Saturday, October 18, 2014

Encinitas' Peak Democracy site is chock full o' fictional TV and movie characters

Earlier this week we brought you the story of how flimsy and vulnerable to manipulation the city's new "public input" vehicle, Peak Democracy, is.  Encinitas council members names were showing up as verified Vallejo residents offering their opinions on Vallejo's Peak Democracy site.

But the abuse isn't limited to the Vallejo site.  Here on Encinitas' Peak Democracy site, we found some unusual characters.

Here's Old Encinitas resident Derek Smalls saying, "Thank you to Teresa Barth, Tony Kranz, and Lisa Shaffer for purchasing Pacific View!  What a jewel!"



We couldn't find any Encinitas listing for Derek Smalls, but it does happen to be the name of the bass player from Spinal Tap.

Here's James Darmody from New Encinitas, who writes, "I would like to thank our excellent city council, particularly Deputy Mayor Tony Kranz, for having the foresight to see that Pacific View can be a tremendous arts cent and a legacy for our children."



We were unable to locate Mr. Darmody of Encinitas; however, that is the name of a character in Boardwalk Empire.

Other fictional characters pop up without praising the council.  Here's "Arthur Vandelay," a running pseudonym gag from Seinfeld.



And here's Vernon Wormer, the Dean from Animal House, suggesting that Encinitas purchase antiquities from Greece, Italy and Egypt.



Any comment on this, Dean Wormer?



True, Dean Wormer, but it's good enough for Encinitas!

If it weren't so serious that Encinitas is actually going to use this tool as the primary vehicle for public input on the housing element update, it would be funny.

Peak Democracy: what a great tool for manipulating collecting public opinion!

169 comments:

  1. The council on Wednesday reacted not at all when examples of some of "their" Vallejo postings were presented. A couple if them went on layer that same evening to propose using Peak for surveys other than the HEU.

    The purchase of Peak has Vina's scheming hands all over it, but the Council's behavior suggests they are well aware that the tool has more technical holes than a Swiss cheese and that they are just fine with that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "Later," not "layer."

      Delete
    2. Muir was the idiot who suggested that the housing element question be included in Peak Democracy survey. I suggest he look at the ceiling again and come up with better advice. When will he be gone? Not soon enough.

      Delete
  2. It all depends on what they really what to use it for, and what level of seriousness they assign to the results.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's the thing. The official city line, repeated in Shaffer's newsletter a few weeks ago, is that PD is the primary (i.e. only) official tool for public input.

      They are snowing us with this fake-o blog survey so they don't have to listen to REAL public input.

      Delete
    2. Shaffer's September 25 newsletter:

      "Furthermore, input will be received via eTownHall (i.e. Peak Democracy) not on cards or paper maps with dots or orally while sitting around tables."

      You say that like it's a good thing!

      Delete
    3. It is, of course, not true that 'they' don't have to listen to real public input.
      What always happens when there is an issue that the city wants public input is that regardless of any and all efforts to get the public to participate, the same civic minded participants show up.
      Then decisions are made and people like most of blog posters bitch and complain even when they have chosen not to be part of the planning.
      This tool is to get as many citizens as possible to get involved. Most wont go to workshops, council meetings or make an effort to know the facts.
      The system is not perfect. It is better than not doing it. It is a good and imperfect tool.
      It will probably turn out that many more citizens will offer their opinion with this tool. There will be people who will become more informed and there will be that group that will not participate and bitch at the results. And those that will recommend to thwart he process, benefiting no one.
      Yes, you can, like this post accents, look only at the negative of the process or make an effort to responsibly contribute and participate in decisions.
      I would expect voracious attack to this responsible option.

      Delete
    4. 8:36

      you made no comment that Peak Propaganda is a tool to manufacture data to support a pre-determined conclusion and lie to the people

      none

      this post list example, after example, after example, of bogus comments from fictional characters

      Peak Propaganda deserves a voraciosu attack as it is not a responsible option-

      Delete
    5. I agree with 8:36.

      What's to stop me from participating in a more traditional process with a fake name?

      Answer: nothing.

      Delete
    6. 9:22 shame would stop most people from the traditional process with a fake name, I guess you have no shame - have you thought of running for office?

      Delete
    7. 10:39 confuses lame personal insult with substantive rational argument.

      10:39, was it shameful for an anonymous author to produce Common Sense, one of the most persuasive and important works in American political history?

      Why might someone not want their real name published alongside their political opinions?

      If you can produce a thoughtful, reasoned answer this time, that'd be great. Mm-kay?

      Delete
    8. 9:22 claims "what is to stop participating in traditional process with fake name"

      10:39 says "Shame" would stop most people- I agree

      11:00 then insults 10:39, and asks for a reasoned answer when one was already given by 10:39 called "shame"

      Delete
  3. But it is a waste of money....

    ReplyDelete
  4. No outrage on mayor Gaspar many FPPC campaign violations,who's Running this blog Jerome Stokes or Mike Andreen?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 8:34- All 5 council members are corrupt, complicit, crooked and liars

      Shaffer writes about Gaspar only as it benefits Shaffer- not the public. Shaffer is selfish, a liar, a fiscal trainwreck and unethical

      WCV and EU are posting news about all 5 and the council as all 5 and the council are failing residents

      Delete
    2. Gaspar should explain the discrepancies in her campaign statement. Is she allowing people to give more than $250 as was indicated and pointed out by the speaker at the last council meeting?

      If this is the case, it is a violation of the law. This should be investigated.

      Delete
    3. Are you talking about the tall old guy who looks like a character from the walking dead complaining about Gaspar. I understand that he's Tony Kranz's campaign manager - so no big surprise. Maybe he should report on his candidate's ethical violation of accepting $6,000 from a developer and then voting on his behalf. Mr. Kranz has still not explained it the the public.

      Delete
    4. these violations are always investigated after the election. Follow the money, don't vote Gaspar.

      Delete
    5. Kranz has a campaign? It must be like Wonder Woman's plane - invisible!

      Delete
  5. Good Post. Bad City Manager and City Council. All should be fired. WTF?

    ReplyDelete
  6. The reason this is occurring is that Stocks/Gaspar/Andreen hijacked the general plan update with deceit.
    Gaspar is still doing it, referring to "the plan to up zone ECR" in her campaign mail outs.. BS. There was never such thing.
    It was all politics

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL. She is taking credits for derailing New Encinitas MIG plan. What a farce! There were forces much bigger than her faint try at ERAC.

      Delete
  7. Pointed remark from Barth's newsletter:

    "Be Informed, Be Engaged and Vote!
    Remember - If It's Anounymous, Ignore It."

    If it's averbymous, pay attention!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barth, Kranz and Shaffer all benefitted from anonymous blogs and posts. Barth and others were supported by the brilliant anonymous blogger Kate, who sadly passed away last year.

      Barth has changed her tune now since bloggers do not care for Catherine Blakespear and are holding Kranz, Shaffer and Barth to account for their lies. They should instead ask why people are so dissatisfied with them when Barth was given the majority she wanted. The answer is that she squandered it because she has a mad crush on Gus Vina--which has been an embarrassment and a horrible way to make decisions for a city. It would be pathetic if it did not result in real damage to our city and its residents--all for some attention. She has come out looking very foolish and will be remembered by her former supporters as the worst mayor in Encinitas history.

      Delete
    2. 12:30 you are correct. Barth loved the columns and guest commentary that held Stocks and Dalgaer accountable, linking to sites like EU every week

      However when the unpartisian commentary began holding her accountable she stopped the links and began name calling those with opposing views as fear-mongers and bullying

      That is why Blakespear is so disappointing, she can't think for herself and is a barth/shaffer mini-me, heavy on the me, as in barth,shaffer and CB's world - it is all about them, not the taxpayers

      Delete
    3. CB will not be elected and it is because she is associated with Barth.

      Delete
    4. Barth is despised in encinitas even more than stocks. Imagine that.

      Delete
  8. Maybe we are all on "double secret probation"? Be careful out there.

    ReplyDelete
  9. 8:36 and those who agree with him/her: The point is Peak Democracy doesn't truly represent public opinion. There's no way to know whether the input is legitimate. If the council and staff really want to know citizens' preferences, they should commission professional, independently conducted polls.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 11:18,

      At the end of the process there will be a highly reliable poll.

      Delete
    2. 1:53 How would you be able to determine if the poll was highly reliable? In favor of whom? The City? The residents?

      In my opinion, polls are used to have an end result in favor of who put it together. In this case, since the city paid for the services of Peak Democracy and Peak Democracy is aware of what the city's intent is, that is all that needs to be said. I think you can figure it out.

      Delete
    3. 2:07,

      The highly reliable poll is Election Day, 2016.

      Delete
    4. 2:13 I'm talking about Peak Democracy, not election day. Try to keep up. The post is about Peak Democracy.

      Delete
    5. 3:08,

      Read WC's last two paragraphs. This post is about using Peak Democracy as part of the Hosing Element update process.

      The Housing Element update process includes a very reliable poll--a formal vote in 2016.

      If PD is manipulated to mislead council about the will of town citizens, it really doesn't matter, because the true will of town citizens will prevail at the ballot box.

      Get it now?

      Delete
    6. Many people in this town know how to do unbiased public opinion polls. In fact, the grad students in statistics, at SDSU, look for a client each year to do just that. And, for only $1500.00. It was offered to the City several times over the years. Guess what the response was by every City Council or City Manager? You got it, the answer was a big NO. These surveys the students do are overseen by faculty and presented by faculty to the client. Other cities have used this service, but Encinitas likes to pay the big bucks.

      Delete
    7. 3:30 again- Also other Water Districts have used this service. Not the two we have in our community, however.

      Delete
    8. 3:30 O c'mon. A lot could change in two years on election day 2016. Let's talk about the present. Get it?

      Delete
    9. And don't forget that Vina will spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on a fear mongering propaganda campaign to get a yes vote!

      They could have killed Prop A too if they had spent that much tax money on propaganda.

      Delete
  10. Yeah, why do we care what someone named EU thinks (or Encinitas Undercover). Do we even know if he/she lives in Encinitas? They claim to but how do we really know? Given the statelessness of the Internet, EU could live in, God forbid, Carlsbad!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 11:36 What's wrong with Carlsbad?

      Delete
    2. Nothing, it's just not Encinitas.

      Delete
    3. If that's what you think go to another blog!

      Delete
    4. 2:36 PM

      Although they act like they aren't responsible, this blog played a role in the city's purchase of PV. That's money out of my pocket whether I like to post here or not. So just saying I should go to another blog isn't the point. The point is what happens here and how much influence it has whether I post or not.

      Delete
    5. 2:55 I disagree. Most people that posted on here were against the purchase of PV at the high price.

      Delete
  11. Just vote Graboi & Cameron. That's all you need to know..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh good. Because I hate to think or read. And it usually works so well when we invest blind faith in leaders without scrutiny or criticism.

      Delete
    2. I have already voted for Cameron and Graboi and I am glad I did.

      People please check out GASpar's FB page. She is using one of her daughter's pictures posted on there which says the following:

      "Pretty please can you help my Mom out today?"
      "How can you say no to this face?"

      Wants all of her friends on FB to donate $20 so she can make her goal.

      What a cheap, cheap, thing to do that she has the need to use her children in order to get money for a political campaign.

      You should be ashamed of yourself GASpar for using your child to get money. You are disgusting and dispicable.

      Wonder if she was "drunk" when she posted it since the bars are giving money to her campaign. Guess they didn't give enough.

      Delete
  12. Consider this:

    To the extent that flaws in Peak Democracy might distort the will of Encinitas residents, the error favors residents.

    Think about it.

    Let's say the worst fears are realized, and out-of-town developers are able to exploit holes to create the impression that the overwhelming majority wants 12-story, high density, ugly crap all over town, and that we want massive upzoning included in our Housing Element. If City Council and Planning Department are misled by such manipulation of PD, and they craft language for the 2016 ballot based on that misinformation, then the referendum will certainly fail.

    If you are concerned about a Housing Element that accommodates too much growth, you should be four square in support of an inaccurate and misleading feedback system. A system that reflects the will of the electorate accurately would be a useful tool for a council trying to build a housing element that will both meet state guidelines, and pass at the ballot box.

    The outrage over manipulation of PD makes no sense.

    ReplyDelete
  13. The movement is real - many, many people are shifting to Graboi & Cameron!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We can tell it's real by the number of exclamation points!!!!!!!!!

      Delete
  14. Here's the irony: most of the commenters here who oppose development benefit from the errors and potential manipulation of Peak Democracy.

    Say what?

    Yup.

    If fake accounts and outside interests result in a distorted view of what residents want, then the probability of a successful Housing Element vote in 2016 declines.

    If developers manipulate PD to convince Council that residents want high-rise density all over town, and council is stupid enough to include that in the proposed Housing Element, then it will surely fail at the ballot box. The worse the manipulation, the better for anti-growth advocates.

    The worst nightmare for preservationists would be a highly accurate polling system that would enable the council to iterate and test variants of Housing Element language until they find a version that meets state growth targets and assures passage at the ballot box.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. While your scenario is plausible, I idea that the council wants "high-rise density all over town" is just nonsense. Will there be some upzoning identified to meet state requirements? Yes, but not as much or as intense as you think.

      The council isn't "stupid enough".

      By the way, if you haven't seen the Coast News, the San Diego Building Industry Association has filed suit on the city's changes to the density bonus calculations and qualifications. It should prove interesting.

      Delete
    2. 3:03 PM I meant "the idea" not "I idea".

      Delete
    3. 3:03 We have a right to "round down" just as other cities do. The BIA always wants it their way. They may get a nice surprise.

      Delete
    4. 3:03,

      Agree in all points.

      I just thought it was interesting that the people bashing perceived flaws in PD actually benefit if the flaws manifest in a distortion of popular opinion.

      Interested to hear why I'm not just wrong, but also an idiot, shill, puppet, etc.

      Delete
    5. LA rounds down. Some cities round halfway. Down if under 50% and up if 50% and above. I haven't seen anyone challenge these other cities in court so they can continue to follow those procedures until someone like a court says different. Since there isn't consistency among cities, I expect this case to get to the appeals court. Yippee! More money for the lawyers.

      Delete
  15. Actually and factually there could be areas of the city that are identified to accomadate the state housing allowance and have none developed.
    Very few cities have built out their 'identified' areas.

    ReplyDelete
  16. 3:35 PM
    Do you understand the concept that upzoning brings? The developer can build by right. There are no identified properties. That requirement left the station years ago. Now the requirement is a rezone to increase density.
    Stop trying to pull the wool over your own eyes. Only council people are that naïve to push that rubbish.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 3:35 pm You are badly misinformed.

      Delete
    2. 4:05 PM & 6:33 AM

      4:05. A number of cities have used overlay zoning that does indeed identify individual properties. The overlay doesn't change the basic zoning but allows higher density in return for building affordable housing. Some cities have gotten close to doing spot zoning which the courts have taken a dim view of but so far there haven't been any lawsuits. I don't know whether the city will recommend changing the base zoning or go with an overlay zone approach but 6:33 you are the one who is "badly misinformed".

      Delete
    3. 3:35 "Actually and factually there could be areas of the city that are identified to accomadate the state housing allowance and have none developed." Since one accessory dwelling unit is allowed BY RIGHT, according to EMC, on every property zoned as single family residential, why couldn't EVERY single family residentially zoned home lot be identified as a POTENTIAL buildable location for affordable housing?

      Council member Lisa Shaffer asked about covenants at a public Council Meeting. Planning Director Jeff Murphy said covenants are not necessary to count sites for the State mandated numbers to accomplish a certified housing element.

      Delete
  17. Manchester Strawberry targeted. Now zoned RR2, 2 units per acre. Upzoning would be 30-45 units - if approved- see how it works?

    Pacific View- now zoned public semi-public.
    Upzoning would be 30-45 units an acre- see how it works?

    Trader joe's now zoned commerical with 30% lot coverage
    Upzone would be 30-45 units and acre with 90% lot coverage

    THe plan quadruples the city's carbon footprint, increases traffic and pollution, reduces quality of life and reduces open space

    see how it works? We do

    ReplyDelete
  18. The article in the Advocate on the BIA lawsuit is more thorough and more accurate than the article in the Coast News.

    ReplyDelete
  19. If this is the kind of mayor you want for Encinitas, go to Gaspar's Facebook page. Now she is using her children to get money for her campaign.

    I want to throw up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 8:47 so is Blakespear - these are me first politicians. There is not a shred of deceny and honor among them KranzBarth Shaffer Muir Blakespear Gaspar all me first

      Cameron and Graboi could be better

      Delete
    2. If Gaspar is so ignorant about the internet not to know that there are all kinds of predators just looking for little children.

      As a mother of young children, I have to ask myself why she would do something like that. I knew she didn't have much common sense, but this proves it.

      Delete
    3. She knows...she's just too grasping and easily managed to think and care.

      Delete
    4. Kathleen Lindemann - you forgot to sign your name.

      Delete
    5. That would be true if that was Kathleen. Try again, Mikey.

      Delete
    6. You're right, CJ.

      Delete
    7. Try again, Mikey.

      Delete
    8. Yes, let's try to gin up fake outrage over a politician who uses images of their family to project a wholesome image.

      Because that's never happened before.

      Substance, substance, my kingdom for some substance.

      Delete
    9. 8:06 It is one thing to use a family picture for your campaign. It is quite another thing to post a picture of one child on FB begging for money for her mommy's (Gaspar) campaign.

      That is using your children to gain a certain objective. In this case, to get people to give to your campaign. Reminds me of what Kate Gosselin did with her children. Sort of like exploitation.

      Gaspar is sick in the head and not fit for the mayor's position. We have already seen how ineffective she is.

      Delete
  20. Cameron will be the laughing $tock$ of Encinitas when her vote comes in under 10%. What a loser just like slater price home recking ho.

    ReplyDelete
  21. More truth in advertising:

    Julie Graboi describes herself as a college professor. Between 2010 and 2013, she has worked part time at Palomar College and her total pay for the whole four years has been $975.00.

    http://transparentcalifornia.com/salaries/search/?q=Julie+Graboi&y=2012

    That's the link to her 2012 salary. Check the other years.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is very interesting.

      I sold a car to my brother for more than that. So I giuess My occupation should be Auto Finance Executive.

      Delete
    2. Just because someone does one short-term project for an agency that is reported online, don't assume that this is a sole source of income. More misleading information!

      Delete
    3. Julie Graboi teaches at Cuyamaca College. Has been there for years.

      Delete
    4. For those who care, according to the Cuyamaca College website, Graboi teaches English As A Second Language (ESL) classes.

      Delete
  22. speaking of unscientific polling, I have some questions for the blog audience:

    Do you personally think Encinitas should colt with state law, and pass a compliant Housing Element?

    Do you personnally think we should even put a compliant Housing Element on the ballot for voters to decide (do you trust the electorate?)?

    Do you think your personal views in the questions above are in alignment with the majority view in town?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "comply with state law" (not "colt")

      Delete
    2. 8:28

      When the majority learn what is planned , it is unirformly opposed. This was evident by the Cardiff Specific Plan.

      During the 101 Specific Plan the public blindly followed city staff belieiving their views and needs would be represented- the city screwed them

      During the Cardiff Specific Plan residents educated the public, providing an accurate view of what waws planned and pointing out the sugary bullshit the city was shovling stunk. REsidents exposed Norby and city planners Diane Lannager and Laurie Tremor as untruthful, manipulative and unscrupulous. Cardiff residents organized and successfuly fought for representation

      The results- the 101 has a bar problem and loss of charachter. Cardiff does not have a bar problem and kept it's characther

      Housing element 2016 is about educating the public. That is why Barth the propagandist, Shaffer the liar and Gaspar the crony are alinged with Vina- who will spend more than $1 million to mislead the public

      Their story is a loser. Barth and Shaffer have already been caught in lies surrounding upzoning pacific view and the strawberry fields

      Shaffer can not spin the facts - when the public learn what she has planned she will become despised as a taker. A taker of teh environment, a taker of community character, a taker of quality of life, and a person who can't be trusted

      Delete
    3. 9:12,

      I understand your view of history, but you didn't answer my questions.

      What I'm trying to get at is this:

      1.) I think the council will put a Housing Element on the 2016 ballot that complies with state requirements for affordable and total units. No matter who gets elected, there will be a majority on council who are not willing to ignore state law. No amount of shouting and accusations will change this.

      2.) given that there will be a compliant HE on the ballot, there could be one of two strategies to preserve community character: (a.) work inside the system to find the best compromise options to create a compliant HE that will do the least damage, or (b.) convince the electorate that the growth targets are unreasonable, and that we should ignore state law and vote down any HE proposal on the ballot.

      My concern is that (b.) is a high risk strategy. I just don't think the average voter is comfortable ignoring state law. Most folks want to preserve community character as much as possible, but not take it to a radical extreme that puts our town in legal jeopardy.

      So again, if your political strategy is to perform an act of civil disobedience by a majority at the ballot box, do you think a majority can be convinced?

      Delete
    4. Let me preempt the obvious claim that someone is about to make: that Prop A was an act of civil disobedience at the ballot box. We did it before, and we can do it again.

      The Housing Element vote will be different. Prop A did not put us out of compliance with state law. Prop A was narrowly won--if a small fraction of people in the middle prove unwilling to go against state law, then the HE vote would have a different result than the Prop A vote. Finally, 2016 is a different electorate--it's a presidential vote year, which brings a much bigger and more moderate turnout. A passionate and motivated minority plays a much larger roll in off year elections.

      Delete
    5. 9:57 your story of upzoning sucks. Your bullying people to be afraid won't work. You and your profiteering bottom suckers will lose in 2016. It is our town, and we are not for sale

      Delete
    6. 9:38 bullshit

      the 101 is now zoned for mixed use, so build it. But no, scum sucking builders want more height

      there is housing readily available iI . The city, if the city is short 800 units they can be amdemade up with the housing stock we no have . - try again

      encinitas is in compliance, the city should work on that not upzoning

      The city should join Marin and push back on bogus state mandates and population forecasts

      there are steps the city can take, but won't. The people will learn this. Your bullying and fear will fail

      Delete
    7. I don't think you understand my politics. I'm for preserving community character, but I'm focused on tactics and results. If your objective is unfocused outrage and spleen venting, fine. I'd rather understand the tactics and influence points that are most likely to succeed.

      Delete
    8. 11:10,

      Please provide your source that shows we are already in compliance with state housing law.

      I have seen the opposite in official state reports, so I'd be very interested in your source.

      Delete
    9. 9:38 view of history? Spoken like a true city spin doctor. The 101 isup zoned Cardiff is not. Those are facts.

      State law - we have more than enough housing stock now available, it just needs to be built. Your message of fear won't win. The HE will quadruple the city carbon footprint, increase traffic and pollution, reduce open and quality of life. Drunks at the Shelter might not care, Encinitas families will

      Delete
    10. 11:10 AM

      Do you have repressed anger over being bullied on the playground in seventh grade? Saying "Your bullying and fear will fail" in response to 9:38 is completely groundless. If a counter argument sends you into fear of being bullied then you better get help or at least understand what "being bullied" really means.

      And no, I'm not 9:38.

      Delete
    11. I think shaffer and barth use that bullying word for everything , and yes, the city is trying to bully anyone with a different view of the housing element. Name calling, fear mongering, the city does it all

      Delete
    12. 11:18 the entire 101 commercial was upzoned for mixed residential, when the not now built units are added to the housing element the city will be in compliance, then for good measue goo add up the not now built housing stock and the number is met

      Delete
    13. It seems to me that it is manipulative to suggest that being out of compliance with inaccurate regional forecasts somehow makes citizens lawbreakers. That is where the manipulation with fear comes in. Comply, or you are illegal; you are not abiding by the law.

      The fact is, the City is purposefully not counting potential affordable accessory dwelling units. Many, many more could be counted as EVERY single family residentially zoned lot allows for one accessory dwelling unit BY RIGHT. A separate certificate of occupancy is not required, if the dwelling units are built at the same time.

      Before the City was incorporated, on 10/1/86, the County also did not require permits for structures 500 sq. ft. or under. Many garages or other accessory structures could be and were built without permits. Permits were not maintained by the County as part of the Residential Building Record. Permits were not required, in the 50's for garage conversions. The Assessor's worksheets did not have a box for "garage conversion," which someone doing an onsite visit could check off, until 1991.

      Pressuring people into feeling that they cannot question "the law," or the legislators that restrict us, is fear mongering. All of the existing and potential accessory dwelling units should be counted as already being part of our housing element. Unfortunately, the City management wants more development, because that equals more development fees, more property taxes, and more sales taxes, plus more campaign contributions for elected officials.

      Delete
  23. Julie Graboi describes herself as a college professor. Between 2010 and 2013, she has worked part time at Palomar College and her total pay for the whole four years has been $975.00 - she is a FAKE!

    Vote for Blakespear! I practicing attorney with REAL experience.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You might want to educate yourself as to whether Palomar teachers are even in Calpers.


      http://www2.palomar.edu/pages/hr/employees/retirement/

      Delete
    2. Yes, Graboi is employed and lives on land she and her husband bought. Graboi also helped neighbors protect open space. Blakespear claims to be employed, her case wotk seems to be pro-bono, her mom manages Shafeer's trust and public pension money.

      Where Graboi bought her house Blakespear lives in a house her family owns, on land her family wants to develop.

      there are big differences between Graboi and Blakespear. Graboi represents the community while Blakespear represents insiders. It really is that simple

      Delete
    3. Julie Graboi teaches at Cuyamaca College. She's been teaching there for years.

      Drop your false allegations.

      Delete
    4. We need to stand up to these squirmy little city manager and tell him he can not keep ruining our city. We need a council that represents the citizens and we have lost that.

      Vina has manipulated this council and has fed them a line of bull from here to the moon.

      Vote for Cameron and Graboi who truly represent the citizens of Encinitas.

      Delete
    5. Read Al's blog on why he resigned from the Traffic Commission. And you can see why we need to get rid of Vina.

      Delete
    6. Al is not impressive. Anyone who grabs the mic at the lectern out of turn and says "I don't care. You can have me arrested." is not someone whose opinion matters to me.

      Delete
    7. 4:20 You ignore the message because you don't like the messenger- I could care less about Al's opinions, I do thank Al for sharing the facts- you should as well

      Delete
    8. Al quit his bid for Mayor before even running and now nas quit the Traffic Commission seat because he didn't get his way.

      Way to show them Al!

      Quiters always take a heroic stand, don't they?

      I'm glad you didn't run for Mayor, you probably just abstain or leave the dias when the going got tough, like Shaffer and Gaspar like to do.

      Delete
    9. I don't believe Al was serious about running for mayor. He wanted to see what was involved and decided it was not worth it.

      Al has been and will continue to be effective when he addresses council. They have to sit there and listen to him. Keep going Al. You are doing a good job and pointing out all the blunders and ineptness of the city manager, city attorney, and council.

      Delete
  24. If you want to see Graboi get in please donate to her campaign. She is not a trust fund baby if you get my drift.

    ReplyDelete
  25. OMG have your seen her huge house in Olivenhain. She needs to dip into her savings if she is committed to her own campaign. Quit begging for dollars!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 9:05 you reveal yourslef to be a political hack. I have been to the house Julie and her husband bought, it is a nice piece of land, house is older and modest

      I have also been to the Smith/Blakespear compund. Momma smith, the matriarch, runs about 30 acres with most of it not developed. momma Smith lives in the big house and the siblings and daughter each are given ar house

      Delete
  26. Graboi's house is by no means huge, and she's not begging for dollars. Take a look at Gaspar's house and her Facebook page.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right, Gaspar has her daughter begging for money on her FB page. This is what you do to your children? Simply disgusting in my opinion, but whatever she has done or will do does not surprise me.

      Gaspar will use anyone however she can at any time and any place, including her children so she can be the "Queen". I think there are more important things in life than being mayor of "Mayberry By the Sea". What a joke.

      The votes are adding up for Cameron and Graboi. Let's keep it going.

      Delete
    2. Their up to a grand total of 8 solid votes!

      Delete
  27. I just found out that Julie Graboi lives in the Desert Rose area. It now makes sense. She's a NIMBY! Julie, spend your own money to protect your million dollar home.

    Blakespear for Council!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 11:39

      Grboi lives in a modest house older home she bought with her husband years ago

      Blakespear lives on the family compound her developer family owns in Cardiff. They are likely the largest land baron in Cardiff

      Blakespear lives on the Smith family compound- apparently unable to earn her own way like Graboi.

      Big differences- Graboi is humble and self made, Blakespear is verbose, egoist and family made Trust Fund Baby for sure

      Delete
    2. As she had repeatedly said, Julie Graboi is for the residents of Encinitas. She's on our side, not the developers', managerial staff's, and abusive bar owners' side. If you want change for the better, vote for Julie.

      As an activist, she demonstrated her commitment with her early support of Prop A and her opposition to Desert Rose and other density bonus projects.

      Blakespear, on the other hand, is an opportunistic Catherine-come-lately. If you want more of what we've had from the council for the past several years, vote for her.

      Delete
  28. Several friends drop by this weekend to ask who to vote for. Yes many residents do not pay attention but now these folks are merrily on their way to vote for Julie Graboi and Sheila Cameron.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Either you hang out with weak-minded people who don't think for themselves, or you overestimate the primacy of your influence on the decisions of others.

      Delete
    2. Weak minded sits on present council.

      Delete
    3. idiots or a$$holes...which are your friends. Graboi and Cameron, tweedle dum and tweedle dee.
      Graboi-sterilize the playgrounds.
      Cameron-I don't like walls...not even those that support the roof over your head Sheila??
      LOLOLOLLLL- you can't make this stuff up.

      Delete
    4. Sterilization is good. Sounds like you don't do any in your home. That's fine and it's your choice. Most of us like clean things to stop germs from spreading. In case you didn't know, that's how people get sick.

      Who likes walls so you can't see beyond them? Not me. I prefer open space, open skies. Block walls are for those who love China and LA.

      The "stuff" you said is your own exaggeration. I get what those two meant. They are smarter than you think.

      Delete
    5. Actually, sterilization is not good. We need some dirt and grime in the environment during childhood to develop a functioning immune system. The rise in the rate of asthma and allergies in kids can be traced to our obsession for cleanliness.

      http://www.m.webmd.com/allergies/news/20140606/too-clean-homes-may-encourage-child-allergies-asthma-study

      Delete
    6. 5:01 Then keep your house as dirty as you can so your children won't get anything.

      Delete
  29. Don't forget....want stadium lights at Cardiff Sports Park ll, vote Gaspar.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You know that stadium lights would require a vote of the residents per Prop A - Why do you insist to mislead people?

      Delete
    2. 7:41,

      It will be interesting to see what the council rolls into the Housing Element vote... stadium lights at Hall Park, commercial zoning for art galleries and pottery sales at Pacific View... so you get the soccer families and the arts crowd supporting the mass upzoning.

      Delete
    3. Mislead? Gaspar wants the sports fields lighted and will do what she can to get them.

      Delete
    4. The lights were already approved, but not funded. The initial phase of park construction includes wiring conduit to the location of each planned light standard.

      http://civics-101.com/hoodlink/pdfs/HL-2010-07.pdf

      Delete
    5. 8:37 here. I take it back. The lighting plan was accepted by council , and wiring conduit has been run for the approved lighting plan. However, the final approval to install lights still has to go through the Planning Commission, City Council, and Coastal Commission.

      Gaspar does support taking this through to completion.

      No matter how good the directional lighting is, the location of the park is bad for this lighting. Lights would most often be used during winter months, when the sun sets earlier. At a location so close to the ocean, during evening hours in the winter, these fields are often shrouded in marine layer fog. No matter how good the directional lighting, fog scatters light. Pumping lumens into fog will create a giant glowing cloud that will be visible for miles around. We already have this affect from SDA nearby, only SDA's use of the lights is relatively rare.

      Delete
    6. The lights are not approved. The infrastructure is there, and it is true that Gaspar wants the 90 foot lights, but it would need to go to the voters and the Coastal Commission for approval.

      Delete
    7. EU right you are. Pacific View will be the cheese.

      Delete
    8. That's right: the children of Cardiff families have been playing on lighted fields all over Carlsbad, Solana Beach and Encinitas for decades: where those residents welcomed lights on their playing fields rather than relocate kids to darkened alleys out of the sight of their parents and neighbors: but ask the snobby/elitist/narcissistic/cessessionistas who live in Cardiff to share in collective community-building and involvement, for the betterment of the next generations and Cardiff's true self-absorbed selfish identity is clearly revealed.Why no lights? Because Cardiff is better than the rest of us.

      No, 90 foot lights that are designed to project straight down are not restricted by Prop A: heaven forbid your evening Chardonnay and Brie be interrupted by the sound of kids playing soccer or skating.
      Grab the Ambien and sleep mask!

      When it is Cardiff's turn to have kids from other neighborhoods basically play on the freeway, it takes 14 years to complete.

      Why? Because those in Cardiff are takers, not givers. And it cannot be denied. Its clear for everyone to see. Nowhere to hide.

      Finally, when every other pathetic excuse that Cardiffians could hide behind to stop the park has been exhausted, Cardiff weasily claimed concern for the kids health, because the park abuts a freeway. Small, Cardiff, real small.

      Concerned about the kids health? Really? Put the lights in, something called curtains was invented 5000 years ago.

      Delete
    9. Not all Cardiffians oppose the park or oppose the lights. I started out as a Cardiffian and have always supported the park with lights. Many of my neighbors (yes, even surrounding the park) also supported it. And the opposition does not solely come from Cardiff. There is opposition from Leucadia as well. While I agree with your sentiment, please do not use such a broad brush with your criticism.

      Oh, and everyone knows it's now Pinot Noir and organic, vegan tappas...........

      - The Sculpin

      Delete
    10. 1:16 is a troll, and I'm against the lights, but I think he/she may be right about the lights requiring a Prop A vote.

      I thought Prop A limited building heights. Light poles are not buildings. People with residences built to the 30 foot limit can still add a TV antenna above the limit, right? I'm pretty sure there are also ham radio antennae, flag poles, wind turbines, etc. allowable higher than 30 feet. Can someone clarify how the building and permitting code handles these non-habitable structures?

      Delete
    11. Put the lights on Marco Gonzales and watch him scurry - cock roaches don't like the light.

      Delete
  30. Hoodwink: "3. Hazeltine said that the City Planning Department’s Pat Murphy has indicated the lighting plan can be approved by a 3 to 2 vote of the City Council, not a 4 to 1 vote."

    What the city tried to quickly do is change:
    General plan amendment
    Local plan amendment
    Major use plan amendment
    Design review modification
    Coastal development permit
    Spot Zoning change

    Gaspar is supporting these changes to have sports field lights at Hall Park.
    Www.cardiffians.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm shocked to find gambling going on in this establishment.-Capt Renault.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Here is the latest from dear Marco Gonzales, who lives in a gated community in Encinitas: He also supports Blakespear and Kranz
    http://voiceofsandiego.org/2014/10/20/marco-gonzalez-calls-bullshit-on-dense-development-objectors/
    According to Marco if we don't do low income housing we are all closet racists. You can't make this stuff up.>

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm for keeping lawyers out.

      Delete
    2. Have Gonzales host a few families in his spare bedrooms. Share the wealth, hypocrite!

      Delete
  33. From the Left, Liberal NIMBYs Get Punched

    Marco Gonzalez, a leading local environmental attorney and one of the liberal avengers who led the charge against Mayor Bob Filner, is out for blood. But not from a renegade developer or a politician gone rogue. This time, his target is people you’d assume would be on his side: activists and former clients. In particular, those who are fighting development projects that he considers to be environmentally friendly even if they’re, you know, being built instead of not existing at all.

    “When the lights are really low, and the groups are really small, it’s, ‘Don’t bring the brown people here, don’t let the poor people in, let’s build a big gate around our little castle, because it’s really nice and pretty and we don’t want them to mess it up,”‘ he said at a panel discussion last week. “And that’s what I’m fighting.”

    VOSD reporter Andrew Keatts was the moderator of the discussion, and he’s compiled excerpts of Gonzalez’s comments. As Keatts notes, this all reflects an “emerging fissure in the liberal coalition between those who favor the creation of environmentally friendly, middle-class housing along transportation corridors, and those who oppose wealthy developers imposing themselves on existing communities.”

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, the irony. Marco Gonzales, who lives in a huge home in Village Park. scolding us on racism. Marco, the one who supports Gaspar, yes that's right. Go to his Facebook page if you don't believe me. When Marco shifts right, he doesn't use a roundabout, makes a direct 180 degree turn.

      Delete
    2. 11:09 I thought he supported Kranz?

      Delete
    3. 11:11- His Facebook page says to vote for Gaspar or Kranz and Blakespear. Guess he is covering his bases with the new council. What a jerk.

      Delete
    4. 11:04 Oh nice, when the tough gets going, bring on "the race card". Hey Marco, have you walked around Encinitas lately? This is one of the most diverse communities I've lived in. People make eye contact and smile at each other. And why are you saying "brown people"? What about Asians, Afro Americans, Native People, etc. You sound like the racist one to me, pal. Of course, when you LOOK Anglo, like you do, it's easy to pass, which has been your ace card.

      Delete
    5. 12:06 - Encinitas may be one of the most diverse communities you have lived in, but I guarantee you, culturally speaking, it's not a very diverse community.

      I am one of "those who favor the creation of environmentally friendly, middle-class housing along transportation corridors" That's a good thing to keep cities and towns vibrant and alive - and perhaps culturally diverse, even if the some of the unmarried middle class end up at downtown bars until midnight. If the owners of the strawberry fields want to do the same, let them. Can't think of a better place to have a "Park Place" (in Cardiff) style community perfect for young families. The NE corner of 4 corners would have to be a different project, and would require re configuring the intersection ( a huge roundabout??) but that's another ideal place.

      But DR is not that. It's not close to any corridors, any services, screws up the neighborhood, and most importantly displaces about 50 horses! Leucadia wants top keep it funky - Olivenhain wants to stay horsey........I think Marco shot himself in the foot on this one.......

      - The Sculpin

      Delete
    6. With all due respect Sculpin...I grew up in Los Angeles. There is a huge difference between the way people treat each other up there and down here. And there's a reason why: there are too many friggin people, and when you get that, you get real distrust between people. OK, maybe this ISN'T the most diverse community on the planet, but I never experienced the warm smiles and "hellos" like I get here. Never in LA, never in Redondo Beach. never in Long Beach, never in Torrance, never in San Pedro. More building will mean more stress for everyone. Oh and by the way, where the hell are we gonna get more water for all these homes?

      Delete
    7. First day of law school you are taught to do any thing say anything for $$$$. Marco is just doing what he's been taught.

      Delete
    8. 2:25 - totally agree with LA - I've lived there as well. Point taken.

      Desal plants......

      - The Sculpin

      Delete
    9. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    10. Encinitas uses less than half the imported water we did just 10 years ago.

      Delete
  34. Gonzales says he favors infill development over sprawl. Counting potential affordable accessory dwelling units, is "infill," in that it is identifying lots within the city already "upzoned" as allowing for affordable units.

    Also, the project he is pushing for Desert Rose, is a classic case of sprawl.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wouldn't be surprised if he is the one that let the BIA know about us and helped file the lawsuit. A tiger really can change his stripes.

      Delete
    2. If he did, what the judge will find is that developers have been breaking the rules on the books for years and that now that the council has voted to abide by the rules they are upset that they can't cheat any more. The judge for Desert Rose found almost 90 pieces of evidence and case law to support the developers doing an EIR--starting with the fact that our own Planning Commission rejected the project. That on its own was enough to trigger an EIR, but instead they wanted to threaten residents and waste taxpayers' money on Sabine and Morrison.

      Delete
    3. 11:06 AM

      No matter what you think of DR it isn't sprawl. Not even close.

      11:10 AM

      A BIA representative was at the planning commission and council meetings on density bonus. He didn't need Gonzalez to tell him about it.

      Delete
    4. Marco, I'm in the top 6% of wage earners in this country yet because I make slightly less than 80K I qualify for low income housing in Encinitas. Sick-it with your race baiting punk.

      Delete
    5. Sorry, I meant to say stick-it D-bag.

      Delete
  35. The agenda for this weeks council meeting is available on it are items worth noting,first the city is to receive 5 .9 million dollars in the revenue that was Not expected and all of you cry baby's have been saying the city was broke and mismanaged and closed session on the BIA law suit.I think the majority wants to defend and let the court decide,let's see what Gaspar and Muir react.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. where is the 5.9 million , be specific please

      Delete
  36. 1:04 PM, You have it backwards, the Council Majority wants to settle and Muir and Gaspar want to go to court, so council-driven direction to staff to violate state laws doesn't happen again without some adult supervision and council introspection.

    Next, the BIA is aiming at Lisa's attempt to increase traffic impact fees illegally: and if they are successful with that, them, wait for it: overturning portions of Prop A.

    Oh, 1:04 pm, while unending speculation might seem like a kind of meditation to you, why not try and speak to a council person or department head before misleading the readers of this blog?

    Had to laugh when Lisa tried to convince her friends that the staff hadn't informed her that Density Bonus is un-asssailable and inalterable by local jurisdictions. Watch the tape.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Had to laugh when Marco nearly wet himself yelling and screaming at the council - the DR judge seemed to take delight in telling big mouth MG to stick a sock in it

      Delete
  37. Double suicide on rail road tracks in Leucadia this am.....When will tracks go below grade???

    ReplyDelete
  38. 1:48-OMG. Do you know the details? This is tragic.

    ReplyDelete
  39. 1:48- Cannot find anything on the news about it. Can you share where you found the story?

    ReplyDelete
  40. Gaspar and Muir are developer sock puppets I belive they will won't to negotiate and not go to court .The vote will be 3 to 2 Gaspar and Muir not wanting to go to court

    ReplyDelete
  41. Just talked to the Sheriff. He said that one person stood in front of the train at 11:15AM today. He was killed.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Bury the train and cover it over. Those that choose to end their existence will still find a way and the trains are a sure way to successfully achieve such a goal.

    Over forty years ago I lived on Vulcan south of Leucadia Blvd and remember one of our well known homeless and harmless persons, Harold, comes to mind, who chose to end it all, right in front of my house. I walked out and found his waist and legs in one spot and his upper torso in another. I had talked to him a couple of times and in sympathy, shared a few bucks with him at times. Amazingly there was little gore, blood or guts, just the shell of what had been an unfortunate life situation.

    There but for the grace of god, should matter to everyone.

    ReplyDelete
  43. If you bury the train, it will be full of dirt.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Deaths by train average almost one per year in Encinitas alone. That stat is the result of hours of research.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Bring back the blue dots, bring back the blue dots! Screw Peak Idiocracy!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hope I'm not the only one should doesn't give a crap what kind of home candidates live in. Doesn't matter. None of my business. Doesn't affect policy or qualifications.

    In fact, it says more about the petty jealousy of the posters than anything else.

    ReplyDelete