U-T:
In a report to the City Council on Wednesday, the recently formed group, called the Encinitas Hospitality Association, said they’ve already implemented an action plan to ease complaints about rowdy bar patrons.Encinitas Undercover commenters following the meeting had a different take.
Board member Danielle Yee said the group has hired private security to patrol downtown streets, started overhauling training programs for both doormen and wait staff, held several meetings and are about to launch a hotline number that neighbors can call if they see a problem.
Conditions have improved enough that one of the neighbors even sent her organization an email thanking it for its work and saying she had a quiet night’s sleep recently, she added.
Muir loves the idea of selling out Encinitas to Developers and the bar industry. Hell its all about more tax revenue to support our Fire Department Pensions, Right!?
ReplyDeleteMuir is all about giving all our money to keep three well paid fire princesses in a $10,000,000 McStation with the best Big Screens and 5-star accommodations so they sleep great after their workout, BBQ, and movie.
Then when they retire at 50, they can bring home over $150k for having that cake job for 30 years. Boy great plan Muir.
The only problem is it consumes all our tax dollars and the rest of the City goes to crap while a hand full of Fire Retirees live the good life and party like Rock Stars. Sigh...
Muir and the big fat pensions have to go. The State needs to tax pensions over 50,000 per year 50% and give the money to PERs to help pay for the huge Pension Debt, which otherwise will be taken from you the taxpayer.
Envy is always ugly.
DeleteFiscal reality is always ugly for those who have to pick up the tab for the gravy train riders.
DeleteWCV
8:38 Because you prefer the public not know the truth you attempt to discredit 6:05 comments by name calling. Of course we all know the truth is not envy. Perhaps you are one of the lucky elites eligible to retire at age 55 on the backs of private workers. You prefer to take away from the families of private sector employees and give to the new aristocratic elites who write laws for the private workers and a different set of laws for public workers.
DeleteOh by the way - not enough money to fix our failing roads but more than enough money to pay for unneeded firehouses and fat bloated pensions.
On this Labor Day, we should not forget the taxpayers who will have to toil for years and years to pay the pensions of the City elites!
DeleteOn Memorial Day weekend, Gus Vina closed down the City for an extra day--just because. Is that what he did this weekend, too?
A fireman's daily schedule: Sleep til you're hungry, eat til you're sleepy.
DeleteDump Muir
ReplyDeleteCome on, these guys risk their lives everyday with the possibility of a big screen tv falling on them or burning themselves on the station BBQ!
ReplyDeleteSo true. Or having a heart attack after flirting with all the MILFs after giving Johnny a station tour. Ha!
DeleteOK - I'll bite - so 6:05, 7:11, and 7:13 - can you tell us what you like about Encinitas? Anything?
ReplyDelete- The Sculpin
OK - I'll bite,so Sculpin can you tell us what is equitable about fire men making over 50% more in income than a senior engineer (like myself) and being able to retire at 50 and STILL make more than me (I do get a 5% match on my 401k)
DeleteYour friend on the other side of the rock....The Cabezon
Good point Cabezon but in order to be entirely accurate I believe the retirement age is 55 (which is still obscene).
DeleteCabezon - There's nothing equitable about it. From my perspective, Olivenhain was robbed of fire protection, and when I say fire I also mean medical since the majority of responses are medical emergencies. That issue had to be fixed. Salaries, pensions, retirements, etc., are a different issue. One that has crept up on municipalities since the '80's. It took 30 years and several boom/bust cycles to get here and it can't be unwound over night. Is it unfair that the unions have seats at the negotiating table - on either side - hell yes! How that ever passed muster is beyond belief. But it did - in a representative democracy no less. But it will take another decade to unwind it. But we still need fire protection, police services, etc., and today that's what they cost. So my support for a fire station is not support for a broken pension system - but I have to accept that I'm paying a price today for prior decisions.
Delete- The Sculpin
Scuplin
DeleteYou might prefer a touchy feel blog I prefer the truth and WCV is about the only game in town. We all love lots of things in Encinitas - It is why we bought property here, pay taxes hers, are raising families here.
I suppose some might have been able to choose say Manhatten or London to live but for most of us we can only afford to live in one town and we prefer it be a small town.
I'd suggest that it is because we care so much about our small town, our quality of life, and responsible government that we go to city hall, talk with our neighbors, and yes, passed Prop A which you opposed, so we might have an opportunity to protect the quality of life we have earned.
I find your comments nothing more than an attempt to discredit the messenger because you don't like the message.
Did you notice last night there was not enough money to fix our roads? Schaffer and Kranz looked surprised but not Muir, Gaspar and Barth. There is however enough money to hire a spin doctor to tell us how great everything is.
As for your support of a fire station, it is because the city sold the land for the fires station out from under Olivenhain people in the dead of night that taxpayers are now paying more, moreover it is not fire services needed out there but ambulance ( a way to save money) additionally the city spent $6.3 million on a new firehouse in Cardiff we didn't need, while the road we do need at Birmingham is a third world pot hole axle breaking nightmare(Thank Mark Muir, glad he delivered for you and his union lackies)
Unwinding pension problem, easy. No new hires at Encinitas city hall, a hiring freeze for 3 years. Fire city manager Vina. Hire a new city manager through a contract agency. Cull the deadwood at city hall with a 15% reduction in force (just like the private sector) All current employees age 50 get 100% of their current pension plan, Employees age 45-50 get 50% of the plan, employees age 35-45 get 25% of the plan. All employees 25035 get 10% of their current plan. In 3 years lift the hiring freeze, employees not hired through a contract agency but as direct hires get self funded 401K with 4% city match. This includes all cops and firefighters. They don't like it they can seek employment elsewhere.
I have to accept that right decision making will lead to right results. Like having enough taxpayer money to fix the roads taxpayers use everyday.
Spoken like a politician, well said. Enjoy your " improved response time" although that didn't seem to help the gun shot victim and he was just down the road. Perhaps if you guys bludgeoned the council and Scripps you could get an entire hospital built in Olivenhain also..... Now that would Improve survivability.
DeleteIncreases in city salaries and pensions in Encinitas began in 2000 with city manager Kerry Miller. That is 13 years ago, but the city knew it was in trouble at least 8 years ago. It didn't take 30 years. To get out of the mess will take longer.
DeleteI LIKE that stocks was booted, PROP A passed, next election those seated will be booted for sure and that's a future like. I also like the improvements at Moonlight even though Leucadia got ripped off in the process.
DeleteThere is no getting out only bankruptcy. But the unions are fighting that tooth and nail. The only real hope for the average citizen is to move out of these cities and towns. Start packing because when the shit hits the fan everyone gets sprayed. On the bright side all these politicians whistling past the grave yard will be hunted down then tarred and feathered. Look for them to sell and skip town sooner rather than later.
DeleteBeach, ocean, sunsets, healthy lifestyle, fit residents ( sorry tubbies), fresh air, good climate, good neighborhoods, SRF, close to Sierras, good resturuamts. On and on
DeleteWhat's no good - state and local government.
Dump all politicians. Reduce salaries and pensions any staff that doesn't like it... Fire them. Plenty of people in Barstow that would love to work here for half pay...
DeleteFire Ps get 3% at 55. Pathetic.
Delete"Cabezon - There's nothing equitable about it. From my perspective, Olivenhain was robbed of fire protection, and when I say fire I also mean medical since the majority of responses are medical emergencies. That issue had to be fixed."
DeleteThe issue might better be fixed by putting 80' of asphalt between Mountain Vista in New Encinitas and 11th St/Lone Jack Road in Olivenhain. Google Earth it. Station 4 is only a few blocks from middle of west Olivenhain but only 80 feet of dirt prevents swift access.
That would have been fine back in the day, but now, oh man! Talk about changing the character of a neighborhood - no, two!
Delete- the sculpin
Yep, changing it so Aunt Em doesn't have to wait 5 minutes or more for the paramedics to drive a huge loop to get to her fire / accident / heart attack. The road could be for emergency vehicles only. Sorry if it took out a palm tree.
DeleteParamedics and a truck were at my neighbors house yesterday. All is now well. I'm glad the station is there.
Delete- the sculpin
10:54
ReplyDeleteMoonlight is improved and is nice.
Not true that Leucadia got ripped off.
Additionally, I would totally support Barth in the next election. Gaspar and Muir, not so much
Leucadia gets nothing. City policy since incorporation.
DeleteGee, I love the $1.1 million garage at Moonlight!
DeleteBarth is a stooge of the city union staff. Fear her for the destruction on your liberties and the financial rape of your wallet.
DeleteTrue about Leucadia... some of the highest taxed properties and no expenditures on infrastructure. thats the way its been since incorporation.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteThe two million dollars (?) or so allocated for the improvement of Beacon's was usurped by Moonlight Beach, no matter how nice the new structures are. I think the truth is the neighbors don't want Beacon's protected fearing it will undermine their own property. The parking lot cliff has eroded over 20ft since I was a kid (when a lifeguard could drive down to the beach). I expect in the next 10 to 20 years part of Beacon's parking lot will collapse; the bitchen sign will come down; a barbed wire cyclone fence will go up (will holes just large enough for your camera lens to fit through for a Rob Machado in action or a perfect sunset) and on attractive new signs, all public access to the shore at that point will cease under penalty of law. But look at the bright side of less cut-through traffic.
DeleteHi Fred. Enjoyed your shop during the Art Walk. Were there specific plans for Beacons? I don't know the history and am curious.
DeleteAnon 11:00- the city has adopted the Surfrider plan of letting Beacons beach access fall into the ocean. How that jibes with the Coastal Commision of requiring more beach access I don't know. Makes me wonder. The current access is dangerous so don't use it. When it sloughs away the city will have to fence off the access and parking lot.
DeleteThe cities failure to address basic infrastructure is epidemic.
How is the access lately? Don't get around to Beacons often.
DeleteThe access is fine. It's the sheer drop and cracking asphalt that may be worrisome. Let's just say I wouldn't reccomend you or a loved one or even your pet tagging along to enjoy the oceanview on the sidewalk there toward the north end of Beacon's. That goes for your favorite vehicle too.
Delete11:00
DeleteThe common fear expressed at city hall by residents is that when one bluff is protected at the base, the neighboring sandstone is more quickly washed away from crashing waves. Not an engineer here, but seems like some configuration would work and could still look natural. Good luck with that one though.
I took the trail at Beacon's down to the beach this morning, then walked to Moonlight Beach. Nothing to worry about at the moment. It's in the late spring and early summer after heavy rains and pounding surf at high tides with severe storms that there is some risk. That's when the bluffs slip. They need to be weighted with water and weakened at the base from high surf in order to collapse. Sometimes a natural fracturing will cause a piece of the bluff to fall. This can occur at any time.
DeleteLots of surfers parked at Beacon's this morning, and many going up and down the trail. If the bluff slips when you're on the trail, try to ride it out to the bottom. It could be the thrill of a life time.
South of Beacon's there are some homes that look precarious. Putting in a seawall does cause increased erosion at each end. This is clearly visible with the patchwork seawalls that have been built.
Fred, the Beacon's money wasn't usurped for Moonlight. Given that both State Parks and the Coastal Commission only back "managed retreat" the Beacon's access trail couldn't be reinforced so the City decided rather than lose the State grant money, as it was about to expire, they shifted it to Moonlight. Both beaches were in need of upgrades and both are State beaches managed by the City.
DeleteGiven that Beacon's trail is going to fail one of these days, for liability reasons, it should be closed if the State and Coastal Commission won't let the City make it safe. Imagine the settlement cost if one or more people are killed or injured when it goes.
9:10 - your passion for the issue is undeniable, but have you spoken to anyone regarding the feasability of such a plan? I would think even Lynn, while agreeing with you, could identify several challenges to implementing this.
ReplyDelete- The Sculpin
Sculpin,
DeleteYou can't cut the pensions of existing employees, but you can do everything else 9:10 suggested. And you could even lay off or fire existing employees and replace them with new 401(k) hires (not suggesting this, just pointing out where the boundaries of the law are).
It's true this will take decades to unwind because of the legacy employees' outrageous entitlements. That is why the council should stop hiring more legacy employees before they fix pensions.
It's only a lack of leadership and/or will on the council that is preventing fiscally responsible changes.
WCV
WCV - I totally (sort of) agree. In some respects it becomes a catch-22. Yes, the pensions have gotten totally out of hand, but it becomes a balancing act between reducing pension obligations and retaining institutional knowledge. Saying that I recognize that many Anon's will reply "What institutional knowledge? They can't find their way out of a paper bag!!". Here's another solution taken from corporate raiders - identify the key people in the organization that can transfer the knowledge base to a younger crew - one with a defined contribution plan. Since these positions are essentially training their replacement, offer them early retirement at full benefits. That way you at least save the current payroll until their regular retirement date. For non-key people offer them early retirement at a discounted rate. Now why would they take this? Because you implement a RIF for non-essentials (if there are any) and a hiring freeze - which makes staying around much tougher since everyone has to work harder. Once you meet certain financial metrics tied to pension obligations you can lift the freeze. This is not all that different from 9:10's approach with the exception that his/her approach would have a devastating effect on the city's knowledge base and moral and it would be absurdly expensive and inefficient to recreate that base in the future. I disagree with you that it's a lack of leadership that is preventing this. That assumes that the council understands the issue well enough to decide whether to show leadership or not. I don't think they even get there. If they're struggling with hours of operations for bars, don't understand a law well enough to formulate a cogent opinion (prop a) or don't understand that what they just ran over was a pothole, how are they going to unwind a pension system? This requires high dollar advisors who are going to look to them for direction on very complex issues. It's not a lack of leadership that's preventing this - it's a lack of skill, understanding and patience (and maybe a few legal technicalities), so instead they punt.
Delete- The Sculpin
The expertise that most have noted at the City is how to lie, cheat, and hide files. Why would getting rid of these skills be considered a loss?
DeleteThe next new council should fire Gus Vina, and ask all of the current employees to hand in their resignations and hire back the handful of useful and ethical employees. Does this sound harsh? You bet! Is it legal? Yes! This is what happened in the State Attorney General's office to the lawyers who worked in a different state. My friend who was one of the lawyers told me about it, and she, as a hard-working and ethical person was hired back!
The UT article sounds like a whitewash. Maybe catering to their advertisers?
ReplyDeleteIf anyone has read the report from the Encinitas Hospitality Association, at least they're being honest about the problems. Read it for yourself. There are sections on how to deal with the vomit, urine, and intoxicated drivers.
What's lacking is sense, though.
Who could possibly be in favor of so much drinking that it results in vomiting, incontinence, or driving under the influence?
Let the alcohol servers take responsibility. Have them clean up after their patrons, pay staff costs for all nighttime coastal law enforcement, and pay residents within hearing distance a hospitality tax - directly (not through the city's coffers)
EHS: "now they're being honest" about solving issues? Only because they're being forced to, not because they suddenly and collectively woke up one morning and decided to do the right thing. Their livelihoods were under threat, plain and simple.
ReplyDeleteAs for the additional security: that is one person they have hired, not a security force equal to the task. One person who, should he need to call the police, dials the same emergency number the average citizen does. Not impressed.
Why such a big deal?
ReplyDeleteSo what if fun bars in Encinitas turns it into Pacific Beach? Is that so bad? If the property values drop near the bars then that will help the city's affordable housing problem. That will bring in more state tax revenue than all the booze being sold.
If the DEMA people can't handle a little after-party mess once in awhile in from of their stores, let them move their businesses over to El Camino.
For people who want it to be quiet, let them move to Olivenhain or Leucadia.
Let funlovers have the coast.
Shoppers can have El Camino.
Good for everyone, right?
Good for everyone??? Wrong. Leucadia has enough drunken pissers, shitters roaming the streets, alleyways and parks. We don't want your trash.
DeleteToo late! Another bar opened in Leucadia - where Calypso used to be. It's another one of those with big windows to let everyone see all the sad drunks.
DeleteSomething that seems to be glossed over.... does drinking at the level these pubs are "pushing" the booze have any redeeming social value? There are other ways to find happiness that don't risk harming yourself & others. Only half is "social drinking", the rest is trying to get flat out wasted, leading to impaired driving, rotted livers, and all the rest. Oceanside decided to clean up while encinitas debates selling it's soul.
Delete"Pushing" the booze?? Doubtful, no one puts a gun to the head of bar patrons telling them they must have another. If you don't know when to stop...it's time to stop .
DeleteIt's true that the bars don't have to "push" the booze or force it down their throats.
DeleteLet the drinkers pay for their own drinks like they pay for their own livers and accidents and DUIs. Well, when they kill someone (or vomit or piss all over the place), then the bars should take some responsibility for not having a clue when someone's had a wee bit too much. Oh, and don't make the bar employees take the rap - this is reasonably paid by the bar owners.
Or, send all the over-drinkers on a one-way party bus back to Oceanside or Pacific Beach.
After I finished work last night I watched some the Council meeting. As I peeked at the blog, I was actually enjoying the commentary going on It was funny, but also had some good points. Hope whoever was involved with this will keep doing it. Had a bad day yesterday, so it was nice to laugh. Thanks all.
ReplyDeleteMy son is a LA county para medic he is also a veteran of the gulf war Desert storm.
ReplyDeleteand yes I am very proud of him.He recent lee told me that fire dept data says that for every year they work after 50 years old it takes 5 years of there life.You people should be ashamed You are all pathetic losers
With all due respect, your son is full of shit if he said that.
DeleteThat would mean the vast majority of firefighters who worked to 55 would die well before 65 (i.e. 65 = 90 due to the grueling firefighter work schedule). That is absurd. If you're going to make stuff up, at least make it a tiny bit plausible.
WCV
And, just as I suspected, firefighters in a German study retiring at 60 or 62 not only live another 18+ years, but live longer than the general population of the same age due to their better fitness.
Deletestudy
table
Jeez, doesn't anybody know how to use Google?
WCV
It's understandable that you would be proud of your son and that's right. He is a man of good service. It's just that this is a discussion about drunks and greedy sociopathic bar owners taking over Encinitas, not about war heroes and firefighters who are well honored around here.
Deletepfff .... you mean about fire princesses...
DeleteTwo words to consider.
Envy... maybe- Fight princesses have the cake life.
Greed-- Yup Fire princesses know they are killing cities with their pay and pensions, yet they could give a Shit.
With the above, I would say fire princesses equal bad integrity. Sad and shameful.
It is a job, not a hero designation. If he doesn't want to take risks, don't do the job. That 5 year life reduction myth is pure BS - these guys are over paid. (Probably lose 5 years from Von's shopping fatigue.)
DeleteSo WCV your saying the LA county fire dept lied to my son and he passed that lie
ReplyDeleteon to me you a very sad person and have very little real to say.What have you
done where have you gone I suspect nothing and know where.Would you into a
burning to save some pet I THINK NOT You are a sham YOUR
LIFE IS THIS BLOG. As I said sad and pathetic
Just the facts, ma'am.
DeleteWhat evidence does your son have to back up the outrageous and absurd lie he told you about firefighter mortality?
It's important because these are the same lies they tell our bobblehead politicians to give them outrageous and absurd pay and pension packages.
Evidence, please.
WCV
"There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics."
Delete-Mark Twain
bitchen quote....
DeleteI also love Thomas Jefferson quotes. He was one of the best.
When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty.
ReplyDeleteThomas Jefferson
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/t/thomas_jefferson.html#VHIBWoofbIsE7Bk1.99
--- from Jefferson.
"My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government."
ReplyDeleteThomas Jefferson
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/t/thomas_jefferson.html#VHIBWoofbIsE7Bk1.99
last one - this is the biggest and will resonate in the next 5 years
ReplyDeleteI believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies.
Thomas Jefferson
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/t/thomasjeff414019.html#r8bwROWjTFtBFMAq.99
Sad but true.
Enjoy the Jefferson quotes.
DeletePlease consider that as a city of 60,000, we have more people on the public dole than the enitire nation had when Jefferson was in office.
I am tired of city staff and Gus Vina praising city employees. There are too many of them!
Jefferson is my favorite rich white guy slave owner.
DeleteJefferson is my favorite period.
DeleteFollowed by Franklin and Adams.
Men well ahead of their time time in intelligence.
"Better to Remain Silent and Be Thought a Fool than to Speak and Remove All Doubt"
ReplyDeleteAbraham Lincoln? Mark Twain? Biblical Proverb? Maurice Switzer? Arthur Burns? John Maynard Keynes? Confucius? Anonymous?
"The lion shall lie down with the lamb. But the lamb won't get much sleep" - Woody Allen
yuck o de yuck yuck
Delete"Encinitas bar owners say problems improving"
ReplyDeleteIf the problems are improving, doesn't that mean they're becoming bigger problems?
The cops appear to be a little more high profile downtown lately. But the Watch Commander needs to get some of them out of their cars and walking foot beats - remember? - like the old days?? Their presence on the streets will be more effective than the shadow effect of the cars....
ReplyDelete