Pacifica term limits qualifies for ballot

In case people didn't know it yet, Bernie Sifry has confirmed that enough signatures were collected and officially verified to put the issue of Pacifica City Council term limits on either the June or November ballot. (He doesn't know which one yet.)  It's basically a limit of 2 consecutive terms, and terms served by a Councilmember before term limits go into effect don't count.

Council has the option of implementing term limits on its own in lieu of an election. While he doesn't expect anything to come of it, Bernie will offer them the chance to do that first.

I've personally been ambivalent about local term limits, but Bernie certainly deserves credit for his effort on this.

The language on the petition was as follows -

The proposed initiative states that its purpose is to limit the number of consecutive terms which may be served by members of the Pacifica City Council.

The proposed initiative states that it shall be interpreted so as to be consistent with all federal and state laws, rules, and regulations.  It also states that if any portion of the act is found invalid, such invalidity shall not affect any application of this Act which can be given effect.  Government Code Section 36502 authorizes term limits to be established by initiative for a general law city such as Pacifica, provided that the measure applies prospectively only.

The measure states that "no person who has served two terms of office as a Pacifica City Councilmember shall be eligible to run for election as a Pacifica City Councilmember.  If for any reason a person serves a partial term as a Pacifica City Councilmember in excess of two years, that partial term shall be considered a full term for purposes of this term limit provision."

Accordingly, if the measure is approved by the voters of Pacifica, no person may be elected to more than two terms on the Pacifica City Council after the effective date of the measure, but terms served in office prior to the effective date of the measure by present and former members of the Pacifica City Council will not count toward the two-term limit.

Under California law, the measure will be adopted upon the date that the election results are formally declared and will take effect 10 days after that date.

Posted by Steve Sinai

Susan Manheimer, California Police Chiefs Association

Pacifican, first female to be installed as President

Meet the Chief http://www.ci.sanmateo.ca.us/index.aspx?NID=659

2/27/10 San Maeo Daily Journal article. San Mateo Police Chief Susan Manheimer will be installed president of the California Police Chiefs Association March 3, 2010 at the CPCA’s 33rd Annual Training Symposium at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose, according to a press release. Manheimer, San Mateo police chief since 2000, previously served the San Francisco Police Department for 16 years. She was appointed to the Cal Chiefs’ Board of Directors in 2002 and was elected third vice president in 2007, serving in numerous leadership positions on the board, according to the release. Manheimer is currently the longest-tenured female police chief in California and the first female to be installed as president of the 338-member California Police Chiefs Association serving all Municipal Police Chiefs in the state. Manheimer is the past president of the San Mateo County Police Chiefs’ and Sheriff’s Association and currently serves as a governor’s appointee to the State Advisory Council on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, according to the release.The California Police Chiefs Association represents the state’s municipal police chiefs whose agencies protect over 78 percent of the citizens of California, according to the release. http://www.smdailyjournal.com/article_preview.php?id=125912

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Term Limits - Another Look

Term Limits is still known as the largest grassroots movement in American history, and US Term Limits (USTL) was, and still is, the leader of that movement. Term limits have been placed on 15 state legislatures, eight of the ten largest cities in America adopted term limits for their city councils and/or mayor, and 37 states place term limits on their constitutional officers. Read more http://www.termlimits.org/

Letter-to-the-editor (2/17/10) from Father Piers Lahey http://www.mercurynews.com/pacifica/ci_14412706

I have been thinking about the current discussion of term limits. If the President of these United States can only legally serve two terms of four years, why would a local Town/City Council member oppose similar guidelines? In the Catholic Church, pastors used to serve their particular parishes for many years after receiving their appointment from the Bishop (unlike many other Christian churches whose pastors are "called" by a decision of the local congregation). In the parish where I grew up, there was one pastor who served from 1942 until 1975. His successor served from 1975 until 1996. No "term limits" at work here. In recent years, there has been a term limit of sorts for Catholic pastors. The current national policy is that no pastor shall be re-appointed after his second term (ie., the pastor will ordinarily serve 12 years and then move on to a new assignment.) My second term here at Good Shepherd ended on June 30 of last year. However, for various reasons, my service was extended for a period of time. How long is still unclear. I'm sure there are those who will be happy to see me move on, but for me, at the age of 60, the whole prospect of doing so is rather overwhelming. Still, the impending change will be good for our local church, just as change would be good with term limits for our elected officials — new eyes, new vision, new ideas, new commitment, new energy and new dedication. Ronald Reagan once wrote that "to grasp and hold a vision, that is the very essence of successful leadership — not only on the movie set where I learned it, but everywhere." Someone who is in a place or elected position for too long certainly runs the risk of losing the vision.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Lowe's Expands Support of the Military with Year-Round Discount

Lowe’s will expand its support of the military by offering an all-day, every-day 10 percent discount to all military personnel who are active, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their family members, with a valid, government-issued military ID card. All other military veterans will receive the discount on the Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day weekends.  “Lowe’s was founded on the heels of World War II by veterans Jim Lowe and Carl Buchan and has always been a supporter of the military,” said Larry Stone, Lowe’s President and Chief Operating Officer. “The year-round discount program is one way we are reaffirming our commitment to the thousands of men and women who are serving throughout the world, as well as their family members at home.”

The discount is available on in-stock and Special Order purchases up to $5,000. Excluded from the discount are sales via Lowes.com, previous sales and purchases of services or gift cards.

 

While Lowe’s has had a military discount program in the past during select times of the year, the new policy will allow those who are serving to benefit from the discount whenever they need it the most.

 

“What a great way to say thank you,” said Sloan Gibson, president and CEO of the USO. “We salute Lowe’s for the company’s commitment to helping military personnel and their families who served and continue to serve our nation.”

 

The USO was also selected as one of the beneficiaries of the Lowe’s Employee Giving Campaign in January. This initiative allows Lowe’s employees to donate directly from their paychecks to support those who are serving our country.

 

In addition to offering military discounts at specific times during the year, Lowe’s has extended benefits for its employees serving in the military and offers employment opportunities to military personnel after their military service has ended. Currently, more than 12,000 Lowe’s employees are military veterans or reservists.

 

Submitted by Jim Wagner 

Jim Vreeland steps back

I am both concerned and puzzled by Councilmember Vreeland not making decisions or voting on council issues that may involve the federal government, in particular, his reasoning in stepping down and not participating in discussions concerning the apartment buildings that are in jeopardy of collapse.

This behavior presumably is caused by Mr. Vreeland working for the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

I say presumably because Mr. Vreeland has not disclosed the terms under which he has to step back from decisions. The EPA gets involved in a lot off issues on the coastside. The rest of the federal government broadly gets involved in almost everything else in town. Neither the rest of council nor staff have said anything about this stepping back.

So, have we lost a councilmember on key issues? We now have only 4 dealing with critical issues and one--Vreeland--on the sideline?

What about the EPA employees on the planning commission? Have these commissioners also taken themselves out of decisions, like all environmental impact reports, that may involve the federal government? At least one PC commissioner is an EPA lawyer, so he should know the rules. Does he step back?

What about Vreeland's aggressive support of the now defunct biodiesel refinery? He supported that, even traveled to testify at the Coastal Commission and the federal government was deeply involved in that project. He didn't step down on that project. Is this a selective application of a "rule" we don't know about?

So, what are the step down rules. Do they apply to planning commissions? How does the public feel about a councilmember no longer representing the voters on all issues before council?

Sharon O'Brien

Interesting

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d4-TsaGcQQ&feature=youtu.be

 

Submitted by Lois Rogan

A comedy of errors as Assembly takes up budget fixes

February 22, 2010 |  5:06 pm

Sometimes, things just don’t work out as intended. Such was the case during the Assembly’s floor session Monday as lawmakers struggled to pass a patchwork of fixes for California’s budget deficit.
Predictably, partisan squabbling immediately broke out. GOP lawmakers accused Democrats of rushing the process. Assemblyman Charles Calderon (D-Montebello) chastised Republicans, sniping that they were in the “big leagues” now and that the legislation had been publicly available since last week.
One by one, bills were taken up. Except there was a problem.
“We've posted and voted on the wrong set of bills," announced Assembly floor leader Alberto Torrico (D-Newark). Murmurs spread across the chamber. And, moments later, the previous votes were “expunged” -- as in, erased from the public record -- as the Assembly began taking up the proper bills.
To which GOP Assemblyman Kevin Jeffries of Lake Elsinore retorted, “Is this the big leagues?” amid much uproar on the Republican side of the aisle.
The flubs didn't stop there.

Only minutes later, the chairwoman of the budget committee, Assemblywoman Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa), began introducing legislation to collect sales tax on Internet purchases, among other tax code changes. But the Assembly leadership had already decided not to take up the bill.
Assembly Speaker-elect John A. Perez (D-Los Angeles) hustled into the chamber and onto the floor to stop the vote before it started. The bill was shelved and sent back to committee.
-- Shane Goldmacher in Sacramento

 

Submitted by Jim Wagner

Reminder: March 3rd Public Environmental Scoping Meeting on SR1/Calera Parkway Project to Reduce Congestion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

By:

Barbara Arietta
Vice Chair - San Mateo County Transportation Authority, CAC415-246-0775

On Wednesday, March 3, 2010, The San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) and the City of Pacifica, in partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will hold a Public Environmental Scoping Meeting on the proposed State Route 1/Calera Parkway Project(project). The meeting will be held at 7:30 pm in the Community Center, at 540 Crespi Drive in Pacifica. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), as owner and operator of State Route 1 and Lead Agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment (DEIR/EA) for the project, which is sponsored by the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) and the City of Pacifica.

The purpose of the project is to reduce congestion on the segment of SR1/Calera Parkway within the City of Pacifica, which extends from approximately 2,300 feet north of Reina Del Mar Avenue to approximately 1,500 feet south of Fassler Avenue/Rockaway Beach Avenue. 

"The focus of the meeting will be to determine the "scope" of the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment (DEIR/EA) to assess the potential environmental effects of the proposed project. The DEIR/EA process is intended to develop and evaluate the effects of potential modifications to this segment of SR1," said Joe Hurley, Program Director of the SMCTA.

"The project scope may include widening from four lanes to six lanes (three through-lanes in each travel direction) and improvements at the SR1/Reina Del Mar Avenue and SR 1/Fassler Avenue/Rockaway Beach Avenue intersections, including additional lane capacity and signal timing improvements," Hurley said.

It is anticipated that the proposed project may have several environmental impacts including the following: Land Use, Traffic and Circulation, Utilities and Services, Visual/Aesthetics, Cultural Resources, Hydrology, Floodplain, and Water Quality, Geology/Soils/Seismic/Topography, Hazardous Materials, Air Quality, Noise, Biological Resources, Growth-Inducement, Cumulative Impacts, and Global Climate Change.

"We are seeking the views of the community regarding the relevant environmental issues and information to be addressed in the DEIR/EA, prior to its preparation. Both verbal and written comments can be provided at the meeting," said Hurley. Written comments on the scope and content of the DEIR/EA will also be accepted until March 19, 2010. Additional comments on the project may also be sent to Joseph M. Hurley, Program Director, SMCTA, P.O. Box 3006, San Carlos, CA 94070-1306, San Carlos, CA 94070-1306. Fax :650-508-7938. Email: smcta_feedback@smcta.com.

For more information, please contact the San Mateo County Transportation Authority at 650-508-6283. 

Editor's Note: There's a lot of opposition to improving Highway 1 through Pacifica, and over on Riptide they're already starting with comments along the (paraphrased) lines of, "Leave it the way it is",  "We shouldn't do anything to make it easier to drive in Pacifica", "Caltrans and the County are conspiring to destroy Pacifica", and "If we widen the highway, global warming will increase and we'll all die."

Of course, these are the same people who always use the "traffic's too congested" complaint to block economic development in town.  

It would be great if as many people as possible showed up the meeting and let the County know that we believe Highway 1 improvement is long overdue. - Steve S.

 

Hippie Cannabis update - how's this one for court justice?

"Chico pot grower must return to prison after years of freedom"

Article source same as article below, Sacramento Bee 2/22/10
http://www.sacbee.com/2010/02/22/2556332/chico-pot-grower-must-return-to.html

Cannabis History showtime animated video, part 1 and II, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfiaC-2K1LM

Commentary and summary: When others are being turned out of California jails, 6 years later Bryan Epis is going back to jail to complete 8 of a 10 year sentence for growing a substantial amount of marijuana 13 years ago.

The article: Bryan James Epis, the first person associated with a California cannabis buyers' club to be tried in federal court for growing pot, must return to prison to serve the balance of a 10-year sentence. Epis, 42, had been free for nearly six years on an order issued by the 9th U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Sacramento after he had served more than two years of a 10-year sentence for growing and conspiring to grow marijuana. The case, now nearly 13 years old, remains a rallying point for medical marijuana proponents nationwide, who view it as the ultimate injustice to come from the chasm between a state's allowance for medicinal use and the federal policy of zero tolerance.

In July 2002, a jury found Epis planned to grow at least 1,000 plants and that he grew at least 100 plants in the spring of 1997 at his Chico residence. The fact the house is within 1,000 feet of Chico Senior High School is one reason Epis is not eligible for a term less than the 10-year mandatory minimum attached to the 1,000-plant conviction.The 9th Circuit decided in 2004 that Epis should not be in prison while the U.S. Supreme Court was considering another case from California involving medical marijuana. The high court ruled in that case in 2005 that medical use under state law is trumped by the federal Controlled Substances Act. Epis was re-sentenced in 2007 to 10 years, but was allowed to remain free pending the exhaustion of issues raised in his appeal that were not before the Supreme Court. The 9th Circuit decided those issues in the government's favor on Aug. 11, the Supreme Court declined on Jan. 19 to review that ruling, and the circuit then issued its mandate to the court in Sacramento on Jan. 26. Defense attorney John Balazs asked at today's hearing that Epis be given a surrender date so they could explore further legal means of attacking the conviction and sentence. But U.S. District Judge Frank C. Damrell Jr. rejected the plea, saying, "He's had every opportunity to talk to lawyers." "It's over Mr. Epis," Damrell told Epis, and he was escorted to a holding cell by deputy U. S. marshals while his girlfriend and her daughter quietly wept.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Winter Olympics Men's Hockey - US upsets Canada

Slide show for those of you who sat in the dark and missed a major part of the game

http://www.insidebayarea.com/olympics/ci_14444922

Canadians are great sports, and will probably be gracious in their defeat to the US.

Winter Olympics pictures 2010
Metal count http://www.vancouver2010.com/
More information http://www.insidebayarea.com/olympics
Pictures http://www.latimes.com/sports/olympics/la-sp-2010-winter-olympics-hi-res-html,1,329113.htmlstory

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Message from President, Associated Students

Hi Everyone,

 

I am sure that you have heard in the news or in your classes about the $20 billion deficit in the California State Budget.  The Associated Students of Skyline College (ASSC) wants to make you aware of the direct impact that it is having on your education.  Perhaps you have had trouble getting into classes, making an appointment with a counselor or tutor, or gone to the library or the Student Services Center for help but it was closed.

  

Read the facts

Submitted by Jim Wagner (who's not the President)

Know about this California user tax?

Article from SF Gate, 2/18/10, "Net Worth", Kathleen Pender

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2010/02/18/BUVQ1C33I3.DTL

Not bought in California, no tax no problem, pay California Tax. The State probably won't find your small internet purchase yet, but most small businesses not holding a seller's permit are affected.

From SF Gate article....

Businesses that sell tangible goods collect sales tax and are already registered with the board, so the new law applies mainly to service businesses. The new requirement was quietly slipped into a state budget-balancing bill that passed in late July. It applies to any California business owner - including landlords and the self-employed - with more than $100,000 a year in gross receipts who is not required to hold a seller's permit or certificate of registration for use tax.

Since the 1930s, individuals and businesses in California have been required to pay use tax when they purchase goods from out-of-state vendors who are not required to collect sales tax because they have no offices or employees in California. The use tax rate is generally the same as the buyer's local sales tax rate. State income tax returns have a line where individuals and businesses are supposed to report their use tax, but it is generally ignored.

The Internet has made it much easier to purchase goods without sales tax. The board's staff estimated the new requirement would bring in $89 million the first fiscal year, rising to $651 million by year five. Although the bill applied to only those purchases made during 2009, the board has the authority to impose taxes going back eight years (longer if fraud is involved). However, the board will require use-tax returns to be filed only for purchases made in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Businesses with more than $100,000 in gross receipts in any year are required to register with the board and file use tax returns by April 15, even if their use-tax liability is zero and even if they did not receive the letter.

Sate income tax returns have a line where individuals and businesses are supposed to report their use tax, but it is generally ignored. The Internet has made it much easier to purchase goods without sales tax. The board's staff estimated the new requirement would bring in $89 million the first fiscal year, rising to $651 million by year five.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Assemblymember Jerry Hill Gives "State of the State" Report

ASSEMBLYMEMBER JERRY HILL

TO GIVE "STATE OF THE STATE"

REPORT TO PACIFICA DEMOCRATS TOMORROW!

DATE:   FEBRUARY 20, 2010

PLACE: Banquet Room - Sharp Park Golf Course Restaurant

(Sharp Park and Francisco Blvds in Pacifica) 

TIME:    9:30 A.M. (Doors open at 9A.M. Seating between 9:00 A.M. and 9:30 A.M. )

Program ends at 11:30 A.M.

MENU: Full Breakfast - $12.00; Continental Breakfast - $6.00; Coffee Only - $3.00

                                            * NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ATTEND MEETING.

                                            * ALL PACIFICA DEMOCRATS MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

                                            * NON CLUB MEMBERS ARE WELCOME AND INVITED TO ATTEND

FOR FURTHER INFO OR TO RSVP: Contact Barbara Arietta, President, at 415-246-0775 or email barietta@hotmail.com

Sorry to see you leave Jeff, but please return our blog files

I think we need these complete records for the entire blog. Either way we'll survive, but replacing these files will leave a better legacy for you.

Submitted by Kathy Meeh

State ending some employee furloughs, others on the horizon

http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/2547646.html
Last Modified: Thursday, Feb. 18, 2010 - 5:04 pm, by Jon Ortiz jortiz@sacbee.com

State ending 3 day per month furloughs: fees or federal funding

The state Senate today approved a bill to end three-day-a-month furloughs for state employees who work in departments that are funded largely by fees or the federal government. SBX 8 29 would end furloughing workers in departments that get at least 95 percent of their funds from fees or federal money, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Employment Development Department. The measure also exempts from furloughs tax collecting agencies such as the Franchise Tax Board. The state controller has estimated the change would free about 80,000 employees from furloughs. Senators approved the measure, written by Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento, on a 30-6 vote. "The across-the-board furlough policy has been bad for Californians, bad for our state budget, and bad for our economy," Steinberg said in statement. The bill now goes to the Assembly.

Here's the Governor's proposed way out for others: -15%

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger challenged lawmakers to find another way to save the money if they want to end furloughs. The governor, who instituted furloughs a year ago, has proposed that they expire June 30, with the savings replaced with a 5 percent pay cut, a 5 percent increase in employees' contribution to their retirement and a 5 percent unallocated cut to state departments.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Pacifica Cliffs Update - Lands End Apartments

Cliffs of Lands End apartments, the Joan Levin historic residence and other properties further north of the Esplanade Apartment buildings also lost land this year. Lands End Apartments are getting coastal commission permits now. The city council bluff erosion study session (2/10/10) discussed.some possible solutions: 1) forming a "Geological Hazard Abatement District" to secure property owner funding to stabilize the cliffs, and 2) the US Army Corp of Engineers will make a cliff study, and consider long term solutions. And, as recently as last night there was a quick comment on a television news station that the State may offer some help (right, if the State can help itself).

2/17/10 Pacifica Tribune front page. http://www.mercurynews.com/pacifica-news/ci_14412702?nclick_check=1

"United States Geological Survey (USGS) representative Brian Collins said the bluffs have been a major source of study for the last 10 years. That study revealed the cliff can fail two ways — through wave action on the bottom and through rainfall seepage from the top of the bluff. A 2007 study indicated the cliff was retreating Both the U.S. Corp of Engineers and the California Coastal Commission said they would expedite permits for property owners and bring owners who did work without permits into compliance as soon as possible. at the rate of two and a half feet per year, but this year lost more than 30 feet in one month. Collins said in the absence of mitigation, the cliff was likely to continue its rapid retreat."

2/15/10 Channel 7video. http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=weather&id=7278347

Tour by city council (Mayor Digre and Councilmember Nihart). Jackie Spier, "Its private property, not a lot we can do..my concern now is for the streets and thew sewer."From Wayne Freedman, news team. PACIFICA, CA (KGO) -- "After a weekend of world class high surf, the cliffs and apartments along Esplanade Avenue in Pacifica have not suffered further losses, at least in the areas where engineering work began last December."They held up well," says Tony Fortunato, who runs the project for Engineered Soil Repairs. "We have most of the flashing in under the cliff, now, but not the finishing coat." He expects to begin similar work beneath 320 Esplanade in the near future. "They're at the point where the other apartments were when they needed work." Further up the coast, the owners of Lands End are close to receiving a permit from the California Coastal Commission that would allow work beneath their crumbling cliffs, as well".

2/17/10 Channel 4 opinion pole. Outside Pacifica not much sympathy http://www.kron.com/Default.aspx

Questionnaire: "Should the city of Pacifica declare the crumbling cliff side a disaster in order to get federal funding or loans to help private property owners with repair costs?"

The 3 to 1 answer is NO. Even if federal funding is possible, most people participating in this pole apparent were not willing to pay federal tax dollars to supplement Pacifica's cliff problem. City council has been aware of this problem as well, yet no progress for 8 years.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

No one applied for any city commissions this year

http://www.cityofpacifica.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=3693

City Council meeting 2/8/10, city agenda item 14, summary pages 57,58

At the last city council meeting no one applied for city commissions, including Open Space, Planning, Parks, Beaches and Recreation, Emergency Preparedness and Safety. Councilmember Vreeland seem shocked, hurt and dumbfounded that no one applied for the Planning Commission, after all he said "the position was advertised in the Tribune 3 times".

Will someone please tell him why no one applies for these positions, particularly Planning?

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Let's be careful with accusations please.

Regarding the previous post entitled "From Wasilla to Pacifica, It Is Time for Change", I received a call from one of the people alluded to in the post (not Sarah), who asked that I take down the article because it was factually inaccurate and very unfair to the people mentioned. When I asked if the caller would be willing to post a refutation, they said they didn't want anything to do with the blog.

While postings won't disappear just because someone's unhappy with them, I thought the complaint was legitimate enough to publicly note the objection without burying it in a comment. While blog operators have been successfully sued for libel, it's also an issue of fundamental fairness.

Let's try to set the bar a little higher when it comes to the evidence required before accusing people of unethical/criminal behavior. Business is already bad enough in town, and there's no need to damage local businesses further by accusing them of being unethical simply because they did business with someone many of us find unpopular.

Thanks,
Steve Sinai

** Update: Looks like the post in question disappeared. I'm not the perp, so maybe Jeff took it down. - Steve Sinai

San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) and Caltrans Coming to Pacifica on Wednesday evening, March 3, 2010

Public Environmental Scoping Meeting on SR1/Calera Parkway Project

On Wednesday, March 3, 2010, The San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) and the City of Pacifica, in partnership with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will hold a Public Environmental Scoping Meeting on the proposed State Route 1/Calera Parkway Project(project). The meeting will be held at 7:30 pm in the Community Center, at 540 Crespi Drive in Pacifica.
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), as owner and operator of State Route 1 and Lead Agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) will prepare a Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment (DEIR/EA) for the project, which is sponsored by the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (SMCTA) and the City of Pacifica.

The purpose of the project is to reduce congestion on the segment of SR1/Calera Parkway within the City of Pacifica, which extends from approximately 2,300 feet north of Reina Del Mar Avenue to approximately 1,500 feet south of Fassler Avenue/Rockaway Beach Avenue. 

"The focus of the meeting will be to determine the "scope" of the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment (DEIR/EA) to assess the potential environmental effects of the proposed project. The DEIR/EA process is intended to develop and evaluate the effects of potential modifications to this segment of SR1," said Joe Hurley, Program Director of the SMCTA.

"The project scope may include widening from four lanes to six lanes (three through-lanes in each travel direction) and improvements at the SR1/Reina Del Mar Avenue and SR 1/Fassler Avenue/Rockaway Beach Avenue intersections, including additional lane capacity and signal timing improvements," Hurley said.

It is anticipated that the proposed project may have several environmental impacts including the following: Land Use, Traffic and Circulation, Utilities and Services, Visual/Aesthetics, Cultural Resources, Hydrology, Floodplain, and Water Quality, Geology/Soils/Seismic/Topography, Hazardous Materials, Air Quality, Noise, Biological Resources, Growth-Inducement, Cumulative Impacts, and Global Climate Change.

"We are seeking the views of the community regarding the relevant environmental issues and information to be addressed in the DEIR/EA, prior to its preparation. Both verbal and written comments can be provided at the meeting," said Hurley. Written comments on the scope and content of the DEIR/EA will also be accepted until March 19, 2010. Additional comments may also be sent to Joseph M. Hurley, Program Director, SMCTA, P.O. Box 3006, San Carlos, CA 94070-1306, San Carlos, CA 94070-1306. Fax :650-508-7938. Email: smcta_feedback@smcta.com.

For more information, please contact the San Mateo County Transportation Authority at 650-508-6283.

Barbara Arietta
Vice Chair
San Mateo County Transportation Authority

BUSINESS-FRIENDLY? Letter to the Editor

 

Editor,

All of you struggling business owners in Pacifica will be happy to know that our city council is looking out for you. Yes, they have known for three years that in addition to the highest rates for residential garbage collection, our commercial rates are also the highest in the county. They know this because of a survey published in Nov. 2006 and reviewed at Special Council Meeting on March 7, 2007.

 

 

I’ve heard business people here complain about the cost of dumpsters and debris boxes for years. I wondered if they weren’t justa buncha weenie whiners. Well, turns out they’re right!

To pick up one cubic yard of debris once a week would cost you (in 2007) $237.97 in Pacifica. That’s 136% more than the county average ($100.50), and 300% more than the lowest rate ($59.12 in Menlo Park).

 

 

Now I know, we got bad roads, and lotsa trees, which are magically enchanted and sprinkle pixie dust down on the eyes of the truck drivers, and other good excuses lying around everywhere.

 

 

But fear not, our city council is coming to the rescue. Last Monday (2-8-10) they approved a new garbage contract. They’re going to help us, right? They’re going to – uh, raise rates. That’s right, the solution is to raise rates. Don Eagleston, the Chamber of Commerce guy, stood up and said what a great deal this was for Pacifica. I thought the Chamber was a pro-business organization? Shows you what I know.

 

 

Well, there are winners in this deal for sure!

Winner #1: Louis Picardo, who ran up a bad debt to the City of Pacifica of almost $850,000, and gets let off the hook by Recology, the new franchisee, paying off the debt to the city.

Winner #2: Recology, which gets a no-bid contract that’s probably the richest in the county, through higher rates.

Winner #3: The city of Pacifica, which takes 11 percent off the top of gross revenues and will rake in even more as rates rise again (August 2010) and again (March 2011).

 

 

Like I said to a fellow business owner the other day: "How’s it feel to be an ATM?"

 

Lionel Emde

Edgemar

Lead Staff Member of Calif Air Resources Board (CARB) faked his Ph.d - Other staff members and our Governor have ignored this scandal. CARB is killing jobs and California

http://lompocrecord.com/news/opinion/editorial/article_bd53abc6-e548-11de-a286-001cc4c002e0.html


http://www.okieonthelam.com/2009/12/07/copenhagen-climate-change-madness-plus-california-gets-a-climategate-s

At the end of article there is a video on the indonesia tsunami. You must watch it. It's incredible.

Submitted by Kathleen Rogan

Weather Stations That Collect Data Are Distorted by Locations

More than a Few Station Sits Next To A Waste Treatment Center 

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2010/feb/16/pruden-the-red-hot-scam-begins-to-unravel/

Submitted by Kathleen Rogan

Control Freaks Want To End Free Speech

http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/geraldwarner/100025849/control-freaks-want-web-licences-to-end-bloggers-anonymity-be-very-af

Submitted by Kathleen Rogan

Fix Pacifica wins the debate!!

Oops, sorry. I was channeling Brent Plater there for a moment. There was no debate.

But four local media blowhards did get together on Ian Butler's Wavelength show to discuss the state of local Pacifica media.  The discussion will be shown Monday, Feb. 15 Feb 22, at 6:30 PM on Channel 26, Pacifica Community Television. (For those without cable, you can try watching on the web at PCT26. Their video streaming has lately been a bit problematic, though.)

Participating blowhards include John Maybury of Riptide, Jane Northrop from the Pacifica Tribune, Marty Anaya of Pacifica Community Television, and Steve Sinai from Fix Pacifica. Your host is Ian Butler.

Posted by Steve Sinai

City Employees Salary Increases, January 2, 2010

From City Council Meeting of 2-8-10. Anyone miss city salary increases?

Agenda Only http://www.cityofpacifica.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=3698
Agenda Summary Report (detail): http://www.cityofpacifica.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=3693

As so much is handled in the minuet of city council meeting communications, the Consent Calendar is the location of pass-through. Almost unnoticed were the union salary increases for Teamster 856 (Miscellaneous, most employees), Teamsters 360 (Management ), PORAC (Police) and IAFF local 2400 (Firefighters). These employee salary increases ranging from 3% to 15% (including merit pay adjustments) went through without a hitch. City council nodded and staff management replied "we could do nothing else". In any event, this was a "done deal" 1/2/10 and presented was an information "memorandum of understanding" for technical approval, (item 5, Summary Report, pages 11-13, salary detail 14-17). The Police Record Supervisor (one position) was adjusted upward 37.58% (item 3, Summary Report, pages 1-7).

"In November 2009, three of the bargaining units had salary increased determined by a salary survey that would bring each position to the 'average total compensation' of comparator positions in comparator cities and cities of similar size or function, (Belmont, Burlingame, Daly City, Foster City, Menlo Park, Millbrae, San Carlos, San Bruno, and South San Francisco)." (item 5, Summary Report, page 11 and the range of scheduled salary increases pages 14-17). So, that's it, Pacifica is similar to those other cities. Its only fair that these city salaries would be brought-up to the "county average". Its equally fair that our city economic viability be brought-up to the "county average" (similar to those other cities) to pay for city services and payroll.

Not only is this city not providing comparable "county average" tax revenues for its population, in the current severe recession there's the government vs. private sector rub. Salaries of most private citizens are not improving, and "merit pay"-- what is that? Over the past several years benefit cost (including pensions) have been increasingly paid by employees themselves where these benefits exist. And, in this business climate more likely private company employees are facing pay cuts, hour cuts, losing benefits-- if not losing jobs. Its a "worst every" recession, businesses are not thriving, those surviving may be stagnant if not failing. This city has projected a $14 million dollar 5 year loss, yet in union contract negotiations from 11/09 "we could do nothing else", is this believable? Five year additional debt, here's a 5 year old playing Bach's Minuet in G major http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEoVtIxFJ2U&NR=1

From Anonymous this blog (2/10/10, 8:03PM "Clock Tower"), Reuters: "-- In the United States, average civilian federal wages per full-time employee were $79,197 in 2008, compared to private sector wages per full-time employee of $50,028, according to Bureau of Economic Analysis data. Including benefits, total compensation per employee was $119,932 in the public sector compared with $59,909 in the private sector sector http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSN0315776620100203). There may be higher level technical expertise reasons for the federal government vs. private industry salary gap, but government 40% higher salary and 100%, higher the total compensation is a lot. At first glance without an in depth comparison it seems that states, counties and cities follow a similar pattern.

Locally more than a year ago Lionel Emde and Bill Collins spotlighted the need for government pension reform, including in this city. And as Lionel has also commented in difference context "...nothing seems to change". With this city council, rather than improve and help the city its Bach's Minuet in G major http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VDuAFeIvlg&feature=related . They are out-of-touch, and have not listened.

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Assemblymember Jerry Hill to Give "State of the State" Report to Pacifica Democrats on Saturday Morning, February 20, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Barbara Arietta
President - Pacifica Democrats
415-246- 0775

In response to a request by the Pacifica Democrats for an assessment of where the City of Pacifica stands and is headed, a "State of the City" report by Pacifica's new Mayor Sue Digre was given to the local political organization this past January. The Pacifica Democrats have now asked that an assessment,of where the State of California now stands and where it is headed, be given to them...In response to that specific request, on Saturday morning, February 20, 2010, 19th District Assemblymember Jerry Hill (D-San Mateo) will come to Pacifica to give a "State of the State" report to the Pacifica Democrats at their monthly breakfast meeting. The 9:30 a.m. mid-morning meeting will be held in the rear banquet room of the Sharp Park Golf Course Restaurant, Francisco and Sharp Park Blvds, in Pacifica.

Hill, who has represented the 19th Assembly District since his election in November 2008, has proven himself to be a whirlwind of a legislator, having already introduced numerous bills to the California State Legislature, in the year and two months that he has held office thus far. Most recently Hill introduced legislation making it more difficult for repeat DUI offenders to get their licenses back. In 2008, over 1,000 people were killed by drunk drivers in California and another 28,000 were injured.

Chairing the Health and Human Services Budget Subcommittee and the Select Committee on Biotechnology, Jerry has tackled some of the most pressing issues facing California including healthcare and economic development.

Hill is also a member of the Budget, Government Organization, Natural Resources, Public Safety and Joint Legislative Budget committees. In his first session as a member of the Assembly, 10 of his bills were passed by the legislature, including measures that address healthcare, highway safety and the environment. He was recently named to the Joint Select Committee on Reform.

He has fought to preserve thousands of acres of parks, open space and coastal areas in San Mateo County, while working to set tough limits on air pollution and global warming emissions.

Prior to his election to the Assembly, Hill served 17 years in local government, first as a member of the San Mateo City Council and for 10 years as a San Mateo County Supervisor. As a Supervisor, Hill led the effort to expand health insurance coverage to every child in San Mateo County without raising taxes. He helped foster a healthy local business climate and he helped deliver a balanced budget for San Mateo County with a fair approach of cuts, belt tightening and fee increases where appropriate.

He was a member of the California Air Resources Board and he has served on a number of regional boards including the Bay Area Air Quality Management District, the Transbay Terminal Joint Powers Authority, the Caltrain Joint Powers Authority, the San Mateo County Transit District and the San Mateo Medical Center.

Hill,a graduate of UC Berkeley, received his teaching credential from San Francisco State University, and is currently a business owner. Hill and his wife, Sky, reside in San Mateo.

The 19th Assembly District includes the cities of Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Daly City, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, Millbrae, Pacifica, San Bruno, San Mateo, South San Francisco and parts of unincorporated San Mateo County.

All Pacifica Democrats meetings are open to the public. One does not need to be either a member of the club or a Democrat to attend. A full breakfast is $12; continental breakfast - $6; coffee only - $3. However, no purchase is required. Doors open at 9:00 a.m. Seating is between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. Meeting begins promptly at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m. For further information or to RSVP, please contact Barbara Arietta, President at 415-246-0775 or email: barietta@hotmail.com.

Make it a good one

Make it a good one

Happy Valentines Day! If you can't love someone else, you've got to at least love us.

Editors of Fix Pacifica.

Submitted by Kathy Meeh

L.A. Chamber of Commerce Donates to Save the Pood

http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-hollywood-sign,0,7529946.story

Submitted by Kathleen Rogan

My Turn: Where's the Plan?

Co-author Frank Vella
Pacifica Tribune Guest Columnist

Posted: 02/11/2010 05:20:00 PM PST

Like a blast from the past, I was cruising the Internet and came across this article about the defeat of Measure E in 2002.

Some select quotes from the article emphasized, in my opinion, the lack of competency and leadership the City of Pacifica has suffered from.

The article was from SF Gate, 11/22/2002.

"They spent their money on this propaganda campaign that was full of wrong information. They assumed we were stupid. They treated us in a way that was not cool," Nancy Hall said.

"The development that was proposed was really out of scale not only with Pacifica but with the whole Coastside," said Dinah Verby, co-chairwoman of Pacificans for Sustainable Development.

"The forces that defeated Measure E are now in control of the City Council and Pacifica," said Ed McGovern, veteran political consultant who managed the Yes on E campaign for Trammell Crow.

"It's going to be squarely on their shoulders to produce something better because that city has some very dire economic issues to deal with and no potential source of new revenues."

Trammell Crow projected the development would produce millions of dollars in sales tax revenues for the city through the hotel and retail proposals.

But to make the project work financially, it needed the 315 units of housing said McGovern and Aikens. "We were not kidding" said Aikens. "A project without residential is probably doomed from the outset. Either (opponents) thought we were tricking them or they didn't understand the necessity for the plan we were showing them." 

Ask the opponents what should go in the quarry and the answer is that they're working on it.
Pacificans for Sustainable Development's steering committee met last week to consider what should be built at the quarry. Mostly they agreed to meet again.

If some people think the quarry can become a natural habitat "they're deluding themselves," said Aikens. "It's not fine with the owner. That's a $20 million piece of property and the owner intends to develop it.

"It's a blasted, bombed-out reconfigured wasteland of a rock quarry. It's not a pristine natural habitat."

Meanwhile, Pacifica is facing what some city officials predict will be a $1.8 million budget cut when the full nature of the state's budget deficit is calculated.

"They can gloat about defeating an effort by people to provide an increased tax base in that community" said McGovern.

"Are you going to gloat when the council is faced with reducing police officers or firefighters or cutting back on park repairs? They say they deserve better? Show me better."

Have Pacificans for Sustainable Development shown us "better" since then? Do they even have a plan at all, or are they just Lucy, forever pulling the approval football out from under every development proposal for the Quarry? Meanwhile the City of Pacifica suffers endemic budget deficits during economic booms, during recessions, in the best of times and the worst of times.

How come PSD hasn't checked in with their brilliant plan to solve our $14 million projected deficit over the next five years?

If ever was a time to show us common folk some leadership, now is the time. SHOW US THE PLAN!

But, THERE IS NO PLAN! The city's economy has just been a shell game, moving money from the Sewer Enterprise, selling property, and a fire assessment.

The last Economic Development Committee dissolved because it failed to meet on a regular basis. Where's Dinah Verby, John Curtis, Peter Loeb, Nancy Hall and the rest of PSD? 

Where's the leadership promised? Where's "The Plan?"
 
In 2006 we had two incumbents re-elected under the promise that we had the "healthiest economy in years," and then they immediately ran into a $1.2 million budget deficit. SHOW US THE PLAN!

One candidate won re-election because he went around town telling everyone the city had a $7 million reserve, a comment the City Manager later classified as a "misstatement." The city then immediately tried to pass a 1-cent sales tax claiming the city was nearly out of money. Was THAT the plan?

New leadership for Pacifica is sorely needed. We are in an election year - an extremely important election that will set the tone on whether Pacifica remains a viable, self-governed community, or a ward of the county.

Pay attention to history. We all need to vote smart. We need a real plan, not smoke and mirrors and Orwellian gibberish.
 

Silicon Valley Faces a Tough Road

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1001_3-10451595-92.html?tag=inside

Submitted by Kathleen Rogan

Microsoft Execs Advocate a more Orwellian Internet: Should Anyone Be Surprised

http://americanpatriotdaily.wordpress.com/2010/02/07/microsoft/

Submitted by Kathleen Rogan

County faces grim budget

February 10, 2010, 02:49 AM By Michelle Durand, San Mateo Daily Journal

San Mateo County could eliminate a $100 million structural deficit by closing the San Mateo Medical Center, the jails and the county’s parks.

The problem?

The county’s structural deficit is now on course to hit approximately $150 million and flat-out shuttering facilities that provide health and public safety is not an acceptable option.

“I’m not suggesting [that option],” County Manager David Boesch told the Board of Supervisors during a budget update yesterday.

Rather, Boesch said illustrating a $100 million equivalent lets officials “understand the magnitude of the challenge we face is quite large.”

To tackle the problem, Boesch said the county should draw down on non-departmental reserves by $172 million and find another $50 million in ongoing solutions before 2013.

Based on year-end estimates, the county expects to end this fiscal year with $362.1 million which is $37.7 million less than the previous year. The general fund will be down $2 million for the year but still $44.6 million more than next year because of $58.5 million in unanticipated ERAF money.

Although the talk at Tuesday’s board meeting was the overall budget for this fiscal year and a look to the upcoming budgeting sessions, the structural deficit was the primary target.

The growing structural deficit is the subject of a five-year elimination plan by the county but, during a 2009-10 budget update by Boesch yesterday, officials heard that the situation remains grim — and expanding even further.

Read more...

Posted by Steve Sinai

Pacifica approves new waste-disposal contract

 

By Julia Scott
San Mateo County Times

Posted: 02/09/2010 07:47:02 PM PST

Updated: 02/09/2010 08:06:33 PM PST

PACIFICA — The City Council unanimously approved a no-bid contract with Recology Monday night that cleared the way for the trash hauler to purchase Coastside Scavenger and its sister company, Seacoast Disposal.

The agreement stems from a deal that Recology, formerly known as Nor-Cal Waste Systems, made with Coastside Scavenger several months ago to take over the financially imperiled local waste and recycling service provider and pay off all its debts to the city of Pacifica, amounting to $842,630. Recology offered the city an additional "assignment fee" of $100,000 in exchange for approval of the arrangement.

In return, Recology got an extended eight-year no-bid contract in Pacifica and a likely 5 percent rate increase in August 2010. In November 2010, the contract allows Recology to submit a request to increase rates again between 4 and 8 percent, to take effect in March 2011. Pacifica's waste service rates are already among the highest in the Bay Area, a fact that was noted by a few locals who spoke out against the deal.

"The real purpose of this contract is to provide a cash cow for the city of Pacifica," said Lionel Emde. "The council members appear to be so desperate for revenue that they have decided that the ends justify the means. This was not a democratic process in any sense of the word."

Other Pacificans endorsed the agreement in light of the new collection services Recology will provide as of Aug. 1, including single-stream recycling and compost collection. Recology will provide new, larger-wheeled carts for recycling but will pick up every two weeks instead of once a week. Recology officials will also keep Coastside Scavenger's management team and pledged to retain as many current employees as they can.

City Council members said they understood residents' concerns about the lack of a request for proposals that could have allowed competitive bidding, especially in light of likely rate increases.

Councilman Jim Vreeland portrayed the deal as a win-win. He noted that, according to a city consultant hired to analyze the Recology agreement, a request for proposals could have cost the city "hundreds of thousands" of dollars. Going through that process would also have involved keeping Coastside Scavenger on board until the company's contract expired in 2012, potentially adding to the significant debt it owes the city — without any guarantee of having it paid back.

"My understanding is it would have cost the city more, and the city would have been in jeopardy of losing the $800,000," said Vreeland.

The city's hands were tied to a certain extent, because of a clause in its current contract with Coastside Scavenger that the city could not "unreasonably withhold approval" of the transfer if Recology fulfilled a list of obligations.

City Council members also questioned Recology officials about whether the 5 percent rate increase scheduled for August would be negotiable; city documents portray it as inevitable. Recology officials said the rate increase would be open to discussion.

Coastside Scavenger and Seacoast Disposal are owned by Pacifica resident Louis Picardo and have served the area for decades. Seacoast Disposal handles trash hauling and recycling for parts of the Midcoast area, including El Granada, Princeton-by-the-Sea, and the northern portion of Half Moon Bay.

The Granada Sanitary District approved a resolution last week to transfer its franchise agreement from Seacoast Disposal to Recology but did not sign a new contract with the company. Recology will serve the area under the terms of the current franchise agreement, which expires in 2014. The current rate structure applies until 2011, after which Recology will be free to negotiate new rates, according to district Administrator Delia Comito. 

 

Submitted by Lionel Emde

City Council Meeting 2/8/10 - Coastside transfer to Recology, and Lakeside Drive

Recology Franchised Agreement http://www.cityofpacifica.org/civica/filebank/blobdload.asp?BlobID=3696
Recology - an employee owned corporation http://www.recology.com/

The main 2/8/10 City Council item was #9, the Coastside transfer to Recology. The transfer happened almost without a hitch, and city involvement was more "educational" to the public. The annual contingency fee from the city is $10,000, not $100,000 (a typo). Lionel Emde sent-in a letter comment which was entered into the record, but not read in public. Councilmember Lancelle argued others have shown-up to speak and absentee citizen comments read allowed into the record should not be allowed. The attorney substituting for Cecilia Quick said either way there is no Brown Act violation.

Councilmembers Nihart and Vreeland each said they would have preferred and RFP but this way the city gets its $842,630.90 Coastside debt repayment. Councilmember Nihart commented further she was glad the collection would now be at the industry standard. Vote 4-0 to accept, Councilmember DeJarnatt was absent.

According to H&H Consulting garbage pick-up cost in Pacifica is among the highest in the Bay Area for a variety of reasons: isolated city, lacking commercial, some pick-up cannot be automated, Senior rate (which will become a 20 gallon option for all), coastal and city pick-up included, the $75,000 Frontierland has now been called a methane gas remediation concern. The recycling center will remain.

The garbage rate increase will be effective 5% (8/1/10) with the 1 month change-over to new trash can and equipment set-up. Annual cost increases will occur within the range of 4-8% from 4/1/11. The Coastside contract take-over 2 years, then Recology 6 year contract, option 5 years additional. Weekly pick-up for regular trash, green and food waste. recycle pick-up every 2 weeks. Mark, the Recology Manager said our current recycling rate is 62% under Coastside (very good).

Citizen comments of interest other than Lionel Emde's write-in: (Shirley Rider) lack of notification, should have been in the Tribune prior.Bernie Sifry said something about the carbon footprint and recycling diversion program (which will be covered). Don Eagleston was there and called the transfer a "sweet deal", Anthony Boglonia (sp) from San Bruno, representing Ox Mountain concerns said Coastside owes them $400,000, later Chris Porter clarified there had been a late afternoon meeting and this will be repaid in full.

The other agenda item of interest was #10, closing Lakeside Drive. Closing Lakeside Drive was an information request from Councilmember Vreeland. This isn't going to happen, some improvements have been made there, and Police Chief Saunders advised since that time there have been no further accidents or problems. The tenants who live there were not consulted or advised for this meeting. Councilmember Nihart said this agenda item includes the solution, but what is the traffic problem?

She also mentioned the Planning Commission considered closing Lakeside Drive drive 14 years ago only under prospect of building a Habitat for Humanity housing development with a different project layout which didn't happen. Councilmember Lancelle thought if considered a trail should be included there, but stated in any event the "the city doesn't have the money".

Posted by Kathy Meeh

Bill to Create New $50 Million Park in the Virgin Islands=More Folly from our representatives

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/R?r111:FLD001:H50150

For example, it would be nice to know what process the National Park Service went through to consult with all private property owners who may be harmed or impacted by this designation. The National Park Service testified that the cost to acquire the private property to establish this park could be as much as $50 million, in addition to nearly $1 million a year to operate the park.

http://republicans.resourcescommittee.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=167938
Congress does not know how to be fiscally responsible.

Lois Rogan

Hangin' with the hippies

Lunch at the most excellent High Tide Restaurant Cafe and Crepery. (The hippies thought the name of the restaurant was "High Times" instead of "High Tides." That's why they wanted to go there.)

From left clockwise - Ian "the Hippie" Butler, John "the Hippie" Maybury, Avril "the Hippie" Hughes, Steve "the Hippie" Sinai, and Matt "the Hippie" Levie.

Posted by Steve "the Hippie" Sinai

Rare video of the Japanese surrender

This is pretty cool stuff. History buffs will enjoy.
Jim Wagner

The way we were and likely will never be again!  This is remarkable footage....as it says, many have seen a few still shots of this event but not the newsreel.  This Newsreel in itself brings back lots of old memories......it was the way we "saw" much of the news in the 1940's.....  

  

Here is a You-Tube article that will thrill the hearts of "history buffs" as few articles have ever done before.  To view this newsreel is truly fantastic, and is almost like actually being there.

  MacArthur is at his eloquent best during that long ago ceremony of such profound significance.  MacArthur should have received that year's Oscar. He created and played his role to perfection. Enjoy!

   

This truly is historical.

 Japanese Surrender

8 minutes of history.  Right to the point!

 

Historical Footage: Japanese Surrender Signing Aboard Battleship Missouri Sunday Sept. 2, 1945.
An very important piece of history. Most people have seen still photos of the event but have not seen the newsreel of it.  
A film of the actual ceremony of the Japanese signing their surrender ending the second world war.  General Douglas MacArthur was the supreme commander of our armed forces in charge of the signing ceremony.
http://enka2.netorage.com:9711/harddisk/user/lyk36/mumess/376-macarthurjap.htm