Proposition 98 is incredibly deceptive and manipulative, just like that radio ad mentioned by Mister Zhou. It is yet another initiative with multiple hidden agendas -- this time provisions that would gut the ability to affect important land use decisions at the local and community level like affordable housing policies and safe zoning laws that keep polluting industries out of residential neighborhoods.
EHC is doing what it always does most effectively to combat the manipulative and misleading Proposition 98 -- we’re organizing. EHC volunteers are going door-to-door to get our NO on Prop 98 message directly to voters every Saturday in May. Join us! Call Jorge Osuna at (619) 474-0220 x118 to sign up for precinct walking.
-- LAURA BENSONThursday, May 8 -- 12:18 pm
The community of Barrio Logan has been a poster child for injustice of all kinds throughout its history, but has never faced a moment like the present. A convergence of critical events could result in a future model of social and environmental justice, or could change Barrio Logan into a community unrecognizable and unlivable to its displaced former residents.
What’s happening in Barrio Logan?
The Community Plan Update: In the absence of city action, Environmental Health Coalition’s Barrio Logan Community Action Team developed the Barrio Logan Vision through a grassroots community-driven planning process that included residents, businesses and community organizations. Now the community plan update -- the first under the city’s new General Plan -- has finally commenced. Will the city adopt the community’s vision? Or will it allow special interests to dominate or undermine the planning process, leaving the future up to the developers longing to replace the current neighborhood and make big bucks at the expense of current residents?
The Mercado Project: Long on the list of injustices visited upon the neighborhood, the Mercado Project always promised to be Barrio Logan’s signature revitalization project. Will the city be successful in choosing a new developer and building a project that brings affordable housing and small business opportunities as EHC and the Barrio Logan Vision demand? Or will the pursuit of profits win out?
The Port: The Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal and port tenants on the working waterfront are both a source of Barrio Logan’s unjust burden of air pollution and living wage jobs. EHC convinced the port to develop a Clean Air Plan to reduce emissions, but will it ever be given the teeth it needs to take a major bite out of diesel pollution in the neighborhood? Or will big development interests redevelop the terminal into an extension of the downtown waterfront, paving the way for full scale gentrification and displacement?
Proposition 98: Will a state proposition, in the guise of eminent domain reform, effectively gut our right to community planning, local environmental initiatives and affordable housing policies? EHC opposes Prop 98. Will voters agree, or will these local efforts in Barrio Logan be in vain?
EHC has worked directly with residents through community organizing, advocacy and leadership development for over two decades and will be fighting to ensure that the long overdue light of justice finally shines on Barrio Logan as it sits at this amazing crossroads. What do you think the future holds for Barrio Logan?
-- LAURA BENSONWednesday, May 7 -- 8:10 pm
Here are some statistics about death in San Diego County over the last several years:
- 2006
Accidental deaths: 1161
Homicides: 152
Suicides: 313 (27 by jumping)
- 2005
Accidental deaths: 1092
Homicides: 129
Suicides: 317 (25 by jumping)
- 2004
Accidental deaths: 1084
Homicides: 150
Suicides: 314 (23 by jumping)
- 2003
Accidental deaths: 1014
Homicides: 161
Suicides: 329 (23 by jumping)
- 2002
Accidental deaths: 990
Homicides: 102
Suicides 325 (19 by jumping)
It's remarkable how consistent these numbers are. Each year, about 320 people in the county kill themselves. Even the number who kill themselves by jumping (off bridges, buildings, overpasses, cliffs) is about the same each year.
(The statistics, by the way, come from the county medical examiner's office; 2007 stats weren't available. Full reports with a lot more numbers are on the office's website.)
And where does the Coronado Bridge fit in? From 2002-2007, the number of suicide deaths ranged from one to nine. It's hard to read much into those numbers, but one of the highest death tolls -- 11 -- came in 1993, on the heels of tough economic times in 1992.
And the highest death toll ever -- 16 -- was in 1980, a very bad time for the country economically. Perhaps there's a connection.
♦♦♦
Reader Marie writes:
I liked your articles very much and discussed them with friends and family. It seems that many of us believe that if a person wants to commit suicide, perhaps they should be able to. Since there aren't currently any legal ways to commit suicide, folks have to go to extreme measures to do so. At least jumping from the Coronado Bridge is not hurting other people. Except in the case where the police intervened and a police dog was killed. This opens up the whole other issue of how we view suicide in this country. Are you willing to tackle that issue next?
Thanks for the kind words.
I'm not sure that jumping from the bridge is harmless to others. I didn't get a chance to explore this in the stories, but there are many people other than family and friends who are affected by bridge suicides. Think of those who witness the suicides -- motorists, cops, people on sailboats, even Navy sailors on ships. It's horribly traumatic.
And don't forget the Harbor Police who must pull the dead out of the bay. As for tackling the larger issue of a right to suicide, I would need a way to personalize it.
Reader Thomas writes:
I doubt that the City of San Diego's willingness to erect fences on several of its freeway overpasses could be mimicked on the Coronado Bay Bridge since the Board of San Diego Port Commissioners would have to vote on the matter. Look at the Port's current preoccupation with soliciting bids for its new public art project to illuminate the Coronado Bay Bridge. The Port has budgeted 2 to 3 million dollars for this future display of lights!!! I'd say these funds could go to making both a functional and artistic barrier that San Diego could be proud of.
Well, there is a port commissioner who has a great interest in mental-health issues and whose own brother survived a fall from the bridge. Finally, reader J.R. writes: Recently, the Pacific News Service had a piece on a cleric who regularly walks the SF Bay Bridge on his own time, at his own direction, in an effort to help those intending suicide. It seems to be good work; the gentleman has saved a few lives. One hopes a few of the local clerics might follow their colleague's example here. But besides that, the issue of barriers on bridges may be a feel-good idea that substitutes for effective outreach to the distraught. Like lifeguards at the beaches, spending money to save lives is money well spent. The same ought to apply to suicide prevention here, too. Involving the clergy is an interesting idea, but logistically it might be difficult. -- RANDY DOTINGAWednesday, May 7 -- 12:21 pm If you drive down Highway 163 or Interstate 5 in San Diego and glance skyward, you'll see lots of pedestrian bridges with fences. Look closely and you might notice something unusual: the fences are quite high, sometimes well over six feet.
Why are the fences so tall? Because people kept hurtling rocks and blocks of concrete over the railings, injuring drivers below.
Longtime residents may remember the most horrific case, when two boys threw a six-pound concrete block from an I-5 overpass onto the windshield of a Corvette in 1988.
The impact fractured a passenger's skull, sent him into a months-long coma and ended his career as an actor and model. Other motorists were seriously injured by debris, including several in 2000.
The California Department of Transportation responded by erecting fences on several overpasses. Judging from news reports, the problem seems to have faded away.
But Caltrans hasn't put up any fences on the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge, where 236 people--and counting--have thrown themselves to their deaths. The railing is still just three feet tall.
I wrote about this topic last week in a series of stories:
Tuesday, May 6 -- 7:41 pm Hi Sparky,
 Thanks for your comments and questions. I agree there is a time from election, until you "catch up," on the workings of city hall. An advantage Paul brings to this position is that he has served (appointed volunteer) for many years in positions where he had to work closely with the bureaucracy and political appointees. His "ojt" will be shortened by his ability to go right to the matter. Besides, Paul is a straight shooter and not afraid to go public when he sees things go down behind closed doors that impact his constituents. And Paul has great admiration for Donna Frye, and Donna would be happy to help a fellow "peoples candidate" get acquainted with (in order to change) the old system.
With regard to solar panels on city buildings: not all buildings are energy ready and will require some retrofit. But with energy savings brought about by better planning, coupled with the skyrocketing fuel price that can be offset by switching to alternative energy and more efficient use of resources, we are well on our way. And, as most of you know, the power companies across the nation MUST buy any excess energy produced by this effort, so the excess will be part of "the grid" and will generate income that will pay off any bonds or debt incurred in building our self supporting system. Of course that will require a sound financial footing for the city than the current council has provided, and we trust the voters know what to do about that. And electing Paul Broadway is a big step in the right direction.
The four year, one term limit Paul placed on himself is a real challenge. But as most insiders know, from day one a political office becomes a campaign office. Everything done from that point on by the candidate and his staff is geared to his/her re-election or election to another office. It is the way of doing business and perpetuates the appearance that the elected official is working for the average Joe, when in reality he is working to gain himself and his staff another four years of taxpayer supported employment and a generous pension at a young age.
Finally, Paul knows that a smart leader surrounds himself with a good staff. And Chief of Staff is a critical position, especially with a full agenda. Now, I know this answer will have some political fallout, but in trying to adhere to Paul's high standard of honesty, I'll tell you who Paul would first offer the job to: Stephen Whitburn. Because, like Paul, Mr. Whitburn has a love for and knowledge of the 3rd district. And Paul believes that with the proper direction, Stephen could help Paul get this city back on the right track. And as you know, staff makes more money than their bosses. Paul wouldn't find a problem with that. But there will be plenty of time for staff selection. Right now we are concentrating on getting Paul elected so he'll be in the position to hire Stephen, or anyone else. My thanks to you, and the others who wrote. You can reach Paul, or me, through: www.broadwaypub.com Or, write me directly at: neighborhoodnation@gmail.com.
-- ED WIGDAHLTuesday, May 6 -- 1:56 pm Over the last week, I enjoyed reading the arguments made on behalf of the various District 3 candidates. It’s become apparent that the experience, understanding, relationships, and accountability of Stephen Whitburn is what makes him the most qualified candidate to represent the people at City Hall.
Stephen’s experience spans the corporate, non-profit, and government sectors. As an 18-year journalist, he knows the demands of business and the need to meet a bottom line. As an American Red Cross spokesperson promoting the organization’s life-saving blood drives, Stephen often builds coalitions with businesses and government. And as a community activist who serves on the North Park Planning Committee and regularly testifies at City Council meetings, he appreciates how neighborhood voices must be involved in making decisions.
He also brings a compassion and understanding to District 3 that is unparalleled. As a renter, Stephen is familiar with the struggle faced by working families who search for affordable housing. As the only fluent Spanish speaker in the race, he is best positioned to hear and understand the concerns shared by the large Spanish-speaking population in District 3. Stephen is the Red Cross’ Spanish-speaking liaison and recognizes that the only way to empower all constituencies is to guarantee they can directly communicate with their elected officials.
Crucial to getting things done at City Hall is having relationships with elected and neighborhood leaders. As president of the Democratic Club of San Diego for three years, Stephen worked with elected officials at City Hall, in the state legislature, and Congress. As a North Park Planning Committee member, he partners with community leaders who work to build vibrant business districts and safe residential areas.
Perhaps most importantly, Stephen will not be beholden to developers in making decisions that affect the city. He wants them to pay for road and sewer improvements when building new housing or commercial projects. He wants them to bear some of the costs for meeting the increased need for new police and firefighting services.
Stephen Whitburn is the reform candidate committed to making government work again for San Diegans. He’s the one with the experience, understanding, relationships, and accountability to be sure it’s the people who have a say in our government n not just the powerful downtown interests.
-- SEAN WHERLEYMonday, May 5 -- 9:27 pm
When we talk about James Hartline, we envision two pillars of this great city that would be strengthened under James Hartline’s leadership, that being our children and our seniors.
First, I would like to address the pillar of our society that represents our future and next generation of leaders, our children.
If we do not teach our children individual responsibility; respect for authority, self, others and property, we will in the end have failed in our duty to our children and to this country. It is our responsibility as parents and citizens to educate our children, provide opportunities for their success, and above all, protect them.
In 2005, James discovered that a number of registered sex offenders were working inside the San Diego Gay Pride organization. Upon further investigation, James found that a registered pedophile entertained young children at one of their sponsored events, under the guise of a seemingly innocent Garden venue, at the Gay Pride festival.
This is important because children are being targeted across the nation and in this city, while people on the Council are turning a blind eye and making proclamations to the very perpetrators of these offenses. Do they care about pornography visible for young eyes? Do they care about porn shops and bathhouses in close proximity to children? When adults ignore potential risks to our youth, for their own agendas, self gain and self indulgences, we have lost our way.
If it had not been for the vigilance of James Hartline, who knows how many children could have been preyed upon.
When will the people of San Diego recognize the common sense leader and watchful servant that is James Hartline?
-- PRISCILLA SCHREIBERMonday, May 5 -- 9:27 pm
One cannot discuss the issues these days, at the San Diego City Council, without some kind of controversial proclamation or resolution on the agenda. It is sad, that those who try to bring common sense to the debate, to counter the immoral assaults leveled upon the people of the city, are considered either not credible or disregarded. How did this body become so political and stray from their charge to manage responsibly?
One man in particular, has stood up to the Council time after time to protect all youth, eliminate harmful pornographic businesses near schools, protect children from venues of adult propaganda and work toward protecting the great heritage that people across America are proud of .
James Hartline is a man who at a very young age experienced betrayal, and the consequences of his actions, to survive in a world which cast him into the shadows of despair. James overcame the hand he was dealt. His story is an example that we as educators hear all the time. Students who have so much to give, who long for the hope and help to experience life-changing opportunities for their future.
To James’s credit he has achieved more by doing, then those who just talk. He is a man, who’s not afraid of opposition; he does not fear man and will not back down from his convictions. James is a man of integrity, with a servant’s heart and a strong commitment to the safety and welfare of this community. He is a hard worker with the willingness to invest himself and serve tirelessly. He has an investigative nature and will seek solutions through fact finding. He is result oriented, organized and focused.
I first met James about 7 years ago working at the grassroots level on many of the same issues he has addressed to the City Council. James and I, along with many others, will continue standing for the values and the moral principles that have been under attack and will leave the next generations to come, asking how did this happen? We both, in our respective paths have the opportunity to educate and inform people of what’s at stake for our future. If we don’t protect and defend our constitution and with fortitude, raise up our collective moral conscience, we will fall.
James is growing in wisdom, first and foremost from Almighty God, through which he exhibits the redemptive qualities that are so often overlooked in a throw-away society.
I am proud to support and endorse James Hartline, District 3, San Diego City Council.
-- PRISCILLA SCHREIBERMonday, May 5 -- 9:23 am
If we put solar panels on ALL the rooftops of the couple of thousand buildings owned by the city we can produce enough power that Sempra would have to cut a check to the city. It sure would be nice to have Paul Broadway on the Council when Sempra comes to negotiate a new franchise agreement. This installation may make the Sunrise Power Link unnecessary?
Paul has pledged to serve only one term if elected He detests candidates getting elected and before the name plate is changed on the door, they are running for re-election or another office instead of doing the job they were just elected to do. Paul claims he can do in four years what the current council wouldn’t do in 8 years. Please go to www.broadwaypub.com and see what Paul has helped accomplish without ever being elected.
On a side note: Paul refuses ALL campaign contributions so it is great to get this chance to talk with you on voice's dime. I challenge all campaign spokespersons on the Café San Diego, to make a donation, the size of your choosing, to Vof SD. They have another sponsor who will match every dollar we give. Having no budget like some of you on the special interest teat, I can only throw in a $20. But if everyone would throw in a $20, with the matching donor, it could be the best idea that came out of the Café SD in several weeks.
Let’s get some feedback readers. Just because I didn’t toss any F-bombs or attack your candidate, that doesn’t give you the right to not attack us. Maybe we’ll win it in the primary and save the developers money.
Thank you for reading. Come to www.broadwaypub.com and enjoy!
-- ED WIGDAHLFriday, May 2 -- 3:58 pm
“A politician thinks of the next election - a statesman of the next generation.”- James Freeman Clarke
I’ve known Paul Broadway since he was a young sailor stationed in Coronado. He would stop in for a few beers at our neighborhood pub, often accompanied by Navy Seals and other sailors, who looked up to Paul because of his experience in martial arts and knowledge of world affairs. I enjoyed talking with Paul because he always knew something about nearly everything. But first he would listen to what I or someone else would have to say. And that impressed me. And I’m still impressed. Paul doesn’t put on airs, and when he explains his take on an issue, his answers are clear and always respectful of the opposing side's opinion. His very calm nature invites open discussion, punctuated by breaks of laughter, but always seeming to end with a consensus among those in the debate of how best to solve any particular problem. I’ve been to lots of neighborhood, recreation council and other meetings where I’ve witnessed Paul bring opposing sides together where they can reach common ground on many long standing disputes.
“At the Broadways', all differences in politics are secondary to the overall goal of bringing openness and honesty back to city government.” Steve Casey, volunteer
Being at a campaign strategy meeting for Paul Broadway is an experience unlike any other I’ve had in my many years of political involvement. When you arrive at his home, you are met first by Paul’s 13-year-old dog Spencer, a friendly canine who greats you with two or three wags of his tail, and a look that tells guests to sit anywhere, except on his corner of the couch. Cold beer and hot dogs make up the menu on most meeting nights, and a tray of deviled eggs or fresh fruit are appetizing snacks placed just out of reach of Spencer. At the dining room table sits Marcia Broadway, Paul’s wife of 21 years grading her students' homework assignments. Rock and roll is on the stereo, and if it was any place else but the Broadway home on a Friday campaign meeting night, I’d have guessed I was at the beginnings of a pretty nice party. Here's a few reasons why we are here (more will be posted later):
Paul refuses all campaign donations and does not seek endorsements from any group or individuals. He only asks for your vote. In trade, Paul promises to represent you.
Paul has the support of many cops and firefighters, retirees and students, families and friends who walk precincts and hand paint the signs on recycled paper, urging all to Elect Paul Broadway to City Council.
Paul is a homeowner and carpools to work or takes the bus and trolley.
Paul has a broad spectrum of work experience in both the government and private sector. Besides being a former business owner, policeman, correctional officer, government administrator and manager, Paul has served on the Greater Golden Hill Planning Committee for two terms; the 32nd Street Canyon Task force; the Federal Safety Council; and he was the chairman of the Parks Subcommittee for the GGHPC. He is currently the Chairman of the Golden Hill Recreation Council; a member of the San Diego City Parks II Committee; and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, post 7420 in Barrio Logan. A more complete list is available on his website.
-- ED WIGDAHLThursday, May 1 -- 7:06 pm
Hello, fellow voice readers. It is interesting to note the tone and content of most of the entries today. I am surprised at the personal and vituperative nature of the comments by many. It seems that those taking the time to write are more interested in personal attacks on gay people, union people, and business people than in discussing the issues.
That is one more reason to support Todd Gloria: he doesn’t play that game.
Todd uses his energy and considerable intellect to tackle tough issues. He has proven his independence by suing developers who don’t play by the rules--and winning, to the benefit of all of us. He opposed the 301 University Ave. development in Hillcrest because it was too dense and would create traffic problems. He has worked effectively as a congressional aide to help bring federal resources to improve our city.
Bill Clinton was only three years older than Todd when he became governor of Arkansas. Todd has been working at the grassroots in local charity and political causes since he was a teenager. He brings people together and works to get things done. That is why he supported by such an incredible number of people -- firefighters and police officers, teachers, health care workers and many more.
If you think our city is best served by candidates who spend their energy attacking others, you would be well served to vote for someone else. All you will get from Todd Gloria is intelligence, honesty, and hard work. You’ll need to count on others for the fireworks. Personally, I would rather have substance than fluff and flame, but I guess that’s why we have elections, so people can choose for themselves.
-- BOB NELSONThursday, May 1 -- 12:18 pm
Police officers, firefighters, and the League of Conservation Voters support Todd Gloria for policy reasons.
Mine are more personal.
I got to know Todd when a friend needed help on an immigration matter. I was referred by my congressional representative to her aide, Todd Gloria. He was compassionate, efficient and smart. At the time I thought, “This guy should run for office, not just be an aide.”
Later, on the board of the LGBT Center I watched Todd rise to become chairperson. He led us through tough issues involving hate, homeless youth, health care, and civil rights. His roots as a native San Diegan and his family ties in many ethnic communities were especially useful integrating our LGBT community with the larger community around us.
It turns out that Todd has been a community volunteer since his teen years. Before he was old enough for a driver’s license, Todd rode the bus to volunteer for charities and political campaigns. He relates to our district at a grassroots level like no one else.
After decades of community service it is no surprise that Todd -- like both Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton -- is receiving support from large numbers of local donors. In a cheap shot, one of his opponents likes to say Todd gets more money from developers. That is probably true, because Todd leads in almost every category imaginable: the most doctors, teachers, nurses, homemakers, engineers, you name it. And lots of just plain folk like me -- a consultant for public school teachers -- and my partner-- a respiratory therapist for Children’s Hospital.
But policy issues are just as important as a strong character. And Todd Gloria’s positions on big issues deserve some mention, as well.
The Police Officers Association backs Todd because he has a specific plan to restore community relations officers to our neighborhoods. He also wants the police force to put more resources where crime is greatest; unfortunately today that means District 3.
The Firefighters Association endorses Todd because he wants neighborhood fire stations upgraded with modern equipment. I live on the lip of a canyon, so Todd’s concern about fire safety really hits home with me.
Some people in the real estate industry don’t like Todd because of his strict record as a San Diego Housing Commissioner. But I care more about Todd’s endorsement from the League of Conservation Voters. As a Housing Commissioner, Todd was polite but forceful, suing and winning against bad developers who tried to abuse the law. He also opposed the massive 301 University project, backed affordable housing requirements, and a stronger condo conversion ordinance.
I plan to live in my home here in the 3rd District the rest of my life. My neighbors and I have received excellent service from council members Christine Kehoe and Toni Atkins. I’d like to see that kind of service continue and I believe Todd Gloria is best qualified to work hard and get things done for our community.
BOB NELSONWednesday, April 30 -- 10:18 pm
In a city which has seen more than its recent share of political corruption and financial mismanagement, there is no better time to elect reform candidate Stephen Whitburn for City Council District 3. His understanding of government and willingness to challenge the status quo is the perfect combination for restoring the public’s trust and getting our city back on track.
I met Stephen in 2006 while I was working at the San Diego LGBT Community Center and immediately connected with him. I grew up in the same Wisconsin community where he became an award-winning journalist, and upon meeting him, I was struck by his desire to listen and his affable personality. He impressed me as the type of person who we all want to represent us in elected office: a guy who prefers open government rather than political games.
Let’s face it--we need more people who are willing to mix things up downtown. The city of San Diego is in a financial mess and too often it’s the developers and hoteliers who dictate the direction and pace of what happens in our city. If we hope to return the balance of power to our neighborhoods, then we need a strong, independent leader in District 3.
Stephen serves on the North Park Planning Committee and understands how the voice of neighborhoods can become muffled amidst the smooth handshakes of well-connected developers. Look no further than the Kensington Terrace project, or the 301 University Avenue housing project in Hillcrest--both of which were proposed against the wishes of neighborhood residents. Stephen opposed them both as they were originally designed.
As an 18-year reporter, Stephen asked elected officials the tough questions and kept them honest in the process. That’s the same integrity he wants to bring to City Hall, and why he supports an elected--not appointed--city auditor. Restoring fiscal sanity to San Diego will only begin with a bookkeeper who answers to voters--just like in America’s five largest cities--and not to the mayor or City Council.
Stephen’s agenda for District 3 is straightforward: repave our streets, repair our sidewalks, hire more police and firefighters, and reassure people that government can once again be trusted.
His brand of progressive politics helped earn Stephen the endorsement of the Sierra Club, the San Diego County Democratic Party, Congressman Bob Filner, Councilmember Donna Frye, former Senator Lucy Killea and many others who appreciate the need to challenge downtown’s entrenched interests.
Let’s make San Diego a model city once again--let’s elect Stephen Whitburn to help make that happen.
-- SEAN WHERLEYTuesday, April 29 -- 6:43 pm
I have known Robert for some time now, and have worked with him on a number of community issues. I have also shared his frustration over unsolved problems facing our city. I agree with Robert when he says: “Enough is enough!”
As he campaigns around District 3, San Diego City Council candidate, Robert E. Lee, reminds taxpayers and voters of these facts:
- In 2005, two San Diego City council members resigned in shame, accused of accepting bribes from individuals associated with an “adult entertainment” club.
- Five currently sitting council members were deemed “negligent” in their fiduciary duties to San Diego taxpayers and bondholders by an investigative agency.
- Five former San Diego city officials recently had civil securities fraud charges filed against them by federal regulators.
- As a result of intentional under funding, the San Diego city employees’ pension fund deficit exceeded $1 billion in recent years.
- The San Diego city employees’ medical care fund deficit has recently approached $1 billion.
- The “infrastructure deficit” -- needed repairs and upgrades to our roads, sidewalks, water system, sewage treatment system, storm runoff, and buildings and other facilities -- far exceeds $1 billion.
- Because of these and other financial shenanigans, all three major public bond ratings agencies either suspended or sharply downgraded the city of San Diego’s credit ratings.
With these and other facts in mind, Robert believes, “Enough is enough!”, and that San Diego citizens, taxpayers and voters are demanding a return of Ethics and Integrity to City Hall. When a culture of unethical, and even unlawful, behavior so permeates the business of city government, San Diegans see that the required and expected duties of city officeholders and officials simply fall by the wayside. And San Diego taxpayers literally end up paying the price for this kind of unacceptable behavior. If he is elected to the San Diego City Council, I know Robert will work hard to restore Ethics and Integrity, and to implement systems of accountability and transparency, to city operations.
On the major, “meat and potatoes” issues of everyday city governance, Robert is running on his “3 and 3” plan for change, emphasizing a trio of important District 3 issues and three critical citywide issues:
In District 3:
- Crime prevention: Increase the police presence in District 3, including the restoration of the community, police storefronts. Prosecute offenders to the full extent of the law. Grow and support Neighborhood Watch groups.
- Transportation and mobility improvements. Improve mass transit, including upgrading the University Avenue and El Cajon Boulevard transit centers, incorporating Bus Rapid Transit, and adding more express bus routes. Upgrade and repair our streets. Better synchronize traffic lights, especially during rush hours.
- Support economic and small business development, so we can shop and keep our hard-earned dollars in our small, locally-owned, neighborhood businesses.
Citywide:
- Pension and fiscal reform. We simply cannot pay for needed programs and improvements until we get our city finances in order. We must spend our finite, taxpayer dollars in efficient and effective ways that benefit the most number of citizens, not the narrow special interests.
- Infrastructure repair and upgrade. Crumbling streets and sidewalks, bursting water mains, and sewage leaks that pollute our waterways and cause beach closures are just some of the very real symptoms of our “infrastructure deficit”.
- Public Safety n Police and Fire n retention and upgrade. Retain and increase our police and fire professionals, and bring emergency vehicles and equipment and facilities up to standard. When citizens feel unsafe and unprotected, the other issues do not matter.
I know Robert, I have seen his determination and I trust his integrity as I do with very few people. He is, I believe, the only candidate running for the city council who has the unique combination of personal integrity, determination, hard work ethic, and common sense to end the Band-Aid approach we have seen far too much for too many years.
Robert E. Lee pledges to bring fresh, new changes to City Hall ... and I believe him. And I know he's the right person for the job, which is why I’m supporting Robert E. Lee for District 3 City Council on June 3, and I hope you will, too.
-- RALPH DENNEYMonday, April 28 -- 7:08 pm
Public discussion is a hallmark of good governance. There have been some insightful comments by readers. For example, Get a Clue writes:
San Diego had quite an effective competition program before Uberuaga and Ewell dismantled it. But here’s the bottom line: unless [city] starts managing effectively, it won't make any difference how the services are provided.
There are several historical facts that are lost in political sloganeering and exhortations. One of them is that the city already had a competition program (Council Policy 000-30), that the public is little aware of. Reader Prop C (referring to the 2006 ballot) writes:
Who is pushing competition in government? San Diego voters!
Private contractors are already engaged in a large number of city functions, so it is naive to think that there is no competition. Regarding Proposition C, it was spun not as privatization, but as competition. As I have described in my previous post, the terms managed competition, competitive sourcing and competitive procurement make private contracting sound reasonable. But it is questionable whether these terms will have any meaning, after the failures of the Bush administration that used them as a tool for drowning the government in a bathtub.
People of San Diego were fed up with profiteering and poor performance by private contractors as early as 1919 when the People’s Ordinance was passed by 85 percent of the people of San Diego. According to historical information provided in a recently released city report:
Prior to 1919, collection and disposal services were provided by an exclusive contractor engaged by the City. Residents paid a fee for garbage and refuse collection services. According to newspaper articles, there was a great deal of dissatisfaction with those services and fees. Citizens complained that the private service was too costly, unreliable, and encouraged illegal dumping. In addition, citizens were frustrated that the private garbage collector not only charged citizens a fee for garbage collection, but also retained the revenues from selling the garbage to hog farmers for feed.
On April 8, 1919, by a vote of 12,204 in favor and 2,130 opposed, the voters of San Diego approved the original People's Ordinance. That ordinance required the City to provide for the weekly collection of all City refuse. It also required the Council to levy a tax sufficient to pay the cost of the collection and disposal services. The original intent was that the cost of City provided refuse collection services would be funded from both the tax and revenues from the sale of the garbage to hog farmers.
City forces began collecting, transporting and disposing of City refuse in May 1919, using six mule drawn wagons, and have continued to provide residential refuse collection services to the present date. Today the City's residential refuse and recyclables collection system serves approximately 304,000 residences and small business using a fleet of 160 refuse collection vehicles and collected 474,275 tons of refuse, recylables, and yard waste in Fiscal Year 2007.
What can better free trash pickup that receives over 90 percent customer satisfaction in every survey? A national award in fleet management that our Environmental Services Department received. The FleetOwner magazine says:
Most city residents don't think much about municipal trash collection. They want it picked up when it should be and they don't want to hear their taxes will go up to pay for the service.
How those twin demands -- not to mention a few others, like environmental compliance and safe operation -- are met is the duty of vocational fleet managers of the municipal variety.
But let it be known that few, if any, have rose to this multifaceted challenge as the managers responsible for the Refuse Collection Div. fleet of the City of San Diego's Environmental Services Dept.
There is no point in subjecting the guy who picks up your trash to a rigmarole and uncertainty around reengineering and competition. Repeatedly, they have proven themselves to be the best, public and private combined. Ian Trowbridge summarizes the point succinctly.
Outsourcing blue collar jobs will not save money if trash collection is a typical example. Personal observation indicates that the men and women of this department work extremely hard and effectively.
Finally, some humor. Mr. Mark E. Smith has some well-meaning caution for me:
You can expect an IRS audit, many unwarranted traffic citations, and a severed horse head in your bed.
As long as the IRS audits are not done by private contractors commissioned by political appointees, the red-light cameras not rigged to make a profit at the expense of safety, and the horse is not a Blackwater police horse, there is hope ...
-- MURTAZA BAXAMUSAMonday, April 28 -- 5:09 pm The promise of the managed competition program is to maintain service quality at the same time as saving taxpayers money. Both of these promises are questionable.
Some key problems with the program are:
(1) Quality of public services is lost in spin. The public in San Diego has not been given a meaningful way to provide input on services. In fact, quality of services is not defined anywhere. So there is no way for the public to hold elected officials accountable for their actions.
(2) No independent way to validate cost savings for taxpayers. The whole point of this exercise is to save money. But, as we know from the federal contracting practices, the cost of oversight and monitoring is frequently underestimated. Often contracts themselves are poorly written which leads to contractors overcharging the government.
(3) Privatization results in workers losing health insurance. This is especially true for blue collar workers cleaning our streets and trimming our trees. Our analysis shows that the buildings and grounds maintenance industry does an abysmal job of providing health coverage, leaving almost a third of workers completely uninsured. Converting jobs that have healthcare into those do not ultimately cost us all in overcrowded emergency rooms and higher insurance premiums.
(4) Our core capacity to provide public services is weakened. When market conditions change, so that it is no longer profitable to fill potholes, private contractors will pack their bags and leave for Dubai. What is our insurance policy when the city crews who know how to provide the services have been disbanded?
(5) Our public sector employees deserve fair treatment. The guy who picks up your trash every week from your residence, the firefighter who puts his life at risk to save our homes, the librarian who answers our questions with great depth of knowledge. They do their jobs serving San Diego residents with dedication, public spirit, and pride in their work.
The entire process reminds me of Dutch artist M.C. Escher’s depiction of a Penrose staircase “Ascending and Descending.” You can keep people moving infinitely (either up or down) but you never get anywhere.
City’s Privatization Loop
For those candidates touting the program, let me ask a simple question: Which comes first, reengineering or competition? If you can figure that out, send me an email. -- MURTAZA BAXAMUSAMonday, April 28 -- 4:04 pm
It is fashionable in the electoral world of spin to present privatization in a reformist sort of way. Managed competition, competitive sourcing and competitive procurement are all euphemisms to drowning government in a bathtub. Unfortunately no matter how much you spin this one, you end up at the same point, dizzy and duped.
The Competitive Sourcing initiative was initiated by the Bush administration in spring 2001, with the claim that "subjecting in-house operations to competition consistently generates cost savings -- anywhere from 10-40 percent on average. ... Historically, savings have far outweighed costs associated with competition." The White House also claimed that competitive sourcing was "a fair and effective tool for improving the delivery of services to our citizens."
Similar claims are continuing to be made in San Diego.
The White House ignored critics that the program was doomed to fail because of poor track record in service contracting. Professor Steven Schooner of George Washington University wrote:
The Government simply lacks sufficient qualified acquisition, contract management, and quality control personnel to handle the outsourcing burden. Because the Government is ill-positioned to successfully out-source in a manner that generates higher quality services, lower prices, greater efficiency, or, ultimately, better government, an aggressive outsourcing policy will further expose long-standing problems in service contracting, including poor planning, inadequately defined requirements, insufficient price evaluation, and lax oversight of contractor performance.
The Government Accountability Office has now found that the administration has overstated the savings from some competitions by undercounting the costs of running them.
Collectively, they cost $225 million, or about $4,800 per job, according to White House figures. And there is little evidence of service quality or performance. This led to the Washington Post reporting last week that the Bush administration’s signature competitive sourcing program has failed on several fronts, and demoralized the entire workforce.
The poster-child of competitive sourcing failures is the U.S. Army’s Walter Reed hospital. According to a letter written by Garrison Commander Peter Garibaldi leaked to the Army Times, push to privatize DoD services is not new:
"But the push to privatize support services there accelerated under President Bush's 'competitive sourcing’ initiative, which was launched in 2002."
The hospital went through a long process of competing civilians position. Despite findings that it was cheaper to do the work in-house, IAP Worldwide Service (run by a former Halliburton executive), was awarded a $120 million contract to run portions of the hospital’s services called facilities management. Immediately after, the 300 public workers doing facilities management were reduced to 50 privately employees. This move, according to army commanders left the facilities unmanned leading to the scandal that made national news:
When the wounded combat engineer stands in his shower and looks up, he can see the bathtub on the floor above through a rotted hole. The entire building, constructed between the world wars, often smells like greasy carry-out. Signs of neglect are everywhere: mouse droppings, belly-up cockroaches, stained carpets, cheap mattresses.
The similarities between San Diego and Walter Reed are ominous. The city of San Diego is using the same failed federal policies (like the federal A-76 Circular) as a basis of our local managed competition program to make city workers compete for their jobs against private contractors.
We do not know how much the managed competition program is going to cost. We do not even know how much we spend on private contractors today. We lack quality control procedures to make our unknown list of current private contractors perform well. We lack accountability measures like audits to ensure that taxpayer dollars given to private contractors are not wasted. We demonstrate the same symptoms of poor monitoring, enforcement and cost-controls that led to federal contractor misconduct. And regarding the moral of our employees, to borrow Major General George Wightman’s phrase, the managed competition program has been a "huge destabilizing force" on our city’s workforce.
Drown it in a bathtub, Walter Reed style?
The city will be borrowing directly from the privatization program at Walter Reed. It is using the same federal Circular A-76, the same methods of identifying services, and even some of the same actors in Walter Reed.
The city has selected the Grant Thornton LLP, a management company that advised on Walter Reed privatization, to manage its managed competition program. Not surprisingly, a year after its initial bid, the cost of the contract has already gone up 135 percent.
Newly released city documents show that the program manager for Grant Thornton LLP, Ramon Contreras III, touts Walter Reed among his accomplishments:
US Army Walter Reed - Provided advice and guidance on competitive sourcing methodology to include COMPARE. Walter Reed competed fleet maintenance grounds maintenance, street pavement, custodial services, traffic signal maintenance, environmental engineering, landfill operations, logistics, recreation operations and management and transportation activities encompassing over 500 FTE.
Our candidates need to assure us that they are not turning America’s Finest City into another Walter Reed fiasco.
-- MURTAZA BAXAMUSADate: 4/28/08 I would like to take the opportunity to thank both voiceofsandiego.org and its readers for the chance to express the many reasons why I think Sherri Lightner is the BEST candidate for City Council’s District 1. Hopefully, I was able to clearly convey my reasons for supporting her and am glad that -- but for a few exceptions -- both bloggers and commentators were able to keep the dialogue open, honest and civil.
It was heartwarming to read that I am not alone in my support of Sherri. There are many other voters in District 1 who want their city council member to represent neighborhoods, to protect their quality of life and to even the playing field, ensuring that everyone gets an equal break and has to abide by the same rules. Sherri has a proven track record of doing this, and she is poised and ready to be an effective city council member for District 1.
I encourage all of you to "follow the money” and pay particular attention to how much the candidates contribute to their own campaigns and where the contributions from outside the district are coming from.
In a little over a month, you will be asked to cast your vote for someone who will be your voice in City Hall. Sherri has the widest base of support of people inside District 1.
Sherri has been out walking in all the neighborhoods, meeting people, listening to concerns and appearing at numerous public events. I hope that you have a chance to meet her in your neighborhood.
Keep checking Sherri’s website for more information on neighborhood issues and how to contact her yourself. I hope you’ll join me in supporting Sherri Lightner.
--DARCY ASHLEYDate: 4/25/08 To reiterate my earlier comments, Phil Thalheimer has consistently demonstrated leadership on difficult issues against great odds. Agree or disagree with his positions, you always know where Phil stands, and you can be certain he’ll fight for his beliefs, even at a high political cost. This trait is far more characteristic of Phil than of his rivals, and, fundamentally, it’s why he’s the best candidate.
One issue that Phil is fighting steadfastly for is ethics reform and mending the moral fabric at City Hall. He believes strongly in accountability, in minimizing closed-door sessions of the Council, and in restoring our faith in our elected officials. Unfortunately, some critics (e.g. "Daring you to answer”) have raised questions about Phil’s decision to repay loans he made to his 2004 campaign. As "Weak” responded, retiring campaign debt is a perfectly legitimate practice (and loaning funds to campaigns was only recently, and not retroactively, banned), and one that Phil openly acknowledged to voiceofsandiego.org, as Scott Lewis pointed out earlier this month.
It’s too bad that some readers mistook my sincere admiration for Phil, and my seasonal analogy of his campaign to themes from a Jewish holiday, as "self-righteousness" or an inappropriate injection of "religion" into the public sphere. They are, of course, entitled to their opinion, but they should also appreciate that Phil is the only candidate who has been asking tough questions for years, who hasn’t been stuck inside an echo chamber, and who has scored significant successes in the public realm.
This is praise, not righteousness, and it’s well-deserved.
I would be happy to continue the conversation with anyone who wishes to. Write me at michaelmrosen@yahoo.com.
-- MICHAEL ROSENFriday, April 25 -- 1:19 pm
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Behind the Counter
A different local personality hosts Café San Diego every weekday (or at least that's what we're going for).
 Laura Benson, the director of the Toxic Free Neighborhoods Campaign for the Environmental Health Coalition hosted Café San Diego yesterday.
This Week (April 28 - May 6):
District 3
 Tuesday: Supporters Debate: Ralph Denney for candidate Robert E. Lee Wednesday: Supporters Debate: Sean Wherley for candidate Stephen Whitburn Thursday: Supporters Debate: Bob Nelson for candidate Todd Gloria Friday: Supporters Debate: Ed Wigdahl for candidate Paul Broadway Monday, May 5: Supporters Debate: Priscilla Schreiber for candidate James HartlineRebuttal Day, Tuesday, May 6
Next: District 7
The mayor announces that negotiations between the city and three unions have reached an impasse.
Friday, May 9 -- 12:25 pm
As internet executives leave, others switch positions.
Friday, May 9 -- 11:35 am
 San Diego Unified's new chief starts shaking things up.
Friday, May 9 -- 10:50 am
SURVIVAL IN SAN DIEGO
It'll be quiet in the blog for a bit.
Wednesday, April 30 -- 9:47 pm
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
None of the five largest cities in the United States allow their mayor to appoint the city auditor.
Friday, May 9 -- 9:22 am
CAFÉ SAN DIEGO
EHC members want to see Barrio Logan redeveloped and improved, but to the benefit of its residents, local businesses and historic cultural heritage. Big developers and speculators have other interests.
Thursday, May 8 -- 4:37 pm
COMMENTARY: SLOP
A former fraternity leader speaks out about his old house.
Thursday, May 8 -- 10:38 am
COMMENTARY: RICH TOSCANO
San Diego resale volume picked up considerably last month.
Friday, May 9 -- 10:25 am
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