A murderer from the lamely-named Nut Case Gang was sentenced life in prison by an Alameda County Superior Court Judge. Perhaps he'll join a cooler gang in prison, like this one or this one.
Money troubles continue to mount at Cal. Perhaps international students and out of state students can help?
Neiman-Marcus stirs some nefarious activity in Walnut Creek – robocalls, mailers, and lawsuits, oh my! Let the NIMBY-ism continue...
Former State Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez’s son was arrested for allegedly murdering a young man from Concord. Nunez apparently still has a (well-known) spokesperson Steve Maviglio, who said about Fabian that, "He's home with his family and has no comment.” Really Steve, “no comment”? Did you miss Press Relations 101?
No more alcohol at parks in San Leandro? That’s what the City Council there is discussing…unless, obviously, it is for a City-sponsored event. What will Watch Dog do for the annual keg party?
The San Leandro Council will also look into a plan to dredge the San Leandro Marina. Perhaps the Council could have a beer-party in the park after the channel is complete…
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Measure B (BART to Silicon Valley) drama coming to an end? The legal eagle update...
Election drama and nail biting appeared to be over when Measure B passed mid-November.
(Measure B was a tax measure to continue funding the BART extension to downtown San Jose.)
Not so fast, cried Measure B opponents last week as they filed a last minute lawsuit to delay certification and force a recount. As Watch Dog readers know, only yesterday a judge in San Jose sent them packing when it turned out the lawsuit was filed in the wrong county.
Fast-forward to today.
In a gloomy San Francisco morning in San Francisco Superior Court where arguments were heard by Judge Peter Busch for a temporary restraining order to prevent certification of election results.
Slight problem - the Registrar is good at PR and law. The Registrar this morning dropped the certified results in the mail this morning before going to court.
(No surprise) Judge Busch denied the restraining order as results had already been certified.
Is this the end of the drama? Only time will tell.
David Schonbrunn of TransDef.org, the chief opponents of Measure B, says "No one knows how the voters of Santa Clara County really voted on this." Well, the Judge, the Registrar, Carl Guardino, and more than 2/3 of the voters know how the County voted on this...the only people that don't seem to get it are the TransDef.org folks...
The Registrar graciuosly pointed out TransDef could request a recount -- at TransDef.org's cost -- for an estimated $400,000. Does T.J. Rogers have that kind of money to put behind a recount?
Stay tuned as the drama continues to unfold.
(Measure B was a tax measure to continue funding the BART extension to downtown San Jose.)
Not so fast, cried Measure B opponents last week as they filed a last minute lawsuit to delay certification and force a recount. As Watch Dog readers know, only yesterday a judge in San Jose sent them packing when it turned out the lawsuit was filed in the wrong county.
Fast-forward to today.
In a gloomy San Francisco morning in San Francisco Superior Court where arguments were heard by Judge Peter Busch for a temporary restraining order to prevent certification of election results.
Slight problem - the Registrar is good at PR and law. The Registrar this morning dropped the certified results in the mail this morning before going to court.
(No surprise) Judge Busch denied the restraining order as results had already been certified.
Is this the end of the drama? Only time will tell.
David Schonbrunn of TransDef.org, the chief opponents of Measure B, says "No one knows how the voters of Santa Clara County really voted on this." Well, the Judge, the Registrar, Carl Guardino, and more than 2/3 of the voters know how the County voted on this...the only people that don't seem to get it are the TransDef.org folks...
The Registrar graciuosly pointed out TransDef could request a recount -- at TransDef.org's cost -- for an estimated $400,000. Does T.J. Rogers have that kind of money to put behind a recount?
Stay tuned as the drama continues to unfold.
Morning News Round-Up -- 12.02.08: The election isn't over yet...
An East Bay issue in a different County...Measure B (BART to Silicon Valley) in Santa Clara County passed (barely) as reported by Watch Dog Silicon Valley. But the opponents of Measure B aren't done fighting yet. In court yesterday, Superior Court Judge Mary Jo Levinger scolded the opponents for filing a lawsuit in the wrong County and sent them scurrying for San Francisco in an attempt to force a recount – at the Santa Clara County’s expense. Transportation Solutions Defense Fund President David Schonbrunn complained they were being forced "… to go to two different courts." Perhaps Schonbrunn would complain less if he could take BART to San Francisco from Santa Clara County...
And if Ignacio De La Fuente took BART, he could have avoided this...
Oakland City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente doesn’t really have to follow the rules like everyone else. (The same frame of mind that landed his son in hot water…) He was fined $1,500 for receiving $2,331 in free parking at SFO in 2004 and 2005. He repaid the airport, but the fine is from the FPPC, the overseers of all things ethical for elected officials. The most obvious question is why is De La Fuente flying out of SFO when he has an airport in his backyard?
Money is tight in the Bay Area, perhaps they have more in other parts of the Country. To find out, UC hopes to expand non-state admission…especially after this story last week about international students feeling the economic pinch.
New regulations put forward by East Bay legislators are aimed at hitting pimps/johns who victimize children “where it hurts”…that’s not a Watch Dog play words, that’s what the story says…
Pot-advocates won a US Supreme Court (the high court) battle yesterday – high times for the Oakland-based medical marijuana group -- Americans for Safe Access. If police take your weed, they have to return it…In a node to the decision, Watch Dog noticed the reporters of this story used the phrase “high court” enough times that everyone, expect their Editors, got the joke…
It isn’t just pot-advocates…Fremont is going green-er too. (The other green...)
Activist want to shut down the Delta pumps…again. Environment versus Business…the repeat.
First written about here, it isn’t just police officers that are getting a sweetheart deal from UC in the retire, collect pension, start working again scam…
Yikes, it just keeps getting uglier out there. DHL is cutting 800 Bay Area jobs…East Bay to be among the hardest hit. About 265 of the layoffs are slated to hit Alameda County alone. That includes DHL locations in Oakland, Fremont and Dublin.
And if Ignacio De La Fuente took BART, he could have avoided this...
Oakland City Council President Ignacio De La Fuente doesn’t really have to follow the rules like everyone else. (The same frame of mind that landed his son in hot water…) He was fined $1,500 for receiving $2,331 in free parking at SFO in 2004 and 2005. He repaid the airport, but the fine is from the FPPC, the overseers of all things ethical for elected officials. The most obvious question is why is De La Fuente flying out of SFO when he has an airport in his backyard?
Money is tight in the Bay Area, perhaps they have more in other parts of the Country. To find out, UC hopes to expand non-state admission…especially after this story last week about international students feeling the economic pinch.
New regulations put forward by East Bay legislators are aimed at hitting pimps/johns who victimize children “where it hurts”…that’s not a Watch Dog play words, that’s what the story says…
Pot-advocates won a US Supreme Court (the high court) battle yesterday – high times for the Oakland-based medical marijuana group -- Americans for Safe Access. If police take your weed, they have to return it…In a node to the decision, Watch Dog noticed the reporters of this story used the phrase “high court” enough times that everyone, expect their Editors, got the joke…
It isn’t just pot-advocates…Fremont is going green-er too. (The other green...)
Activist want to shut down the Delta pumps…again. Environment versus Business…the repeat.
First written about here, it isn’t just police officers that are getting a sweetheart deal from UC in the retire, collect pension, start working again scam…
Yikes, it just keeps getting uglier out there. DHL is cutting 800 Bay Area jobs…East Bay to be among the hardest hit. About 265 of the layoffs are slated to hit Alameda County alone. That includes DHL locations in Oakland, Fremont and Dublin.
From the Chief Watch Dog…
For those loyal readers who missed us during Thanksgiving, please forgive Watch Dog. If you have the time, and I hope you do, updates from last week have been posted – albeit a bit late.
Watch Dog took the Thanksgiving week to address some technical issues – which are still being worked out.
And soon, there will be some exciting and positive changes to Watch Dog.
We are expanding as we find more Watch Dogs to cover more areas. In a few weeks, you’ll be able to find out the latest and greatest from around the Bay Area with a few mouse clicks. More in depth coverage in more areas…what started in San Mateo has grown to include Silicon Valley…and now Watch Dog East Bay.
Enjoy and please send your comments, questions, or concerns Watch Dog’s way.
Thank you.
WD
Watch Dog took the Thanksgiving week to address some technical issues – which are still being worked out.
And soon, there will be some exciting and positive changes to Watch Dog.
We are expanding as we find more Watch Dogs to cover more areas. In a few weeks, you’ll be able to find out the latest and greatest from around the Bay Area with a few mouse clicks. More in depth coverage in more areas…what started in San Mateo has grown to include Silicon Valley…and now Watch Dog East Bay.
Enjoy and please send your comments, questions, or concerns Watch Dog’s way.
Thank you.
WD
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Morning News Round-Up –- 11.25.08
This is obviously a national story, but good news locally. Obama named Cal economics professor Christina Romer to his Council of Economic Advisors. Good stuff.
While professors joining high-ranking positions in the Obama administration get a lot of ink, the East Bay has something else to be proud of…Malia Obama’s election-night dress was designed in Oakland by Biscotti.
Step 1: Retire.
Step 2: Get pension.
Step 3: Get rehired to your old job with a bump in pay.
That’s the way it seems to be going at Cal. The UCPD Police Chief Victoria Harrison did it – her bump in pay was $10K. The Regents are reconsidering some policies…sounds like a really good idea.
The good news: Oakland’s crime statistics are going in the right direction, according a new study. The bad news is Oakland is moving from 4th to 5th highest crime rate…Richmond is 9th. The OPD staffing is now at a record high thanks to a new group of officers.
Perhaps this will help with the crime rate…
First metal detectors at airports…then high schools…now Oakland's Cole Middle School. That’s because a gun discharged in a classroom recently.
This is an unbelievable story with reach through several Watch Dog sites. Two Petaluma teenagers ensnared their teacher to respond to an online posting. Ok, innocent enough, right? Well, the 34 year old teacher showed up for a date with the fake online personality in San Mateo – and she was supposed to be 15…NBC is looking into signing up the two teenage vigilantes.
Watch Dog predicts that garbage will take center stage for most local communities. Here’s why. The crashing financial markets have also affected the commodities markets. Falling commodities markets mean that recycling is less profitable -- or not profitable at all. Meaning less incentive to recycle for companies which may contribute to declining recycling rates. So, garbage companies may seek higher rates from their regulators to offset the loss in recycling revenue.
All the votes have been counted in the Eden Township Healthcare District race. It wasn’t as high-profile as other races, but it took longer to count…Vin Sawhney and Rajendra Ratnesar won.
While professors joining high-ranking positions in the Obama administration get a lot of ink, the East Bay has something else to be proud of…Malia Obama’s election-night dress was designed in Oakland by Biscotti.
Step 1: Retire.
Step 2: Get pension.
Step 3: Get rehired to your old job with a bump in pay.
That’s the way it seems to be going at Cal. The UCPD Police Chief Victoria Harrison did it – her bump in pay was $10K. The Regents are reconsidering some policies…sounds like a really good idea.
The good news: Oakland’s crime statistics are going in the right direction, according a new study. The bad news is Oakland is moving from 4th to 5th highest crime rate…Richmond is 9th. The OPD staffing is now at a record high thanks to a new group of officers.
Perhaps this will help with the crime rate…
First metal detectors at airports…then high schools…now Oakland's Cole Middle School. That’s because a gun discharged in a classroom recently.
This is an unbelievable story with reach through several Watch Dog sites. Two Petaluma teenagers ensnared their teacher to respond to an online posting. Ok, innocent enough, right? Well, the 34 year old teacher showed up for a date with the fake online personality in San Mateo – and she was supposed to be 15…NBC is looking into signing up the two teenage vigilantes.
Watch Dog predicts that garbage will take center stage for most local communities. Here’s why. The crashing financial markets have also affected the commodities markets. Falling commodities markets mean that recycling is less profitable -- or not profitable at all. Meaning less incentive to recycle for companies which may contribute to declining recycling rates. So, garbage companies may seek higher rates from their regulators to offset the loss in recycling revenue.
All the votes have been counted in the Eden Township Healthcare District race. It wasn’t as high-profile as other races, but it took longer to count…Vin Sawhney and Rajendra Ratnesar won.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Morning News Round-Up -– 11.24.08
Yikes, a $2,000 tuition hike at Cal? If Chancellor Robert Birgeneau has his way, each UC campus would decide their own tuitions. Cal would like to increase their tuition by $2K.
If that wasn't enough, international students are feeling the financial crisis. Falling currencies world-wide are hurting students’ ability to pay for school. A lot of international students panicking…
Some good news: stimulus the Bay Area can believe in. Money for roads and other infrastructure could be on its way from Washington, including Highway 101 in South San Jose, Interstate 580 here, and Doyle Drive in San Francisco.
Should you be able to renew your license if you use medical marijuana? That’s what a new lawsuit will likely decide as pot advocates sue the DMV. It may not be the same thing, but getting stoned before going to the DMV may help you alleviate that painful experience…
The Tribune follows some local roots of the Obama victory to the Center for American Progress, bankrolled by Herb and Marion Sandler, the founders (and eventual sellers) of Golden West Financial Corp.
The Sacramento River Delta is in for some long-term changes. A panel appointed by the Governor issued the “Delta Vision Strategic Plan” to address water delivery issues, the environment, the local economy, and other management issues. Perhaps they could also quiet noisy watercraft while they are at it…
If you opposed Prop. 8, perhaps you should move your stuff from A-1 Self Storage in Oakland, Concord, Belmont, and San Jose. A-1 supported Prop. 8 and some are calling for a boycott…
If you live in Union City, your local government owes you money – up to $34 per phone line. But you only have 12 months to get your checks…
Joining the chorus, Alameda County agreed to join the fight against Prop. 8 going into affect. Watch Dogs around the Bay have been following this…Watch Dog Silicon Valley/Watch Dog San Mateo
If that wasn't enough, international students are feeling the financial crisis. Falling currencies world-wide are hurting students’ ability to pay for school. A lot of international students panicking…
Some good news: stimulus the Bay Area can believe in. Money for roads and other infrastructure could be on its way from Washington, including Highway 101 in South San Jose, Interstate 580 here, and Doyle Drive in San Francisco.
Should you be able to renew your license if you use medical marijuana? That’s what a new lawsuit will likely decide as pot advocates sue the DMV. It may not be the same thing, but getting stoned before going to the DMV may help you alleviate that painful experience…
The Tribune follows some local roots of the Obama victory to the Center for American Progress, bankrolled by Herb and Marion Sandler, the founders (and eventual sellers) of Golden West Financial Corp.
The Sacramento River Delta is in for some long-term changes. A panel appointed by the Governor issued the “Delta Vision Strategic Plan” to address water delivery issues, the environment, the local economy, and other management issues. Perhaps they could also quiet noisy watercraft while they are at it…
If you opposed Prop. 8, perhaps you should move your stuff from A-1 Self Storage in Oakland, Concord, Belmont, and San Jose. A-1 supported Prop. 8 and some are calling for a boycott…
If you live in Union City, your local government owes you money – up to $34 per phone line. But you only have 12 months to get your checks…
Joining the chorus, Alameda County agreed to join the fight against Prop. 8 going into affect. Watch Dogs around the Bay have been following this…Watch Dog Silicon Valley/Watch Dog San Mateo
Friday, November 21, 2008
Morning News Round-Up -- 11.21.08
Congresswoman Barbara Lee (Speaks for Me) was named the Congressional Black Caucus Chair. Kudos to the Dellums-protégé. Berkeley City Councilmember Max Anderson notes, "It's a tribute not only to Barbara, but to this area that has stood behind Barbara in every issue-from her opposition to the war and concern for AIDS around the world."
Labor unrest continues at UC-schools. This time labor leaders were arrested at the Regents meeting.
The City of Berkeley is proposing a ban on plastic bags. Since when does Berkeley lag behind San Francisco in such things?...
A Berkeley-to-San Francisco ferry? Cool. Watch Dog could blog mid-Bay…in a bit of Bay Area history, we learn that ferry service hasn’t been an option since the Bay Bridge was completed in 1936.
...Drugs, lies, and police officers refusing to testify. It sounds like The Wire…but it isn’t. It’s the Oakland PD...again...
…The Contra Costa sex-crime prosecutor accused of rape will be charged Friday, according to his lawyer.
A proposed Jewish Community Center in Walnut Creek moves forward. The City Council approved the sale of land adjacent to the new Center to a developer, which in turn will help fund the Center. In an unsurprising move, neighbors voiced their NIMBY feelings for nearly 2 hours.
Like a real-life scene from the Three Stooges, a man who was trying to show Fremont police where he thought burglars had entered a pet store fell through a skylight. Larry, Curly, and Moe never got hurt though…this guy did. He is in critical condition.
The San Leandro Hospital is in deep trouble, so says a consultant...and doctors...and a lot of other people.
Not to be outdone by a hospital or the City of Vallejo...th
Labor unrest continues at UC-schools. This time labor leaders were arrested at the Regents meeting.
The City of Berkeley is proposing a ban on plastic bags. Since when does Berkeley lag behind San Francisco in such things?...
A Berkeley-to-San Francisco ferry? Cool. Watch Dog could blog mid-Bay…in a bit of Bay Area history, we learn that ferry service hasn’t been an option since the Bay Bridge was completed in 1936.
...Drugs, lies, and police officers refusing to testify. It sounds like The Wire…but it isn’t. It’s the Oakland PD...again...
…The Contra Costa sex-crime prosecutor accused of rape will be charged Friday, according to his lawyer.
A proposed Jewish Community Center in Walnut Creek moves forward. The City Council approved the sale of land adjacent to the new Center to a developer, which in turn will help fund the Center. In an unsurprising move, neighbors voiced their NIMBY feelings for nearly 2 hours.
Like a real-life scene from the Three Stooges, a man who was trying to show Fremont police where he thought burglars had entered a pet store fell through a skylight. Larry, Curly, and Moe never got hurt though…this guy did. He is in critical condition.
The San Leandro Hospital is in deep trouble, so says a consultant...and doctors...and a lot of other people.
Not to be outdone by a hospital or the City of Vallejo...th
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