Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Some people don't want to fix Pacifica, the "hate" comes from them


For those who may not be familiar with blog policy (upper left):  "3) attempts to turn conversations into grade-school playground brawls, will be removed." NIMBIES call that censorship.  

What?
 Pacifica Tribune Letters to the Editor, 10/22/14.    "Don't fix Pacifica" by BJ Nathanson

"Editor: Victor Spano's slogan is "Fix Pacifica." It's on his signs and his website. He was even handing out water bottles that said "Fix Pacifica" on them at the Fog Fest.

For those unfamiliar with it, Fix Pacifica is a local blog that for years has spewed hateful attacks on anyone with whom they disagree, and no one has been a victim of those attacks more than the late Jim Vreeland.

In the week after Jim passed away, while the rest of us were paying our respects, Fix Pacifica was posting dozens of inappropriately negative comments, denigrating Jim's name and legacy.

Blog moderator Kathy Meeh not only allowed the comments to be posted, she herself made some of the worst ones, and then censored most of the comments that dared to call for restraint and civility. (In a tortuous twist of absurdity, she censored comments that rightly accused her of censoring comments, while allowing comments that accused rival blog Pacifica Riptide of censoring comments.)

This is the same Kathy Meeh who is the second endorser listed on Victor Spano's website. It is one thing to be endorsed BY Fix Pacifica, but Victor's campaign appears to be an endorsement OF Fix Pacifica. He will not be getting my vote." 

Related -  Fix Pacifica reprint article - "..Vreeland has apparently died, 9/16/14, announcement from Pacifica Riptide.  

Note:  The above Letter to the Editor  was printed in the Pacifica Tribune as one paragraph, broken into several paragraphs for easier reading. A Tribune postscript includes:  BJ Nathanson Former Planning Commissioner and Parks, Beaches & Recreation Commissioner.  Imagine a former Planning Commissioner who claims not want to Fix Pacifica, and rejects a city council candidate with an awesome economic development background. That candidate, Victor Spano wants to help fix Pacifica-- definitely vote to elect him!    Note photograph: dogs from Language lab unleashed.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

79 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well well well... the chickens are coming home to roost, aren't they?

F. Pacifica and Kathy Meeh are outed as the hate and fear mongers that they are.

Victor, my man, how could you be so colossally stupid as to align yourself with anyone from this website?

That ka-BOOM sound is your campaign collapsing into dust in.

Anonymous said...

RIP, Victor Spano, we hardly knew ye!

Kathy Meeh said...

BJ Nathanson seemed to be a very good Planning Commissioner for a whole lot of years. Now it seems she offers a big disappointment in supporting economic development for this city.

Fix Pacifica blog is a forum with a focus on fixing Pacifica, and Pacifica is long overdue for fixing: not enough strategic economic development, not enough city revenue, a broken down city infrastructure. This is not breaking news, its been a worsening problem over 30 years. Time to stop being a bunch of brainwashed dummies, and find solutions. Electing Victor Spano and two progress city council candidates might facilitate that needed process.

Jim Vreeland died, the article reprint was posted. NIMBIES went wild. As for my comments about Jim Vreeland's civic life, my personal comments were a true reflection of the economic impact Jim Vreeland had on this city.

Kathy Meeh said...

1144, 1145 as I said, "hate" for fixing Pacifica is coming from NIMBIES. So if you're a NIMBY who wants no improvement in this deteriorating, "rob Peter to pay Paul", stay stalled in highway 1 traffic future-- vote for NIMBIES.

Want a better city, definitely vote for Victor Spano, who has a 20 year occupation back ground, and Master's Degree level education in economic development. Fix this city, that's us.

Anonymous said...

Kathy, your hate and the toxic views of the website is doing great harm to the candidates you've endorsed and I love you for it.

NOTE TO ALL READERS: both Victor Spano AND Mike O'Neill list Kathy Meeh among their endorsements in their campaign literature.

That lets you know two things: (A) they share some pretty "out there" opinions; and (B) it demonstrates some very very poor judgment.

Anonymous said...

LOL @ Kathy doubling down in this! She just doesn't know when to stop, does she?

"How do I get out of this hole? I know -- I'll dig FASTER!"

Good god, woman, stay off the internet for a few months.

Anonymous said...

Right now the NIMBY count stands at 4

Stay tuned for more NIMBY updates as they occur.

Anonymous said...

Victor Spano regularly reads this blog and has posted to it.

Victor, I know you're reading this as it's going down. What is your opinion about this website and how it's perceived in the larger community?

To you disavow your relationship to this site or are you perfectly fine with it?

Kathy Meeh said...

1217 no it demonstrates you are a toxic anonymous NIMBY with a big mouth.

1223, "NIMBY count stands at 4"? They will never know, because they can't count (which is the reason this city has the lowest per capita general fund city revenue of any city in San Mateo County).

1232, who is the "larger community"? Is it the Oakland 18% (from your PH1A petition)?

Anonymous said...

Mike O'Neill frequents this site as well.

Mike, want to chime in on the opinions expressed here by Kathy Meeh whom you name in your list of endorsements.

Is she the type of voice that represents your campaign or not?

Anonymous said...

NIMBY count = 6

mike bell said...

Hang in there Kathy.
This is just 9th inning Jiu Jitsu politics by the "kill any hope for Pacifica to prosper" gangs.
Their legacy is an impoverished and crumbling city so they are trying desperate diversionary tactics.
I'm confident that a majority of Pacificans are sick of this self inflicted economic misery and will vote in favor of a prosperous Pacifica.

Steve Sinai said...

Pacifica's "Gang of No" can't handle anything that differs from their NIMBY viewpoint, which is why they're trying so hard to discredit the blog.

Anonymous said...

Follow the money in all things. Barbarians at the gate. And, Kathy, put down your shovel. You have reached rock bottom.

Anonymous said...

I'm not buying it's all about viewpoints. There's been some vile comments on here which decent people of differing viewpoints would find offensive. This blog is damaged goods and that's a shame.

ian butler said...

I am fine with people having a different opinion -- or to put it another way, having a different opinion doesn't make you an a**hole, but being an a**hole about it does!

As I recall Kathy Meeh endorsed Tod Schlesinger when he ran for city council, and supported his attacks at council meetings ever since, even though he is a blatant bully. (The most recent example: he verbally assaulted Lynn Adams at Mazetti's a few weeks ago, leading to a police report.)

As long as this site serves as apologists for the likes of Tod Schlesinger, while condoning the tasteless attacks Jim Vreeland immediately following his death, it shall remain outside the mainstream.

Hutch said...

What is really sickening is that people are using a mans death to further their political candidate. Very slimy. As I said before, if these people including Ian really cared about hurting Jim's family and friends they wouldn't keep bringing this up. But obviously they care more about exploiting a non issue, for their own political reasons.

And Ian, true to your nature you make comments then disappear. You never answered my questioning your attack on me over on Riptide. Ian please tell me what "careless comments" did I make about Jim on that thread?

Anonymous said...

Steve, you don't have to blame this website's woes on some lame NIMBY conspiracy. You, Kathy, and Hutch have done more to discredit Fix Pacifica than any make-believe cabal ever could.

Anonymous said...

BJ, Fix Pacifica did not endorse Victor Spano. And if you want to see personal attacks go over to Riptide where they also have anonymous and non anonymous attacks.

This site for the most part is pretty mellow. But unlike on Riptide they do not edit your comments no matter what side you're on.

Hutch said...

Sorry 229, Your mom gave me those bath salts. She likes to watch me in the tub.

BJ is the one that brought this up again and tried to use it to help her candidates. Pretty low, but par for this group.

ian butler said...

Hutch, I prefer to make my point and let the discussion go where it will. But as to your request, here is one of your comments on the Vreeland thread,"this whole thing started because some people were making Mr Vreeland out to be friggin Jesus Christ arisen".

Anonymous said...

Way to totally miss the point, 2:26.

It's about Spano endorsing the actions & attitudes of Fix Pacifica, not the other way around.

Anonymous said...

BJ Maybe you should concentrate on your own financial affairs first, then worry about others.

You are a quitter and your bankrupt. Why should we take any advise from you.

Anonymous said...

Do you people realize every President, Dictator, Prime Minister and everyone in elected office gets ridiculed.

Vreeland made just as many enemies and ruined many lives.

How quickly do the Riptides forget!

Steve Sinai said...

I don't like a lot of the comments that get posted on the blog, and I certainly didn't like some of the comments being made about Vreeland, but people have the Constitutional right to post tasteless statements.

Anonymous said...


You know you're on Dix Pacifica when...

LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!!

People don't have a Constitutional right to post on this blog, you dolt. The First Amendment pertains to the GOVERNMENT infringing on those rights of expression, not some private enterprise.

Hutch said...

Really Ian? That's it? That's the bad comment I made about the deceased?

"this whole thing started because some people were making Mr Vreeland out to be friggin Jesus Christ arisen"

That comment by me was not even directed at Jim Vreeland but at the people who were making him out to be a saint. You do understand English Amigo? I think you owe me an appology if that's all you have. But I'm sure you'll disappear into the woodwork as usual.

Anonymous said...

Steve,

You and Kathy censor the comments and don't allow some to be posted. This means -- like it or not -- that you exert editorial control over the site and its content.

In other words, yes, YOU are responsible for the tone, content, and direction of this blog. You can't have it both ways.

You and Kathy allow the viciously stupid posts through, and by doing so, this site is all you, brother.

If you didn't filter posts at all you'd have a point, but since you do, this site is all content that you edit and approve and you should think long and hard about that.

Anonymous said...

242 Where did "Spano endorse the actions & attitudes of Fix Pacifica" ????

You make no sense.

Anonymous said...

So Steve & Kathy, that means you are also responsible for the most successful blog in Pacifica. You must be doing something right if the nimby's hate Fix Pacifica. Keep up the good work.

Steve Sinai said...

We have to filter comments according to the guidelines listed at the upper left of the blog. Otherwise, things would get seriously out of control.

The whole reason this blog got started was because John over at Riptide wasn't posting comments he disagreed with. There are times we've fallen into the same trap, but people inevitably call us out (like they're doing now,) and we try to return to our roots.

Anonymous said...

Steve said, "We have to filter comments according to the guidelines listed at the upper left of the blog." Yes, and the comment policy is that any comments that degenerate into personal attacks will be removed. You have allowed a vicious personal attack on BJ Nathanson to be posted, one that has nothing to do with the topic under discussion. You need to pay better attention to your own policy.

Anonymous said...

This is why Fix Pacifica is fun and Riptide is boring.

Steve Sinai said...

"BJ Maybe you should concentrate on your own financial affairs first, then worry about others.You are a quitter and your bankrupt. Why should we take any advise from you."

"You have allowed a vicious personal attack on BJ Nathanson to be posted"

BJ did quit the Planning Commission. I don't know anything about a bankruptcy, though. That's hardly a vicious, personal attack.

Anonymous said...

Sinai

A whole lot of stuff goes on that you don't know about!

Anonymous said...

There's no wiggle room here, Steve. You and Kathy filter the comments and therefore are responsible for what ends up on this site.

Anonymous said...

There you have it, folks.

Why should we take any advice from Steve?

A BJ by any other name... said...

I feel terrible for poor BJ Nathanson. Imagine how painful, both physically and mentally, it must have been to be held down against her will and forced to read the Fix Pacifica blog as many times as the author of this fishwrap Trib LTE claims to have. Madonna! Imagine what a traumatic experience that must have been! Please BJ, seek the immediate help of a trained healthcare professional to deal with the case of PTSD you obviously contracted from your ordeal with Fix Pacifica. Suffice it to say that this LTE, at a minimum, was a complete BJ!

Steve Sinai said...

"There's no wiggle room here, Steve. You and Kathy filter the comments and therefore are responsible for what ends up on this site."

Yes, ultimately we are responsible for what gets posted. That doesn't mean we agree with the point of view of what gets posted.

Anonymous said...

This blog is unsavory. Being a favorite of its rabble and wearing its name, is a very precarious position for any candidate. Time will tell.

Anonymous said...

Steve Sinai said, "Hutch, we don't all dislike NIMBYS. I personally get along with the local NIMBYS better than I do the non-NIMBYS."

Strange... It would appear, Steve, that your good buddies are turning on you.

Anonymous said...

Please, 359, seek the help of a priest or rabbi. You've got a bad case of soul rot. Probably caught it here.

Anonymous said...

Kathy,

Why did you underline and link to the dictionary definitions of "unsavory" and "mainstream?"

I notice that you do this every now and then -- just kind of provide definitions of random words -- it's a very strange behaviour.

Do you really believe that we don't know what "savory" or "mainstream" mean?

Kathy Meeh said...

426, which blog is savory? Dinner time for you, or something to do with BJ deciding to take bites out of Fix, Spano and me.

Ian Butler 155, (using his own name, congratulations), also snap-up a few bites, while not disclosing how many of those wild anonymous comments on the Vreeland article were actually his. "Blatant bully"? You've done a pretty good job of that yourself at times, Ian Butler. Tod supports economic development, big plus for him. And Ian, this blog site is the mainstream, that's why you claim its so "outside" and uncomfortable for you.

Anonymous said...

The Tribune will fold up and go away on Horace's watch.

BTW he isn't even paid.

The Tribune is giving away a 4 week freebie just to get people to sign up for the fish wrap.

Kathy Meeh said...

744, these definitions are not random for some people, or may add clarification. "Mainstream" has several definition variations. I chose the one closest to my intended meaning.

Insulting 426, is making comments on a blog he considers "unsavory", so I inquired which blog is "savory", and linking the definition. 426 may have a different view, but he is also twisted, throwing-out trash words and hiding under Anonymous cover.

Anonymous said...

Okay, well I was just wondering.

Thanks I guess.

Kathy Meeh said...

816, 823, baseless speculation? "The Tribune is giving away a 4 week freebie.." doesn't sound like the Tribune is going out of business. It sounds like a promotion to gain additional business. Happy holidays, and all that.

And where do you get your payroll information?

Anonymous said...

Kathy

First rule of being a spy.

never tell anyone your a spy

Second rule of being a spy.

never revel your sources

Hutch said...

The Tribune does pretty well by capturing more than 10% of the population. Most media get less than 10%.
Don't forget, papers earn much of their revenue through ads. The higher the amount of readers the more ads, and the more responce. So many times papers give away copies to boost circulation. Look at all the free papers like Examiner, Weekly, Advertiser.

Anonymous said...

Mike Bell said:
"Hang in there Kathy.
This is just 9th inning Jiu Jitsu politics by the "kill any hope for Pacifica to prosper" gangs.
Their legacy is an impoverished and crumbling city so they are trying desperate diversionary tactics.
I'm confident that a majority of Pacificans are sick of this self inflicted economic misery and will vote in favor of a prosperous Pacifica."

As long as people see only black or white, there will be issues. The "legacy" of Pacifica City Councils are beautiful hillsides, outdoor recreation areas and an upswing in restaurants and small business. The current Council has hired an outstanding new city manager who is now doing the job that others should have done -- looking into city functions and matter-of-factly reporting to Council what is going on and the actions she is is taking / recommends to resolve.

Slinging mud at each other and putting people into big general buckets doesn't do anything to move Pacifica forward.

Willing to see the positive in what is happening and finding balance, while continuing to be vigilant about protecting what people come to Pacifica for -- the hills and ocean and community-minded atmosphere.


Anonymous said...

10:21 is so blatantly Eric Ruchames posting, it ain't even funny -- word for word boilerplate from his campaign.

Hey Eric, why aren't you taking ownership of your posts here? And while you're at it, why don't you own up to the fact that you haven't outlined a single position on any issue facing Pacifica -- not one.

Running as a blank slate candidate whose qualifications are that you think you deserve it ain't gonna get you elected.

This isn't a coronation, this is an election based on substance and you've shown that you don't stand for a single thing.

Kathy Meeh said...

1021, some people can count. "Pretty hills" doesn't pay city bills, doesn't improve commerce, doesn't fix the highway, doesn't fix the economic and social divide in this city.

The $4 million funds not accounted for in the city budget is just a symptom of a much deeper structural financial problem in this city. And as for all those people who visit Pacifica, most are just driving through.

Pacificans have been "finding balance" in the inadequacy of this city for decades. How's that working? Time for something different: Significant Beach Boulevard and QUARRY development for starters, plus fix the 1.3 mile traffic bottleneck. Its all very clear in black and white.

Anonymous said...

You're wrong 1045, Eric Ruchames doesn't have a blank slate. He says he;s for building a $35,000,000 library and he's shown he will vote to raise our taxes.
Oh and you can bet he'll fight hard to get raises for all his police union buddies. He will fit right in.

Anonymous said...

10:21

Spare us the kumbaya rhetoric and spell out your policies or action items that will "move Pacifica forward."

The "I will bring all interested parties to the table" approach is meaningless, says nothing, and is insulting.

Stop being an awful political hack and tell us what you'll DO!

Anonymous said...

Hey Eric,

Have you read the city's General Plan, the Calera Creek EIR, or the Climate Action Plan yet or are you STILL "too busy" and haven't gotten around to it.

I'm just wondering when you might find the time to review these core policy documents and become acquainted with them. What the hell are you waiting for?!

Nah, on second thought, don't bother
I'll probably be too busy myself to vote for you.

Anonymous said...

Oh great. Pacifica is on the brink of fiscal extinction and Ruchames wants to build a Taj Mahal library.

That's the ONE thing he stands for?!

A LIBRARY????!!!!!

Oh my god... that should be No. 2,853 on the "to do list" of this town.

The Pacifica Poet said...

One of the candidates is an ex-cop
Whose campaign is a total flop.
When asked where he stands
He points with his hands,
"My two feet are right here in this spot."

Anonymous said...

Kathy Meeh said: "1021, some people can count. "Pretty hills" doesn't pay city bills, doesn't improve commerce, doesn't fix the highway, doesn't fix the economic and social divide in this city.

The $4 million funds not accounted for in the city budget is just a symptom of a much deeper structural financial problem in this city. And as for all those people who visit Pacifica, most are just driving through."

Pacificans have been "finding balance" in the inadequacy of this city for decades. How's that working? Time for something different: Significant Beach Boulevard and QUARRY development for starters, plus fix the 1.3 mile traffic bottleneck. Its all very clear in black and white."

Actually, the "balance" is working quite well. Local businesses for tourists / environmental / sports visits are increasing and seem to be thriving (see Surf Spot, Puerto 27, new brew pub in Pedro Point shopping center to name a few). The Harmony@1 project has begun. The Beach Boulevard project is nearing completion of the approvals that will make it attractive to developers / is on the agenda for upcoming Coastal Commission review. People ARE and WILL stop in Pacifica if we don't build a ridiculous freeway that isn't needed, won't solve congestion or improve safety. And building a conventional outlet mall is not visionary or problem solving either. The financial issues at city hall, as initially noted, are being addressed. Stop dwelling in the past.

Anonymous said...

Ruchames also promises to make the Pacifica Police one of the highest paid peace officers in San Mateo County.

Talk about writing checks his ass can't cash!

Anonymous said...

Fully agree with Anonymous @ October 23, 2014 at 12:21 PM.

I just opened my property tax and was horrified by the increase of additional taxes on top of my property tax.

I use to love this city but it has to be balanced with economic growth. All other areas of San Mateo are growing but Pacifica is stagnent. If you need social services, fine, but it has to be paid for and not on the backs of property oweners.

Anonymous said...

Oh, for Christ's sake. Open 3 new hotels, market them to SF and Silicon Valley and we're done. They visit, they spend, they go home. 12% TOT is the way out of this mess. Instead of a measly $75K/annual city share in property tax from the 55 million dollar Harmony@1 we could have had over a million a year in TOT from one 150 room hotel on that parcel. Stop listening to realtors and SAMCAR and it's politician-shills and local imbecilic sycophants and do the math! It's not about adding population to add revenue, it's about creating revenue out of what you have. An EconDevDirector could have helped make it happen, instead we get SAMCAR funding local campaigns and slavering over the pot. The Dome of Stupid is permanently in place over Pacifica.

Anonymous said...

12:21

Those are good ideas but the city has no money. Busted, broke, bankrupt, overdrawn, account closed, NSF!

No one down at city hall has the municipal fiscal brain to figure out they can issue revenue participation bonds to change Palmetto into a vibrant downtown.

Celicia, mortgaged away the future by refinancing the sewer plant bonds and refinancing the Police Station and getting some cash going to pay the bills for a bit longer.

Anonymous said...



* ding ding ding *

We have a winner!


2:59 knows what's up. Right on.

Anonymous said...

Sewer Fee $950 and we have been very water and waste conscious.If its yellow let it mellow, if its brown flush it down, Navy showers. Milk jugs to catch water while it gets hot. Not running the dishwasher until it is full. Doing all the laundry once a week.

What does Council do?
1."Borrow" Millions from the Sewer fund.
2. brag about balancing the budget.(with borrowed money)
3. Vote to rise the sewer fee (because they need to fund sewer replacement)

Anonymous said...

Yeah, SAMCAR is a lousy substitute for an Economic Development Director. By the time they're done filling their pockets in Pacifica, there will be no place to put big buck revenue-producing businesses like hotels. The city will also be worse off--yeah that can happen--providing services for new homes for a pittance in property tax. Clue-Adding homes hasn't worked. Who hired SAMCAR to chart our course? The current council majority. Toiling away under that Dome. Love the not so subtle switch in council jargon from development to planned development. Bunch of jackasses.

Anonymous said...

329 A vibrant downtown anchored by a library, right? Just kill me now. Issue more bonds to finance more stupidity. A Pacifica tradition. Sure to be repeated.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous 4:06 pm said...
"Yeah, SAMCAR is a lousy substitute for an Economic Development Director. By the time they're done filling their pockets in Pacifica, there will be no place to put big buck revenue-producing businesses like hotels. The city will also be worse off--yeah that can happen--providing services for new homes for a pittance in property tax. Clue-Adding homes hasn't worked. Who hired SAMCAR to chart our course? The current council majority. Toiling away under that Dome. Love the not so subtle switch in council jargon from development to planned development."

How is hiring an economic development person and/or SAMCAR related or an issue here? Your ramble doesn't make sense.

October 23, 2014 at 4:06 PM

Anonymous said...

406, So we're supposed to ban any new homes? That hasn't worked either. You have to let developers build what they want. You can not tell them they can't build homes if the property is zoned residential. Harmony @ One was gone over with a fine tooth comb by Pacifica's environmentalist and given the thumbs up. Now you're going to say no you can't build homes there? Crazy is, as crazy does.

When are you Nimby's going to just move away somewhere?

Anonymous said...

826 You're the one, and the only one, saying ban new home construction. Funny how you'd come up with that conclusion. The comment about how little revenue Pacifica will get from Harmony is a comparison, not an attempt to re-write history. You know damn well that isn't what was being said by OP. Well-run cities guide growth to suit their economic needs through planned economic development. Pacifica needs revenue and it can't afford to squander scarce suitable parcels on housing. The return isn't high enough. It'll make the realtors happy, though. Why do you think SAMCAR is backing housing-friendly candidates with sizable donations and help? And you shills keep shilling.

Anonymous said...

826 They move and you'll be a National Merit scholar because the town's aggregate IQ will have fallen 50 points. It ain't personal, dude, it's anonymous.

Anonymous said...

"They move and you'll be a National Merit scholar because the town's aggregate IQ will have fallen 50 points"............
what arrogant tripe.
As sickening as this statement is, it truly does represent the underlying problem.
Pacifica NIMBY's think they are smarter than everyone else.

Anonymous said...

1117 No, not everyone.

Anonymous said...

1117 Meant to say average not aggregate. Guess you were too sickened to notice. LMAO.

Anonymous said...

anon 12:26
You are even dumber than I thought.

Kathy Meeh said...

Okay. There must be some city IQ problem in the above conversation. Fix the city economy, and we'll probably all be swell.

Anonymous said...

Hahaha hahaha hahaha you Yessies are so easy. That's why you're gonna lose. You are just a bunch of lazy assed complainers.
The pendulum is swinging. We're gonna vote your asses out while you're still trying to figure out what day it is.
ha ha ha ha ha

Anonymous said...

You see? This is what I love about Fix. It's mean and absolutely meaningless.
Anonymous insults hurled at anonymous targets. Day after day. The stuff with names won't win any Pulitzers either. It's all so Pacifica. Love it!

Anonymous said...

I don't understand - when Mayberry's column was nuked the Tribune you were saying we all needed to get subscriptions for friends and family.

Should I cancel them all now or not?