rate and how nice it was and blah blah blah. I asked "You are from Davis right?" He said yes. I answered "Firgures." I should not have done that and would apologize to him if given the chance.
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Re-entry Facilty -- Point #3 Who do you represent?
Friday, September 05, 2008 ::
1 Comments
Who do I represent?
I represent the people of Woodland and Elkhorn.
Some of your will argue that I represent a political party, my family, evil business owners, or my least favorite Vice-Mayor. None of those would be true in my role as a County Supervisor.
During this process I have had people write, yell, e-mail, call -- "you represent us". Not really. I don't think so anyway.
I am the only Supervisor from Woodland. I take that seriously. I know this community better than anyone on the Board. My district may only have parts of it but I consider myself to be the voice of this entire community. One of the reasons that I ran for Supervisor was to give Woodland that voice.
My first test on everything is -- "Is this proposal good for Woodland?" That is my view. You may not like that view but it is mine. I ran on it. I believe it. I live it.
So how many people from Woodland have contacted me about the re-entry facility? Three. Two of them read this blog and sent me electronic communications. The other is Skip Davies. One person told me he opposed at a lunch meeting and then changed his mind when he found out a little more information. All of the others are people that I sought out. Once they understand the issue they are good.
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Re-entry facilty -- Point #2 (Communications)
Friday, September 05, 2008 ::
0 Comments
The County certainly could have done a better job in communicating with the people of Yolo County regarding this issue. That is just always true. Communications can always be better.
Here is the problem. I am not taking a hit for poor communications. When this issue came up I personally spoke to three members of the Woodland City Council within a few hours on learning more. Later I spoke to a fourth. I personally called the Police Chief and City Manager. Long discussions were involved with all of these people.
I communicated with the city leaders in Woodland and continue to do that on a regular basis. Lately I have not talked much with Martie Dote but I need to do that more. I talked Flory more when he was on the Council. In fact, several times I talked to Art and Dave more when they were both on the City Council in one day than my predecessor talked to me in the entire four years he was in office.
I am hesitant to communicate with the people outside of Woodland on county policy issues. On this blog I lay out my positions on issues and lots of people read them.
You can rip me for a whole host of things..... but lack of communications in not one of them. Please name for me the elected official in the region that communicates more than I do?
Further, at what point is notification triggered? Hudson Sangree told us all last night that he had written about the issue four times in the Sacramento Bee. It has been in the Daily Democrat. It has been on blogs. It has been in the Davis Enterprise. In the end I don't think that any more time given to people would have made any difference at all.
Further, I went out to Zamora on short notice to an Advisory Committee Meeting, I went out again a few weeks later, I went to Zamora, and I went to the airport. I met with every single person the requested a meeting on this issue. I have returned every e-mail and phone call that has come in. Note: I do get letters from some nut job in Zamora or Dunnigan that puts fake addresses on the outside of the envelope and sends me random newspaper clippings and stuff. I do not write responses because the addresses are never good. I used to but they all just come back in the mail.
The people of Dunnigan and Zamora believe that the large turnouts at the town hall meetings and letters to the editor made a difference in the site selection. It did not. It was the attributes of the site.
Finally, I am not going to violte the Brown Act. Many people do. I do not. I am not going to violate that law to make a friend, relative, or community happy. I would rather take a beating in town hall after town hall than violate the law.
If we had more time communication would have been better. The problem is that the county effort in this area is being judges with the history or Conway Ranch and the Water Ordinance...so we don't get the benefit of the doubt. I get that.
Note: I forgot to mention that I also walked into the Daily Democrat with a large group of people to explain the concept and what we had going on. They asked questions. We discussed the issue. We have been very open about this.
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Re-entry Facilty -- Point #1
Friday, September 05, 2008 ::
0 Comments
In Esparto on Tuesday night one of the people at the microphone asked me if I supported "the re-entry facility." It would have been wrong for me to answer how I plan to vote next Tuesday so I answered a different question.
The question I really answered was -- "Would a re-entry facility make Yolo County a better place?"
My answer to that is absolutely yes.
Currently our Corrections system in California is completely broken. We send people to jail and basically just warehouse them. They sit on a shelf and get angry, pick up bad habits, some become physical fitness freaks and then they are dumped back out onto the streets of Yolo County. About 70% will be back in custody soon.
When they commit additional crimes we have more victims, more police time, more court costs, and more problems. It is expensive to arrest people. It is expensive to have victims of crime.
Re-entry facilities will give these people that are coming back to our community anyway a 12-18 month head start on some kind of treatment prior to being let out on the streets. That is a good thing. If the recidivism only drop 10% I think it is worth it. If it drops 30% as estimated then it is clearly worth it.
Further, out ADMH program in Yolo County is in a free fall. We terminated almost 30 employees and services are being cur dramatically. Allowing these people to get treatment prior to coming back out on the street allows them to get a head start. Further, by partnering with the state we can see our local non-profit entities get some additional resources to be able to provide a better level of services.
Just standing alone I believe a re-entry facility is a good thing for Yolo County. It means better people are walking out the doors of state prisons on to the streets of Yolo County and that we will have fewer victims of further crimes.
Woodland is a better place with a re-entry facility in Yolo County.
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WoodlandCommunity.com
Thursday, September 04, 2008 ::
0 Comments
This morning I had breakfast with Preston Heffernan. Turns out he was at USC at the same time I was.
Preston has an interesting way of looking at the business world. He has a great deal of experience with some things that I can think about but can't really make happen.
Preston has an interesting business. One of the websites he operates in WoodlandCommunity.com
I need to change up my links on this site. I have some local ones that need to change. Some need to be added and some need to go.
Check out his site.
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Blue Wings
Thursday, September 04, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Blue Wing Art Gallery Presents:
"Let's Face It"
Open to the public
When: Friday Sept 5th
Time: 6pm-9p
Historic Woodland Downtown, CA Blue Wing Art Gallery will feature artist
Skip Lee, Skip is most known for his vibrant abstract paintings. For this exhibit however Skip broadened his horizons by combining recognizable images/faces rendered with the delicate line of a pencil surrounded by saturated swathes of acrylic paint. This effect is highly original and an intellectual leap from his previous works.
Even though the faces are very detailed Skip’s paintings are neither rigid nor formal. It is clear that he is an intuitive painter who trusts his instincts, using every possible variation of line, shape and color combination.
About the Blue Wing Art Gallery
The Blue Wing Gallery is located at 405 Main St in the Downtown of Historic Woodland. Gallery hours are: Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are closed on Sundays & Mondays. For more information, please call us at 530-666-9498 or visit us online at www.bluewinggallery.com
Show Runs Sept 5th - Sept 27th
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Davis again.....good grief
Thursday, September 04, 2008 ::
21 Comments
I am getting calls and letters from people in Davis saying that they don't want a re-entry facility built seven miles from them.
When I point out that the Monroe Detention Center is within seven miles of Davis they are stunned. We also have schools close by.
Tonight I plan to be at the Lillard Hall. I am looking forward to speaking with the Davis NIMBYs that plan to attend about the re-entry facility.
The guy I spoke to on the phone admitted that he was fine with it being built -- just not anywhere near Davis.
The last call on my cell phone was from a lady in Davis indicated that the person had absolutely no idea what was going on in the world. She thought "all those services stay in Woodland where they belong". She thought I represented Davis.
Tonight is going to be fun.
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Excellent
Wednesday, September 03, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Governor Palin did an excellent job tonight. Jenn and I are looking forward to sitting near McLovin' at her inauguration.
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Joe Lieberman: Home Run
Tuesday, September 02, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Senator Joe Lieberman made an amazing presentation of facts tonight to support the Presidency of Senator John McCain.
It took a great deal of guts to do that. I respect that.
I got my McCain lawn sign today. It will go up later tonight or fist thing in the morning.
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Esparto Tonight
Tuesday, September 02, 2008 ::
14 Comments
Tonight I spent a lovely two hours discussing the proposed re-entry facility in the theater at Esparto High School.
Saw Jim Nielsen, Yolo Cowboy, Charlie-san, Fire Chief, and a number of others there.
Supervisor Helen Thomson, Sheriff Ed Prieto, and I joined three people from CDCR on the stage to answer questions.
A couple observations ---
I have been to dozens and dozens of public meetings in my career. I've never been to one where a few people in the audience were as rude as they were tonight. They did not wait their turn to speak at all. These few people made everyone else look bad.
It seemed to be near unanimous opposition to the facility being sited in Esparto.
Some people, some that were community leaders, argued that traffic and water issues alone made them oppose the project. I expect to see those people oppose industrial zoning for Esparto in the General Plan this year. Will they be attending the meetings to voice their opposition to their proposals? I doubt it.
Again, A re-entry facility is a good thing for Yolo County. I am convinced of that. It will make our community safer and provide a more cost effective government.
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Pull your head out
Monday, September 01, 2008 ::
3 Comments
I just got a nasty gram from someone that accused me of being a recent McCain for President convert. Idiot. Yes. This person is an idiot. Read it here for everyone to see. You claim to read this blog regularly. nonsense.
The claim is that I just recently jumped on the McCain bandwagon because of the VP choice being a good conservative.
Pull your head out. I have been very public about my support for Senator McCain being our next President for more than a year now. I spoke at a fundraiser for him in Vacaville, wrote a personal check to his campaign, will have a sign in my yard shortly, and had one in the primary. The McCain bumper sticker on my car is nearly worn out. My business is involved in helping him on several fronts. What else can I possibly do?
If you look to the right column on this website you will see that I have listed my support for Senator McCain. It has been there for quite a while. I am not even sure how long.
I do think he is the best man for the job. I have thought so for more than a year. I think the guy is a national hero.
Agree with me. Disagree with me. I really don't care. But don't call me a newcomer to the McCain camp. I was here when it was pretty lonely. @#^#&%$#&$%^T%*#%
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New Poll and Trivia
Monday, September 01, 2008 ::
0 Comments
Webmaster Bob will soon turn loose a new poll and set of trivia questions.
The poll is to get my feel on the race for the White House. Davies/Huber '12 has a nice ring to it.
The trivia is the doctorate degree question. I think some people will end up missing a couple of those.
The Diamondmaker of course will miss several and then claim to have gotten them all right. Whatever.
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Who cares.
Monday, September 01, 2008 ::
0 Comments
The feeding frenzy against Palin and Biden has started. This is the part the prevents good people from seeking public office.
Palin somehow is getting "smeared" because she did not show enough during her pregnancy and now she has to come out with a release that her daughter is pregnant. The situation regarding her pregnancy was just wrong. The situation regarding her daughter was beyond that. It is not relevant what President Clinton's brother did, it is not relevant what Vice President Cheney's daughter does, it does not matter what Governor Palin's daughter does.
Millions of famlies in the United States have dealt with a teen pregnancy. It is often unwelcome news but still the world spins.
Now Senator Biden is being criticized for being a draft dodger from more than 40 years ago. Here is the article. This is also wrong. Let it go. It would have been better for Biden top serve in the military but he didn't. Factor that all into the equation and make your decision.
We are talking about decisions people made when they are under twenty years old.
As a society we expect too much from young people. This includes college athletes, Olympians, and views of the part lives of elected officials. I actually think I would rather support someone that has made some mistakes earlier in life. You can learn from those.
I made some really stupid decisions at the age of 25 and under. They were some of the best learning experiences I have had.
Chill out and leave some of these people alone.
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Reduce? Recycle? Why bother.
Monday, September 01, 2008 ::
3 Comments
So I was looking around my house the other day for ways to simplify things.
One thing I noticed is that I subscribe to the Davis Enterprise at home. However, I read it on-line most of the time so I never actually open it when it arrives at my door.
That was an idea. I will tell the Enterprise that they did not need to waste the paper or the effort to get me the paper. Then I would not have to recycle it. They would save time and effort. Life would be great.
Wrong. Jenn called to tell them to stop delivering even though we would still pay the bill -- I want the on-line access to the news. They told us they could not do that because of the advertising rates were dependent upon it.
So much for being green.
So here is the offer to anyone in Woodland. Who wants a hard copy of the Davis Enterprise? I will have them deliver my subscription to you since I will never open it. Their advertisers will get another person to look at their stuff. I will have my wife stop giving me a hard time about unopened newspapers and life will be good.
Anyone?
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