There was one example of Mayor Barth's young people who want high density development:
“Right now, I feel like this room doesn’t want me to live here,” said [23-year-old Gina] Schumacher, who said she lives with her parents and rides a bike because she can’t otherwise afford to live in the neighborhood.Believe it or not, we were once young and wanted to live in the big city. Silly us, we moved to the city rather than asking politicians to bring the city to us.
By the time she said that the plan was meant to get people to drive less, to ride bikes and transit and pass one another on the streets, “instead of getting in our cars and going to go to work and be very anti-social people,” the crowd had heard enough.
It erupted in laughter, followed by the cascading boos that chased her from the stage and followed her out of the room.
Though "Smart Growth" is ostensibly a progressive central planning idea, in this case the liberal council candidate Sarah Boot was opposed, while the conservative Lorie Zapf was in favor, perhaps influenced by developer campaign contributions, until she flip-flopped due to public pressure.
Our City Council will not even start a collation with Del Mar, Solana Beach and Coronado and other similar any other City not in favor of "developer profit" growth (Its not smart. thats like calling melanoma "smart cancer").
ReplyDeleteThe way to fight this is to change the legislation. Our City Council is too busy focused on building another trophy project to put their name plate on.
Stupid City Council.
Do not re-elect any incumbents.
DeleteTake back OUR city, county , state and federal govt.
Sorry anon buddy, but you got it wrong. The council wants high density transit oriented development and government regulated housing. Ask them.
DeleteThis is the best line in this post:
ReplyDeletewe were once young and wanted to live in the big city. Silly us, we moved to the city rather than asking politicians to bring the city to us.
It isn't even about low income people. It is about developers giving us the most compact and cheapest dwellings to enhance their own bottom lines.
Smart growth is dumb. Smart growth is an illusion and happy talk to justify stack-n-pack development answering to social re-engineering concepts. If that's what people are aspired to, they can move to Manhattan and see how you like them apple.
ReplyDeleteWater or lack thereof will decide how much dumb growth we can have. Resources are limited, idiocy seems abundant.
Teresa Barth, in her newsletter gives an outline of the topics for discussion:
Delete1. Pursue a range of diverse housing opportunities balanced throughout the community
2. *Qualify for certified Housing Element status
3. Develop new planning and development approaches to support sustainable communities"
Notice the asterisk besde #2?
Barth goes on to state:
"*Council has previously provided direction on Goal 2. Staff will provide a brief status report on the current efforts. No action will be taken by council on this goal at this meeting. . . .There will be opportunities for public comment after Goals 1 & 3" [but only for a total of 15 minutes public discussion, per topic. So once again, no many how many members of the public take the time to attend, there will only be 30 minutes set aside, in total, for public speakers.]
What a tremendous disappointment Mayor Barth has been. She is allowing Gus Vina to stifle public participation. That was our fear as soon as we heard about these strategic planning sessions. They are and have been all about solidifying Council and staff as Vina's team. The general public is only seen as a distant audience, necessary in terms of tax revenues, and a target for marketing.
In other words, although there are three separate topics or "Focus Goals," listed on the agenda, Council will take no action. More importantly, the public will not be allowed to speak on a topic listed on the agenda. These strategic planning sessions should not be categorized as "special council meetings." Although they are different days of the month, they are given over 72 hour notice, so according to the Brown Act, THEY ARE REGULARLY AGENDIZED.
This is similar to what happened at the Traffic and Safety Commission Meeting on Monday, April 14. Then, City Manager Gus Vina determined, in advance, that there would be no Commissioner action, and no discussion by the Commissioners or the public, of an agenda item, Bob Bonde's report on potentially improving our levels of service for public health and safety, while, at the same time increasing cost efficiencies.
I should have said, according to the Brown Act, the Strategic Planning Council Meetings are regularly calendared.
DeleteAlso, in the past, at the Council Meeting where the Lew Edwards informational item was on the agenda, Mayor Barth asked of City Attorney Glenn Sabine, who confirmed, that as long as something is listed on the agenda, action can be taken. The Brown Act allows for public discussion and Council discussion and possible action for ALL agenda items. Vina and Barth shouldn't contrive to change the form so that they can claim the separate topics aren't agenda items. They are listed on the agenda. The agenda simply has a different format.
The Mayor and the City Manager are using form to limit public participation and to glorify the regional and staff presenters over the public to whom they are presenting, and to whom they are posturing, preening, and admittedly, by Planning Director Jeff Murphy, marketing.
One more correction. Meant to say: no matter how many members of the public take the time to attend, there will only be 30 minutes set aside, in total, for public speakers.
DeleteRead the presentation for next Wednesday strategic planning session about the housing element and I don't think I saw one reference that they need to work within the confines of PROP A. It's all about smart growth per SANDAG. The just never seem to listen to the voice of the people.
ReplyDeleteCouncil isn't in touch with what the public wants and needs. From everyone I've spoken to, we did want the City to purchase Pacific View, if our only alternative was a public auction, and forced rezoning. But the City had leverage on that, the rezoning, thanks in great part to Prop A's passage.
ReplyDeleteThe Hall Property Park is a "trophy project." So is the library, building it on a hill that is not easily accessible to foot traffic from the bus or train, as it was originally sold. The retaining wall that had to be built tacked on about $10 million to the price. I love the library, but after SDWD lost its headquarters, and the ratepayers lost the rent the City paid for the former public works yard, and overpaid, tremendously for the Mossy Public Works Yard, which the City says is in the worst shape of any city infrastructure, well, one has to wonder if the Encinitas Ranch site the City already owned wouldn't be better?
Hey, that's water under the bridge, but speaking of under, the County rents the land under the library to the City for only $1 per year. There should never have been a lease revenue bond "collateralized" by the library for that reason, and because the library provides no substantial lease revenue stream to repay the debt.
Because Pacific View will have a legit lease revenue stream, that would be the only legitimate lease revenue bond, to date. But the School District, because of Baird and the Board's bad faith, should give us STELLAR terms of purchase, yes, at zero percent.
What's so horrible, though, about a so-called "trophy" project? If it's a true trophy for the community, and Pacific View could be, as an arts and learning center, the library is, then we wouldn't mind those public trophies. But when something is a trophy to the egos of a few Council members, or mayors, or a trophy as in providing a bit more parking for a few (but with a net loss in parking) or higher property value in terms of potential mixed-use development, or density bonus development, then those aren't the kind of trophies we would support.
Smart Growth is just another buzz phrase used to force expansion on us. The City is about built out, and has been.
The City should reinstate a true amnesty program, and count all the pre-existing affordable housing. Many people would be willing to come forward if there were actual tax incentives, such as the incentives developers get. It's ridiculous for individual homeowners to have to pay $900 and agree to low or very low income tenants "in perpetuity." I don't think Kerry Kusiak is being truthful about that new "policy." Why would developers only be held to covenants of 30 years? A judge has recently ruled that if there is ANY evidence that a structure, even a PAD existed, then the accessory dwelling unit is LEGAL, non-conforming. Those units don't have to be "legalized." They already are legal, just as pre-existing elevated pads and three story structures are legal, non conforming.
Good article through Voice of San Diego. Thanks again, WC.
Uggg. back to the old long rambling ones with the ego sign in.
ReplyDeleteToo bad I like the shorter anon posts.
Ugh, back to your old criticisms with no relationship to the topic being discussed.
DeleteIt's not an ego sign-in for someone to share his or her name. A few people may not be afraid to own their comments, because they are on topic, and they have verified the accuracy facts shared.
What is a sign of ego is your constantly attacking the messenger, and diverting from the topic posted by WC, in an attempt to trash someone posting.
Just because you are not posting under your name, doesn't mean you aren't posting out of ego. Otherwise, why bother saying anything? Your off-topic opinion is irrelevant and is none of our business.
Too bad, I l would prefer if you didn't post at all. If you do, stay on subject. I'm glad to read a short discussion of trophy projects and an amnesty program.
I agree, the with 9:49; Encinitas is misusing the word amnesty:
amnesty - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com
www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/amnesty
"Amnesty can mean a pardon for a wrongdoing, or it can also signal a government's willingness to overlook something."
Look in the mirror. my point was sign ins are ego driven….
DeleteAnd Lynn can't handle someone disagreeing with her… she has thin skin and would be better served posting as anon. plus when she does, they are much shorter which benefits all.
As to you wasting space cutting and pasting crap from the web. Well I see no value in your posts. At least your not one of the ego maniacs like Shiela or Lynn.
Its all good! Have a peaceful wonderful Saturday night sleep.
You look in the mirror, 11:12. My point is sign ins are NOT ego driven. Your saying that is a fact, doesn't make your ill founded opinion true.
DeleteThe only reason you don't sign your posts is because you are too much of a coward. You want to attack covertly, under the shield of anonymity. But we all know who you are, now. No one has a bigger ego than you, hypocrite.
You are the one who can't handle someone disagreeing with you. You always revert to attacking Lynn or Sheila, instead of refuting their facts, with facts of your own.
I see no value in your posts, except maybe a few people will be instructed by your bullying tactics and your aggressive, or passive aggressive egoism, as a terrible example. It's not all good, as your motives are not.
Once again, Sheila isn't posting under her name, or commenting at all, so why do you bring her name into it? It's because of your ego, dude. I'm sorry for your pathetic lack of self esteem. Someone with self esteem wouldn't be attacking others as being ego-maniacs, just because they are willing to own what they say. Why don't you go complain to Fred about his enormous ego? lol. You are so full of yourself you can't think straight.
The topic is so-called "smart growth." Stop trying to divert off topic and onto personalities. Your baiting and harassment is obvious and distasteful.
Sign- ins are ego. Regardless, posting under ones name is a ' hey everybody look at my post, I'm important and posting under my name makes it more important'. Such nonsense. Posting under ones name does not add any validity to the writing. Just look at the gibberish you know who posts. Although posting it under anon it would still be gibberish.
DeleteNow you are free to attack me. I AM anon .
11:26
DeleteWho told you I have an enormous ego?
Lynn-
ReplyDeleteYou are soooo full of shit!
how many times have you heard on this blog from hundreds of different posters. that not everyone wanted to purchase PV. Are you telling me that every single person that you talked with said "the City" should buy PV?
you must have a small audience.
I for one do not want the City to buy PV. The City has too much on its plate already and buying another trophy project will just delay all the other needed projects.
NO MORE TROPHY PROJECTS. NO TO BUYING PV!
I stand by what I said. Everyone I have spoken with thought that, given the circumstances, the City did the right thing to agree to purchase Pacific View. Everyone also has agreed that we should still try to get the best possible terms we can, because the City is overpaying.
DeleteWe know you don't want to purchase PV, because you want your OWN egoistic trophy project. I haven't spoken to you. My point was never that everyone in the City wanted the purchase. A few development interests didn't!
But of all those who did want the City to purchase Pacific View, many had wanted the City to negotiate more skillfully, and to invoke the threat of the Naylor Act and Eminent Domain, as well as the complication of Prop A to keep the price down.
You are full of it, because you're just a sore loser, 10:54. The City IS going to purchase Pacific View, whether you like it or not!
For the sake of the taxpayers, we could all now push Council to renegotiate terms of payment, instead of just writing off EUSD's carrying the loan at zero percent over 30 years, as "that's not going to happen."
The school district has insisted it wanted an ongoing revenue stream. The city is overpaying. Those mitigating circumstances should be reason enough.
I won't stop urging the School Board of Trustees and Council to do the right thing, for the taxpayers, the school children, artists, art lovers, community gardeners, and future generations.
EUSD Mission Statement:
Delete"Our mission is to assist our children to value learning and to be successful in school, society and work by providing a challenging and nurturing learning experience. We work in partnership with family and community preparing children to be leaders in a diverse, ever-changing world."
Nope, no mention of any obligation to artists, art lovers, community gardeners, or future generations. This is a school district. Their obligation is to fully utilize all assets at their disposal to affect the best educational environment, teaching, and outcomes possible.
Period.
under TIm Baird and the wretched failing school board EUSD is spending more money then it takes in every year- going deeper and deeper in debt leaving less and less for our children-
DeleteThe Union Tribune, Coast News and others refuse to report on it
Good point 8:50.
DeleteAlso, 8:35, in fulfilling its mission statement, EUSD is obligated to follow the law, and honor the intent of the State Legislature in enacting the Naylor Act and the Brown Act. EUSD has failed to do so. Had EUSD disclosed secret development deals, and all the baits and switches Superintendent Baird and past Superintendents pulled, in not honoring Education Code and Government Code, then Pacific View would have been sold to the City at a more reasonable price.
Period.
PV is bad for Enc taxpayers.
DeletePeriod.
Council is elected to determine what's good for Encinitas taxpayers.
DeleteThe public, writing to Council and the school board, convinced Council purchasing Pacific View is is in the best interest of Encinitas citizens.
Negotiating better terms of purchase could benefit Encinitas taxpayers.
Period.
Council is elected to protect the taxpayers, not pander to the local minority
DeletePV is bad for Enc taxpayers.
Repeating your bs doesn't make it true.
DeleteYou are bad for this blog.
Council is elected to represent citizens of Encinitas, not to pander to a small vocal minority.
DeleteRoundabouts on 101 would be bad for local residents and businesses.
Purchasing Pacific View is good for locals, and future generations. Purchasing it with better terms of purchase is still possible.
12:10
DeleteRoundabouts good. PV good. You good 50% of time.
"You are full of it, because you're just a sore loser, 10:54. The City IS going to purchase Pacific View, whether you like it or not! "
ReplyDeleteFunny Stuff…. the City has to come up the with money…..
Lease Bonds will not be popular. Barth already bailed. I bet Lisa and Tony don't want to be seen as slimy as Stocks and Dalager. What to do?
I'd say vote of the people in true spirit of Proposition A. Buy PV with lease review bonds and stop all construction of any other City project. Or not buy PV and focus on other needed City projects.
- PV is a not a City project
There doesn't need to be a public vote for Lease Revenue bonds; that's why they are so popular with governmental agencies.
DeleteLease Revenue bonds are popular with the decision makers, which is Council, the City Attorney and staff, including the City Manager, and Bond Counsel.
The City is purchasing Pacific View. You are a sore loser. Pacific View will be a City project. You are not the "decider," 11:17. The only question, now, is can Council negotiate for better terms of purchase? If so, another lease revenue bond wouldn't be necessary.
You are giving another false dilemma in wrongly claiming the only choice is between buying Pacific View with "lease review bonds and stop all construction of any other City project. Or not buy PV and focus on other needed City projects." Wrong again. Those aren't the choices with which we are confronted. And we all know what trophy project you are pushing for, 11:17.
But to get back to TOPIC, what are your opinions on smart growth? What about the city's affordable housing policy? What do you think about the link to Voice of San Diego that WC posted? How do you think that's relevant to next Wednesday's Council Meeting's topics?
Ah the lynn of anon… much better but please try and keep it brief.
ReplyDeleteSmart Growth is a scam. Like the derelicts that support the purchase of PV.
I'm not a sore loser. I know the idiot City council majority elected to by PV. I just think its a stupid move. I'm not sore about it. Please.
Lets see how this plays out. The City spent all it money including future money on DEBT for 30 million in Fire Stations, 60 million in Regional Sports Park, 20 million in Library, 12 million in PW yard, 6 million in moonlight concession stand and garage.
Lets see how this play out. I think Barth, Kranz and Shaffer are going to look as stupid to the public as Jerome $tock$ did. These JA can't help looking for something to get them in the history books. Good night.
lynn you avoided my point.
ReplyDeleteThe point was Purchasing PV should go to public vote in the spirit of Prop A.
Don't you agree?
ixnay on the otevay 4 acificpay iewvay otnay otay entionmay oundaboutsray. .
Delete12:15- the zoning of PV goes to a vote, not the purchase. The financian could also go to a vote as a 'general bond' added teh our tax bills but Barth and Gaspar won't let that happen-
Deletejust like Gaspar and Stocks following Vina's borrow and steal financing scheme of the hall park
What are "financian" and "teh"?
DeleteLease revenue bonds don't require a vote. There has never been any discussion by anyone on Council of putting any general obligation bonds to a vote, although that had been requested, before, re the former Hall Park Property, now incorrectly named, according to the definitions in our General Plan, "Encinitas Community Park."
DeleteI had suggested, in the past, any capital expense by the City, over a certain amount, say $10 Million, should be put to a vote of the public. Of course that suggestion was nixed by Council, never seriously considered.
I don't get why 2:02 says: "nix on the vote 4 pacific view, not to mention roundabouts?" Pacific View, because redevelopment of that property would involve upzoning, outside of redevelopment within the current public/semi-public zoning, would require a public vote, thanks to Prop A.
Our City, through an ordinance, such as the long awaited sunshine ordinance, could require at LEAST a 4/5 majority of Council for significant expenditures. Gaspar and Muir have publicly stated that Pacific View is a part of our legacy, that they want the City to be able purchase Pacific View, just not at the outrageous price of $10 Million.
The current memo of understanding agreed to by Barth, Kranz and Shaffer is contingent on the city's obtaining bond financing, but what has been discussed publicly and in closed sessions, has always been a lease revenue bond.
PV is bad for Enc taxpayers.
DeletePV is good for Encinitas citizens.
DeleteYou are bad for this blog.
Breaking news -- Council jackasses ignore their own mantra on Wednesday's agenda.
ReplyDeleteCOMMUNITY PLANNING FOCUS AREA --
Maintain safe and livable communities through well maintained infrastructure and facilities, strong public safety and significant environmental standards while achieving diverse and affordable housing for present and future generations.
What has this council and previous councils done to maintain the infrastructure? Hiding the consultant's studies on the deferred road maintenance in Encinitas doesn't give the council any brownie points. The city engineering department painting stripes over the potholes doesn't fool the residents. What has this council done for strong public safety? Certainly the council dragged it feet and ignored the growing alcohol problem in downtown Encinitas.
Affordable housing is being torn down to build million dollar mansions.
The council should hail the new behind the scenes leaders of Encinitas - city staff.
People need to stop using the words antisocial and unsociable interchangeably. Anti-social means to act contrary to what is socially acceptable (like drunk people who pee and vomit on the sidewalk). Asocial means not to interact with people at all -- like a recluse -- one who avoids people. Unsociable is kind of in the middle -- but closer to the asocial. It means that, while one may associate with other people, one tends to stay off in the corner -- doesn't mix.
ReplyDeleteSo asocial drinker isn't sociable after all. Thanks for clearing that up.
DeleteLynn, should the voters decide on how to finance or what should ultimately be built on the PV property?
ReplyDelete10:21
ReplyDeleteWell, it is a fact that the vast majority of voters prefer green drapes to red.
What the hell does that imply? Voters don't have a clue??
DeleteYou on those bad schrooms again?
It implies there aren't enough issues going to a public vote and was a wee sarcastic. You that dense?
ReplyDeleteYour abstractions aren't that brilliant - don't get too pompous....
DeleteBe more direct - you are being to sound like a city councilperson.
Delete8:02
DeleteYou're being to spell like me.
For some disclosure, Voice of San Diego leans Libertarian in its "take". I still don't buy all the smart growth conspiracy stuff. That said, that Clairemont idea is simply bad planning. Big towers like that don't belong off of Morena. Too much time has passed, and houses are worth too much. Nimby doesn't love smart growth...but developers still do!
ReplyDeleteShaffer told me that we can do anything about Density Bonus.
ReplyDeleteUh can, or can't?
Deletesorry - we can't do anything.
ReplyDeleteSmart Growth bullies. Really? This implies that you're just a bunch of wimps. Maybe you are.
ReplyDeleteWalk me through that logic.
DeleteThe council majority that you once touted as playing a large role in getting elected are now the bullies? Please. You are wimps.
Delete2:26 PM (below) "Bullies call the people they bully wimps". Talk about contorted logic.
Let's bring out Agenda 21 for good measure.
2:14 PM
ReplyDeleteWrong. Bullies use force and intimidation and taxpayer funds to force the smart growth stack and pack on unwilling residents. Bullies call the people they bully wimps.
Doesn't sound like the people who showed up to the meeting were being bullied....
Delete3:29 PM
ReplyDeleteAgenda 21? Are you psychic? That is exactly what is on the council's Wednesday meeting agenda.
Look up urban advantage - in Berkeley, the SANDAG presentation of smart growth. Follow that with form-based codes, the AECOM presentation of smart growth. Wash it all down with the smart growth network.
So the city that can't get streets paved has enough coordination to put over Agenda 21?
Delete8:16,
DeleteThat's a complete non-sequitur.
Maintaining our streets requires millions of dollars per year, and competent fiscal management.
Going along with Agenda 21 requires nothing more than sending a few thousand bucks to the UN's ICLEI, sending council members and staff members to party at Smart Growth boondoggle conventions in fabulous places, and approving high-density development.
8:16 you are correct, submitting to UN Agenda 21 is the exact type of cowardice this and previous councils has shown it posesses.
DeleteAll candidates- from Dave Robert at the Sup level, to Stocks, Shaffer, Jimmy Bond, Dirty Dan Dalager, Kristin Gaspar, Shaffer, Barth and Kranz are all sell out incapable of leading when it comes to protecting out small town quality of life-
I just read a ridiculous arilce about how greart Cardiff is- and it has the opinions of builders and real estate agents who now want to change Cardiff-
One month ago Barth and Gaspar had the big development troops in from Chula Vista talking density and upzoning-
The Encinitas business welcomer and TOny Kranz wanted to find out why did GoPro open an office in Cardiff, how do we get more businesses here- never stopping to think that GoPro, like residents, like Cardiff the way it is- now Gaspar and her developer backers like Harwood, Pesce and oh yea, good Ol boy Norby want to upzone Cardiff with overlay zones and destroy the strawberry fields with 'sustainable high density development' our council is using the UN Agenda 21 lies- "sustainable" to give away our open space.
Did anyone else read today that California is now experimenting with a tax on miles residents drive- that's write, they plan to tax your travel- see how it works? First they want control of housing, crowding us in urban transit center, then they want control of open space and food production, then they want to limit freedom of movement-
right, nothing to see here. Hey, our council along with Catherine Blakespear want to 'protect community characther'
10:44 Nutcase, conspiracy theorist crap. You're seeing the world through a broken lens.
DeleteWhat's the conspiracy theory? Our city council gives our tax money to the UN's Smart Growth-pushing ICLEI, and our city council believes that we should build high-density Smart Growth for seniors and young people.
DeleteWhere's the conspiracy?
More and more of us are realizing what we once thought was fringe at best is real. Thanks for the links, WC.
Delete"Conspiracy theorist crap" is a figurative characterization meant to describe a certain kind of nutcase thinking. Supporting Cliven Bundy would fit right in.
DeleteGet with it, EU. Julie Graboi has filed to run for either the council seat or mayor. That's good big news that you should be on top of.
The terrible trio supports Blakespear, which should tell anybody who's paying attention that she means more of the same bad governance we've been victims of since the trio became the majority.
Get off the Agenda 21 nutcase crap and down on the ground with the nitty gritty that's actually happening in reality.
11:34 I don't find this to be a nutcase theory. If you have been watching and following what our council has been doing now and in years past, you will be singing a different tune. We can't let them continue to take away our community character and sell out to the developers. Enough is enough.
Delete12:10 PM
DeleteAgenda 21 hits a nerve for you. Afraid that the Berlin, Germany organization on world dominates will have more publicity than it wants before it gets the major world powers under its thumb.
12:14, where were we the last 20 years then, figuratively speaking? All the same issues we're talking about today such as density, community character, transportation access, density bonus, state law vs. local law were as relevant then as they were now.
DeleteHere's why people care more now. Houses near the cost were worth $250k 20 years ago are now worth $800k and up. People figured it out, we're near the ocean, it's a great place to live. With rising values come rising concern about development, spending, parks etc. In short, you will get some NIMBY where there was none before.
We've now passed through several asset bubbles, and although real estate has rebounded, a lot of people didn't, and were forcibly retired, moved away, or are hanging on to their one big asset, their house.
So if people even get a whiff of increased density near them, or more bars like downtown Encinitas, you know they're going to go yelling and screaming. Agenda 21 provides a nice straw man for that argument, when in fact, selling out to developers was the main goal of the Stocks/Bond axis for most of the last 15 years.
I'm a lot more disturbed by their cozy relationship with guys like Doug Harwood than Teresa making a comment about Pacific Station. Besides, Teresa's out, so you're probably wasting some breath if you're beating that topic to death.
If Julie Graboi is running, that's the big news. We need a turnover of staff at city hall, I think that's the big elephant in the room. Even with a different council, it wont' be easy, but we need some folks who make that commitment before getting in...
Correct per straw man — Agenda 21 is reductionist thinking that serves as perfect bait to divert people from what's really going on. It's a way to distract simple minds so they don't pay attention to reality. It's a classic demagogue propaganda technique.
DeleteVina, the current City Council and past city managers and council majorities have taken Encinitas in the direction they have because they exist principally to promote and facilitate development. That's where their revenue comes from. That's how they pay high salaries, benefits and pensions to too many employees in a City not big enough to need that many.
More houses, more businesses, more people create the foundation for more parks, more public works, more justification for more, more, more. It's all designed to be circular and self-perpetuating.
And with it, there has to be a constant barrage of PR telling us how wonderful our town is and how lucky we are to live here — as it degrades, gets more crowded and congested, and the quality of life coarsens and declines.
1:23 I couldn't agree with you more. Encinitas is about built out, but yet the city wants to keep squishing more and more into little spaces. We are going in the wrong direction and it's time to get new people on council who have some balls to fight for us. It's time to get rid of the city manager, city attorney or any other city staff who are wanting to take our town and throw it to the wolves (developers). GASpar is a developer lover with developer friends. Do not reelect her as she is only pandering to the cameras. Barth will be gone and we need to dump the others when their time comes.
Delete1:23 you miss or omit the fact that BUREAUCRATS have taken over control of local towns, citites and the state - thru a mechanism called REGIONALISM
DeleteRegionalism plans to take control of everything from housing to education to transportation by first controlling money it get from the feds and then doles out to lucky winners at the local level who need (sound like encinitas and our roads) and then uses that threat to impose mandates on the people (See how Caltrans is bullying Encinitas to take over the strawberry fields, that it will then rezone for Mike Peaske as he asked for during ERAC- to build stack and crap-) only the Bureaucrats, the regionalists and the Agenda 21'ers will call it 'sustainable development' and no one will oppose it beccuase the environmental facists bullies will scream - what you don't support sustainable development! meanwhile of course they are paving over the open space that cleans the air while they blame others
2:18 Encinitas is not controlled by federal money nor federal policies. Go back to being obsessed with UFOs. That fits and suits.
Delete3:47 is correct. Encinitas is NOT controlled by federal money or federal policies.
Delete3:47 BS- check otu how much money SANDAG allots to communities for 'improvements' etc. 3:47 BS check out how much money comes out of DC and Sacto for improvements - like, oh, let's say I-5 widening, roundabouts, changing existing fire stations- oh and, taking away open space that are now strawberry fields to create hihg density transit centeres that fit new zoning that allow 'stack and crap' housing in the bogus political lie called 'sustainability'
DeleteI just gave you recent relevant facts- the chula vista stack and crap goons invading our city hall one month ago, the i-5 widening strawberry field bureacrats who showed up 2 weeks ago, and teh Sandag Vina stack and crap bullies showing up this week-
You may want to stick your head in the sand at San Elijo and ignore the truths, don't expect others to join you.
not controlled be federal policies? Affordable housing mandates at the national level drive density bonus laws at the state level that led to the Desert Rose fiasco, Pacific View Zoning issues, Pacific Station issues and stack and crap density to be talked about weds-
Deleteyes, our 5 cowardly council membes cry 'well the state mandates make us' the state get their mandates from the feds policy making- you may want to close your eyes, don't expect us to be blind with you
Is Diane Langager is the most powerful staff member in Encinitas? Diane, author of the Comprehensive General Plan Update represents Encinitas, unelected, as a member of the International Committee for Local Environmental Initiatives regional steering committee; the outreach arm for the Agenda 21 Lite from the U.N. An appointed position of power in Encinitas.
DeleteWho led the Climate Action Plan (that led to the million dollar hiring of MIG out of Berkely) that had not one member of the public on it?
That's right, Councilwoman Teresa Barth. Who is the linkage between Encinitas and Sandag's regional climate action group? Lisa. Won't read about that in her weekly mea culpa newsletter.
The regionalism of the ICLEI is now being shared between Langager and longtime Assistant City Manager, Richard Phillips.
wow- than you 4:27 Barth, Phillips and Lannager are all in line to get big pensions while the rest of us are competing and seeing our quality of life get worse with rising food and eneryg prices and decreasing living spaces and job opportunities
DeleteShaffer and barth just wanted to raise our taxes with Shaffer saying it would get $5M for government- meaning $5M less for residents. And Blakespear supports these two
4:13, get your head screwed on straight. More than 80 percent of general fund revenues in Encinitas come from local sales and property taxes. That's what drives Encinitas politics, not your crackpot theories about federal mandates.
DeleteAnd the raising local taxes issue is old and dead. It would have to get 4/5 to pass, and it never will.
the biggest issue facing the destruction of our existing community characther and each every neighborhood is State driven housing mandates being driven by lies and drible out of Washington passed on to Sacramento to SANDAG to dumping on encinitas taxpayers- that is the fact jack
Deleteinvolved communites across the country with citizen leades are opposing this BS regionalism- in the bay area cities like Orinda, Lafayette and elswhere want out of ABAG- why? cause ABAG is promoting regionalism-
The regionalist want control of our city by controlling housing, controlling 'grants' and evenutally controlling the vote by madnating and forcing a change in demographics
What you say, you want proof? Look to Solana Beach they jsut forced a change in demographic on the neighborhood against the wishes of the residents- see how it works? I do.
6:56 = wacko crackpot. Back in the McCarthy era, you would have been hunting for commies in every pumpkin.
Delete9:32 did solana beach just force a change in deomgraphic on a neighborhood- yes. Own it, live it with it, it is a fact.
DeleteYou can't present a single fact to rebut any of the facts presented above- so you continue the name calling-
Did you know there was testimony before congress in 1963 about the goals of the communist party? You can google it and read teh testimony- what were the goals? Destroy the american family, emasculate the american male, remove the american male as father of the household, gain control of local editorial boards, gain control of hollywood and tv programming, gain control of local school boards, infiltrate the unions, the churches, the senate - again, facts you can not refute.
9:32 PM
DeleteAnd the communists took over the universities. More than two generations of college graduates have been indoctrinated in the communist way.
10:57 you are correct! I have talked with new grads in their 20's and 30's and they have no sense of american or world history- they think all globalization and open borders are good, all of the worlds problems have been cuaed by america, the the US is a global oppressor of human rights- it is amazing, there is no love of country, which is why California is lost and other parts of the country are soon to follow
DeleteThe Communist way? Thanks for your input, John Birch. Give those kids some jobs, then they won't have time to worry about those problems. I thought we were past the Joseph McCarthy era, but perhaps not...Witch hunt at 5:40, bring your own tar....
DeleteNot psychic. Psycho is more like it.
Delete4:00 the kids are not trained for jobs- the communist college teachers are more interested in teaching ideology the skills for jobs- facts are facts
DeletePlease, go back to the 60's. Who are you Reagan trying to oust Herbert Marcuse and Angela Davis? Getting a job is the reality we all face, commies or not. When's the last time you held a job, skillmaster?
Delete12:05-
Deletekids that used to go to trade schools are now sent to college courtesy of government loans that shackle said kids to teh government for life-
in college said kids aer indoctranted for 5 years by communist professors who rather than teach say welding, carpentry, science and math instead teach 'social values' and denigrate the US as an unjust country responsible for the worlds ills-
said kids graduate blaming america for the worlds problems and under the mistaken belief that republican are responsible for everything from dirty air to dirty water to racism- when of course it was dems like good Ol Al I got my millions Gore's daddy who hated blacks and it was the democratic party of Sen Byrd who wanted to keep blacks sugugated- you see Lincoln was a republican.
See how it works- I do.
Don't forget, it was republicans who also passed the equality of income act - see how it works?- I do
DeleteIt's Republicans, plural. I think today's school kids could probably out perform you on basic grammar. You're way off on your direction, there are plenty of schools offering trade related skills, and the math and sciences are out there at colleges for the taking. One point we'd probably agree on is the lower schools aren't preparing kids for college. Add to that the cost of college with the loans kids are taking, and yes you have a problem when coupled with the fact that there aren't a lot of jobs for recent grads because regular workers have been shoved down in their slot.
DeleteAs for the Republicans, I can't help you, I've never been one, but from my perspective, they've done themselves in by not keeping up with the times, mainly we're a multi cultural nation where you better figure out a way to appeal to blacks, latinos, Asians, kids, gays, women and more to win the big prize. If you only appeal to old white men, the bedrock of the Republican party, you lose.
Reagan figured out a way to appeal to a broad coalition of people, but that was 30 years ago. Demographics have changed, campaigning has changed. The Republicans haven't changed their approach at election time, so they've failed. Your thoughts?
In the news today - Office Depot to close 400 stores over the next 2 years with 150 stores to close this year.
ReplyDeleteWith the Encinitas store be closed? More sales tax lost.
Hey, this is not possible. Everyone knows the economy is steaming ahead. Well anyway it doesn't matter ... Those are just entre level jobs, the real jobs are in prison guards or firefighters or city management.
DeleteLet's open a prison at the old Office Depot location!!
DeleteOffice Depot as a store concept has never been viable. The product range and market are too narrow and specialized. It's baffling how they and Staples survive, often a short distance from each other. I seriously doubt net revenue per store equals their overhead. If many stores are closing, that's why. There's never a crowd in either Office Depot or Staples in Encinitas. They pay rent on a lot of square footage but don't have the customer traffic to justify the space. And the delivered goods don't make up for the lack of customers in the store. Want to see the volume of foot traffic that makes a retail operation viable? Go to Trader Joe's.
DeleteOffice Depot = that classic SNL sketch comedy, The Scotch Boutique.
Love that sketch. It's true about TJ's, and remember that store in that location used to be a lot smaller. It's true, those stores are pretty desolate when you go in there, especially when compared to Target...
DeleteIt's a dying mall , what do you want. The Forum runs tings around encinitas ranch.
DeleteAt least two large commercial spaces at the forum are empty. A possible third empty space may happen this summer.
DeleteYou people are aware the Office Depot and OfficeMax completed their merger late last year. While OfficeMax isn't in San Diego, I imagine there are a number of areas where there is overlap and the combined company would want to close redundant stores. They will probably evaluate all store sales to decide which ones to close.
DeleteTalk about off topic.
Well, of course they'll look at all store sales to decide which to close. How else would they do it?
DeleteThe parking lots from Sports Authority to Target always have lots of cars in them. That shopping center is by no means dying.
11:43
ReplyDeleteYeah, even though I try to buy local as much as possible, I do buy all my Scotch Tape and sometimes electronics at Office Depot for convenience. But it's pretty hard to beat Fry's prices and selection if you're up for an inland tour. When Target was in its old location and was boarded up for years, it really killed that mall. Miller's Outpost fit the ghost town motif inside unfortunately. But LA fitness a few restaurants and the 99 cents only store changed all that. The old Target building was also one of the choices for the new library.
Fry's downfall: The people are about as helpful and knowledgeable as badly programmed robots.
DeletePlus, it's hard to justify driving way the hell out to Fry's unless you have a bunch of other stuff to do out that way or are out to spend a whole lot of money in one place.
Not to mention that all of Fry's merchandize is Made in China. I bought a notebook cooler and it fried in about 3 weeks - worthless junk. You'll need the original packaging, otherwise it can't be returned - I didn't know that. And know what you want, as the kids that work there are clueless. They'll tell you something, but odds are it is wrong. Face it - Americans don't manufacture anything anymore - we are consumers of junk....
ReplyDeleteIf it is more than a rumor that Julie Graboi is running than that is super news!
ReplyDeleteWait for it! The hater will soon be attacking Julie Graboi.
ReplyDeleteWould love to see Julie run for mayor. She would be excellent for our city.
ReplyDeleteWho is Julie Graboi?
ReplyDeleteWhere can we find out more information on her and where she stands on important city issue?
Who is she aligned with if anyone?
6:02 you can come to the council meeting tonight and inform yourself or watch it on tv or pull up her past words addressing the council on many issues. She never fails to impress and has the strength of character to not buy into the crap our current council members have been fed by slimy gus, our so called legal authority sabine, bought out and corrupt influenced city staff members like Jeff Murphy, oh heck this could go on and on. Come on out and show support for one of our own who has a heart of gold and the constitution to prevail. She will surely give notice to the remainder that they better shape up or be shipped out at the earliest opportunity. See you there!
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed, Julie Graboi is the dream candidate for the citizens of Encinitas, huge news and this blog is silent. Julie you have support alamode! Great news for our better future.
ReplyDelete