Big money is trying to fool citizens and voters in Nevada into believing a football team with a new stadium is good for everybody in Nevada. Sheldon Adelson, the local billionaire, is touting the transfer of the Oakland raiders football team to Las Vegas as a good thing. He has pledged $650 billions of his money to support the construction of a $2 billion structure in Vegas to house the team(for 8 games a year!) The construction trade unions are falling all over themselves to support this fantasy world supported by wealthy individuals and corporate interests. The governor of nevada says he'll sign a bill from the legislature to provide public funds to support the deal. What an outrage! Who has this man/politician in its pocket? Could it be the NFL? The NFL team owners? THey have to agree to allow a team to move, 75% of them-they are the only voters on this deal.
Now Oakland, the city, has said that they are pursuing a deal to keep the Raiders in Oakland. But, Mayor Libby Shaaf says no public moneys will be included. The city of Oakland is already paying off bonds on the $95 millions used to get the team back from Los Angeles a few years ago. If the team goes to Vegas, the city will still be paying off that debt. Hmmmm. Who protects the taxpayer from these wolves in the NFL? Is the NFL a criminal enterprise? It appears to be, given that the teams/owners are exempt from many laws designed to protect workers/employees from monopolies.
more later
Sunday, October 23, 2016
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Dino Cortopassi: 2016 State Proposition 53 Campaign
Rarely does a citizen get directly involved in statewide politics on his own. But, in California, being as large as it is and populated with about 38 million souls, there's room enough for a few individuals who want to put their money where their mouth is: up front. This past weekend, our friend, Dino(Dean) Cortopassi, was featured in a large article in the Chronicle describing his efforts to influence Sacramento by directing a proposition at a specific target.
Proposition 53 is funded by Mr. Cortopassi. This is an initiative constitutional amendment. According to the Voters' Handbook, it does 2 things, and only 2 things:1) it requires California voter approval for STATE projects that would use over $2 billion in state revenue bonds.
2) BEFORE THAT VOTE, it ensures full disclosure of the TOTAL COST of any state revenue project greater than $2 billion.
Seems simple enough. And that's what stirs opposition from Sacramento. The operative word here is revenue. Revenue bonds are different than state bonds. State bonds are repaid out of the state's general fund which is supported by direct taxes(income, property, sales).
Mr. Cortopassi, a very wealthy person who succeeded in California's agribusiness area in the Central Valley is a former Republican who is now a Democrat. Makes sense in a one party state like California. His vitriol is directed at Mr. Jerry Brown, the governor, and his 2 pet projects: the high speed bullet train which is supposed to careen down the valley somewhere, sometime; and 2) the Delta Tunnels, which will construct 2 massive tunnels under the Sacramento /San Joaquin delta to move water down south somewhere for something or somebody. The costs for these projects is unknown at present, but they will be north of $50-60 billions. The poor taxpayers will be on the hook while Wall St. bankers will be rolling in profits for years to come while California's citizens will face endless toil to pay off the revenue bonds to pay the mortgages.
Opposition is lead by the usual shills: the California Pro. Firefighters(notorious shills), Tim Quinn, director of California Water Agencies(parasites); and Mark Ghirlarducci, director of Cal. Off. of Emergency Services (Democratic Party shill).
It's time that voters recognize the downside of one party politics. Here in California, aka the Emerald City, wishful thinking seems to be the voters mindset. Mr. Cortopassi would like to put some restraint on the do-gooders in Sacramento, given their proclivities to throw money, taxpayers' money, at every suggested social and environmental ill.
Vote YES on Proposition 53
Proposition 53 is funded by Mr. Cortopassi. This is an initiative constitutional amendment. According to the Voters' Handbook, it does 2 things, and only 2 things:1) it requires California voter approval for STATE projects that would use over $2 billion in state revenue bonds.
2) BEFORE THAT VOTE, it ensures full disclosure of the TOTAL COST of any state revenue project greater than $2 billion.
Seems simple enough. And that's what stirs opposition from Sacramento. The operative word here is revenue. Revenue bonds are different than state bonds. State bonds are repaid out of the state's general fund which is supported by direct taxes(income, property, sales).
Mr. Cortopassi, a very wealthy person who succeeded in California's agribusiness area in the Central Valley is a former Republican who is now a Democrat. Makes sense in a one party state like California. His vitriol is directed at Mr. Jerry Brown, the governor, and his 2 pet projects: the high speed bullet train which is supposed to careen down the valley somewhere, sometime; and 2) the Delta Tunnels, which will construct 2 massive tunnels under the Sacramento /San Joaquin delta to move water down south somewhere for something or somebody. The costs for these projects is unknown at present, but they will be north of $50-60 billions. The poor taxpayers will be on the hook while Wall St. bankers will be rolling in profits for years to come while California's citizens will face endless toil to pay off the revenue bonds to pay the mortgages.
Opposition is lead by the usual shills: the California Pro. Firefighters(notorious shills), Tim Quinn, director of California Water Agencies(parasites); and Mark Ghirlarducci, director of Cal. Off. of Emergency Services (Democratic Party shill).
It's time that voters recognize the downside of one party politics. Here in California, aka the Emerald City, wishful thinking seems to be the voters mindset. Mr. Cortopassi would like to put some restraint on the do-gooders in Sacramento, given their proclivities to throw money, taxpayers' money, at every suggested social and environmental ill.
Vote YES on Proposition 53
Sunday, October 16, 2016
Tahoe City Weather Update
Tonight, look for the classic Tahoe mix: rain, snow, a little of both. Totals for the storm(s) could equal about 2" of precipitation. It's a little too warm for regular snow to fall continuously, but that's ok- moisture helps to lessen the risk of fire in the area.
Be aware: drive with caution, Be Safe-watch for fire crews and apparatus along Highway 89 and West Shore Boulevard/ North Shore Boulevard.
Information provided by the Weather Underground.wunderground.com
Be aware: drive with caution, Be Safe-watch for fire crews and apparatus along Highway 89 and West Shore Boulevard/ North Shore Boulevard.
Information provided by the Weather Underground.wunderground.com
Emerald Fire :Updated
Highway 89, the main thoroughfare of Tahoma, remains closed at this hour south of Emerald Bay, due to the Emerald Fire(named for its proximity to Emerald bay). About 80 personnel are in the vicinity conducting operations in the area near Cascade Lake. The fire is about 90%+ contained as rain continues to assist efforts to extinguish the blaze.
Meeks Bay Fire and North Tahoe Fire crews are helping USFS crews with a unified CalFire/USFS operations center. Highway 89 will remain closed for an unknown amount of time tomorrow as cleanup efforts occupy the road. The rugged terrain and limited access has hampered contol efforts but Mother Nature has cooperated by providing cool temps and a light rain.
The Tobin Fire in the Upper Feather River Canyon is under control. The Washoe Valley fire is about 70% contained. It, too, has been aided at control by cool weather and light rain.
The Mayor visited the Sobranes Fire area over the weekend in an attempt to learn about the most expensive fire in USFS history, costing more than $200 millions to control and extinguish. It has rained in the Los Padres Nat. Forest for over 24 hours, beginning around midnight last night. The Mayor stayed in Carmel and listened to the falling rain all night. Upon returning home today, it rained all the way; and Highway 101 was scored with auto accidents, about 1 every 10 miles or so, as drivers were confronted with limited visibility, crashing rain, slick roads that were often inundated with standing waters. Ahh, the first days of winter; always rough for the traveler.
Carmel Valley, the town, was the scene of various heavy equipment trucks and trailers as crews departed Monterey County for home or to another fire scene elsewhere in California. It's been a long season and it's not over yet. The Sobranes Fire began July 22nd, almost 3 months ago. We drove along Tassajara Road, the scene of much of the effort to halt the spread of the blaze as it spread east from Big Sur and the coast along Highway 1. There was some stark evidence of fire along the ridge tops where backfires had been set and gained some headway on their own. The CalFire and USFS hotshot crews have departed the monastery at Tassajara. Local crews/volunteers remain to offer continued vigilance. Many of the residents have been active at the scene all this time- a long haul, much appreciated by local residents as can be seen in the many posted signs of tribute and gratitude for their efforts on behalf of the community. The volunteers in the Cachuagua Fire District are also to be commended for their efforts.
Meeks Bay Fire and North Tahoe Fire crews are helping USFS crews with a unified CalFire/USFS operations center. Highway 89 will remain closed for an unknown amount of time tomorrow as cleanup efforts occupy the road. The rugged terrain and limited access has hampered contol efforts but Mother Nature has cooperated by providing cool temps and a light rain.
The Tobin Fire in the Upper Feather River Canyon is under control. The Washoe Valley fire is about 70% contained. It, too, has been aided at control by cool weather and light rain.
The Mayor visited the Sobranes Fire area over the weekend in an attempt to learn about the most expensive fire in USFS history, costing more than $200 millions to control and extinguish. It has rained in the Los Padres Nat. Forest for over 24 hours, beginning around midnight last night. The Mayor stayed in Carmel and listened to the falling rain all night. Upon returning home today, it rained all the way; and Highway 101 was scored with auto accidents, about 1 every 10 miles or so, as drivers were confronted with limited visibility, crashing rain, slick roads that were often inundated with standing waters. Ahh, the first days of winter; always rough for the traveler.
Carmel Valley, the town, was the scene of various heavy equipment trucks and trailers as crews departed Monterey County for home or to another fire scene elsewhere in California. It's been a long season and it's not over yet. The Sobranes Fire began July 22nd, almost 3 months ago. We drove along Tassajara Road, the scene of much of the effort to halt the spread of the blaze as it spread east from Big Sur and the coast along Highway 1. There was some stark evidence of fire along the ridge tops where backfires had been set and gained some headway on their own. The CalFire and USFS hotshot crews have departed the monastery at Tassajara. Local crews/volunteers remain to offer continued vigilance. Many of the residents have been active at the scene all this time- a long haul, much appreciated by local residents as can be seen in the many posted signs of tribute and gratitude for their efforts on behalf of the community. The volunteers in the Cachuagua Fire District are also to be commended for their efforts.
Thursday, October 13, 2016
Signs of Too Much Trump
We've heard reports of vandalism against Trump signage around the 'hood. It is a 'sign' of too much negative reporting in California, the nation's true 1 party state. Yes, the Dems are solidly in charge of everything, including the political spin that is a constant. The results: fringe supporters of Hillary will not tolerate any opponents to their "chosen" leader. This does not bode well for the people of California. In time, the pendulum will swing back. Many folks have long memories(see Middle East-Shiite/Sunni issues).
Graffiti has been a weapon of choice for many protesters and they have used it against Trump supporters. However, it is never without costs. It is an infringement of free speech. Damaging and removal of signage is not the way to protest. All voters have the right to express their opinions with signs of their choice. It is a criminal act to remove such privately placed signs on one's property.
So, my friends, despite the rancor in this election cycle, reasonable steps to oppose a candidate are allowed, but they do not include obvious acts of vandalism.
Graffiti has been a weapon of choice for many protesters and they have used it against Trump supporters. However, it is never without costs. It is an infringement of free speech. Damaging and removal of signage is not the way to protest. All voters have the right to express their opinions with signs of their choice. It is a criminal act to remove such privately placed signs on one's property.
So, my friends, despite the rancor in this election cycle, reasonable steps to oppose a candidate are allowed, but they do not include obvious acts of vandalism.
Weather Update for Tahoma
Forecasters now predict rain: too warm for snow. So, get ready for high winds with lots of rain. That is some respite from early winter, but we need precipitation in any form. The more the better. Given the state of the forest inside the basin, the trees need moisture to put an end to the bark beetle infestation and the devastation it has caused. The National forest people/rangers are limiting thinning of white fir trees for that reason alone: too many trees have been killed off by the beetles, cutting down of any living tree is counter productive. Maybe this year will follow last year as an average snow winter. We hope so.
Dump Trump Now Is message From RNC
So, we have a party split: Repulsicans cannot all agree how to remedy the conflict: keep him or dump him. It seems the leaders of the party have spoken: no more advertising on Trump-he's as good as lost. After last weekend's revelations(video w/sound), most pols feels he is un-electable. The Clinton campaign now is focusing on getting out the vote, especially women. This can help her in swing states and especially Florida.
Newt Gingrich, the old Republican from Congress, the historian of self import, came out and said there are 2 Darnolds: the Little and the Big. The " little" he said, responds in childish ways to slights and crticisms; the "big" Donald moves ahead in out-sized ways. It is pathetic, really. The professional pols are tripping all over themselves trying to dodge the flak as it overwhelms all Republicans, even those seeking refuge 'down ballot'. Take the old reprobate Rudy Giuliani. He can't say enough about the good the Donald will do once he gets to the White House. Of course, there will be a role for Rudy to play in any Republican administration, given his friend, Chris Christie is overseeing the transition team of the Trump campaign. Maybe Rudy will be ambassador to Kiribati or Monaco, or Lichtenstein. Poor Rudy, acting like the veteran athlete who doesn't know when to retire and stays too long to justify his salary.
The darn Old now says he's free to act on his own without party support. Good luck with that. The sooner the "Biggest Loser" leaves the scene, we all will be better for it. Enough of his rants, lies, and videos.
Newt Gingrich, the old Republican from Congress, the historian of self import, came out and said there are 2 Darnolds: the Little and the Big. The " little" he said, responds in childish ways to slights and crticisms; the "big" Donald moves ahead in out-sized ways. It is pathetic, really. The professional pols are tripping all over themselves trying to dodge the flak as it overwhelms all Republicans, even those seeking refuge 'down ballot'. Take the old reprobate Rudy Giuliani. He can't say enough about the good the Donald will do once he gets to the White House. Of course, there will be a role for Rudy to play in any Republican administration, given his friend, Chris Christie is overseeing the transition team of the Trump campaign. Maybe Rudy will be ambassador to Kiribati or Monaco, or Lichtenstein. Poor Rudy, acting like the veteran athlete who doesn't know when to retire and stays too long to justify his salary.
The darn Old now says he's free to act on his own without party support. Good luck with that. The sooner the "Biggest Loser" leaves the scene, we all will be better for it. Enough of his rants, lies, and videos.
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