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| Our Voice |
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| Written by Tracy Press Editorial Board | |
| Friday, 25 July 2008 | |
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Mayoral candidate Celeste Garamendi should get credit for bringing the issue of a southern San Joaquin County courthouse to the forefront — and for proposing Tracy’s downtown Bow Tie area as a home for it. The enhancement of commerce downtown with a landmark courthouse building, accompanied by its employees, jurors, attorneys and clients, would be one of the biggest gains the downtown economy has ever seen. And the linkage to our future transportation network is so logical, it startles us that the city didn’t come up with the idea when it developed its downtown specific plan. Instead, we’re hearing that the city has worked on the courthouse issue for years — news to us — and that the downtown idea is neither a new one nor a particularly good one. And Mayor Brent Ives and others have already tied the idea of a downtown courthouse with crime — as if courthouses are populated solely by convicted criminals. For years, we’ve failed to see as clear a vision about any aspect of Tracy’s future as we’ve seen already from Garamendi, who sees the downtown courthouse as part of a plan for building the city’s job base and its transportation and economic future. In fact, what we’ve witnessed from the two incumbents who are running for mayor is a continuation of the housing developer “fashion show” of the past 15 years, especially the past five, where one’s incentives are pitched against the other’s, wasting city money and resources while ignoring calls for a solid, comprehensive plan for growth — on all fronts, including housing. Picking favorite housing developers to build more sprawl has been and continues to be the wrong conversation about this community’s future. Mayor Ives and councilwomen Suzanne Tucker, Evelyn Tolbert and now even Irene Sundberg are playing this game of siding with their favorite housing developers, as if that can possibly be considered good planning. Can’t we have a conversation about creating jobs for people who live here? We should focus on creating a sustainable community with a strong economic base. That has yet to happen. At any rate, thanks to the election, the courthouse issue is now in the public eye, as it should be. And, so far, the reaction from the incumbents has been interesting to witness — and about all we need to know about their ability to lead.
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(192)
What scares me the most is what you're NOT hearing from Celeste Garamendi.
(Can Garamendi really creat jobs in Tracy?) You decide... -Why didn't Garamendi speak at Jun & Jul Council meetings, on the Holly vote? --> Holly is a good way to create jobs (coaches, sporting stores, and city revenue) --> Maybe even more than ten jobs a year (read on!) and sooner than the year 2015. -Does the public know that Garamendi's dream won't create jobs till 2015? -Does the public know that the 'Donkeys need Elephants', IF the dream even gets approved? -Does the public know that it will create ONLY about ten jobs per year? -Does the public know that it will create jobs for less than 0.002% of the population? -Does the public really understand the impact to our downtown. -Does the public want the "social element" and stigma of worst parts of downtown Stockton? -Does the public know of the downtown traffic and parking impacts? -Does the public want "armed guards and metal detectors" downtown? -Does the public know how this will impact our already overloaded Tracy Police Dept? -Does the public know it may not even get off the ground? (Confidence interval 70%, or less. IMHO) -Does the public know how much this will cost? $42 Million dollars? -Does the public know if the dream includes jail or holding cells? -Does the public want a real "vision"??? --> There is a better plan to put the Courthouse at Chrisman? (I like Mike!) --> Combine a courthouse with a College Consortium and Law Enforcement Degrees? --> Put a Courthouse at Chrisman and Eleventh and still get downtown foot traffic? -Does the public want another "courthouse idea" ??? I don't know if anyone asked one other question? Is this the same camp that opposed LLNL? Didn't something like, 400 to 600 employees get terminated? Weren't almost half of them Tracy residents? If that were the case, why is the TP touting Garamendi as someone who can BRING jobs? Need more information, here, please? A clarification would help? Thanks! And IF Garamendi is suddenly an expert on bring jobs to Tracy??? ...
... then why is this dream ONLY bringing, say 10 to 15 jobs per year? ... then why will we be waiting till 2015 for jobs? And probably even longer? ... when can we expect the other ten jobs per year??? ... how about JUST some "transparency"??? Thanks! Shouldn't all of our questions deserve to be answered candidly by any candidate? Especially a candidate who promises "transparency"???
I was in Stockton a couple times this week and drove past the Courthouse. Business is not booming in that area. Restaurants are not doing as well there as constituency may be told. Drive past there at night. It is closed. Barred up. Dark! And police cars everywhere. One restaurant was almost empty. I could go on about the "social element", but your candidate should be the one to tell you these things. Not some ordinary citizen. Someone pay for Garamendi's fuel bill and send on a road trip to Stockton in the evening. Then we will talk.
One more thing. Ask Garamendi to show you an example of a city where people want to live near the courthouse. I can't think of any. How is business at the Stockton Hotel across the street from the Courthouse? Bad? Thought so. Nobody wants to live there? Why? Is it a perception? Tracy will be no different. And this isn't the dream that I think most people want for our downtown? Let's put it out there and see if people want it downtown bowtie? Or if people would like the idea of putting the Courthouse at the Chrisman site and getting foot traffic from it (downtown)?
I simply think that you will find - that upon examination of both sites, people will prefer the Chrisman site over the bowtie site. Thanks!
TP,
Who writes these sentiments?
It says to write YOU with our thoughts. Who do we email to? Since it seems anonymous? Can we send an anonymous letter? Do tell?
Here, here TP, too bad for the pollution from TRN. Trying so hard to discredit so that AKT and Surland can continue their vice grip on Tracy. Why the stagnation on aquatics center and any sustainable job growth? Because Ives and Tolbert always tie it to residential housing permits for Surland and AKT. And then the only independent job growth has been warehouse and retail - needed but doesn't give you head of household salaries. Maybe look deeper, 80K people is not a deal breaker for businesses, onerous city process and fees are. Tracy should incentivize to attract head of household job growth, just like they've done to attract Surland and AKT residential housing growth. Manteca has a smaller population and so does Pleasanton.
Measure A's housing restrictions are just now kicking in so how can you blame Measure A? Ives and Tolbert implementation method allows the housing building frenzy to continue at the same rate of growth since 2000, they caused a feast and then famine scenario. Surlands project is sprawl and so is Tracy Hills, lets save our hills and open space, lets stop sprawl. Lets have smart concentric growth from now on and elect Celeste, she will make sure we have the pools we need unlike Ives and Tolbert.
On the claim from Ives that the Courthouse has been in the works - Its never been in the City Council Work Pland and Goals, nor has it been agendized in a City Council meeting. Whose desk is it gathering dust on?
Since the 80's San Joaquin County has had a major influx of Property taxes, were did it all go? Then there is the Mello Roos tax that took pressure off the County. We had all the measure Taxes to help with the roads, and the Sales tax has been a boon since the 80's up until now with the housing flop.
Makes you wonder?
One key to a bright future is a healthy shot of people in the creative class.People in creative fields -- scientists, engineers, architects, educators, writers, artists and entertainers -- are catalysts of vitality and livability in a city.
http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/105190/Best-Cities-to-Live,-Work-and-Play Like I said, where I am at, an academic town. Just love it! -amy
Malcolm,
Where did you weigh in, on the BioLab jobs that Tracy, CA doesn't have? On the right? Or on the wrong? How many lost jobs? And where were you on the lawsuit that ensued? How much did that cost the city?
Tell us. Then we'll talk.
The plan is to piggy back growth to Surland and that is it!
Ives and Amigos are ready to sign off all of the future growth to Surland. The only planning our council members do is follow a dollar bill and campaign donations. MONOPOLY! All others need not waste your time...City Hall only has one customer!
what?, sorry but I just had to do a police log cut of your comment. thanks
"Tracy is dying on the vine and the reason why is City Hall and the City Council!" City of Tracy unable to pick grapes for wine because of ill-handling by city government workers.
Most people don't realize that there are "head of household jobs" in Tracy. Most people commute to work out of town. One factor to consider is because the jobs pay better in the Bay Area.
And yes, of course, there are people who want to work locally too (even for less wage). What some don't realize is that Garamendi's plan will only create ten "sustainable heads of household jobs" per year? You've got to be kidding me??? I'm pretty sure if we looked around we could find a better candidate, whom could hatch a "plan" to provide more than ten jobs per year??? Might it reduce the lawsuits too??? (And the Chrisman site would be better - mitigate traffic, parking, and social element). BTW (for "what?") : There are wineries in Tracy, CA, too.
I wonder if Tolbert should vote on this item, maybe recuse herself here? She held her campaign kickoff at Surlands Redbridge House and her website says she'll have two more campaign events there...
http://www.tolbertfortracy.com/events.htm Conflict of interest? Lack of transparancy?
To Tracy RealNews, who asked, "Who writes these sentiments?":
Our Voice is the newspaper's editorial, which represents the editorial board. We print the names of the board in each issue. I usually write the editorials, and you're welcome to e-mail or talk to me anytime. - Cheri Matthews, TP editor ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or 830-4201
TRN,
Wineries are in the county not city! Tracy Press, Thank you for your opine! It is refreshing to say the least!
Cheri!
I only read online (here) and didn't get the names of the board, here. But now I know where to send emails. Appreciate the update? Hope you don't mind if I just post questions here? Thanks!
No prob, TRN.
The editorial board is Bob Matthews, Sam Matthews, Breann Northcutt, Jon Mendelson and me, all TP owners or employees.
Not seeing "vision" in this since it will provide only few jobs per year, or not until 2015. I also understand the whole "plan" seems pretty risky.
Why not put it to a vote? Would citizens prefer a Measure Z (Chrisman or Bowtie). Was in Stockton this weekend and drove past the Courthouse. Did not like the area around the courthouse, at night time, was there, during the day too, and wouldn't want that "social element", for our downtown. Also, not sure why we are calling only handfulls of jobs per year "an economic future". Maybe another perspective will reveal that the "vision" looks more like a fuzzy picture. And given that none of this would happen until 2015, if at all. Where are we being led with this? So far I see red lights. Concerned about having that in our downtown. And the negative perceptions might be why the Stockton Courthouse area doesn't seem so inviting either? I sure the City is already creating ten, or so jobs, in Tracy (per year). What some see as "not doing anything" may be a perception problem? And I'm not fond of more lawsuits either. Thanks!
To the blogger who uses the moniker "what?":
I thought there was a winery on Linne Rd, or other road inside the city limits. But cannot remember the exact locations of those wineries at the moment. I will check it out later to be sure. (Thanks!) Also, check out this website for the Tracy Wine Cellar, downtown: http://www.tracywines.com/ Are you a wine connoisseur too?  Mayoral candidate Celeste Garamendi should get credit... for proposing Tracy’s downtown Bow Tie area as a home for it. No problem, a courthouse in the Bow-Tie is Celeste's brainchild. Because money and time are not relevant, locate it around 10th & A streets. The Press staff will have quick access to high profile crime cases. Surrounding retail/residential opportunities abound. The enhancement of commerce downtown with a landmark courthouse building, accompanied by its employees, jurors, attorneys and clients, would be one of the biggest gains the downtown economy has ever seen. In contrast to the downtown consultants recommendation... please provide studies supporting your opinion. Patrons in need of social services versus patrons that have financial wherewithal... which type of patron is more supportive of business? ...as if courthouses are populated solely by convicted criminals. True enough though no matter how you state it... all is not sweetness and light. patrons are still required to pass through metal detectors at the security checkpoints... guards will still attend manacled prisoners accused of felonies... putting everyone else on edge. Though a necessity... a courthouse is no longer the county seat, the site of county offices... the pictures of the past where people went to get married, record documents, hold social events are distant memories.
cont.
Can’t we have a conversation about creating jobs for people who live here? We should focus on creating a sustainable community with a strong economic base. That has yet to happen. We continue to have the conversation without you because you, Mark, Celeste, and TRACQ continue to ignore business... while business people recognize a simple fact. Jobs follow housing... Without having a strong residential base you cannot have "a strong economic base." The issue The relationship between Husband & Wife teams Connelly/Garamendi and the Matthews is clear. At this point in the race, having the Press's attorney Mark Connelly present while endorsing his wife Celeste for Mayor is a real stretch.
TRN, Just because the Stockton Court House doesn't look good to you, day or night, what makes you think a court house built in the bow tie area will be like that. Have you ever been to the court house in Oakland and the other city offices. They are beautiful, inside and out. I was very impressed by them.
Dale!
I think you nailed it! Liked the second response and the last two (especially the last response)! I just can't figure out who killed the BioLab jobs? Are they the same people? The relationship is becoming clear? And I'm still just sitting here waiting for the promise of "transparency".
Dale,
Is it a conflict of interest to have Mark Connolly (Celeste Garamendi's husband) advertising in the Tracy Press? Front Page Ad! And should these articles may be showing partiality toward a particular candidate whose husband advertises? Should the Board at the Tracy Press take sides? I'm not sure, but it is just raising flags in my mind? Perhaps you know more about this area? Is this the fox in the henhouse that Tom spoke of? Tracy RealNews... the Press is a business, and though unique, it has a free hand in pursuing whatever relationships the Matthews chose. alternately, as a business the Press understands the need to be mindful of how it treats businesses. An article viewed by the local real estate industry as criticism led to a cancellation of numerous real estate ads for a short period. The event was noticed. written by maybenotdumBcommenT , July 27, 2008 Seriously doubt it, Have you ask yourself why Mark and Celeste wrote and campaigned for Measure A when their goal was to build a house in the mountains on their ranch? Where does an average of 600 permits per year come from? Why not 282 or 1,500? Why are the permits averaged? Celeste said she advocates 'affordable housing' and applauded the City of Patterson for instituting an affordable housing fee of $20,000 per unit. Those people not qualifying for affordability programs by barely exceeding the requirements can no longer afford to buy. Why advocate affordability if you make something unaffordable for someone else?
In Modesto, Stockton and many other cities in California. Courthouse buildings are an anchor. The courthouse in downtown Modesto is very nice and has amazing gardens surrounding it. Modesto has a powerful and vibrant downtown. All based on the courthouse, Gallo Theater and business is booming!
Tracy is a yawn!
Sorry, just see so many "conflict of interests" on many agendas.
Hence the lack of "open transparency"? Mayor and Lawyer husband? Advertisement and Newspaper associating with the husband of the candidate running for the Mayor. Just felt like there would be two hands in the pot, all for legal purposes. Sure will be interesting to see how much of open transparency all candidates demand of themselves and other candidates, also those sitting on the city council seats. Good luck voters, get the truth out of all of them, they will not "offer information", ask them and they will have to give you information or.... not? -amy
Tracy may not be a boring town for long, seeing so many family events happening in Tracy, the Music at the Park, the Bean Festival, the Air shows they had, the Antique car shows they had, activities at the Grand Theatre (sure in keeping with going green?)......will having the Courthouse at the Bow Tie alter these events and reduce the foot traffic?
Green Village I believe is the best answer for the Tracyites, since it is booming here, 30+ years strong in foot traffic! Soon the Holly Sports Park will be up and running, still waiting to hear on the EIR. Condos, apartments, townhouses, single family homes could be built around Tracy for easier foot traffic? I am staying at a loft, loving to see the activities below. Was told I missed a great Parade on the 4th of July, think of the attendance!!! Was told business was booming so much more that day, sure looks like Elitist Green Village! Stores like Trader Joes all over, organic stores, bike stores, you ought to stop by here one day and see what I am talking about. Business added to already existing business, started all this during Carter era, did not let their guard down, and kept on with their plans, their rewards in wise planning is paying them back many times more in revenue!! Good luck. -amy
To the blogger with the moniker as "what?":
I think you are using Google (or earth-link) to get your information. An actual drive past the Stockton Courthouse in the evening shows there are police cars everywhere, and metal bars on the doors of shops across the street. The business look like jails. The "social element" is not living there is because of the large volume of police cars (Stockton PD is right there too). I don't see anybody setting up a wine tasting shoppe there on El Dorado. And tell us how well (or bad, as the case may be) the Stockton Hotel is doing? The restaurant on the West side didn't appear to have many customers. Didn't appear to be "thriving" as you would have us believe. I didn't see nice apartments nearby. There was a convenience sore to the SW corner (few blocks and an empty lot). Perhaps you would want to live there near what you are calling the "anchor" of Stockton? Then please do! But you'll need a cardboard box.
maybenotdumbcomment,
Yes, I've been to Oakland. Architecture of the building was nice, but the people were not friendly, or helpful. Crowded, and long lines. Never really got the information I needed from a representative. Had to use the computer. Who would want to set up a business near there? Driving away from the courthouse I noticed some of the worst neighborhoods I have ever seen. One homeless guy wanted my coffee at the McDonalds Drive through window. Had to squeeze the car closer to the building to prevent that. Maybe you and "what?" can try a "social experiment" and set up cardboard boxes there, one night. Camp out! (winky included)
What part don't you understand? The negative image from a courthouse drives business away. Which low income families will we displace? Drive more families away? Is that the image that we want for our downtown? This "picture" will only drive more businesses away from our downtown, ultimately reducing jobs. And once we start doing that. We will never get a chance to revitalize the downtown again. And this debate has gone way too far away from the "vision" of a family friendly downtown that most people would prefer their candidates to be thinking about. Your favorite candidates sat in their cars during the Forth of July Parade (and at the Park). Your families were there?
Don't drive business away with another courthouse idea. Drive those who would drive business away! Sorry! But out with Garamendi's "visions and pipe dreams!"
Modesto is thriving and the anchor is the courthouse. Go to downtown Modesto on a Saturday. The place is fantastic!
Guys, I sure wish there was "vision", here!
But if this actually goes through; then you better relocate the TPD to the BowTie district (with it) to help assuage the problems with the "social element". You're going to need it! I hope you can open your eyes soon, because there's no turning back once you put that courthouse in the BowTie. Michael Maciels already suggested putting it at Chrisman (maybe with a College?). And you will still get the business traffic into the downtown. That's vision! End the pipedreams! It's time for a compromise!
The only downtown plan for Tracy is to build a Train Station that has no TRAINS. WOW!
Now that is some forward thinking on the part of the Amigos and city hall! Destination - Zero! That is the answer to help DTBA. They are the hardest group of retailers in town and yet city hall has historically had no interest in breathing live into downtown. The only incentives for the city hall was to go after grant money for the pet project of the Transient Station - Zero the transit! Not impressed!
What???
Sounds like the courthouse is bring Bail Bond business to Modesto???
See the picture of Modesto below. http://www.flickr.com/photos/inkyhack/825251792/ "Keeping BailBonds Inside the Tracy BowTie Triangles" Real nice!?!
Those two sites needs a breathing space between the two of it, the Bow Tie and the Courthouse. Just worry that the location of the CH would turn Tracy into a "Gotham" city since the courthouse is just too big for that section.
It would balance the business out in between the courthouse at Chrisman and Bow Tie? I think it would. Just interested to see if Garamendi's "reputation" is still true, (have seen her 'insistence' to the point she could bring a person down to his/her knees to get her and her husband's way, pretty ruthless, a tenacious pitbull that is that is blind to realistic compromises? Lawyers have that knack Hope to see the better side of her? What is the best for the families of Tracyites? -amy Compromise? Is that so unreasonable? Ground was already broken for the Transit.
I just hope that every citizens gets full answers of plans that is taking place, gotta be on board with them to know how deeply it went?
It would be good to ask the Mayor, 'okay, now the transit is taking place, how do you plan to get the trains here?" Ask questions: we don't have all of the city council member's answers or candidates answers. Ask those running the city? Sure hope everyone gets open transparency, please don't decieve the Tracyites with uncompromising visions or premature visions? I didn't know about the 8,000 homes that Sundberg and Tolbert were considering with Keenan. Now, is that open transparency from them, you heard it at the last meeting? Or before that? Both parties are guilty of not being outright open transparent about issues that would affect the future of Tracyites? Good luck. -amy
amy
I also would sure be Keen an' hearing the "transparent" truth from Garamendi, Sundberg and Tolbert. Hope that day will come. Would like to know about the 8000 permits too. Want to see less of the "visions" and dreams to bedazzle us and distract us from asking the questions that demand "transparency". Want to see more of the "transparency" that was allegedly promised from those who claimed to be Keen an' "transparency". Thanks!
TRN<
You dont go outside very much do you? Courthouses are the cornerstone of many downtowns in California and across the USA. Your case against it is WEAK!
Regarding the Transit Station:
Is it wishful thinking, or misinformation to say we were "promised" a train? I only know there are three busses and one train in Tracy already. Not sure that there was a promise of a "train" that the blogger named "what?" keeps demanding. I think he may have been given misinformation by his favorite candidate, again? Given that the Transit Station could start by including busses and taxis, which would be also defined as transit. Trains could come later, with negotiation. Sure it would be nice to start with a train, but would still require negotiations with multiple organizations: Union Pacific, ACE, Amtrack, and other To the blogger who passes him/herself off as "what?": Just connecting the dots.............. And I hope that's not coming from Garamendi's/Sundberg's school of thought? Just because "Transit" and "Train" have similar sound doesn't mean they are one and the same. A train can be part of Transit. However, Transit can include other than just a train. But you may want to ask before you go too far down your favorite candidate's track......... (wouldn't want to see you get railroaded?)
What???
Before you go out with that type of weak reasoning... Read the comments from Judge William Murrray, regarding a few courthouses! Nobody puts money into downtown courthouses. Except Bail Bonds!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/inkyhack/825251792/
To the blogger who passes him/her self off as "what?":
We don't have a Transient Statoin in Tracy, yet?
Were you referring to Garamendi's Courthouse Idea? http://www.flickr.com/photos/inkyhack/825251792/ I think your ideas should be locked up???
Here is a novel IDEA....
Build a Transit Station at the Ace Train stop - Where there is actual CUSTOMERS and a TRAIN! Serve the people? Measure K waste of resources!
Foxes run free. And chickens should not be living in our homes.
It is a violation of city ordinances (and certain home owner's assn. rules) to raise chickens in RedBridge and other neighborhoods. Take them elsewhere, please!
Let me extend my idea and thinking a tad...
Tracy NEEDS a Station at the Ace Location....It has all the elements needed - Customers, Trains, Parking, Service! But Ives and the Amigos had a Pet Project - 6th street - It has none of the above. WASTE! Self Serving Idiots!
To the blogger who passes him/her self off as "what?":
Ask your favorite candidate Garamendi to sponsor it for you. You can just go have lunch out there with Garamendi, yourself and the dump-trucks. Who knows? She just might be looking for a few more of those kind of ideas??? Wouldn't surprise me!
Dont have any candidate that has my approval yet...
My ideas are my own, and PROUD of them, thank you very much! I do know you are voting for the Indumbants and Ives!
TRN, you must have taken a wrong turn. It wasn't crowded when I went. Thats business for you.
Dale, I just meant the Tracy Press came out. I don't like Celeste nor her husband, Mr. Garamendi
Folks
Personally I like the idea of Chrisman for the site of the South County Court facility. One reason is it's an undeveloped area that does need development. The other thing is that having Courts and perhaps college level educational facilities that offer courses in law, seems like a natural to me. The third reason is that the State is looking at a "give away" from the cities in order to "win" the selection of the project. In this the city already owns the property and it's pretty much ready for development. It also means that the city will not have to "buy" the land in the bow-tie area, clean it up from all the heavy hazardous wastes there from years of use as a train yard and then "give" it away to get the State to consider the location. But the big one for me are the thousands of people between Tracy Blvd and MacArthur and just north of 11th street and extending to Mount Diablo to the south have a very real possibility of loosing their homes as the city condemns the property in order to conform to the selection criteria of the State and have no where else in town to live because of their socio-economic status as low-income families. I understand that many of you don't seem to care about the plight of these folks. Give me a plan to deal with that problem effectively and then and only then I might reconsider that the bow-tie area would be a good location. In all of this banter I don't see any of you addressing this potentially serious problem that directly will deal with the lives of thousands of people. Who is speaking for these citizens of Tracy? No one but me apparently. Dave Hardesty
Dave,
City Hall and the Fats Asses in Code Enforcement are already making live a living hell for the owners, renters and people in the downtown area. It is called re-development for the sake of the Transient Building!
Wondering if there is actual "vision" in Garamendi's plan ???
http://www.flickr.com/photos/inkyhack/825251792/ See what the courthouse turned Modesto into (see link above). Would NOT want that for Tracy!
not you tracyrealnews, was asking maybenotadumBcomment after her comment that she didnt like garamendi and her hsband.
just wanted to know the reason for not liking tem.
isthistrue?
Yes, I can't speak for others, but I don't care much for them either. Anyway, Have a nice day!
just dont care for court house at bowtie. congestions!!! will not be easy to walk around on my walker, wheelchiair when tired, need peace in downtown and many people want it too. thank you
How do you sleep at night with this lie:
"written by Dave Hardesty , July 27, 2008 But the big one for me are the thousands of people between Tracy Blvd and MacArthur and just north of 11th street and extending to Mount Diablo to the south have a very real possibility of loosing their homes as the city condemns the property in order to conform to the selection criteria of the State and have no where else in town to live because of their socio-economic status as low-income families" A few acres in the Bowtie for the Courthouse among 40 vacant acres and thousands of people's homes will be condemned? Please provide the proof of that Hardesty.
isthistrue?
You're absolutely right! I agree that the congestion would be one of the big problems. And we haven't heard anything about how much it would cost to mitigate the traffic and parking issues yet. Will that cost get passed on to the City of Tracy, CA? Better if it were outside the downtown and we get foot traffic to the city. That might work. Early on when I heard this idea, I suggested the current DMV location, because I heard that the DMV was moving over behind Home Depot. But, after I heard the idea to put the Courthouse at the Chrisman site, I thought that it might be great idea with a College there (combined I think they will compliment each other very well). Cheers!
What about the "underprivileged children" and Increased Traffic Issues. That will NOT be a favorable to mix it up with cars and bicycles (on the way home from traffic school). How will Garamendi mitigate this courthouse idea???
Vision of job creation ??? http://www.flickr.com/photos/inkyhack/825251792/ Hope Larry is listening. I don't know if they will want this 'image' (see link above) extending into the Southside??? Certainly hope not!
I have watched Celeste many many times at city council meetings and she goes on and on and over and over. Points her finger, is disrespectful of others. She knows who I am and when she sees me with my partner she is all nice but without I'm invisible. Thats fake. She's fake. I think she's a patsy for the higher ups.
written by what? , July 27, 2008 Why would you blame code enforcement when they just do their job. They don't make the big decision on what gets torn down. Tell me honestly what?. Did you get a visit from C. E. and have a bad experience.
mndc,
fake. Yes agreed. Anyway, who knows, perhaps in two years, the higher ups will have found a better patsy???
To whom it may concern:
Someone once told me you can't be honest and be politician? Who does that leave out in our current list of candidates running or currently on the council or mayors seat? t. b
NICE character assassination guys!
This is for Skippy and mndc - put yourself out there then if you're soooo superior.
Moron, er Malcolm
Hey, you deserve it. You are the one that raised the lie part, not me. You reposted what I wrote and then took what I wrote out of context in order to personally discredit me. Frankly I am tired of being polite with you any longer. You are a coward! You are a prevaricator, a mud slinging muckraker! You attack others and me from your protected couch of anonyminity and twist people words with your cute character assignations and then have the audacity to ask how I sleep at night? I sleep very well thank you.
No, it’s you the liar and I call you a liar openly in public to your face for everyone to read. Sue me. Please sue me. You can’t. Why, because you are a coward, just like terrorists who show their bravery to the world by hiding their faces behind a mask.
You are exactly what most people reading these blogs believe. You are an obstruct. One who will do anything and say anything for what ever warped personal reason it is. And you cowardly do it anonymously because you are a coward and all cowards in the world do such things. "... written by Malcolm , July 27, 2008 How do you sleep at night with this lie: written by Dave Hardesty , July 27, 2008 But the big one for me are the thousands of people between Tracy Blvd and MacArthur and just north of 11th street and extending to Mount Diablo to the south have a very real possibility of loosing their homes as the city condemns the property in order to conform to the selection criteria of the State and have no where else in town to live because of their socio-economic status as low-income families" Your failure to understand what was written and an obvious attempt to detract from the issue caused you to write: "A few acres in the Bowtie for the Courthouse among 40 vacant acres and thousands of people's homes will be condemned? Please provide the proof of that Hardesty."
Attending the meeting, listening to what went on and looking at the plans is all the proof I need.
If you had seen the map at Celeste's Democratic Party strategy meeting to put political pressure on good assemblymen and women to support the Southern County Court project, you wouldn't be asking this dumb question. Or perhaps with your smoke and mirrors diatribe you would have done it anyway. That bill requires a 2/3rds majority to pass and the voting public of California has no voting say so in the matter. Perata is the author of this piece of trash legislation. For those who missed the meeting and didn't have the opportunity to see the areas that the State Court’s Administrative Department will be closely scrutinizing in its final selection process is described as follows; Pay attention Malcolm and drive through these neighborhoods to see how many people live in these areas. Better yet don’t, it doesn’t fit in with your plans. So the rest of you citizens, go look and assess for yourselves if what I am telling you is a lie.
The area identified by the map as areas to be improved before the court will consider locating here, is divided into two parts for discussion sake and is as follows; (Note: I did not address the bow-tie area at all and have not discussed the cost of cleaning up the bow-tie or the purchase of the land that the State expects Tracy to give it in order to be selected for the project.)
The first area starts just north of 11th Street and Tracy Blvd, East to MacArthur south to the bow tie and east back to Tracy Blvd. The other area, slightly more difficult to describe in words, starts at Tracy Blvd and 4th Street, east along the southern boundary of the bow-tie to the newer houses now 15 to 20 years old, South to 3rd street, east to the railroad spur that connects the old Laura Scudder’s plant to the bow tie, South to Schulte Road, West on Schulte to the newer housing there, 15 to 20 years old now, North to Mount Diablo, west to Tracy blvd and back north to Tracy Blvd. Malcolm I did not say thousands of homes I did say thousands of people . How many people live in that area? Do you know? Obviously you don't care or you wouldn’t be playing political games with their lives. I bet they care if they really are paying any attention to this. But they most likely, like the rest of the citizens of Tracy, they have tuned out as they have other things in their lives they feel are important at this time. But after the shoe drops, and it’s too late to go back and say something, I wonder how important it will be to them at that late date? Dave Hardesty
Addendum;
Also, please note, I also said "a very real possibility not that it factually would happen. I am looking for a clear plan as to how to deal with this issue before the course is set and it's to late to readdress the issue. Dave Hardesty
Malcolm,
I didn't say I was sooooooo superior. What does put yourself out there mean? So you can attack me personally? You already know who I am. What more do you want? You do go around accusing others of lying, on here. Even assuming things about people's family members. Mine too. If your favorite candidate can't be transparent with you, then why should we believe you? Sounds like second hand misinformation? You seem to be getting good at finger pointing. You have said things that turned out to be wrong. Others simply asked for references, or explanations for the concern. Nobody called you a liar or accuse you of a lie? If anyone did behave that way, we wouldn't approve of it. Is that what you are thinking. People want the best for our city. If your candidate it the best then we just want to hear it. I don't care if you put yourself out there. I don't care if you put yourself on the right, or the wrong. Perhaps people want to stick to the issues. Sometimes it's ok to make assertions. Express concerns about issues. Can you explain them? Please do. I happen to share Dave's concerns. I'm glad he raised them; and am wondering why your favorite candidate couldn't do the same? I am wondering about the impacts this "vision" will have. Others are following like sheep.
Before blindly following. Let's ask why? And exactly what we are following? Garamendi accused the City of not doing anything. From where I'm standing that doesn't seem entirely accurate. But she is entitled to her sentiments as much as you are.
When you express sentiments, people usually ask, "Why do you feel that way?" If you can express why you feel that way, people may believe you. Dave provided a good example of that. Yes, I put myself out there. What does that mean? Why are you asking? What is your intent to do with the information? "Why do you feel that way?" I ask questions for Garamendi - still looking for the promise of "transparency"? Noticed she had an agenda on her platform for the sports park, in the past. Wondering why she did not speak at the Jun 15th and Jul 1 Council meeting. It is not "character assassination". That is a concern that I have as a voter! Why put it on your agenda and not speak on the issue? Anyway, you probably don't have the answers to questions for Garamendi. Don't take is personally, please. Let your favorite candidate speak for herself. And notice that I don't go around speaking for my favorite candidate (regardless of what? says) Hope that helps. Thanks! Having a Sunday available and driving to the Court houses identified by Celeste and other commenters as examples of compatible uses... the site visits tell a different story. Redwood City- Surrounded new businesses and an ongoing downtown revitalization located on Court House Square is a historical court house turned museum. The current county court house is a block away located with the other government buildings... a multistory jail, the probation office etc. with sheriff vans parked on one side of the street. San Jose- With little to commend the buildings have 60s and 70s style windowless type architecture set back from the street. The Superior Court, 6th District Court of Appeals, California Northern District Court and Santa Clara County Court. A fifth building, The "Old Courthouse" has a historic look though it was only used for Civil trials. Oakland- An attractive building constructed in the 1930's located across the street from the County's social services building. The social element, on a Sunday afternoon, was in evidence along with graffiti on the area walls. Stockton- The area consists of remodeled and/or renovated buildings, new construction, and a large majority of older boarded up or dilapidated buildings needing major work. With the exception of a new restaurant, the recently renovated Hotel Stockton's entire 1st floor facing the court house is still vacant. A large number of 'for lease' signs, security roll-up doors, and security bars or gates protecting business surrounding the court house. Modesto- The front of the court house has a 60s look and is landscaped. To the north side of the building is the multistory Modesto Jail while across the street is a bail bonds office. The attorney offices next door have barred windows. the Bow Tie needs business and residential type solutions. A court is mostly incompatible with retail uses A court is incompatible with residential uses. Residential will be needed to support retail
To whom it may concern:
The Coses just want the Court House to build on their property, on the corner of Central and 4th. Think about it, that would be with the Train Station and Bow Tie deal. That way they can push for Dales Social Services Center, to take care of the Women and child abuse cases and divorces. In Martinez it is called the Fernilli Law Center. What would you call this one? The Cose and Conolly Law Center incorporated. t. b
I don't know about that, my gatherings of what Dale Cose wrote was that he does not feel the Bow Tie is not the place for the Court House to be since it was shown from his observations of other courthouses. It will not attract residential businesses. People will not want to shop close by a jailhouse and so on. Who wants to shop where there are questionable characters hanging around? I wouldn't. Wouldn't even visit that part of the town.
Makes sense to group it with other government buildings? -amy amy correctly deduces what Tom fails to. Government uses are mostly incompatible with retail uses and completely incompatible with residential. For the entertainment value Tom... please don't change written by Tom Benigno , July 28, 2008 As I see it... I'd call it, the Benigno Centre for Mindless Chatter Dependence and the Blockage of Alien and Governmental Brain Wave Projected Thought Modification Deflection Though the Use of Extra-Strength Reflective Aluminum-Foil Protective Headwear... or some other Governmental name. All through your life... you have been unable to grasp meaning. Reread your 2004 election position paper regarding business.
In fact, Courthouse serves social purpose? Abuse, discord, disagreement, assault, drug arrests and so on, rehabilitation, shelters, halfway houses and so on would take care of these rough characters. Accident disputes, traffic tickets, domestic, employer, housing disputes would take place. Home break-ins, shoplifting, pedophiles, mismanagement of any center and so on.
Sure sounds like it needs to be next to a Police Department? Think the scene would look pretty with all these characters attending the court? It is not a case of just "their dog barks too loudly"? Lots of violent criminals, too. I have seen criminals in orange suits, chained to each other and felt that sense of unease of being too close in proximity, felt "danger". I like what isthistrue? said, need "Peace" in the town, I don't see that with the courthouse!? Thanks! -amy
Forgot to mention,also saw three "armed" guards leading the convicts from the "van" to the courthouse, not a pretty picture?
-amy
I guess ole Tom blew it pretty much like Malcolm. In his zeal to attack Dale Cose, as he usually does, he neglected to see Dale doesn't support the bow-tie for a court and once again stepped on his own toes and made himself foolish. Now before you respond Tom, you do have to admit it's kind of funny. Malcolm and Tom In the future both of you should put your irrational hate of people you don't agree with on hold and actually read what they say before engaging your brains to formulate your efforts on how to discredit them. It's just a suggestion but I hope you don't change a bit. It is funny and entertaining for all who actually witness you doing this and it certainly does not support your views very well. Thanks |
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Hmmmmmm???
I wonder if the TP has rose colored glasses? Or turning a blind eye? Does raise eyebrows when the TP paints this picture, which kinda, seems like an attempt to distance ALL the council persons from Garamendi (including Sundberg).
Didn't Sundberg and Garamendi share a booth at the Forth of July Picnic/Parade?
Wasn't Sundberg the MC for the Tuesday night "plan" that Garamendi hatched?
Why try to put so much distance between the two?
"Don't stand so close to me???"
???